Allen: Circle Of Fire to enjoy the ride

It wasn’t long ago that Circle Of Fire featured prominently in the Caulfield Cup betting and the clear favorite for the Melbourne Cup, but two unplaced races have seen his odds explode.

But John Allen, who will ride Circle Of Fire in the Caulfield Cup on Saturday, hopes he will show his goods again when he steps up to a more suitable distance of 2400 metres.

Circle Of Fire is $35 for the Caulfield Cup and $21 for the Melbourne Cup with Sportsbet, but Allen, who was aboard when the galloper finished ninth on his last start in the Turnbull Stakes, hopes to return to fight for the Flemington 3200m event.

“The first one was disappointing but his run the other day was solid. He’s getting to a more suitable trip and should be more competitive again,” Allen said.

Allen pointed out that last campaign in Sydney, Circle Of Fire did not hit form until he ran over 2600m when winning the G2 Chairman’s Stakes at Randwick.

Then he won the Sydney Cup over 3200m and this is the distance that Allen said is his optimum.

“The Melbourne Cup and the 3200m is what he really wants. It’s one he’s got out of trouble,” said Allen, who also believes barrier 13 will be suitable.

“He likes to roll forward and he likes a bit of space as he’s a big-striding horse. This barrier draw is ideal and if he gets good speed and is a good staying test he’ll have a great race.”