Maximum Security's grit impresses Baffert
DEL MAR, Calif. – As far back as prior to the 2019 Kentucky Derby, trainer Bob Baffert had expressed admiration for the fight he had seen in Maximum Security. Now that he’s training the colt his appreciation for what Maximum Security brings to the track has only grown.
Baffert thought Maximum Security showed plenty of grit at Del Mar on Saturday in winning the San Diego Handicap, a race in which he got a Beyer Speed Figure of 101 after running 1 1/16 miles in 1:44.54. The strong fig emanating from a pedestrian raw time indicates how slow the track was playing.
“It’s hard to stop and get going again on a heavy track,” Baffert said Sunday morning. “The track was so demanding yesterday. He gave us a scare. He has so much heart. He’s got a lot of Ws by his name.”
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The win was the ninth in 11 starts for Maximum Security, who famously lost another victory via disqualification in the Derby. Baffert said Maximum Security had come out of the race well and would be pointed to the Grade 1 Pacific Classic here Aug. 22, but left open the possibility of going to Saratoga for the Woodward on Sept. 5.
Luis Saez has been the regular rider for Maximum Security, but owing to travel policies at both Del Mar and Saratoga, Saez chose not to leave New York, and so Abel Cedillo subbed in the San Diego. Unless there is a relaxation of those policies before the Pacific Classic, Saez might not be available. And Sept. 5 is the date of this year’s Derby, so he might not be at Saratoga that day.
“I’d like to run him in the Pacific Classic,” Baffert said.
Midcourt, who dropped a nose decision to Maximum Security in the San Diego, was also in good order Sunday morning, according to trainer John Shirreffs, who said he’d like to see how Midcourt rebounds from the race before committing to the Pacific Classic.
“I was very proud of the way he performed,” Shirreffs said. “Sensational. Just got beat a bob. He was in front a jump before the finish, and a jump after. He ran awesome.”