DEL MAR, Calif. — Maximum Security won the $500,000 Pacific Classic at Del Mar, the star-crossed colt’s second victory since moving to the barn of Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert.
Ridden by Abel Cedillo, Maximum Security ran 1 1/4 miles in 2:01.24 on Saturday. He paid $2.80, $2.20 and $2.10 as the 2-5 favorite in the field of six.
Sharp Samurai returned $5 and $3.60. Midcourt paid $3 to show. Defending champion Higher Power finished fourth.
With the victory, Maximum Security earned a berth in the $7 million Breeders’ Cup Classic at Keeneland on Nov. 7. The 4-year-old bay colt has 10 wins in 12 career starts.
Maximum Security won the San Diego Handicap at Del Mar on July 25 in his first start in five months and first under Baffert’s care. He crossed the wire first in last year’s Kentucky Derby, but was disqualified for interference and placed 17th.
Earlier this year, Maximum Security won the $20 million Saudi Cup — the world’s richest race — only to have his purse money put on hold because of issues with trainer Jason Servis, who is facing charges of using drugs on his horses.