Himari © Benoit Photo

Trainer Bob Baffert and jockey Juan Hernandez teamed up Thursday at Del Mar to get first-time starter Himari – a 3-year-old filly by Nyquist who fetched $350,000 at sale for the Bayoma Corp – home by two lengths in good fashion to take down a straight maiden affair for fillies and mares in Race 6 of the eight-race card.

The winner, who was favored at 8/5 and returned $5.40 to her backers in the seaside crowd, made every pole a winner in starting her racing career on a strong note. She made the race splits all on her own -- :22.36  :44.98  1:09.83 and 1:16.39 – for the six and one-half furlong test.

Finishing second was Paymassger Racing’s Lead the Way Kay, who had three and a half lengths on the show horse, By Talla Racing and Broman’s Convo.