GISW Idol's First Foal is a Colt

Friday, January 5, 2024 | 5:17 pm

Calvin Nguyen's Idol and jockey Joel Rosario, outside, overpower Express Train (Juan Hernandez), inside, to win the Grade I, $400,000 Santa Anita Handicap, Saturday, March 6, 2021 at Santa Anita Park, Arcadia CA. © BENOIT PHOTO

The first reported foal for Taylor Made's Idol (Curlin) is a New York-bred colt, according to the farm. Born on Wednesday, Jan. 3, the colt is out of Meteoric Matron (Mineshaft), a full-sister to MSW & GSP Mine Over Matter, and was bred by Bill Johnson's Stonegate Stables.

“This is the best foal that this proven mare has ever produced,” said Johnson. “He has excellent size and bone. For a January 3rd baby, we have size, bone, and a very strong foal. We love the sire's pedigree. We specifically bred this mare to Idol to get to a son of Curlin and double up the A.P. Indy. The plan worked. We are pleased to have bred the first Idol. We will be returning.”

Idol, who posted a 102 Beyer Speed Figure when winning the 2021 GI Santa Anita H. and who is a full-brother to Eclipse champion Nest, bred 128 mares in his first book in 2023. He will stand for $10,000 S&N as a Repole Stable/Taylor Made Stallions Venture in 2024.