Maximum Security likely for Florida Derby after dominant win

Trainer Jason Servis said Thursday that Maximum Security probably will stretch out to 1 1/8 miles when making his next start in the March 30 Florida Derby after the unbeaten 3-year-old colt earned a 102 Beyer Speed Figure in winning a seven-furlong starter allowance in 1:21.72 the previous day at Gulfstream Park.

“It’s hard not to think about a race like that for him,” said Servis. “I know it’d be asking a lot, but he is 3 for 3 over the track, and I’ve been careful in hand-picking his races so far.”

Bred and owned by Gary and Mary West, Maximum Security easily won for a $16,000 claiming tag in his Dec. 20 career debut at Gulfstream. Since then, the son of New Year’s Day has won a pair of one-turn starter allowances with ease, both at Gulfstream, with the latest coming Wednesday by 18 1/4 lengths as the 1-10 favorite.

Servis said he “may’ve been taking a little edge” when starting the colt for $16,000, but “he’s a homebred, not an expensive yearling. We’ll see how he does and look toward the Florida Derby.”

Meanwhile, Servis said he “is 90 percent certain” he will not be sending the standout older sprinter World of Trouble to Meydan for one of the March 30 Dubai World Cup undercard races. “Beyond that, we haven’t decided” on a next start, Servis said.