Maximus Meridius, a multiple stakes-winning horse, is set to defend his title in the Listed $150,000 Toboggan Stakes, a seven-furlong sprint for older horses, this Saturday at Aqueduct Racecourse. The Toboggan is scheduled as the second race on a 10-race card that includes the $135,000 Ruthless Stakes in Race 4, the rescheduled $135,000 Ladies Stakes in Race 6, and the Listed $200,000 Wizards Stakes in Race 9, which awards Kentucky Derby points to the top five finishers.
Maximus Meridius (Post 1, rider Michelle Sanchez, 121 pounds) arrives with two stakes victories and aims to retain his crown at Parx Racing, where trainer Butch Reed Jr. is based. This 5-year-old Pennsylvania-bred horse returned to form recently, capturing the Let’s Give Thanks Stakes and the Blitzen Stakes under Sanchez’s expert guidance. With an impressive record of 21 starts, 8 wins, 6 seconds, and 1 third, and earnings of $644,430, Maximus Meridius has performed strongly on challenging muddy tracks and notably defeated Lanninsonofagn in last year’s Toboggan.
Trainer Reed Jr. emphasized the careful preparation of Maximus Meridius during the off-season, especially noting the horse’s aptitude for Aqueduct’s track. Reed highlighted the strong connection between jockey Michelle Sanchez, who has been Parx’s leading rider for three consecutive years, and Maximus Meridius, pointing out Sanchez’s skill in keeping the horse alert and competitive throughout the race.
Maximus Meridius clocked a sharp half-mile workout at Parx in 48.85 seconds, signaling readiness for this weekend’s contest. Bred by Westerly Farms, he is out of Quiet Virtue, a winning mare by Quiet American.
Among other key contenders, Nation (Post 2, Luis Rivera Jr., 119 pounds), trained by Bob Hess Jr., will make his stakes debut. This 6-year-old Constitution gelding boasts a solid dirt record, including wins at Kentucky in seven-furlong allowance races. Hess Jr. noted Nation’s adaptability and stamina, stressing that seven furlongs on dirt is his ideal condition. Nation recently posted a half-mile workout in 48.20 seconds in Lexington and was runner-up in a competitive six-furlong sprint at Turfway Park last December.
Victory Way (five years old, jockey Jose Rezcano, 119 pounds), trained by Hall of Famer Bill Mott, returns to stakes competition following a less-than-ideal outing in the G3 Smarty Jones Stakes. This City of Light gelding showed promise with early-career wins and is bred out of Sweet Way, itself linked to multiple Grade 1 winners. Victory Way posted an exemplary performance last year with seven wins and a Beyer Speed Figure of 96.
Bee You (six years old, Kendrick Carmouche, 119 pounds), trained by Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher, comes off a strong recent victory in a one-turn mile option claiming race. This Curlin gelding, purchased for $320,000 at Keeneland, is out of Grade stakes winner Jacaranda and has shown consistency in seven-furlong sprints, including an allowance win at Keeneland and multiple graded stakes placings.
Additionally, Ober and Ollie (Post 3, Flavien Prat, 119 pounds), trained by Rick Dutroux Jr., and Right the Way (Post 4, Manny Franco, 119 pounds) from trainer Mike Maker, round out this talented lineup.
The Toboggan Stakes boasts a rich history dating back to 1890, originally running at the Morris Park Eclipse Course. It has been won by legendary Hall of Fame thoroughbreds, including Roseben, Equipoise, Bold Ruler, and Affectionately, making it a prestigious event in American racing lore.
For fans who want to catch the action live, America’s Day at the Races covers the Aqueduct Winter Games on FOX Sports. For betting, NYRA Bets is the official wagering platform for Aqueduct and offers nationwide access via its app on iOS and Android.
This article was first published by the Paulick Report on January 27, 2026.
Fan Take: This update on Maximus Meridius and the competitive field at the Toboggan Stakes showcases the depth of talent in North American sprint racing and highlights emerging stars alongside established veterans. For fans, these narratives signal thrilling contests ahead and underscore the sport’s enduring appeal, with a chance to witness future champions on the rise at a historic venue.
