Last seen finishing sixth in the English Derby, Circus Maximus was never considered a real contender for the crown. But as they say, never say never. The Galileo colt showed skill and a high-level of adaptability (for he won the Dee Stakes over an extended 10 furlongs) when dropping back in trip to land the St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Wearing blinkers for the first time, as Irish Guineas winner Phoenix Of Spain dropped away, Ryan Moore was happy to take a lead off Fox Champion before making his bid for home with two furlongs to run. Too Darn Hot became embroiled in a battle with Circus Maximus but lost stamina towards the end, finishing third. King of Comedy was runner-up.
Full Finishing list 2019
1st Circus Maximus (A. O'Brien,R. Moore), 2nd King Of Comedy (J. Gosden,A. Kirby), 3rd Too Darn Hot (J. Gosden,F. Dettori), 4th Skardu (W. Haggas,J. Doyle), 5th Shaman (C. Laffon-Parias,M. Guyon), 6th Phoenix Of Spain (C. Hills,J. Spencer), 7th Fox Champion (R. Hannon, Jr.,S. Sousa ), 8th Van Beethoven (A. O'Brien,D. O'Brien)
Race Info:
Distance: 7f 213yd (1,603 metres), Surface: Turf, Track: Right-handed, Qualification: Three-year-old colts,Weight: 9 st 0 lb,Purse: £538,750 (2019),1st: £305,525