Maxfield to Forgo Breeders' Cup Classic for Clark
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Photo: Skip Dickstein
Maxfield alongside a pony at Saratoga Race Course
Godolphin's Maxfield earned paid entry into the Nov. 6 Longines Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) at Del Mar when he won the Stephen Foster Stakes (G2) at Churchill Downs in June, but it is a berth intended to go unclaimed. Trainer Brendan Walsh said Oct. 19 the 4-year-old Street Sense colt will await the $750,000 Clark Stakes Presented by Norton Healthcare (G1) at Churchill Nov. 26.
"We discussed it with Godolphin, and we think the best option for him is to go into the Clark fresh and on a track he's unbeaten on," he said. "I guess it's very important for the horse to win another grade 1. Not to say that he shows up in the Clark, and it is his (to win) just like that, but it gives him the best chance possible is what I'm trying to say."
Daily Racing Form's Jay Privman first reported the defection.
Maxfield, winner of the Claiborne Breeders' Futurity (G1) at Keeneland as a 2-year-old in 2019, has notched five stakes victories since but has fallen short of victory at the upper stakes level. He ran third in the Santa Anita Handicap (G1) in March and was runner-up in both the Aug. 7 Whitney Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course and the Oct. 2 Woodward Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park.
Godolphin still has a Classic prospect in the Brad Cox-trained Essential Quality , one of the favorites in the race with Knicks Go .