Almanzor 4YO claims Group 2

Circle Of Fire pressed his claims for top level honours with victory in the G2 Chairman’s Quality at Randwick.The son of Almanzor produced a stout staying performance to win the 2600 metre contest for his first success on Australian soil and emphasise his readiness for a crack at the G1 Sydney Cup.The English-bred Circle Of Fire had finished fourth over a mile at Flemington in his first run for Ciaron Maher and then filled a similar placing over 1900 metres at Rosehill before showcasing his staying qualities.“Hopefully all going well, we’ll go to the Sydney Cup. He’s had a brilliant prep and he’s improved every run,” Maher said.“He’s a well-credentialled stayer anyway, so hopefully he can sneak in on the minimum.”Circle Of Fire is a half-brother to the G3 San Francisco Mile winner Evening Sun with their dam the Galileo mare Fiery Sunset, who won at 2400 metres.He began his career in the colours of The Queen from the Newmarket stable of champion trainer Sir Michael Stoute and recorded a win and three stakes placings from six starts before relocating to Australia.