HE may have been “driven for dear life”, but Maximus Red still showed his potential when holding off his rivals at Menangle Park on Saturday night.
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Trained at The Lagoon by Steve Turnbull, Maximus Red picked up the biggest win of his young career when taking out the Group 2 Australian Pacing Gold Two Year Old Colts and Geldings Consolation Final (1,609 metres).
The first foal of former Bathurst Gold Tiara finalist Lettucereason and a full brother to 2010-11 Australian Three Year Old of the Year For A Reason, Maximus Red was purchased at the Australian Pacing Gold Sale.
He had little luck with draws in his first two starts, but went on to win his Bathurst Gold Crown Heat in March then placed third in the Group 1 decider.
From there Turnbull took him to Menangle where the son of American Ideal won his Australia Pacing Gold heat, but missed out on the Group 1 decider with a sixth placing in his semi-final.
Still, Maximus Red qualified for the $50,000 Group 2 consolation where he shared $2.50 favouritism with Be Major Threat.
With Amanda Turnbull in the gig, Maximus Red was able to hold the lead from barrier one.
He was given little peace during the trip, leading by a neck at the halfway point before more attacks came.
On balancing in the home straight, Maximus Red held a narrow lead over Seeuinnashville.
“Maximus Red is driven for dear life,” race caller Fred Hastings proclaimed as he held on to win by 2.2m after a hot 27.5 seconds final quarter.