Maximus Meridius very game in Gravesend S. victory
December 28, 2024
Maximus Meridius outdueled Full Moon Madness to win Saturday’s $150,000 Gravesend S. at Aqueduct by a half-length and give Maximus Mischief his 10th lifetime stakes winner.
The victory comes just one day after the Spendthrift stallion tallied his first Grade 1 winner when Raging Torrent won the Malibu S. (G1) at Santa Anita Park. Maximus Mischief now has 17 stakes horses in 2024, second to only Omaha Beach on the Second-Crop sire list.
Forwardly placed from the outset, Maximus Meridius was in a three-way battle for the early lead. After a half-mile in :45.75, he and Full Moon Madness turned for home in tandem. The duo raced very close together down the lane, with Maximus Meridius edging clear late to secure the win in 1:10.33 over a sloppy racetrack.
“He’s always been a very talented horse,” said winning trainer Butch Reid, Jr. A[Jockey] Johnny [Velazquez] was really impressed with him–his gallop out was good and strong, and he doesn’t think a little further is out of the question either.”
Stakes-placed on four occasions prior to Saturday, Maximus Meridius is now 4-4-1 in 13 starts and has earned $395,980 for LC Racing LLC, Cash is King LLC, who own the bay 3-year-old along with his trainer.
The winner was bred by Westerly Farm.