Maximum Security puts in sharp work for Pacific Classic
DEL MAR, Calif. – Maximum Security on Sunday morning at Del Mar had a drill that trainer Bob Baffert described as "the best he's worked," as he motored through six furlongs in 1:12.80 in preparation for the Grade 1, $500,000 Pacific Classic here Aug. 22.
Maximum Security made his first start for Baffert last month in the San Diego Handicap, in which he gutted out a narrow win over Midcourt.
"That race really woke him up," Baffert said. "I couldn't be happier with the way he's doing."
The time was the fastest of five at the distance Sunday. The second-fastest six-furlong drill was 1:15.40.
Maximum Security worked alone. Baffert said he had him galloping out seven furlongs in "1:25 and change."
Luis Saez has been the regular rider for Maximum Security, including a victory earlier this year in the Saudi Cup, and when he was disqualified from victory in last year's Kentucky Derby. But owing to current protocols in place for jockeys this summer at both Del Mar and Saratoga, Saez is remaining at Saratoga, so Abel Cedillo took over for him in the San Diego. Baffert said Cedillo would ride back in the Pacific Classic.
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In addition to the San Diego, Baffert and Cedillo teamed this meet to win the Clement Hirsch with Fighting Mad, who is owned by Gary and Mary West, who also own Maximum Security.
Maximum Security will have one more work prior to the Pacific Classic, which is this track's championship race of the meet for older runners.
Midcourt, second in the San Diego, worked a half-mile in 50.60 seconds on Saturday morning for trainer John Shirreffs.
Another possible Pacific Classic runner, Dark Vader, went five furlongs in 59.80 seconds on Saturday for Peter Eurton.
The race's defending champion is Higher Power, who was third in the San Diego. He worked five furlongs in 1:00.20 on Monday morning for trainer John Sadler.