Bill West
Kyneton trainer Liam Howley has high hopes Virtuous Circle will make his presence felt in some feature races later this year.
“He’s had a faultless preparation so far and we’re hoping he’s now set up for a big spring,” Howley said after the three-year-old colt came from well back to win the $150,000 Hugh Wallace-Smith Handicap at Moonee Valley on Saturday.
By New Zealand boom sire Almanzor from She Is Stryking, Virtuous Circle was a $360,000 purchase after Howley was super impressed with him.
Virtuous Circle has had just three runs, for two wins.
He won the Mornington Sires at odds of $61 on March 26, and was spelled and further educated before his reappearance on Saturday in the 1200m event at The Valley.
Blaike McDougall had the ride and took advantage of barrier 1, saving ground and coming home strongly on the inside to win narrowly but well.
McDougall said the $25 chance was still a bit raw, but he “gives you a great feeling”.
“Liam has done a fantastic job,” he said.
