Maximum Security wraps up Haskell prep

Maximum Security turned in his last piece of serious work on Monday prior to the Grade 1 Haskell at Monmouth Park.

Maximum Security, who will be favored in Saturday’s Haskell, two-minute licked a mile at Monmouth in 1:53 and change. Trainer Jason Servis said the son of New Year’s Day went his first half-mile in a minute and then came home in just over 53 seconds.

“I’m feeling good about him,” Servis said.

Maximum Security won the first four starts of his career, topped by the Grade 1 Florida Derby. He finished first in the Kentucky Derby but was disqualified and placed 17th for veering out on the far turn and bothering several horses, including eventual Preakness winner War of Will.

In his most recent race, Maximum Secuirity stumbled at the start of the $150,000 Pegasus at Monmouth, set the pace to deep stretch but was outfinished and ended up second by a length to King for a Day, whom he will face again in the Haskell.

Gary and Mary West, who are challenging the Kentucky Derby disqualification in court, are expected to be at Monmouth for the Haskell.

As of Monday, a field of seven was shaping up for the $1 million Haskell, which will be drawn Wednesday.

In addition to Maximum Security, who will be ridden by Luis Saez, and King for a Day, who is trained by Todd Pletcher, the other probable starters are Belmont Stakes third-place finisher Joevia, Preakness runner-up Everfast, 5-for-7 Mucho Gusto, Bethlehem Road, and Spun to Run.

The Haskell card will include the Grade 3 Monmouth Cup, the Grade 3 Molly Pitcher Stakes, the Grade 3 Matchmaker Stakes, the Grade 3 Oceanport Stakes, and the Wolf Hill Stakes.