I said there would be a decision 10 days after the Volitgeur, and I'm sticking to that." O'Brien'sCircus Maximus will revert to a mile after his seventh to Japan in York's Juddmonte International, with the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes on Ascot's British Champions Day card on October 19 a likely target.

THE Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot is among options under consideration forCircus Maximus after his stamina limitations were apparently exposed in last week's Juddmonte International at York.

The former garden centre that would have hosted the new McDonald's is located between the baths and the ancient Aurelian walls, a few hundred metres (yards) away from the Coliseum and theCircus Maximus.

The bookmakers haveCIRCUS MAXIMUS in as Too Darn Hot's biggest threat and it's easy to see why, as Aidan O'Brien's contender beat today's favourite in the St James's Palace Stakes at the Royal meeting.

A close third toCircus Maximus at Royal Ascot was much more like it, and further evidence too - so the Gosden thesis goes - that an easier mile, or something a little shorter, is his trip.

This sharp mile should be ideal for the three-year-old who, under Frankie Dettori, can exact his revenge on old foeCircus Maximus.

Circus Maximus showed his adaptability when dropping back in trip to land the St James's Palace Stakes.

CIRCUS Maximus (10-1) held on to cause a bit of an upset in the St James's Palace Stakes on the opening day of Royal Ascot 2019.

Summary: Royal Meeting off to a rousing start with surprise wins by Lord Glitters,Circus Maximus

Seamie Heffernan is the quiet man of Ballydoyle, but he collected a two day suspension for crossing the line ofCircus Maximus.Seamie is actually known as the best back-up rider in Turf history.

Of O'Brien's other runners,Circus Maximus also won his Chester trial impressively and could be attractive for punters looking for something at an each-way price.