Maximum Security leads all the way in Pacific Classic

DEL MAR, Calif. – Only the people have let Maximum Security down. Not Maximum Security. With all he’s been through, ranging from the Kentucky Derby disqualification, to the arrest of his former trainer, to having the purse upheld following a victory in Saudi Arabia, no matter where he goes, from Gulfstream to Churchill Downs, Monmouth to Belmont, Aqueduct to Saudi Arabia, and now to California, Maximum Security has performed.

Saturday's race may have been one of his finest yet. He went into the Grade 1, $500,000 Pacific Classic at Del Mar following a narrow victory in the San Diego Handicap, but the way he had trained coming out of that race indicated he was sitting on a big effort, and he raced like he had been training. Allowed to show speed, his best weapon, and without a significant pace challenge, Maximum Security led from start to finish over a stubborn and tenacious Sharp Samurai, eventually winning by three lengths.

The Pacific Classic is a Win and You’re In for the Breeders’ Cup Classic on Nov. 7 at Keeneland, both races being 1 1/4 miles. The last time Maximum Security raced 1 1/4 miles in Kentucky was on the first Saturday of May 2019 at Churchill Downs.

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The Pacific Classic marked the 11th time in 12 starts that Maximum Security has crossed the finish first. Ten times he has retained those victories. His only official losses as of now are the Derby, and a second-place finish in his first start after that, in the Pegasus at Monmouth.

“There’s a lot of Ws by his name,” said Bob Baffert, who had Maximum Security transferred to his care by the colt’s breeders and original owners, Gary and Mary West, after the March arrest of previous trainer Jason Servis. “It’s not his fault what he’s gone through. The Derby, the bad press. I felt a lot of pressure. I didn’t want to be the guy who slowed him down.

“He’s built powerfully, but he’s light on his feet,” Baffert said. “I’ve had a lot of respect for him. I’ve chased him all over. In Saudi” – where Baffert ran McKinzie – “he should have been beaten, but he willed it.”

Maximum Security trained indifferently heading into the San Diego, his first start for Baffert, and his first start since the Saudi Cup on Feb. 29. He nosed out Midcourt, but lacked brilliance; the win was more tenacious than flashy.

Exiting that race, though, the quality of his workouts was noticeably better.

“Like night and day,” Baffert said. “He was sharper. Ready to go.”

In addition, Abel Cedillo, who had never been on Maximum Security before the San Diego, had the benefit of that experience heading into the Pacific Classic.

Maximum Security broke sharply and took the early lead, with Sharp Samurai, who has had most of his success on turf, closest early. Maximum Security got away with a comfortable pace of 23.93 seconds for the quarter, 47.98 seconds for the half, and 1:12.37 for six furlongs. Sharp Samurai stayed with him, with Higher Power – the defending Pacific Classic winner - taken three paths wide to attend the pace, while Midcourt drafted in behind Maximum Security.

On the far turn, though, Maximum Security and Sharp Samurai began to pull away from their rivals, and through the lane Maximum Security proved superior. He covered 1 1/4 miles in 2:01.24, with a fourth quarter in 24.13 seconds and final quarter in 24.74 seconds.

As the 2-5 favorite, he paid $2.80 to win.

Sharp Samurai, in a terrific effort, was 2 3/4 lengths in front of Midcourt, who nosed out Higher Power for third. Both Mirinaque and Dark Vader were well back, in that order.

“As pleased as you could possibly be running second. That’s the best way to put it,” said Sharp Samurai’s trainer, Mark Glatt. “He beat some really nice horses pretty convincingly. Unfortunately he had to run against the best horse in the world.”

Maximum Security has proven to be the world’s best dirt horse. He has a will to win, and takes his races well.

“He came back, he wasn’t even blowing,” Baffert said. “Just galloped around. Didn’t take a deep breath.”

The Wests bred Maximum Security, 4, by sending the Anasheed mare Lil Indy to their stallion New Year’s Day. Along the way, they added the Coolmore team of Susan Magnier, Michael Tabor, and Derrick Smith to their ownership group. Maximum Security has now earned more than $12 million, though the $10 million first prize from the Saudi Cup is still being held up by Saudi racing officials, who say they are awaiting additional details of the United States-based investigation into Servis.

Maximum Security has no idea of the hold he has on those around him. Baffert’s voice caught a couple of times describing his admiration for what he has accomplished. Gary West, who lives just inland from here in Rancho Santa Fe, was choked up after the race.

“They love the horses,” Baffert said, “and they love this horse.”