Maxim Rate Rises to the Occasion in Senorita

ARCADIA, CA –  Maxim Rate scored her first career stakes win in Saturday’s Senorita Stakes (G3) at Santa Anita Park. This was the third career race for the three-year-old daughter of Exchange Rate whose only loss was a second place finish last time out in the Providencia Stakes (G3).

Ladymidtown broke well and went straight out to the front putting more than two lengths between herself and the rest of the field. The next closest was the 6-5 post time favorite Maxim Rate, however, nobody was too far back as the rest of the six-horse-field bunched together behind Ladymidtown who set fractions of :23.89, :48.45, and 1:12.89.

As they approached the far turn, Maxim Rate was the first to make a move at the leader. Miss Flawless also made a move at the leaders but quickly faded to finish last. Lady Prancealot came wide around the turn to challenge Ladymidtown and Maxim Rate for the lead at the top of the stretch and hit the top of the stretch in a three-horse battle for first. Into the stretch, Ladymidtown moved in toward the rail and hoped for a late rally but came up short. Hostess hit the top of the stretch five-wide and continued forward with a late surge down the middle of the track. Maxim Rate got the best of Lady Prancealot on the lead and finished 1/2 length ahead for first. Ladymidtown finished ahead of Hostess in a photo for third.

“I think the pressure factor from the neighbors helped her progress,” said jockey Kent Desormeaux. “Just trying to win with the horses coming behind her on the backside, they pushed her; I had my hands full.”

Maxim Rate is owned by Slam Dunk Racing and trained by Simon Callaghan.

“I thought she’d be hard to beat after her last race,” said trainer Simon Callaghan. “She got the trip we expected today and cutting back to a mile wasn’t a concern.”

Maxim Rate returned $4.40 to win, $2.60 to place, and $2.20 to show. Lady Prancealot brought back $3.20 to place and $2.60 to show, while Ladymidtown paid $3.80 to show.