Roadster, one of trainer Bob Baffert's top 2-year-olds last summer, may be one of his top 3-year-olds this spring.

Friday, Roadster won his first start since September in an allowance race with an $80,000 claiming option at a mile. Roadster was third as the 4-5 favorite in the Grade 1 Del Mar Futurity at seven furlongs last September and underwent a breathing operation following the loss.

Jockey Mike Smith said Roadster had no difficulty with his breathing on Friday.

"He was happy out there," Smith said. "The engine was nice and smooth."

Smith had Roadster in a stalking position on the backstretch, in pursuit of pacesetter Diamond Blitz. Roadster engaged Diamond Blitz on the turn and pulled clear to win by 2 1-2 lengths. Roadster paid $3.80 as the second choice and was timed in 1:37.53.

"He could have done a whole lot more, which is a good sign," Smith said.

Nolo Contesto, the 3-5 favorite, finished second after a less-than-ideal trip. Ridden by Joel Rosario, Nolo Contesto raced on the inside to early stretch and emerged between horses in the final furlong to gradually gain second-place.

"He was kind of one-paced," Rosario said. "The race didn't set up the way I wanted. I was on the inside and couldn't let him run early."

Roadster has won 2 of 3 starts for Speedway Stable. By Quality Road, Roadster, who was purchased for $525,000 at the 2017 Keeneland September Yearling Sale, is likely to start in a graded stakes as a prep for the Triple Crown in his next start.