- Maxfield storms home in return at Churchill Downs
- Remains undefeated
- Firms for Kentucky Derby
- Carries 60 qualifying points into ‘Run for the Roses‘
- Brendan Walsh pleased with performance
Godolphin-trained Maxwell returns in triumphant fashion at Churchill Downs to stake claim for Kentucky Derby hopes.
Despite just two juvenile starts, super colt Maxfield returned to racing with a bang after a strong display at Churchill Downs.
Continuing his undefeated run, Maxfield, now a three-year-old, blitzed his rivals in eye catching fashion under Jose Ortiz.
The pair comfortably disposed of Ny Traffic and Pneumatic by a length and a length and three-quarters.
Maxfield was last seen at Keeneland in October as a two-year-old however as the coronavirus spread through the United States, Maxfield’s start to 2020 was stalled.
With 2020’s ‘Run for the Roses’ backdated to September 5 this year, it plays perfectly into the palms of trainer Brendan Walsh.
A win on the weekend at Churchill Downs earned him 50 points towards qualification after taking out the $150,000 Matt Winn.
Godolphin USA President Jimmy Bell told www.godolphin.com: “It was nice to see that Maxfield was able to maintain the same level of professionalism and consistency that he showed as a two-year-old.
“Maxfield had been off since October, but I think that Brendan was quietly very confident that the horse was going to give a good account of himself.
“He felt that Maxfield was spot on in terms of fitness while his mental attitude has always set him apart from day one.
“It’s great to see him back at the races and deliver a performance like that.”
Maxfield has now firmed into 6-1 for the Kentucky Derby and boasts 60 qualifying points.
Walsh said he was “anxious to see this one”, noting Maxfield’s anticipated return after a six month absence.
“It wasn’t an easy spot either. I think the top four horses are all really nice horses. It’s nice to get this one out of the way.
“It’s good to see him come back and see he’s as good if not better than when he was a two-year-old.”
