Once again putting his speed and competitive nature to good use, Max’s Pal turned in a carbon copy of his victory in the “Cappy” Capossela Stakes five weeks ago to win yesterday’s $75,000 Best Turn Stakes at Aqueduct by a length over Appealing Danger.

Favored in the field of seven 3-year-olds, Max’s Pal ran the six furlongs under Dale Beckner in a sharp 1:10.3 to pay $5.20, keying a $32.80 exacta. It was his third victory in a row over the Big A’s inner dirt track and his fifth from seven lifetime starts.

“He’s a real competitor and keeps grinding it out,” Beckner said.

Max’s Pal dueled with First Shot in the early going through quick splits (:23, :46), took command turning for home and held Appealing Danger safe. Manor Prospect rallied for third.

“He likes to run head and head for the lead, and pressure doesn’t bother him,” said Max’s Pal’s trainer, Ben Perkins Jr. “He’s a big, strong horse and looks like a sprinter. He’s doing so well sprinting, there’s no reason to change.”

Perkins, however said he expects to stretch out the son of Marquetry to a mile in the upcoming Gotham Stakes.

Appealing Danger, a New York-bred making just his second start, ran a big race and would have been closer if he didn’t duck in at midstretch, almost clipping heels with Max’s Pal.

“He got a little discouraged chasing the winner and tried to lug in a bit,” said jockey Diane Nelson. “He’s still real green, but he straightened himself out pretty nicely in the last sixteenth.”