Kentucky Derby 2019 Radar: Maximum Security merits a look

Connections of unbeaten Maximum Security appear lucky to have the colt, and that’s not just because the son of New Year’s Day looks like an uncommon sort of talent. The Gary and Mary West homebred actually debuted Dec. 20 for a $16,000 tag.

Trainer Jason Servis told TVG afterward he didn’t anticipate Maximum Security had in him an easy 9 3/4-length victory. But Servis managed to hold on to the horse, and the low-level debut set up the Maximum Security — who has since been nominated to the Triple Crown — for starter optional claiming conditions.

Running six furlongs in the mud on Jan. 24, Maximum Security won by 6 1/2 lengths wrapped up at the wire. With regular rider Romero Maragh sidelined due to injury, Irad Ortiz Jr. then got the call Wednesday for a seven-furlong score, this one by 18 1/4 lengths, a margin tough to ignore no matter the company.

Ortiz Jr. appeared to be giving his mount the type of education the opposition couldn’t. The whip didn’t come out, but as Maximum Security looked around in the stretch, his jockey continued a hand ride, pointing him straight toward the finish line.

Maximum Security finished up in a sizzling 1:21.72 after opening fractions of 22.74 and 45.62. He has now won his three starts by a combined 35 1/2 lengths.

Might a 2019 Kentucky Derby prep be next? Connections are thinking that way, according to XBTV's Zoe Cadman, who spoke to Servis about plans to run in the March 30 Florida Derby (G1) that runs March 30 over a track where the colt’s now 3-for-3.

The high-percentage trainer Servis still saddled his first Derby starter in 2018 when Firenze Fire, who proved to be a classy sprinter and miler, finished 11th in the slop at Churchill Downs. Maximum Security’s owners, the Wests, are well position regardless with reigning 2-year-old champion and early Derby favorite Game Winner among their California-based runners.