ARCADIA, Calif. – Before he became a noted bloodstock agent working closely with Hall of Fame trainer Ron McAnally, Murray Friedlander was an accomplished trainer in California in the 1970s. Friedlander, who died on Saturday at age 98, won the 1974 Golden Gate Handicap at Golden Gate Fields at 1 1/2 miles on turf with Acclimatization for Nelson Bunker Hunt, one of the most prominent owners of that era. Acclimatization began his career in Europe, and it was through his connections on that continent that Friedlander enjoyed his success as a horse agent. Friedlander’s death was announced by Santa Anita publicity. A cause was not given. A native of Baltimore, Friedlander worked in intelligence in China during World War II and studied at the University of North Carolina before and after his service in the Army, and later at the Sorbonne in Paris. :: Get ready for Santa Anita racing with DRF PPs, Clocker Reports, Picks, and more. Shop Now.  Friedlander began working in racing for trainer Francois Mathet and later with James Maloney in the United States before the launch of his own stable. As a bloodstock agent, Friedlander aided in the purchase of Amen II, who won the Hollywood Derby in 1974, and Daros, who won the 1992 Del Mar Derby for Al and Sandee Kirkwood. But his greatest success in the bloodstock market occurred in concert with McAnally in the 1990s. On behalf of Sid and Jenny Craig, Friedlander acquired Dr Devious, who finished seventh in the Kentucky Derby, but a month later won the English Derby at Epsom Racecourse for trainer Peter Chapple-Hyam. Friedlander worked to buy Northern Spur for Charles Cella, the owner of Oaklawn Park. Northern Spur won the 1995 Breeders’ Cup Turf, the year he was honored as the nation’s outstanding turf horse. In 2010, Eclair de Lune won the Grade 1 Beverly D. Stakes at Arlington Park for owner Richard Duchossois and McAnally after Friedlander and fellow bloodstock agent Emanuel de Seroux organized her purchase from Europe. Friedlander is survived by a daughter, Susanna Friedlander. :: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.