Maxim Rate (Exchange Rate) wins The Goldikova Stakes (Grade II) at Santa Anita for owners Slam Dunk Racing and trainer Simon Callaghan.
Despite breaking slowly and being settled in fifth of seven by jockey Umberto Rispoli, Maxim Rate closed around the far turn with a three-wide bid to run past her rivals. She won by 2 1/2 lengths and completed the mile on firm turf for fillies and mares in 1:33.85.
Trainer Simon Callaghan plans to let the 4-year-old Exchange Rate filly step back up to the top level in the Nov. 29 Matriarch Stakes (G1) at Del Mar
After the race trainer Callaghan said “She was always a very good filly, won her first time out, and then she just plateaued a little bit as a 3-year-old, so we gave her some time off,” Callaghan said. “Thankfully, the owners were really patient with her and that really helped her develop. I think she definitely is a better filly now, but I honestly think there’s more scope for improvement. Obviously, a very exciting filly for the future.”
Maxim Rate was purchased for $235,000 from the 2017 Keeneland September Yearling Sales.
