ASCOT 13:50 2z305j

Non Runners: BLESS HIM (IRE).

Time: 1m 40.05s

Overrounds: Industry SP 116%, Betfair SP 101.9%

With the Lockinge a casualty of the enforced lockdown this was the first older-horse Group 1 for milers this year; it wasn't a cleanly-run affair, the gallop steady and plenty not seen to best effect as the field congregated in one group towards the stands side, but it was an up-to-par renewal and served to propel the pair who fought out the finish to the head of the division, Circus Maximus better than ever as he notched a third top-level success, edging out one of the unexposed contingent, Mohaather worst affected by how things developed further back.

CIRCUS MAXIMUS (IRE) has built up an excellent record since dropped back to this trip/fitted with blinkers and, after 8 months off, edged his form up another couple of pounds as he gained his third Group 1 success in gutsy fashion, digging deep to see off a progressive rival who had the benefit of a recent run, the pair drawing a little way clear; disputed lead, edged ahead under 2f out, tackled soon after, headed 1f out, rallied to lead again close home, showed a good attitude; a very straightforward, likeable type, he'll continue to run well, although the feeling remains that he'll prove vulnerable if asked to take on the best of the younger generation.

TEREBELLUM (IRE) didn't really get going until the second half of her 3-y-o campaign but is making up for lost time now, taking the drop in trip in her stride and improving another chunk, making a battle-hardened rival pull out all the stops; tracked leaders, travelled well, produced to lead 1f out, headed close home, clear of rest; she's already very smart and may do better still, this only her sixth race after all, and it seems only a matter of time before she opens her at this level, especially as she'll have the option of reverting to races confined to her own sex.

MARIE'S DIAMOND (IRE) showed that he wasn't flattered by his Newmarket win 11 days ago after all, running at least as well to be placed in this higher grade, acknowledging he was again seen to good effect with his customary positive tactics adopted; disputed lead, shaken up over 2f out, headed under 2f out, edged right, left behind by principals final 1f but kept on.

ROSEMAN (IRE) after 8 months off, wasn't far off the pick of his progressive 3-y-o form, better placed than some having tracked the pacesetters (quickly recovered from tardy start) but leaving the firm impression he'd have benefited from a stronger gallop, also carried right as he kept on well in the final 1f; remains with potential and is worth persevering with at this level, either kept to this trip or back up at 1¼m.

ACCIDENTAL AGENT had been gelded since last seen 7 months earlier and looked more straightforward than was often the case at 5 yrs, running as well as could be expected in a race that didn't suit the hold-up contingent; in rear, switched towards centre of track around 2f out, kept on, never landed a blow.

SPACE TRAVELLER after 8 months off, ran as well as could be expected, well positioned and getting a clear run, just not quite up to this level; he's a consistent type who should pay his way again this season provided his sights are lowered slightly.

MOHAATHER hasn't had a clear shot at things in his career yet, this just his sixth start in his third season of racing (off 8 months prior to this), but clearly has the talent to deliver a bigger performance when things drop right, catching the eye late on having endured a luckless age; in rear, travelled well, ran into trouble several times in final 2f, finished with running left for hands-and-heels ride; would almost certainly have finished third at worst granted a fair shake of the dice and he's one to bear in mind.

SKARDU after 10 months off, wasn't seen to best effect; waited with, travelled fluently, had to wait for gap 2f out, effort soon after, kept on, not unduly punished, had a hopeless task from position; a scopey, good-bodied colt who is still fairly low mileage, he may yet do better, especially when getting a stronger gallop to aim at.

BILLESDON BROOK is an irable sort and wasn't disgraced, but just isn't quite up to mixing it with the very best of this division; mid-field, raced freely, shaken up 2f out, not quicken.

FOX CHAIRMAN (IRE) proved one of the disappointments of the race, hard to blame the 11-month absence given the form of his yard since racing resumed, perhaps just undone by the combination of drop back in trip and emphasis on speed; tracked leaders, took strong hold, ridden under 3f out, plugged on; his 3-y-o form reads well and, although this was slightly underwhelming, the percentage call is that he remains with potential.

MUSTASHRY was one of the previous Group 1 winners in the field but underperformed after 8 months off; dwelt, mid-field, raced freely, driven around 2f out, one paced; likely to be closer to form next time.

ESCOBAR (IRE) was flying too high in this grade; mid-division, carried head bit awkwardly, never landed a blow.

DUKE OF HAZZARD (FR) thrived at a lesser level last autumn but wasn't seen to best effect back in a tongue strap after 10 months off, left poorly placed, whilst the outing was possibly needed as well; in rear, headway 2f out, weakened final 1f.

PLUMATIC who was tongue tied, went backwards from reappearance, and now has a bit to prove for his new yard; mid-division, took strong hold, effort around 2f out, weakened.

TURJOMAAN (USA) after 11 months off, faced a stiff task and was well held; mid-division, struggling over 2f out, soon beaten.