Maximum Security being pointed to San Diego Handicap

Maximum Security, the champion 3-year-old male of 2019, will have his first start of the summer in the Grade 2 San Diego Handicap on July 18 at Del Mar, trainer Bob Baffert said Friday.

The $150,000 San Diego Handicap at 1 1/16 miles will be Maximum Security’s first race since a win in the $20 million Saudi Cup on Feb. 29 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

“He looks fantastic,” Baffert said.

Maximum Security is scheduled to work at Santa Anita this weekend. The San Diego Handicap is a prep for Del Mar’s leading race, the Grade 1 Pacific Classic at 1 1/4 miles on Aug. 22.

Maximum Security is well known for being disqualified from first to 17th in the 2019 Kentucky Derby after causing interference on the turn. Maximum Security, owned by Gary and Mary West and the Coolmore partnership, has won his last four starts, including the Grade 1 Cigar Mile at Aqueduct in December.

Maximum Security joined Baffert’s stable in the spring after previous trainer Jason Servis was part of a group of trainers arrested and indicted in March on charges of administering illegal substances to horses.

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