Queen Maxima is back to her winning ways in the $200,000 Senator Ken Maddy Stakes. (Benoit Photo)
Furture Stars Friday Undercard
Del Mar Press
DEL MAR, Calif.—Queen Maxima is back to her winning ways in taking the $200,000 Senator Ken Maddy Stakes by one length for fillies and mares, three-year-olds and up, sprinting at five furlongs on the turf Friday At Del Mar.
Named for the late California State Senator, The Senator Ken Maddy is part of the lucrative CTBA-sponsored Golden State Series for eligible California-bred or sired horses.
Settling mid pack early about four lengths of the lead Queen Maxima (7-5) and Juan Hernandez had to briefly check behind Great Venezuela at the three-eighths. She recovered her stride and travelled three wide as the Wesley Ward trained Shoot It True (8-5) took the lead from fading pace setter Jungle Peace down the lane, but Queen Maxima outkicked the new leader to win by one length. Ridden By Luan Machado, Shoot It True was a clear second by three quarters of a length over Nay V Belle who found racing room passing the eighth pole.
“I could see she was full of run behind horses. All she needed was somewhere to go and when Juan angled her out, I could see she had a big head of steam coming. I was pretty sure she was going to get there.” said Mullins.
After a couple of disappointing sixth place finishes this summer in the seaside oval, The Osunitas stakes one mile on turf in July and the Grade 3 Green Flash Handicap at five furlongs in August, trainer Jeff Mullins gave his star filly a much-needed break to return to her winning ways. The Unbridled Sydney at Churchill Downs in May was the last of a five-race winning streak going back to December.
“She’s back again and this was a beautiful race to get her confidence back and see where she goes from here.” Said Hernandez.
Queen Maxima is owned by Dutch Girl Holdings and Irving Ventures LLC. She has improved her record to 12-7-2-0 and increased her earnings to $570,460.
Queen Maxima returned $4.80, $2.80, and $2.10. Shoot it True for the place paid $3.20, and $2.40. Umberto Rispoli and Nay V Belle, trained by Mark Glatt returned $2.60 to show.
