Yearling Spotlight: Lot 337 Circus Maximus – Catch Your Idol Colt

Dreaming of a classic type? Introducing Lot 337 Circus Maximus (IRE) – Catch Your Idol (NZ) | Chestnut Colt | $160,000

A colt with scope, athleticism and a pedigree built for the big races, Lot 337 is a chestnut colt by Champion European miler Circus Maximus out of the proven Zabeel mare Catch Your Idol, purchased for $160,000 from Curraghmore Stud. Born on 24 August 2024, he is a colt that continues to impress with his balance, movement and strength, and 35% remains available.

Te Akau has been strong supporters of the powerful, forward-moving progeny of Circus Maximus, and that confidence has already been rewarded. His son Towering Vision stormed home from last to win the Eagle Technology 3YO over 1600 metres at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day and is now on a path toward the $1.25 million Trackside New Zealand Derby (Gr. 1, 2400m). Towering Vision also delivered Circus Maximus his first stakes winner when taking out the Waikato Equine Veterinary Centre Stakes (Listed, 1400m) as a two-year-old, highlighting the sire’s ability to produce horses that improve and thrive with maturity.

Circus Maximus, a son of the legendary Galileo, was a Champion Miler and triple Group One winner in Europe. His victories in the St James’s Palace Stakes and the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot place him among elite company and firmly mark him as a stallion capable of siring top-level performers over a mile and beyond.

The dam, Catch Your Idol, was a winner over 1850 metres in Australia and is by the outstanding broodmare sire Zabeel, the highest stakes-producing stallion in New Zealand history. This is a maternal line steeped in stamina and class, with Catch Your Idol herself proving her worth as a broodmare, producing five individual winners who have combined for 14 victories. Among them is Faraglioni, a five-time winner who was placed at both Group One and Group Two level, reinforcing the quality and depth of the family.

Further back, the pedigree traces to Victoria Derby (Gr. 1, 2500m) winner Hit The Roof, adding further confidence that this colt will develop into a genuine miler-to-staying type as he matures. The pedigree is underpinned by a balanced cross to Northern Dancer, appearing in the sire lines of both Circus Maximus and Catch Your Idol, a proven influence in elite performers worldwide.

Te Akau principal David Ellis was particularly enthusiastic about the colt’s physical attributes and upside.

“He’s a really athletic individual by the exciting sire Circus Maximus, who was an incredible racehorse in Europe, and we’re very fortunate to be able to buy his progeny in New Zealand,” Ellis said.

“He’s a great mover, we’re bullish on the sire through the deeds of Towering Vision, who is equal favourite for the Derby, and there’s no doubt this colt has the right pedigree for classic staying races.”

With his athletic build, deep staying pedigree and proven sire line, this colt offers owners the opportunity to be involved in a horse bred to perform at the highest level over time.

Learn more about this exciting colt, enquire or secure your share online – JUST 35% REMAINS: https://teakauracing.com/yearling/lot-337-circus-maximus-ire-catch-your-idol-nz