Five-star performance from Maxfield in G3 Mineshaft Stakes

Undefeated colt Maxfield set himself up for some significantly loftier targets with an emphatic victory in the G3 Mineshaft Stakes at Fair Grounds, USA, on Saturday, 13 February.

The 2019 G1 Breeder’s Futurity victor brought an unblemished record of four wins for Brendan Walsh into the extended-mile contest, including an easy course and distance success on his previous outing in the Tenacious Stakes in mid-December.

After breaking slightly awkwardly, Maxfield was held up at the rear of the six runners by Florent Geroux initially before progressing to third after the first half-mile as Dinar tore off into an unchallenged lead.

Maxfield and Blackberry Wine moved up to press for the lead when Dinar’s challenge faded turning for home. The Street Sense homebred asserted over a furlong out before powering clear to score by a cosy three and a quarter lengths.

Brendan Walsh said: “We were very pleased with Maxfield. He is just a special horse – you point him in the right direction and he does it for you.

“It’s a privilege to have him in our barn and I would like to thank the whole team at Godolphin and Sheikh Mohammed, and my team as well who have done some fantastic work with the horse.

“He is really progressing and turning into the horse we always hoped he would be. We will see how he comes out of this race, talk to the team and come up with a plan. All options are open but we will enjoy today.”

Florent Geroux added: “The key with Maxfield is getting him into a nice rhythm and wherever he is comfortable, whether it’s close to the pace or further back.

“I was clocking the horses in front of him and, when I asked him down the lane, he gave me a very nice kick. I am really excited for the opportunity that Brendan Walsh, Godolphin and Sheikh Mohammed have given me with this horse.

“That was more impressive than his last run and it was one of the first chances he had of running back-to-back races. I think he is ready for bigger things now.”