Maximum Security Turns in First Gallop for Baffert

Maximum Security, transferred away from Jason Servis after the trainer was indicted in March on federal charges related to the alleged use of performance-enhancing drugs, turned in his first gallop for new trainer Bob Baffert on April 29 at Santa Anita Park.

The champion 3-year-old male of 2019, Maximum Security has not raced since winning the Feb. 29 Saudi Cup, a race whose $20 million purse is on hold pending an investigation by The Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia that was announced after the indictment. He joined Baffert on Monday after a brief rest at Dell Ridge Farm in Kentucky.

The New Year's Day colt "looks good," Baffert said.

Last year at 3, Maximum Security won the Xpressbet Florida Derby (G1) at Gulfstream Park, the TVG.com Haskell Invitational Stakes (G1) at Monmouth Park, the Bold Ruler Handicap (G3) at Belmont Park, and the Cigar Mile Handicap (G1) at Aqueduct Racetrack. He crossed the wire first in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) at Churchill Downs but was placed 17th by stewards because of interference.

Maximum Security is owned by his breeders, Gary and Mary West, along with Coolmore Stud principals Susan Magnier, Michael Tabor, and Derrick Smith. Coolmore purchased 50% of the colt in mid-December.

Baffert has trained horses for the Wests for years, including New Year's Day, who won the 2013 Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1). Game Winner, the champion 2-year-old male of 2018, is in training with Baffert for the Wests.

Last month, following the Servis indictment, the Wests had equine surgeon Dr. Larry Bramlage examine Maximum Security. Bramlage gave the colt a favorable evaluation, describing only minor subchondral bruising and inflammation in all four limbs, and said no treatment was needed. With the majority of the 2020 schedule up in the air due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a future race target for Maximum Security has not been announced.