Fran Berry expects Magic Circle to give an excellent account in the Lexus Melbourne Cup in November.
Berry won't be aboard Ian Williams' six-year-old, with local star Corey Brown already booked for the ride in the hugely valuable Group 1 Handicap at Flemington on November 6, but he feels the horse is best caught fresh and heads Down Under with serious claims.
Berry told sportinglife.com: "Magic Circle has improved out of all recognition since joining Ian Williams this season and to back up his Chester Cup victory with a six-length win in the Henry II Stakes at Sandown just two weeks later was very, very impressive.
"The idea there was to get him qualified for the Melbourne Cup by finishing in the money so he exceeded expectations really.
"Ian decided there and then really to take the long-term view and keep him fresh for Melbourne so I wouldn't be worried at all about him going into the race without a prep run.
"He showed in Chester that he's fine after a long break between races and he obviously stays really well."
Berry added: "He does handle fast ground but if it came up any easier then he'd be right at home and he's got an outstanding chance of being involved in the finish.
"Corey Brown was booked when it looked like I wasn't going to be able to do the weight so we wish him well and there could be some amusing scenes if owner Marwan Koukash were to win the race.
"He's promised to go up and collect the prize wearing just socks, a tie and a thong so it's probably a good job it's on in the middle of the night back in Europe!"
Sky Bet have on Tuesday gone FIVE places on the Melbourne Cup and Magic Circle is currently a 12/1 chance, just behind market leader Withhold at 10/1.
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