Trainer Rod Craig has the G2 Villiers Stakes in his sights for Circle Of Power who returned to form with a vengeance at Warwick Farm on Saturday.

Circle Of Power (5g Arena – Quest For Success by Quest For Farm) barged through a gap in the straight to defeat Too Hi Tek and Mr Edison in a bustling finish to the Pro-Ride Hcp (1600m).

The Arena gelding had to survive a protest from third-placed Mr Edison before correct weight was declared.  “He’s done a great job,” Craig said outside the stewards room.  “I did have concerns before the race because he was sweating up terribly.

“It was his first start here and he’s used to getting on the float and going away to the races.  He had to be hosed down before we saddled him up.”

Circle Of Power broke a run of 15 outs and Craig thanked his owners who have been loyal clients for many years.  The strapping chestnut has now won 5 races and been placed 12 times for $334,000 in prizemoney.

Former NSW TAB Chairman Ross Cribb is one of the part-owners.  He has been breeding winners from the family going back to Heat Of The Moment (Blazing Saddles) who was Australia’s Champion 3YO Filly in 1985-86.

Circle Of Power is a younger brother of Circle Of Fame (Arena) and he won seven races in Sydney for the same partnership.

Arena (Danehill) stands at Lomar Park for an $8,800 (inc gst) fee.  He has sired 22 stakes performers and Circle Of Power can join that roll-call in the $175,000 Villiers Stakes (1600m) at Warwick Farm on December 22.

– Karl Patterson

CIRCLE OF POWER
Arena gelding returned to winning form on Saturday