Circle Of Fire’s Disappointing Return: A Head-Scratching Performance
Ciaron Maher and his team were left puzzled after the first-up performance of their promising horse, Circle Of Fire, at Flemington. The Sydney Cup winner, who had shown great potential in previous races, finished last in the Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) on September 14, trailing more than 20 lengths behind the leaders, Mr Brightside and Pride Of Jenni. This unexpected outcome raised eyebrows and left connections searching for answers.
A Thorough Examination
Following the race, Maher’s assistant trainer, Jack Turnbull, expressed disappointment, stating that Circle Of Fire’s performance was "below par." The team conducted a thorough veterinary examination, but no physical issues were identified that could explain the horse’s lackluster showing. Turnbull noted that if Circle Of Fire had been beaten by a smaller margin, one might attribute it to the deteriorating track conditions. However, the significant gap in finishing positions left little room for excuses.
Insights from the Jockey
Jockey Mark Zahra provided insights into Circle Of Fire’s race experience, indicating that the horse did not seem uncomfortable with the ground. Interestingly, Turnbull mentioned that Circle Of Fire had a tendency to over-travel during the race, which is unusual given the competitive field he was in. The horse was observed to have his mouth open during the race, leading to speculation about whether he might have choked down or faced other issues. Despite these concerns, the veterinary checks revealed no underlying problems.
Adjustments for Improvement
In response to the disappointing performance, the team has made some adjustments to Circle Of Fire’s gear. They have added a tongue tie and a crossover noseband, which are intended to help manage the horse’s tendency to be heavy-headed—a trait that was evident even during his successful Sydney Cup campaign. Turnbull expressed optimism about these changes, noting that Circle Of Fire has responded positively to recent training sessions.
Looking Ahead: The Turnbull Stakes
Circle Of Fire will have the opportunity to redeem himself in the upcoming Group 1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) at Flemington. This race is seen as a crucial test for the horse, allowing him to demonstrate whether his last performance was an anomaly or indicative of deeper issues. The Maher team is hopeful that the adjustments made will lead to a more competitive showing.
Duke De Sessa: A Stablemate’s Journey
Alongside Circle Of Fire, stablemate Duke De Sessa will also compete in the Turnbull Stakes, aiming to secure his first win in Australia. Duke De Sessa recently finished fourth in the Group 1 Underwood Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield, a performance that left the Maher team feeling encouraged. Turnbull noted that the horse has been facing tough competition, but he believes Duke De Sessa is well-prepared for the challenges ahead.
Maher’s Past Success
Ciaron Maher has a history of success in the Turnbull Stakes, having won the race two years ago with Smokin’ Romans, a $21 outsider. That horse went on to become a favorite in the Caulfield Cup, showcasing Maher’s ability to prepare horses for high-stakes races. With rain in the forecast, Turnbull is optimistic that the conditions will favor both Circle Of Fire and Duke De Sessa, setting the stage for an exciting race day.
The Road to the Caulfield Cup
The Turnbull Stakes serves as an important lead-up to the prestigious Caulfield Cup, and both Circle Of Fire and Duke De Sessa are being primed for this significant event. Turnbull has expressed confidence in Circle Of Fire’s improved condition compared to last year, emphasizing that the horse is racing in good order and ready to take on the competition.
With the Turnbull Stakes on the horizon, all eyes will be on Circle Of Fire as he seeks to put his disappointing last outing behind him and prove that he is indeed a contender in the spring racing carnival.