Maximum Security Adds Pacific Classic to Impressive Resume

Last year’s Champion 3-Year-Old Colt, Maximum Security won his sixth consecutive race on Saturday with a convincing victory in the Grade I Pacific Classic.

Breaking strongly in the 1¼ mile race, Maximum Security was closely attended by multiple rivals throughout much of the race. Galloping well in-hand, jockey Abel Cedillo looked confident Maximum Security would have just the right kick when he was asked.

The jockey was proven right with Maximum Security smoothly pulling away from Sharp Samurai in the stretch to win by three lengths in the Breeders’ Cup Classic “Win and You’re In” race. It was the fourth career Grade I victory for the colt, owned in partnership by breeders Gary and Mary West and the Coolmore partners.

“We mapped it out that he’s the quickest horse, he’s ready and now you can ride him with a lot more confidence,” trainer Bob Baffert said. “Once he took the lead I figured he’d be fine. I just didn’t want any quarters in 22 (seconds). ‘Max’ was relaxing really nice. He was a totally different horse today. (Cedillo) got to know ‘Max’ last time and I’m happy for him. He just does things effortlessly. He wasn’t even blowing when he came back. I’m just so happy for this horse. It’s not his fault what he went through. Today he showed that he is a great horse.”

One of three winners from three runners out of his dam, the future Ashford resident’s immediate family includes three-time Grade I winner Flat Out and stakes winner Our Best Man.

Among the page full of stakes winners backing him, he is also related to Grade I winning Got Koko among others.

The winner of nine of his 11 starts, Maximum Security is set to join the Ashford roster at the conclusion of his racing career.