Maximum Security Earns Breeders' Cup Classic Berth With Haskell Score
Gary and Mary West’s Maximum Security romped to victory in the Gr.1 Haskell Invitational Stakes securing a berth into the Gr.1 Breeders’ Cup Classic.
In the peak of summer when many East coast tracks were cancelling their racing, Monmouth Park decided to go ahead with their raceday. However the heat was surreal and after holding the afternoon’s first two contests following a delay, the announcement was made that all non-stakes events would be cancelled and that the carded stakes races would be held later in the evening.
The Haskell started almost two and half hours its original time, to allow for some respite from the incredible heat.
Maximum Security took up a stalking spot three deep. King for a Day (Uncle Mo) was the first to make his move up the fence heading into the home turn, but he was immediately tackled by Maximum Security.
The colt dropped back sharply as Maximum Security appeared to make it tight for him along the inside. Mucho Gusto still had the opportunity to take the crwon but Maximum Security went up another gear to take the Haskell crown.
Another enquiry ensued (along the lines of the Gr.1 Kentucky Derby) however after a quick look by the stewards they announed him as the final winner.
Eight-time Haskell winner Bob Baffert said of the race, “That was exciting. I’m glad they didn’t disqualify [Maximum Security]. That would have been awful. My horse is improving.”
Maximum Security was part of Gr.1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner New Year’s Day's second crop.
After standing at Hill ‘n’ Dale Farm near Lexington, New Year’s Day was exported to stand in Brazil in 2018 and was subsequently sent to Japan. Less well known is Maximum Security’s broodmare sire, the A.P. Indy stallion Anasheed, whose daughters have been responsible for three black-type winners.
Maximum Security’s dam, Lil Indy, is a half-sister to three-time Grade I winner Flat Out (Flatter). She and her 2019 filly, a full-sister to Maximum Security, were sent to Korea earlier this year after she sold for US$11,000 with the filly in utero at last year’s Keeneland November sale. She leaves a yearling colt by Flashback in this country.