Maxim Rate to take local route to Breeders' Cup

ARCADIA, Calif. – Maxim Rate recorded a career-defining win in the Grade 1 Gamely Stakes for fillies and mares at 1 1/8 miles on turf at Santa Anita on Monday, her first win in a race at that level in her fifth appearance.

Trainer Simon Callaghan said on Wednesday that Maxim Rate “will be staying local” this year with the hope that she can accomplish enough in the summer and fall to merit a start in the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf at Del Mar on Nov. 6.

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Grade 2 turf stakes such as the Yellow Ribbon Handicap at 1 1/16 miles and the John Mabee Stakes at 1 1/8 miles at Del Mar will be considered for Maxim Rate, Callaghan said.

“They are Grade 2’s, but there is no harm in running those races,” Callaghan said. “Obviously, given the Breeders’ Cup is in Del Mar, maybe we’ll run in one or two of those and maybe the Rodeo Drive, and see if she warrants a start in the Breeders’ Cup.”

The Grade 1 Rodeo Drive Stakes at 1 1/4 miles on turf is run at Santa Anita on Oct. 2. Maxim Rate was second in the 2020 Rodeo Drive.

A 5-year-old, Maxim Rate has won 6 of 16 starts and earned $597,188 for Slam Dunk Racing, Currency Stable, and Doug Branham.