Not quite a Cinderella story, nor a fairytale – the story of Maximum Security has been pure drama.
The son of New Year’s Day, who was controversially disqualified after winning the Kentucky Derby last year, turned tragedy into comedy, with a commanding victory in the world’s richest race.
Breaking from post seven under Luis Saez, the Jason Servis-trained charge was caught in a chess match throughout with Pegasus World Cup winner Mucho Gusto.
Mucho Gusto forged past Capezzano and North America in an attempt to gain an advantage, but Maximum Security quickly followed.
Saez acted quickly and shifted paths to inside the eventual fourth-place finisher, forging past and then holding off the late charge of runner-up Midnight Bisou and Godolphin star Benbatl to win by three-quarters of a length.
As the fireworks lit up the Riyadh sky, Maximum Security cemented his status as the world’s best dirt racer and the winner of a stunning $10 million purse.
Owned by Gary and Mary West, Mrs. Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith, the West homebred prevailed for the seventh time in nine starts and increased his career earnings to $11,801,900.
He adds his Saudi Cup win to top-level victories in the Cigar Mile, Haskell Invitational and Florida Derby.
Only for his disqualification in Kentucky, we could be adding another illustrious triumph to his stellar CV.
With his stock rising to new levels, Maximum Security is unlikely to chase another lucrative purse in the Middle East.
Initially, rumours circulating the Saudi paddock were that he would attempt to complete an audacious double by winning the $12 million Dubai World Cup at Meydan on March 28.
However, trainer Servis told RacingTV’s Luck on Sunday that Maximum Security may not recover in time to compete in the world’s richest day.
“I’m feeling he may need some more time. I may not get his ‘A’ race. But nothing’s been finalized. Right now it’s doubtful we’ll make Dubai,” he said.
Midnight Bisou, Mucho Gusto, Capezanno, Mckinzie, Tacitus, Gronkowski and North America are expected to feature in the Dubai World Cup.
Benbatl, the Caulfield Stakes winner and Cox Plate runner-up, leads the favourites as trainer Saeed bin Suroor goes in search of a record tenth World Cup.
Irrespective of whether he competes in Dubai or not, Maximum Security’s greatness as a horse is firmly assured on the back of his scintillating showing in Saudi.
