Authentic, Maximum Security Put in Final Classic Works

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Authentic, Maximum Security Put in Final Classic Works
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Photo: Zoe Metz
Maximum Security works Oct. 31 at Santa Anita Park

Bob Baffert has won the Longines Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) three times with the likes of Bayern , American Pharoah , and Arrogate .

Yet the Hall of Fame trainer says he's never headed into the Classic with as deep and talented a roster of entrants as he will for the Nov. 7 edition of the Classic at Keeneland.

"I call them the Dream Team," Baffert said.

Specifically, he's talking about the trio of Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) winner Authentic, Saudi Cup and TVG Pacific Classic (G1) winner and 2019 3-year-old champion male Maximum Security , and Woodward (G1) and Awesome Again (G1) stakes victor Improbable , all of whom are scheduled to put in their final works this weekend before leaving California Nov. 3.

"I've never been this strong before coming into a Breeders' Cup Classic," Baffert said. "I've had some great horses in the Classic, but these are three pretty heavy duty horses."

Two of them, Authentic and Maximum Security, turned in their final works for the Classic Oct. 31 at Santa Anita Park, with Improbable scheduled to work Nov. 1.

Spendthrift Farm, MyRaceHorse Stable, Madaket Stables, and Starlight Racing's Authentic went first in the early morning hours. Working without company, the son of Into Mischief  zipped five furlongs in :59 3/5. Coming off a second in the Preakness Stakes (G1), he turned in the seventh fastest of 53 works at the distance.

"I had Authentic in 1:11 and change (for six furlongs) galloping out strongly. He looked terrific, just like last week when he worked. I'm really happy with the way he went. There are no ill effects at all from the Preakness," Baffert said. "He's goes by himself in his works and he's better in the dark. He doesn't get as aggressive. He went off perfectly and finished up well."

Gary and Mary West, Susan Magnier, Michael Tabor, and Derrick Smith's Maximum Security, who was second to Improbable in the Awesome Again, was timed in 1:00 3/5 for the same distance while running with a workmate. It was 14th fastest work at that distance.

"Maximum Security put in his usual work. He cruised around there and did his own thing. We don't push him. We let him do it on his own. He looks great. He's a different kind of animal, big and strong," Baffert said about the son of New Year's Day. "That last race you can put a line through it. He came back quick and was chasing. He doesn't want to do that."

Baffert said Improbable will likely work six furlongs at Santa Anita Park Nov. 1.

The California-based trainer, who is tied for second in Breeders' Cup wins with 15, also sent out the 3-year-old filly Gamine for her final work in preparation for the multiple grade 1 winner's Nov. 7 race in the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (G1).

Owned by Michel Lund Petersen, the speedy daughter of Into Mischief turned in a five-furlong drill in :59 2/5, which was the second fastest time among Saturday's workers.

"She just cruised," Baffert said. "She's looking great and getting smarter. When she was asked to go today, she took off. She's very manageable and not one dimensional."