Maximum Security Completes Final Work for Haskell
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Photo: Bill Denver/EQUI-PHOTO
Maximum Security gallops under exercise rider Alvaro Tomas July 15 at Monmouth Park
Gary and Mary West's Maximum Security turned in a "super" work July 15 at Monmouth Park in his last serious prep for the $1 million TVG.com Haskell Invitational Stakes (G1), trainer Jason Servis said.
The disqualified Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) winner open galloped a mile in typical Servis style shortly after 6:45 a.m. EDT under exercise rider Alvaro Tomas.
"He did super. Really good," Servis said. "He went a mile in 1:53 and change. He got the first half in a minute and came home in :53 and change."
Though Maximum Security galloped a mile Monday morning, Equibase recorded a four-furlong breeze in :53 2/5.
The homebred New Year's Day colt will train up to the July 20 Haskell, according to Servis.
"I'm feeling good about him," he said.
Maximum Security was undefeated in four starts at Gulfstream Park heading into the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. He started for a $16,000 tag in his debut Dec. 18, then won the Xpressbet Florida Derby (G1) three starts later March 30.
He led almost every step of the May 4 Derby and crossed the finish line first by 1 3/4 lengths before stewards disqualified him and placed him 17th for interference.
Maximum Security rolls in the sand after his morning workout Monday morning at Monmouth Park
Maximum Security returned to his Monmouth base and made his next start June 16 in the TVG.com Pegasus Stakes. He stumbled at the start before recovering to take the lead under regular jockey Luis Saez. Red Oak Stable's King for a Day, ridden by Joe Bravo, pressed the pace throughout and the two frontrunners opened up by six in the stretch.
King for a Day got the best of Maximum Security late and won by a length over the 1-20 favorite. Maximum Security had crossed the finish line first in all five starts prior to the Pegasus.
The field for the Haskell currently features Maximum Security, King for a Day, Joevia, Mucho Gusto, Everfast, Bethlehem Road, and Spun to Run.
Everfast was runner-up in the Preakness Stakes (G1); Joevia, also based at Monmouth Park, finished third in the Belmont Stakes presented by NYRA Bets (G1); and the late-developing King for a Day, trained by Todd Pletcher, has won both of his starts as a 3-year-old.
The Haskell, for 3-year-olds going 1 1/8 miles, is a "Win and You're In" event that gives the winner a berth into the Nov. 2 Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) at Santa Anita Park.
The feature headlines a Saturday card that includes the Monmouth Cup Stakes (G3) at 1 1/8 miles for 3-year-olds and up; the Molly Pitcher Stakes (G3) at 1 1/16 miles for fillies and mares 3 and up; the WinStar Matchmaker Stakes (G3T) at 1 1/8 miles on turf for fillies and mares 3 and up; the Oceanport Stakes (G3T) at 1 1/16 miles on turf for 3-year-olds and up; and the Wolf Hill Stakes, a 5 1/2-furlong turf sprint for 3-year-olds and up.
First race post time on Haskell Day is noon EDT.