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The Michael Freedman-trained Brahma Circus displayed a brilliant turn of foot to deny race-favourite Lim’s Rally of victory in the $80,000 Victoria Racing Club Trophy 2015 on Sunday.
The Mummify Stable-owned gelding had shown consistent performances in his past 14 races with three wins and 10 placings, until his last run in September that saw him run out of the placings (fifth), though one could forget that as he was bumped and unbalanced at the gates.
Jumping from barrier No 11 with last-start partner Corey Brown in the saddle, the four-year-old followed three wide in midfield, while Nova Warrior (Zuriman Zulkifli) and Lively Dragon (Saifudin Ismail) fought for the lead upfront. $14 favourite Lim’s Rally (Soo Khoon Beng) was travelling one-off in the middle of the pack, on the outside of Castor (Troy See).
Turning for the home straight, Lively Dragon managed to hold the lead from Nova Warrior, while the backmarkers came swooping at the leader. At the 300m, Brahma Circus ($24) made up ground, but Lim’s Rally was not ready to surrender just yet.
As the duo motored past Lively Dragon, Brahma Circus finished better to beat Lim’s Rally by one-and-one-quarter-lengths into second place. Lively Dragon held on well to finish the same margin away in third.
The winning time was 1min11.65secs over 1200m on the Polytrack .
Assistant-trainer James Peters was on hand to lead in the winner for Freedman, and was glad the son of Darci Brahma had bounced back to land the spoils in a Class 3 race on Sunday.
“We gave him a good freshen-up, and he was scratched in a couple of races, and we waited for a nice race,” said the Englishman.
“He is a very consistent horse, who gives everything and tries hard in his races. It’s good to see him win again.”
Brown, who was at the double after scoring aboard the Patrick Shaw-trained Time Odyssey in the $60,000 RDA Cup 2015 over 1800m earlier, gave the thumbs-up to his mount for the gallant run.
“He was in a perfect position, three wide behind (Hades),” said the Australian jockey.
“He was back to terrific form today, and he is definitely a gutsy horse that tries his best every time.”
With his fourth win in 15 runs, Brahma Circus has racked up slightly over $240,000 in total earnings for connections.