Circus Maximus bids for more Royal Ascot glory Circus Maximus bids to strike Royal Ascot gold for the second time, in the Queen Anne Stakes. Having finished sixth over a mile and a half in the Investec Derby at Epsom on his previous start, Aidan O’Brien’s colt caused a minor upset when successfully dropping to a mile in first-time blinkers in a thrilling renewal of the St James’s Palace Stakes 12 months ago. The son of Galileo went on to prove that performance was no fluke — suffering a narrow defeat at the hands of Too Darn Hot in the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood before doubling his Group One tally in the Prix du Moulin and finishing fourth in the Breeders’ Cup Mile. He makes his first competitive appearance since that fine effort in California on Tuesday — the opening day of the Royal meeting — and the excellent recent form of the yard is giving connections confidence. Alan Cooper, racing manager for part-owners the Niarchos Family, said: “Aidan is very happy with the horse. It is his first run since the Breeders’ Cup — his first run in just over seven months. “The yard is in form, although every race is different of course. “I think he’s a worthy favourite, and we’re hoping for the best.”
