Cup favourite Circle Of Fire heating up

Trainer Ciaron Maher took advantage of giving 2024 Lexus Melbourne Cup favourite Circle Of Fire a look at Moonee Valley as the imported galloper builds his fitness ahead of the Melbourne Spring Carnival.

Circle Of Fire is currently $11 favourite for the two-mile feature ahead of nominations which close on September 3.

Maher has his sights on the Caulfield and Melbourne Cup double with Circle Of Fire but has not ruled out a shot at the W.S. Cox Plate (2040m) at Moonee Valley, races Gold Trip contested when successful at Flemington on the first Tuesday in November in 2022.

Victorious in the Group 1 Sydney Cup (3200m) at Randwick during the autumn, Circle Of Fire is being readied for a spring campaign that is likely to include two weight-for-age races on the way to the Caulfield Cup (2400m) on October 19.

"We didn't ask too much of him," Maher said of the Moonee Valley hit out.

"He's got a long spring ahead of him and he'll trial again on Monday.

"He'll run in a couple of weight-for-age races, most likely the Makybe Diva (at Flemington on September 14) and then head to the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups." - Ciaron Maher

Maher said Circle Of Fire had hit the ground running a little quicker than some of the other European stayers that had entered his stable.

Circle Of Fire stayed in Europe after being purchased before heading to Australia later than last year's spring counterparts.

"He was going to come out last year and was going to go into quarantine, but we changed our mind at the last minute and give him that little more time and then he started again once he got out here," Maher said.

"It's about individualising their campaigns, but he hit the ground running probably quicker than any other European horse that we've had.

"Some have hit the ground straight off the plane, but he came out on his own, went into work and his preparation was pretty much faultless last time around.

"He stays very well, so he's ticked that box. He's handled Australian racing. He can race anywhere, he can relax, and he's got a brilliant turn of foot." - Ciaron Maher

Maher said a trip to Moonee Valley was good motivation for a galloper like Circle Of Fire.

"You're away and it's a bit of stimulation," Maher said.

"It's something different and it doesn't need to be all the time, but when it fits in the program, it's a good sort of alternative."

Maher is looking forward to recent purchase Middle Earth making his way to Australia.

The trainer headed to the UK to watch the four-year-old at Ascot on July 27 when a well beaten eighth in the Group 1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2414m).

Maher said no issues were found post-race.

"He's been gelded and had a couple of weeks freshen up and will go back to Harry Eustace at the end of this week and will then make his way out here," Maher said.