Maximum Security, the champion 3-year-old male of 2019, won his California debut by a nose in Saturday's Grade 2 San Diego Handicap at 1 1-16 miles.

Maximum Security ($2.80) was timed in 1:44.54. He was tested through the stretch by Midcourt, the winner of three stakes last fall and winter.

In his first start since a win in the $20 million Saudi Cup in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Feb. 29, and first start for trainer Bob Baffert, Maximum Security held a brief early lead, dropped back to third on the backstretch and engaged Midcourt on the turn.

With a furlong remaining, Midcourt led by a head, racing on the inside of Maximum Security. In the final sixteenth, Maximum Security took the lead and was fully extended to hold the win.

Midcourt (6-1) finished 6 1-4 lengths in front of 7-2 Higher Power, the winner of the Grade 1 Pacific Classic here last August. Ax Man finished fourth, with Combatant last of five in the small field.

Maximum Security is best known for finishing first in the 2019 Kentucky Derby only to be disqualified and placed 17th for causing interference. The San Diego Handicap was Maximum Security's sixth stakes win and his fifth consecutive win.

Maximum Security carried topweight of 127 pounds, five more than Midcourt.