Circus Of Rome

The real story lies in where and with whom Circus Of Rome excels. Ridden by jockey Finley Marsh, the pair have won 3 times from 10 races together — a 30% win rate that stands well clear of the horse's overall record. That kind of partnership matters; it suggests the horse runs best when handled by someone it understands. More tellingly, Circus Of Rome absolutely thrives at the longer distances of 1 mile 6 furlongs to 2 miles, winning 2 of its 5 races over that trip — a 40% win rate that points to a horse built for stamina rather than speed. Put the two together, and Circus Of Rome looks like a horse with genuine form in the right hands over the right distance.

The ground also makes a difference. On normal conditions, the horse has won 2 of 5 races, another 40% win rate. Both wins have come at Class 3 level — the sort of competitive races where a horse of this calibre is supposed to win, and Circus Of Rome has done so in 2 of its 3 attempts at that class. Trained by Richard Hughes at Upper Lambourn, whose yard has already sent out 60 winners this season, Circus Of Rome is in a stable with the form and expertise to get the best from it. A year without a win is a concern, but for anyone watching future entries, this horse is capable when the conditions — distance, ground, and jockey — line up in its favour.