Monmouth officials expecting Maximum Security in Haskell

With a disqualification from first in the Kentucky Derby all that separates Maximum Security from an unbeaten record, the colt could make Monmouth Park's Haskell Invitational (G1) his next start.

Dennis Drazin, chairman and CEO of Darby Development, operator of Monmouth, said Tuesday that trainer Jason Servis "confirmed with me that the Haskell is a race that will be on Maximum Security’s schedule."

Servis also trains for Drazin, whose charges include the graded stakes winner Sunny Ridge.

"He’s pointing toward that race," Drazin said of Maximum Security, "and of course the horse has to be a hundred percent and doing well. I believe that, all things being equal, Maximum Security will be in the Haskell gate.”

This year, Monmouth will stage the Haskell on Saturday, July 20, a week earlier than usual. The Haskell's date change accommodates NBC's broadcast schedule but also gives a week more of separation before Saratoga's Travers (G1) the next month should contenders target both.

At 1 1/8 miles, the Haskell provides a "Win and You're In" spot to the Breeders' Cup Classic.

Maximum Security arrived Tuesday to Monmouth after a van ride from Churchill Downs. Drazin also mentioned opening the track for the son of New Year's Day to work between the races -- and in front of fans -- on May 18.

“Something will work out," he said. "It’s just a question of exactly what’s best for the horse.”

It's unclear whether Maximum Security could race before the Haskell, though connections have counted him out of the Preakness Stakes, and Servis' runners are usually well rested between starts.

"That's a Jason decision," Ben Glass, racing manager for owners Gary and Mary West, said of the Haskell. "But it's a strong possibility."

Matt Shifman contributed to this report.