Maxfield begins drive to Whitney with half-mile work

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Maxfield, among the leaders of the older male dirt division, stepped up preparations for a scheduled start in the Grade 1, $1 million Whitney Stakes here on Aug. 7 by working four furlongs in 49.03 seconds on Friday morning over the Oklahoma training track.

Maxfield started about a length behind the 4-year-old filly Longpants Required, tracking that one through an opening quarter of 25.42. In upper stretch, Maxfield joined up on the outside of Longpants Required and finished narrowly in front while getting his last quarter in 23.61. He galloped out five furlongs in 1:01.57 and six furlongs in 1:14.90.

It was Maxfield’s first work since he won the Grade 2 Stephen Foster on June 26 at Churchill Downs.

“I just wanted to get him back in the swing of things again,” trainer Brendan Walsh said. “He looks like he’s doing great. I was delighted with him when I got up here. He looked as good, if not better, than ever. That’s all I can hope for right now.”

Walsh said Thursday was the first time he saw Maxfield since the horse shipped to Saratoga a week ago. Walsh said he gave Maxfield a little extra time between his last race and his first work back. He plans two more works prior to the Whitney, with one likely over the main track.

“He’s fit, it’s just a question of keeping him happy and keeping him healthy,” Walsh said.

Maxfield is 3 for 4 this year with victories in the Grade 3 Mineshaft at Fair Grounds and the Grade 2 Alysheba and the Foster at Churchill. His only defeat from seven lifetime starts came in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Handicap, a 1 1/4-mile race in March.