Repo Man © Benoit Photo

Amerman Racing’s Repo Man made the first start of his career Thursday at Del Mar and he did it in smart fashion. The 2-year-old Golden Pal colt fired nicely through the lane for rider Umberto Rispoli on the seaside grass course and came away a length and a half winner over eight rivals in the day’s feature.

The racy bay fetched $235,000 at the Fasig-Tipton Midatlantic May Two-Year-Old in Training sale at Timonium, MD and made that look good with his first effort three months later. Trainer Michael McCarthy had put his charge through eight solid works in the west leading up to today’s action, including a bullet :47.20 from the gate last Thursday at Del Mar.

Finishing second in the turf dash was Madaket Stables, LaPenta and Strauss’ King Anunoby, who had just a nose on Pegram, Watson or Weitman’s Hoaxer,

All three of the in-the-money horses were making their initial starts.

Repo Man picked up a check for $48,000 for his efforts, which he accomplished in :58.07 for the five furlongs. He paid $5.00 as the solid race favorite.

Racing will resume at Del Mar Friday with first post at the usual 2 p.m.