Maximum Security to Get New Rider for San Diego

Maximum Security is likely to have a California-based jockey aboard when he returns in the July 18 San Diego Handicap (G2) at Del Mar, trainer Bob Baffert said July 11.

The colt's rider since March 2019, East Coast-based Luis Saez, was removed from his mounts after riding the second race at Keeneland July 10 after testing positive for COVID-19. Barring another test that contradicts the first test, he is expected to be away from riding for a period of time to comply with health restrictions. Saez, Martin Garcia, and Victor Espinoza had been in close proximity at Los Alamitos Race Course and have all tested positive. 

"Somebody from here will ride him. It will be somebody local," Baffert said.

Entries for the San Diego Handicap are taken July 12.

One of Baffert's regular jockeys, Mike Smith, has committed to ride Authentic for the trainer in the $1 million TVG.com Haskell Invitational Stakes (G1) at Monmouth Park that same day. 

Both horses breezed Saturday at Del Mar. Maximum Security worked five furlongs on a fast track in :59 3/5, and Authentic, the runner-up in the Runhappy Santa Anita Derby (G1) for owners Spendthrift Farm, Starlight Racing, and Madaket Stables, covered the same distance in :59 4/5.

"I've been very happy with him. He's been working like a good horse," Baffert said of Maximum Security. "I feel good about it. He should run well."

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

The San Diego Handicap will mark his first start for Baffert, who began training him this spring after previous trainer Jason Servis was indicted on doping-related charges.

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. 

Last year at 3, the son of New Year's Day won the Xpressbet Florida Derby (G1) at Gulfstream Park, the Haskell, 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.

On Saturday, Baffert also worked Cezanne, a winner of each of his two starts, for a half-mile drill timed in :47 4/5. Baffert said he is thinking about running him in the Aug. 1 Shared Belief Stakes at Del Mar. The race is a qualifier on the Road to the Kentucky Derby and could also draw Santa Anita Derby winner Honor A. P.

The trainer's other major prospect for the Kentucky Derby, Uncle Chuck, is under consideration for the $1 million Runhappy Travers Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course Aug. 8.

Baffert's standout 3-year-old filly, recent runaway Longines Acorn Stakes (G1) winner Gamine, is tentatively scheduled to breeze at Del Mar July 12.