CIRCUS MAXIMUS in for a big spring

A two-state Australian double this week by Circus Maximus progeny Gold Chariot and Gus The Great has further underlined the exciting spring ahead for the Triple Gr.1 winning champion miler, who continues to strengthen his reputation as one of Australasia's most promising young sires. 

Gold Chariot (Circus Maximus x O'Lovely, by O'Reilly) was outstanding at Ballarat, powering to an emphatic eight-length victory. The progressive gelding has long been held in high regard by the Mick Price/Michael Kent Jnr stable, which believes he has a very bright future.
 

"He's by Circus Maximus, the sire of NZ Derby winner Road To Paris, and his class shone late, and he's clearly a horse going places. We've always held him in high regard. He'll head to town next, and we see him developing into a very nice horse over 10 furlongs this spring," said Michael Kent Jr.

Kent also highlighted another exciting Circus Maximus prospect in the stable.

"We have a filly by the same sire, Miss Waititi (ex Fritillary, by Fastnet Rock), whom we've earmarked for an Oaks preparation. We gave her a run at two before putting her away, and we're looking forward to getting her to races like the Ethereal and Wakeful Stakes this spring, with the ultimate aim of the VRC Oaks."

Meanwhile, at Gosford on Thursday, Gus The Great (Circus Maximus x Astor, by Iffraaj) made a winning return over 1200 metres, scoring by an impressive 2.2 lengths under Chad Schofield. Another galloper highly regarded by the Joe Pride stable, he justified his short-priced favouritism with an authoritative first-up performance. Bred and sold by the Taylor family of Trelawney Stud, Gus The Great was purchased by Leighton Howl and Joe Pride for $100,000 from the NZB Ready to Run Sale.

Circus Maximus's first crop has already produced eight individual black-type performers from his first crop, led by:

• Road To Paris – Group 1 New Zealand Derby winner, now being prepared for a Group 1 weight-for-age campaign this spring.
• Paltrow Miss – Dual Group 1 placegetter in the Australasian Oaks and Queensland Oaks, set for another exciting campaign in mares' company this season.
• Towering Vision – Stakes-winning juvenile and Group-performed 3YO who trialed impressively earlier this week ahead of his spring campaign.
• Circus Dancer – Stakes-winning three-year-old with an exciting spring ahead.
• Ha'Penny Hatch – Australian black-type 2YO.

Along with Aus Group performed Metro winner Engine Of War and Group placed filly Circus Trix. 

With an outstanding 14% of his runners earning black type, Circus Maximus continues to deliver exceptional results from his first crop, underlining his credentials as one of Australasia's most exciting young sires.

Circus Maximus stands the 2026 breeding season at a fee of $20,000 + GST, including a Live Foal Guarantee.