Maximum Security deemed ‘doubtful’ for Dubai World Cup
Speaking Sunday in an interview with broadcaster Nick Luck, trainer Jason Servis said the $20 million Saudi Cup hero Maximum Security is unlikely to chase another lucrative purse in the Middle East.
The 4-year-old colt, Servis said, exited a gutsy victory Saturday at King Abdulaziz Racecourse physically fine and scoped clean. But Maximum Security also lost some weight and didn’t finish off his feed.
The $12 million Dubai World Cup (G1) runs March 28 at Meydan.
“I’m feeling he may need some more time,” Servis said on RacingTV’s Luck on Sunday. “I may not get his ‘A’ race. But nothing’s been finalized. Right now it’s doubtful we’ll make Dubai.”
Under jockey Luis Saez, Maximum Security improved to 8-for-10 in his career and won his fourth straight race since Monmouth Park’s June 16 Pegasus, the only race in which the Gary and Mary West homebred has been beaten across the wire.
Maximum Security donned Coolmore colors in the Saudi Cup — he’ll stand at stud there upon retirement — and came from just off the pace to chase down the weaving Mucho Gusto.
The 5-year-old mare Midnight Bisou, facing males for the first time, ran on for second and figures to be prominent in the Dubai World Cup. A rematch then with Maximum Security is unlikely.
“I don’t think it’s fair to Max to wheel him back in the 28 days after the way he ran, and then he runs fifth,” Servis told Luck. “Then you’re like, ‘What was I thinking about?’ Like I said, nothing has been engraved in stone yet. But I think, in fairness to him, he needs ample time where I can lead him over, and I feel good about that he’s 100% and gives it his all.”
Servis appeared more welcome to Maximum Security finishing out his season in the United States. This time of year, he operates strings in New York and Florida. Monmouth Park also becomes a stabling option during the summer.
This season’s Breeders’ Cup, by the way, returns to Keeneland for the first time since American Pharoah closed his career in the 2015 Classic.
“The whole last year and a half with Max has just been crazy. It’s been a whirlwind,” Servis said, thinking back to a historic disqualification due to interference in the Kentucky Derby. “At the end of 19, I’m thinking, ‘Man, things might quiet down this year.’
“It sure hasn’t quieted down. He’s a special horse.”