Maximum Security works, needs rider for next week's San Diego Handicap

DEL MAR, Calif. - Maximum Security is all set for his first start with new trainer Bob Baffert. Now all he needs is a rider.

Maximum Security, last year’s champion 3-year-old male, completed his preparation for the Grade 2 San Diego Handicap next Saturday at Del Mar with a five-furlong work in 59.60 seconds on Saturday morning under exercise rider Juan Ochoa, a former jockey.

“He looks great. He went fantastic. He’s ready as I can get him,” Baffert said. “He looked really good.”

Maximum Security will have a new rider. Luis Saez was scheduled to stay aboard Maximum Security, but that plan changed on Friday when Saez tested positive for coronavirus. Baffert said the replacement will “be somebody local.”

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Maximum Security has not raced since crossing the wire first in the Saudi Cup in February. Not long after that race, his trainer, Jason Servis, was indicted by federal agents, alleging medication violations. Gary and Mary West, who bred and own Maximum Security, subsequently moved Maximum Security to Baffert’s care.

Higher Power, also scheduled for the San Diego, worked six furlongs in 1:12.20 for trainer John Sadler.

Baffert also worked a couple of his top 3-year-olds, including Authentic, who went five furlongs in 59.80 seconds with Ochoa in his final work for next Saturday’s Grade 1 Haskell at Monmouth.

“He’s all set. He looks great coming into the race. I’m very happy with the way he went,” Baffert said.

Authentic most recently was second to Honor A. P. in the Santa Anita Derby. He is scheduled to fly to New Jersey on Tuesday.

The, unbeaten, late-developing Derby prospect Cezanne, a recent allowance winner for Baffert, went a half-mile in 47.80 seconds under Drayden Van Dyke while in company.

“Every race he gets fitter and stronger. He went really well,” Baffert said.

Baffert said Cezanne is likely for the Shared Belief at Del Mar on Aug. 1. That is also the next scheduled spot for Honor A. P., who is trained by John Shirreffs.

Baffert said “right now” he’s looking at the Travers on Aug. 8 for Uncle Chuck, who won last Saturday’s Los Alamitos Derby.