Queen Anne Stakes (Group 1)

HE may not be everyone’s idea of a matinée idol, the presence of blinkers still automatically linked to villainy in the eyes of many. His habit also of producing just enough will never see him hailed among the greats, but Circus Maximus (Aidan O’Brien/Ryan Moore) is a tough performer at the highest level, and has found his niche since dropped to a mile here last year.

He ran a typical race here, travelling well just behind the leader Marie’s Diamond (Mark Johnston/Joe Fanning), but looked in trouble when passed by Frankie Dettori on board Terebellum (Charlie Appleby) with over a furlong to run.

Typically, though, he rose to the challenge and fought back tenaciously to retake the lead and win by a head, with the pacesetter three lengths back in third. A drifter on the day, he returned the 4/1 favourite.

Impressive physique

Terebellum has improved as her impressive physique suggested she would this year, and this was a big run just 10 days after her success in the Dahlia Stakes on 2000 Guineas day. Whether she would cope so well with this ground on a different track needs to be seen, but it’s encouraging to see her improve on different ground to Newmarket, proving her versatility in terms of trip and going. She should have an extremely rewarding year, all things considered.

Marie’s Diamond seemed to show improved form, but while he’s definitely upped his game this summer, he was very well positioned and Joe Fanning was able to dictate a steady gallop which resulted in an ordinary overall time for the race.

Trainer Aidan O’Brien paid tribute to his winner’s strength in the aftermath: “Circus Maximus is very tough. I think he’s sometimes underestimated but he’s very solid. He loves getting eyeballed and toughs it out really well. He’s a very good horse.”