Maximum Security digs in late for narrow win in San Diego

While the circumstances may change, the results do not for Maximum Security. Last year’s champion 3-year-old colt -- who’s failed to cross the wire first just once in his career-- continued his winning ways for new trainer Bob Baffert on Saturday with a gutty win in the $150,000 San Diego Handicap (G2) at Del Mar.

With new rider Abel Cedillo in the irons, Maximum Security reeled in pacesetter Midcourt at the top of the stretch and outlasted that game rival in a stretch-long duel to prevail by a nose. The 1 1/16-miles San Diego was Maximum Security’s  first U.S. start of the season following a victory in the $20 million Saudi Cup on Feb. 29 for former trainer Jason Servis. Following the Saudi Cup win, Maximum Security was transferred to Baffert after Servis was indicted by the FBI on horse-doping charges.

Midcourt, who carved fractions of :23.74, :46.87 and 1:11.40 before ultimately succumbing, was followed across the wire by Higher Power and Ax Man. Conceding five pounds to the runner-up, Maximum Security won in a final time of 1:44.54. He paid $2.80 while providing Cedillo with a third win on the 11-race program, which includes the $150,000 San Clemente Stakes (G2) aboard Laura's Light. 

Baffert noted the quirky nature of the race. Maximum Security broke in front, but was overtaken on the outside by Midcourt and Victor Espinoza on the first turn. Preferring not to duel on the front, Cedillo eased back, but was then joined on the outside by Grade 1 winner Higher Power. 

Now tracking a few lengths back, Cedillo began to urge Maximum Security on the second turn before it turned into a slugfest through the stretch. 

“That was crazy," Baffert said. "I knew I didn’t have him really drummed up for this race, we were going to use this to get ready for the next one. But we’re learning about the horse. He won today when he had every reason to get beat. He showed what a great horse he is today. He’s such a fighter. I’m glad we got this over with and now he’s in good shape.”

Maximum Security is expected to next head to the $500,000 Pacific Classic (G1) at Del Mar on Aug. 22.

Cedillo provided his first-hand insight into the race's turn of events.

 “He broke really well and we were in front. Then that horse outside me (Midcourt) rushed up and I didn’t want to have to deal with him, so I just let him go," Cedillo explained. "Then on the backstretch that other horse (Higher Power) came up inside me, but I felt OK. My horse was fine. When we turned for home I had to get to work. I knew I was going to do that. He’s the kind of horse you have to ride all the way. You have to keep working on him."

Owned in partnership by breeders Gary and Mary West and the team at Coolmore Stud, Maximum Security -- who was disqualified from last year’s Kentucky Derby after crossing the wire first -- improves his record to 11: 9-1-0 with earnings approaching $12 million.

Maximum Security earned champion 3-year-old honors last season following wins in the Florida Derby (G1), Haskell Invitational (G1), Bold Ruler (G3), and the Cigar Mile (G1) against older horses to close out the year. Coolmore, one of the world's leading stud farms, purchased a 50% interest in the son of New Year's Day following the Cigar Mile.