Maximum Security returns Saturday at Del Mar

Maximum Security returns Saturday at Del Mar 
By the NY Hot List Staff // Wednesday, July 15

Maximum Security.

Just the mere mention of his name can ignite an argument among racing fans. Is he the world-class horse who was the champion 3-year-old of 2019 and the winner of the $20 million Saudi Cup in February? Or is he a horse who benefitted from being trained by Jason Servis, who was indicted on federal race-doping charges in March?

An answer just might be delivered Saturday when Maximum Security returns to the races for the first time since the Saudi Cup when he runs in the San Diego Handicap at Del Mar, with a new trainer who has few peers.

Bob Baffert is now training Maximum Security and an untold number of eyes will be watching to see if there’s any drop off in talent now that Maximum Security has a new home. There’s only seven starters but Maximum Security will have to tote 127 pounds and there’s enough proven graded stakes-winning talent in the field that it should be a very revealing test for a horse who might be best remembered for being disqualified from first in last year’s Kentucky Derby.

Here’s the Hot List picks for the San Diego Handicap:

The $150,000 San Diego Handicap, Del Mar, Saturday, Race 10.

(5) Maximum Security has been at the center of change since he was last seen winning the $20 million Saudi Cup. He’s now in a great hands with Baffert and still has to be considered the best horse in training until proven otherwise. (1) Higher Power bounced back from a weak try in the Pegasus with a second in the Gold Cup. He loves this track and should be the main threat. (3) Midcourt didn’t fire in the Gold Cup but figures to bounce back here. (4) Dark Vader has enough speed to hang around until the end and land in the exotics. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-5. Exactas: 1-5 over 3-4 and 3-4 over 1-5.