Saudi Cup winner Maximum Security secures victory on first start for Bob Baffert

Maximum Security made his first start for Bob Baffert a winning one when running out a gritty winner of the San Diego Handicap at Del Mar.

Having switched from trainer Jason Servis, who is facing charges for doping, the four-year-old made every inch count when collaring the front-running Midcourt at the line to win by a nose, with Higher Power back in third.

Maximum Security was landing his ninth success from 11 starts, although his victory in the Saudi Cup in February is under investigation following Servis' indictment.

Winning rider Abel Cedillo said: "When we turned for home I had to get to work. I knew I was going to do that. He's the kind of horse you have to ride all the way. You have to keep working on him. We got it done.

"I thought I'd won the photo, but you can never be sure about those things. But it came out right."

Bob Baffert: new trainer of Maximum Security

Baffert added: "I knew I didn't have him really drummed up for this race, we were going to use this to get ready for the next one. But we're learning about the horse.

"He won today when he had every reason to get beat. He showed what a great horse he is. He's such a fighter. I'm glad we got this over with and now he's in good shape."

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