Liam Howley will use Saturday’s Gr.2 Autumn Stakes (1400m) as a launchpad into the Australian Guineas with his stable star Virtuous Circle (NZ) (Almanzor).
Howley resisted the temptation to push on to the Victoria Derby in the spring but expects that decision to reap rewards this campaign given the way the son of Almanzor has returned.
“We always hoped he would be that Guineas horse, so this gives us three weeks and a good read then we can make a decision after this week which way we go,” Howley explained.
“He did exactly what I’d hoped (in the break).
“He is certainly bigger and stronger across his back and that was the main area I was concerned about in the spring.
“If we get that far and are lucky enough to still be kicking late in the autumn, then I think he is probably physically ready to tackle the Derby trip now if it presents.”
The $360,000 yearling had three runs in the spring, scoring first-up over 1500 metres at The Valley and then claiming eye-catching placings in the Stutt Stakes and Vase at the same course.
His Kyneton-based trainer believes getting onto the bigger circumferences of Sandown and Flemington and the hope of settling closer in running will see the colt in the winner’s rather than placegetters’ stall this campaign.
Blaike McDougall will take the ride, with Howley saying the horse will go in ‘pretty fresh’ on Saturday after two quiet jumpouts.
“1400 metres is probably a little bit short and they might be a bit sharp for him,” Howley admitted ahead of his return.
“He has certainly been happier to settle closer in his work, so I am hoping he will be closer in the run this time around.
“I think that’s what probably cost him a couple of good ones last time around, so we’ve had a focus getting him closer in his work and he’s certainly more willing to do it.”
Virtuous Circle is a $26 chance with Sportsbet for the Australian Guineas and a trip north also beckons for the Rosehill Guineas (2000m) and potentially the ATC Derby (2400m).
“I’d love to see him at Flemington … I think the mile there will suit a horse like him,” Howley said of his Guineas prospects.
“I still think 2000 metres is the distance that really suits him.
“Short-term grand final will be the Australian Guineas and hopefully end up in something like the Rosehill Guineas.”
Howley, who expects to take over residence from the Williams family back at Macedon Lodge in early April, was recently active at the New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sales, where he purchased a colt by Almanzor out of Summer’s Day, in addition to a So You Think colt out of Royal Welcome.
