Bunding (Ballan) trainer Phil Chircop is a highly respected horseman who has enjoyed major success in the past, with several credits to his name.
The Warp Drive, with the Tasmanian Pacing Championship, Hobart Cup and both the Geelong and Cranbourne Cups amongst his wins, Shine Of Hollywood, Johnny Wizzard, Dallas Page, Maxnjax and Sweet Louise are just a few of the horses he has trained.
However, current stable star New Shuffle, raced by staunch stable client and nonagenarian John Dorrington, could well be the best of them.
Drawn awkwardly in barrier four on the second line in Saturday’s $100,000 Group 2 APG Vicbred Series Final for four-year-old entires and geldings, New Shuffle was bred by brothers Craig and Bruce Cameron along with Benstud Standardbreds and will be driven by regular reinsman James Herbertson.
He will have a task ahead of him with the Stewart/Tonkin team qualifying six runners, being The Last Trip, Storms Collide, Fair Play, Apollo Storm, I Am The Storm and Fox Dan.
However, Phil knows New Shuffle’s attributes and, should the race be run to suit, he is sure to be in the finish.
A model of consistency, New Shuffle has raced on 26 occasions for eight wins and 10 placings.
Phil has overcome his share of challenges, including a serious accident when he was blown from his stable roof five years ago, leaving him with fractures to his foot and leg.
Despite the challenges he has faced since, his love of the sport has remained as strong as ever.
He is due for a change of fortune, and maybe it could come this Saturday.
