KUALA LUMPUR:  Jul 7, 2024

Given a new lease on life at the age of nine, CIRCUIT MISSION is relishing the opportunity in superb fashion with two wins and a second in three starts in Malaysia thus far.

After a debut second in the country back in May, the Irish gelding went on to win in his next start against three rivals in a Rapid Stakes A race over 1100m at Penang later in the month.

Up against a much strong field in the Supreme A event over 1400m at Sungai Besi here today, CIRCUIT MISSION surprised quite a few when he took the lead on settling down and led his rivals, including the favourite CHEVAL BLANC, on a merry chase.

CHEVAL BLANC, winner of the Penang Gold Cup and Tunku Gold Cup, kept pace with CIRCUIT MISSION early but gradually dropped back as the race progress.

CIRCUIT MISSION was nicely clear into the straight and still had a comfortable lead at the 300m. BLACK THORN then staked his claim with 200m to go but CIRCUIT MISSION held on to his advantage to win by a neck. CHEVAL BLANC held on for third to make a 1-2-3 finish for trainer Frank Maynard.

CIRCUIT MISSION won two races as a juvenile in England and was placed in all his three starts at three in top company at Ascot and Newmarket.

Brought to Singapore with the big races in mind, the son of High Chaparral managed five wins at Kranji but his best finish in the group races was a fourth behind PROSPEROUS RETURN in the Queen Elizabeth II Cup in 2022.

“Good horse,” Maynard said of CIRCUIT MISSION.

“He went hard with CHEVAL BLANC and finished off (the race). He will now go for the Sprint Trophy in Penang and he will be hard to beat because he races on the pace.

“CHEVAL BLANC, WECANDO and CHINESE TEA will also go to Penang.”

“I had wanted to sit behind the leader but there was no pace on, said apprentice Aiman Nazir who is enjoying his best season and is currently fifth in the table with 19 wins.

“I went for the second option and let CIRCUIT MISSION roll. He won easily.”

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