By Bill Finley
Unraced since crossing the wire first in the Feb. 29 Saudi Cup, Maximum Security (New Year's Day) will make his next start on July 18 GII San Diego H. at Del Mar.
The story was first reported by the Daily Racing Form.
“He's doing fantastic,” trainer Bob Baffert said. “We're pointing for the San Diego and I couldn't be happier with him.”
The San Diego, a mile-and-a-sixteenth race with a purse of $150,000, is a prep for the GI Pacific Classic on Aug. 13 at Del Mar and Baffert confirmed that that race is also on Maximum Security's schedule.
Shortly after the Saudi Cup, trainer Jason Servis was indicted for allegedly using performance-enhancing drugs on his horses and owners Gary and Mary West decided to turn the horse over to Baffert.
“I've gotten to know him and he's really nice to be around,” Baffert said. “He's classy, just a dream to be around.”
Baffert said the Servis situation is something he is not focusing on.
“I really don't want to get into that,” he said. “I just go by what I see on the racetrack and I see a really good horse when I see him on the racetrack. When I see him train I see a great horse.”
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