With two race options, team Maximum Security nears decision

After Maximum Security worked Sunday morning for the second time since the Kentucky Derby, going a mile in 1:58 on Jason Servis’ watch, the trainer said his star 3-year-old will soon get his next race assignment.

“He’s doing OK,” Servis relayed via text message, adding that he “won’t make a decision where he runs until after his next breeze.”

Two options — the June 16 Pegasus Stakes and July 20 Haskell Invitational (G1) — are at New Jersey’s Monmouth Park, where the son of New Year’s Day is currently stabled.

Maximum Security also worked on May 22, caught by clockers going a 53.80-second half mile. That’s a time typical for Servis’ horses as the trainer emphasizes long, fitness-building drills over morning sharpeners.

Maximum Security’s connections said their colt exited the Derby, in which he was disqualified from first to 17th due to interference, with cuts on his hind legs after contact through the far turn.

“The body soreness is pretty much gone, and he’s looking pretty good,” said Ben Glass, racing manager for owners Gary and Mary West.

And soon we’ll know where to look for one of the most prolific members of the current sophomore crop.

The $150,000 Pegasus, a 1 1/16-mile race, serves as a local prep for the $1 million Haskell, a 1 1/8-mile centerpiece of Monmouth Park’s meet. There’s time enough for another work before the Pegasus, after which Servis can decide to run this month or train up to a bigger spot.

Beyond the Haskell are fixtures such as the Aug. 24 Travers Stakes, Sept. 21 Pennsylvania Derby and Nov. 2 Breeders' Cup Classic. Maximum Security isn't the Kentucky Derby winner -- unless the Wests' current lawsuit changes that -- but Servis has mentioned the goal of an Eclipse Award.

Maximum Security is 4-for-5 with a win in the Florida Derby (G1) before the Kentucky Derby.