Del Mar: Fed Biz gives Baffert 100th stakes win at track in El Cajon

DEL MAR, Calif. -- Hall of Famer Bob Baffert became the first trainer to win 100 career stakes at Del Mar when Fed Biz prevailed by a neck in a thrilling running of Friday’s $100,000 El Cajon Stakes.

Baffert, 59, began the meeting with 93 stakes wins. Fellow Hall of Famer Ron McAnally is second on the list with 75 stakes wins.

“Del Mar has been a special place,” Baffert said in the winner’s circle. “I claimed my first horse here. It started at Del Mar for me.”

Fed Biz ($4.60) led or disputed throughout the one-mile El Cajon Stakes, edging Jimmy Creed after a stretch-long duel. Ridden by Joe Talamo, Fed Biz led by a head with quarter-mile remaining, but trailed by that margin with a furlong to go.

Racing on the inside, Fed Biz slowly caught Jimmy Creed to take the lead in the final 30 yards. Owned by Kaleem Shah, Fed Biz, a colt by Giant’s Causeway, ran a mile in 1:35.58.

“He was pressed virtually the whole way,” Talamo said. “They didn’t get a breather.”

Jimmy Creed finished 1 1/4 lengths in front of Unusual Heatwave in the field of five.

Fed Biz, purchased for $950,000 at the 2010 Keeneland September Yearling Sale, has won 3 of 4 starts and $131,100. The El Cajon Stakes was his first start since a win in an optional claimer at Santa Anita in February. At the time, he was considered a candidate for the Triple Crown, but did not start again during that season.

Baffert said no major injuries were detected but that Fed Biz suffered from muscle problems in late winter.