Maxfield second in G1 Whitney Stakes

Maxfield produced a determined display on his return to G1 company when finishing second behind impressive gate-to-wire winner Knicks Go in the nine-furlong Whitney Stakes at Saratoga, USA, on Saturday, 7 August.

The Street Sense colt, winner of the G1 Breeders’ Futurity in 2019 and third on his only other G1 appearance in this year’s Santa Anita Handicap, was rousted leaving the stalls to dispute third on the outside of Silver State as Knicks Go tore off into an uncontested lead.

Knicks Go continued to dictate in front but saw his advantage reduced turning for home as his four rivals started to close.

Maxfield was shuffled back to fourth at the top of the lane but quickened well between horses soon after to challenge G1 Met Mile winner Silver State for second over a furlong out.

The Brendan Walsh-trained four-year-old gamely got the better of Silver State entering the final half-furlong and kept on in the closing stages under Jose Ortiz without threatening Knicks Go, who prevailed by four and a half lengths.

Godolphin USA President Jimmy Bell said: “Maxfield was second-best today behind a very good winner, who set legitimate fractions all the way round and looked like he won with something to spare.

“Our horse put in a good effort and ran hard. I thought he battled very bravely with Silver State down to the wire and displayed a lot of tenacity against a very strong field. He showed up in a race that is about as strong as it gets in the older division.”