Kentucky Derby Pedigree Profile: Maximum Security

Gary and Mary West’s homebred Maximum Security earned 100 points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby following his wire-to-wire tally in the Florida Derby (G1) at Gulfstream Park. The Jason Servis trainee improved to an unbeaten four-for-four after his 3 1/2-length triumph beneath Luis Saez.

Maximum Security is the first graded winner by 2013 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) hero New Year’s Day. By the brilliant Street Cry, New Year’s Day is a half-brother to 2016 Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) victor Mohaymen, as well as 2019 El Camino Real Derby runner-up Kingly.

Maximum Security’s dam is the winning Anasheed mare Lil Indy, who is also responsible for an unnamed yearling colt by Flashback. Lil Indy counts herself as a half-sister to three-time Grade 1 victor and sire Flat Out, who won back-to-back editions of the prestigious Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) at Belmont Park in 2011-12.

Anasheed has had little impact as a broodmare sire in North America, though he has yet to be given a serious chance in the states. The well-bred son of A.P. Indy was sold to Russian interests for stud duty in 2010, but he hails from one of the classier families in racing.

His first dam is European champion Flagbird, one of seven stakes winners produced by Grade 2 queen Up the Flagpole. This immediate female line includes an honor roll consisting of Horse of the Year Mineshaft and his dam, two-time Grade 1 queen and Broodmare of the Year Prospector’s Deelite; multiple Grade 1 heroine Tomisue’s Delight; Grade 1 star Mr. Sidney; 2008 Ashland Stakes (G1) winner and Kentucky Oaks (G1) runner-up Little Belle; 2017 Jenny Wiley Stakes (G1) victress Dickinson; 2013 Louisiana Derby (G3) star Revolutionary; etc.

Maximum Security is by a $5,000 stallion and has a broodmare sire who has yet to impact racing in the United States. In addition, he also began his career at the modest $16,000 maiden claiming level.

But make no mistake – the Kentucky Derby contender has an intriguing bloodline. It’s more than conceivable that he will withstand the 10 furlongs at Churchill Downs on May 4. The unbeaten sophomore finished fast going 1 1/8 miles in his final Derby prep to indicate that he might not have distance limitations.

I think Maximum Security is among the most fascinating horses on the Triple Crown trail.

PHOTO: Kentucky Derby contender Maximum Security posting a convincing win in the Florida Derby (c) Adam Coglianese Photography