The courageous attributes of the progeny of CIRCUS MAXIMUS were once again on display at the weekend when his 3YO filly PALTROW MISS ran a meritorious third in the Gr.1 Queensland Oaks.
 
Starting from barrier 17 of 18, PALTROW MISS was sent forward to lead the classic field and kicked clear on the home turn by a margin of 3 lengths before bravely fighting on up the lengthy Eagle Farm straight for third. It was the second successive Group 1 placing for PALTROW MISS, coming at just her fifth lifetime start.
 
"She did a great job”, commented jockey Craig Williams. “Ciaron Maher and his team have done a great job, but she's still a very raw horse.
 
“Having the outside barrier draw, no cover, and she was really solid late – took a lot of running down for the opposition to beat her. I look forward to what she has coming next season.”
 
A debut winner as a 2YO in NZ for trainer Robbie Patterson, PALTROW MISS was sold after her impressive win to Ozzie Kheir and subsequently placed in the care of champion trainer Ciaron Maher who has developed her to record a win at Metropolitan level together with two Gr.1 placings to date.
 

CIRCUS MAXIMUS, whose first crop are only 3YO’s, is currently NZ’s leading second season with Gr.1 performers on both sides of the Tasman including this season’s NZ Derby winner ROAD TO PARIS.
 
CIRCUS MAXIMUS’s impressive start to his career also includes stakeswinning filly CIRCUS DANCER, 2YO stakeswinner and Group performed 3YO TOWERING VISION, dual Australian black type 2YO HA’PENNY HATCH, along with black type performers CIRCUS TRIX and the now Australian based 3YO ENGINE OF WAR.
 

“I’m thrilled with the start CIRCUS MAXIMUS has had”, said Windsor Park stud master Rodney Schick. “To get a Derby winner with ROAD TO PARIS in your first crop is an exceptional effort and to back it up with more classic performers like PALTROW MISS is just what we’d hope for.
 
“He was a high class, tough as teak racehorse and he is throwing his own courage and toughness into his progeny”.
 
While it’s early in his career, CIRCUS MAXIMUS is demonstrating a very nice affinity with SAVABEEL blood as both ROAD TO PARIS and PALTROW MISS are from SAVABEEL mares. He is also crossing well with mares carrying the influence of IFFRAAJ, HIGH CHAPARAL, O’REILLY and ZABEEL.
 
CIRCUS MAXIMUS stands at Windsor Park Stud in 2026 for a fee of $20,000 + GST with a Live Foal Guarantee.