Report: Maximum Security X-rays negative; 'needs some time'

Given Maximum Security has returned to the track just once since hitting the wire first in the Kentucky Derby, odds he tries the third leg of the Triple Crown, the Belmont Stakes, are diminishing by the day.

But the long-term prognosis remains positive -- because X-rays on the colt came back negative -- after Jason Servis had his trainee closely examined.

With Maximum Security now stabled at New Jersey's Monmouth Park, the son of New Year's Day is scheduled to return to the track later this week, Servis told the Asbury Park Press' Stephen Edelson.

Gary and Mary West's Maximum Security exited the Derby with cut up rear legs, but it appears nothing worse. Servis posed the question once the colt went out for his first gallop back not looking like the same horse.

"He got beat up a little bit in the Kentucky Derby, but we're fortunate it was nothing too serious," Servis told Edelson. "He just needs some time."

Monmouth's Haskell Invitational (G1) on July 20 remains a potential target race, though it's unclear whether Maximum Security would run in another spot before then. Off the track, the Wests have said they're exploring "legal options" to overturn the controversial Derby disqualification that led to placing Maximum Security 17th.