Maximum Security Finds Redemption in Saudi Cup
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Photo: Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia/Doug DeFelice
Maximum Security wins the Saudi Cup at King Abdulaziz Racetrack
Maximum Security proved his class on the world stage Feb. 29 in the $20 million Saudi Cup, running down Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes (G1) winner Mucho Gusto and holding off multiple grade 1 winner Midnight Bisou to prevail at King Abdulaziz Racetrack.
Gary and Mary West's homebred 4-year-old son of New Year's Day, now owned in partnership with Coolmore, was floated wide off the turn and then had to shift inside Mucho Gusto as that rival attempted to take the 1 1/8-mile race gate-to-wire. Jockey Luis Saez called on his mount for more mid-stretch and Maximum Security responded with a powerful surge to get up inside the final sixteenth.
Godolphin's Benbatl just got up for third over Mucho Gusto, who held for fourth.
Maximum Security crossed the wire first in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1), but was disqualified for interference and placed 17th. He has won four in a row—the TVG.com Haskell Invitational Stakes (G1), the Bold Ruler Handicap (G3), the Cigar Mile Handicap (G1), and the Saudi Cup. The colt was named Eclipse Award champion 3-year-old colt of 2019.
This story will be updated.