Fed Biz, Obviously Head Pacific Classic Day Undercard Stakes

Defending race champions Fed Biz and Obviously were accorded favoritism, albeit narrow, in the Pat O’Brien Stakes and Del Mar Mile, two $250,000, Grade II events on Sunday’s program.

Bob Baffert-trained Fed Biz, winner of the San Diego Handicap earlier in the meeting, was a one-length winner over Goldencents in 1:21.12, a Polytrack track  record in 2013. Both are back for 2014 with Fed Biz the 2-1 morning line choice over 5-2 Goldencents.

Obviously won by a nose in a course record 1:32.10 in the 2012 mile and repeated, clocking 1:32.64 in a half-length score, in 2013. Both wins were under Joe Talamo for trainer Mike Mitchell. Phil D’Amato has taken over for the retired Mitchell but Talamo is back to ride the 7-5 morning line favorite. 

The Del Mar Mile, from the rail out: Obviously (Joe Talamo, 7-5), Tom’s Tribute (Mike Smith, 2-1), Tigah (Alonso Quinonez, 20-1)), Handsome Mike (Mario Gutierrez, 15-1), Alpha Bullet (Elvis Trujillo, 20-1), Rock Me Baby (Corey Nakatani, 6-1), Lil Bit O’ Fun (Aaron Gryder, 6-1) and He Be Fire N Ice (Kent Desormeaux, 10-1).

The Pat O’Brien, from the rail out: Diamond Bachelor (Julien Couton, 12-1), Fed Biz (Martin Garcia, 2-1), Silentio (Victor Espinoza, 8-1), Syndicated (Kent Desormeaux, 15-1), Goldencents (Rafael Bejarano, 5-2), Color Of Courage (Joe Talamo, 15-1), Big Macher (Tyler Baze, 3-1) and Indexical (Mario Gutierrez, 10-1).

Source: Del Mar