Santa Anita: Fed Biz cruises to victory

ARCADIA, Calif. - Fed Biz, one of trainer Bob Baffert's most promising 3-year-olds this year, won his debut against winners in an optional claimer over a mile at Santa Anita on Thursday.

A colt by Giant's Causeway owned by Kaleem Shah, Fed Biz had an ideal trip to win by 5 3/4 lengths against four overmatched rivals. Ridden by Rafael Bejarano, Fed Biz ($3.40) stalked pacesetter Consulado to early stretch, took the lead on the outside and was hand-ridden to finish. Fed Biz ran a mile in 1:34.74. Consulado finished second, 6 1/2 lengths clear of third-place Blueskiesnrainbows.

Baffert noted that the colt, a $950,000 yearling purchase in 2010, has ample room for improvement as the spring classics grow closer.

"He didn't switch leads until late," Baffert said. "He has the pedigree and a lot of natural talent. I'm glad we got this race into him."

Fed Biz has won 2 of 3 starts. After finishing fourth in his career debut in a six-furlong sprint at Hollywood Park on Nov. 27, Fed Biz won a maiden race over a mile here on Dec. 30.