Maximus Mischief likely to target Fountain of Youth

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Despite his disappointing third-place finish as the 4-5 favorite in Saturday’s Grade 2 Holy Bull, trainer Robert “Butch” Reid Jr. said he hasn’t lost any confidence in his previously undefeated 3-year-old prospect Maximus Mischief.

“We’re still very high on him. The race didn’t knock down our expectations any, it just proved he’s mortal, like the rest of us,” Reid said on Sunday.

After winning his first three starts by a combined 16 3/4 lengths, including the Grade 2 Remsen in his 2-year-old finale, Maximus Mischief came back to earth in the Holy Bull, tiring late to finish 1 1/4 lengths behind Harvey Wallbanger, who slipped along the rail to spring the upset at odds of 29-1. Maximus Mischief, who had posted Beyer Speed Figures ranging between 94 and 98 in his first three starts, ran just an 83 in his 3-year-old debut.

“He came out of the race very well, ate up everything last night, but he was pretty quiet and pretty tired this morning,” said Reid. “Either I didn’t have him as tight as I thought I did, or some of those prerace antics finally caught up with him.”

Maximus Mischief was a handful coming over to be saddled, got hot in the post parade, and was a bit reluctant to load into the starting gate prior to the race.

“He was so good in the paddock for the Remsen, and he schooled in the paddock so well here, but for whatever reason, he kind of lost it yesterday,” said Reid. “Maybe he was just too sharp coming over with the crowd and the music. And while he always breaks well, he’s never been a great horse loading or standing in there. But this was only his fourth start, and he’s still learning.”

Reid said he knew his horse was in trouble when it took him so long to overtake the pacesetting Epic Dreamer.

“I liked the way Jose [Ortiz] sat off the speed and kind of gave him a breather down the backstretch,” said Reid. “But by the half-mile pole, I knew we had a problem since he’s usually dragging himself to the lead by then. It was a long battle for him to get to [Epic Dreamer] and when he finally did, I think he thought his job was done, and that’s when those other two got by him.”

Reid said the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth here on March 2 remains in play for Maximus Mischief’s next start.

“He got a little tired, but he got a lot out of the race, and I expect him to move forward next time,” said Reid. “He was awfully keyed up coming in off the long layoff, so I’m going to be looking to run him back a little quicker next time.”

As for Harvey Wallbanger, trainer Ken McPeek said he was none the worse for wear on Sunday, exiting his career-best effort in the Holy Bull, for which he earned an 85 Beyer, 22 points higher than the number he received for winning his maiden at Churchill Downs in his 2-year-old finale 11 weeks earlier. Harvey Wallbanger did post an 81 Beyer when beaten a nose in a Keeneland maiden special weight event in his second career outing.

“I was very proud of my team and the job they did getting this horse ready for the race,” said McPeek. “And I wasn’t surprised he won because he’s a horse who was improving. I think people need to give the Kentucky outfits a little more respect. We fire some big bullets out of Kentucky.”

McPeek said he would nominate Harvey Wallbanger for the Fountain of Youth, although he already has his Grade 2 winner Signalman penciled in for the race.

“I won’t rule the Fountain of Youth out, although I’m really thinking of waiting [for the Florida Derby] since he fired such a big shot off the long rest,” said McPeek. “The Florida Derby is our main goal here this winter, and I think it should be ideal for him.”