Maximum Security 'super' in final pre-Haskell 2019 work

Maximum Security turned in a “super” work on Monday morning at Monmouth Park in his last serious prep for Saturday’s Grade 1, $1 million TVG.com Haskell Invitational, trainer Jason Servis said.

The disqualified Kentucky Derby winner, in typical Servis style, open galloped a mile shortly after 6:45 a.m. under exercise rider Alvaro Tomas.

“He did super. Really good,” said Servis. “He went a mile in 1:53 and change. He got the first half in a minute and came home in :53 and change.”

“I’m feeling good about him,” added Servis, who trains the Florida Derby (G1) winner for owners Gary and Mary West.

Via the Asbury Park Press newspaper, video from Monday morning:

Maximum Security could go as the Haskell favorite given he crossed the finish line first by 1 ¾ lengths in the Kentucky Derby before being disqualified and place 17th for interference.

The son of New Year's Day was beaten a length in his last start at odds of 1-20 in the TVG.Com Pegasus Stakes on June 16 at Monmouth Park by King for a Day. That marked the first race in six starts he hadn't been first to the wire.

Others leading the current prospective field include the Preakness runner-up (Everfast) and the third-place finisher (Joevia) in the Belmont Stakes. The late-developing King for a Day, trained by Todd Pletcher, has won both of his starts as a 3-year-old.

Others are multiple Grade 1 winner Mucho Gusto, Bethlehem Road and Spun to Run.

The 1 1/4-mile Haskell headlines a Saturday card that includes the Monmouth Cup (G3), the Matchmaker Stakes (G3), Oceanport Stakes (G3) and the Molly Pitcher Stakes (G3), with the latter expected to be headlined by top older filly Midnight Bisou.

First race post time on Haskell Day is noon.