Circus is hard act to follow

THERE may be no pomp, pageantry or public at today’s Royal Ascot, but there will be plenty of stars on the track.

CIRCUS MAXIMUS (1.50, treble) posted a career-best for Aidan O’Brien when winning last year’s St James’s Palace Stakes. He had some smart performers behind him including Too Darn Hot, third, and Skardu, fourth.

John Gosden’s decision to pitch in Terebellum is respected. She was an impressive winner at Newmarket earlier this month.

In the opener, Jim Crowley partners MOTAKHAYYEL(1.15) instead of Daarik, the well-backed favourite, for his boss Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum is significant.

Frankie Dettori can fire up his favourite meeting after partnering FRANKLY DARLING (2.25) to victory in the Ribblesdale Stakes.

This daughter of Frankel impressed when winning a maiden at Newcastle.

The betting should prove correct in the King Edward VII Stakes as MOGUL (3.00), the odds-on shot, has a simple task.

BATTAASH (3.35) can also justify short odds by taking the King’s Stand Stakes. This quirky but talented gelding has twice finished second in this contest behind the now retired Blue Point.

After her excellent third behind Watch Me at Royal Ascot last year, JUBILOSO (4.10, nap) was an unlucky loser at Goodwood, when third behind Billesdon Brook.

Running off the same mark, DUBAWI FIFTY (4.40) can go one better in today’s Ascot Stakes after finishing an excellent second in the race two seasons ago.