Maximum Security's Pegasus Status Remains Uncertain

Trainer Jason Servis said he remains uncertain about Maximum Security's status for the $150,000 TVG.com Pegasus Stakes at Monmouth Park despite galloping the disqualified winner of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) 1 1/8 miles and receiving satisfactory blood test results June 12. 

The June 16 Pegasus has been the targeted return to competition for Maximum Security, who has not raced since May 4 when he finished first in the Kentucky Derby by 1 3/4 lengths but was disqualified and placed 17th for interference.

Entries for the Pegasus will be taken June 13. The 1 1/16-mile stakes is being considered a steppingstone to the $1 million TVG.com Haskell Invitational Stakes (G1) July 20 at Monmouth Park for Gary and Mary West's homebred son of New Year's Day.

"I'll make a decision (Thursday). I don't want to tell everybody yes and then change my mind. The blood work was OK. I think he's still a little light," said Servis, who ordered a blood test Sunday. "He galloped a mile and an eighth (at Monmouth). He's fit. It's just that I am looking at three races in (69) days: the Pegasus, the Haskell, and then you have the (grade 1 Runhappy Travers Stakes Aug. 24). The spacing is good. From the Kentucky Derby to (the Pegasus) is six weeks. Then you get 34 days (until the Haskell) and then you get (35) days (until the Travers). You put it all together and it's three races in (69) days. That's a lot."

Mark Casse, trainer of Gary Barber's Preakness Stakes (G1) winner War of Will, has indicated interest in taking on Maximum Security in the Travers. War of Will, the only horse to race in all three Triple Crown events, finished seventh in the Kentucky Derby after getting caught in the bumping incident that resulted in Maximum Security's disqualification. He was ninth in the June 8 Belmont Stakes Presented by NYRA Bets (G1). 

As an added incentive to bring together the horses involved in the Kentucky Derby disqualification, Gary West has offered to pay $5 million each to the owners of War of Will, elevated winner Country House, Long Range Toddy, and Bodexpress if they finish in front of Maximum Security the next time the horses meet during 2019. The challenge also stipulates the owners of the other horses must put up at least $1.86 million, which West will donate to the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund.

Maximum Security has wins in four of five starts—including the Xpressbet Florida Derby (G1)—with earnings of $649,400.