Bud Baedeker, 90, racing handicapper

LOS ANGELES -- Bud Baedeker, the horse racing handicapper who helped pioneer the business of selling tipsheets to fans at California racetracks, died Feb. 28 in New York City. He was 90.

Mr. Baedeker and his brother, Jack, began selling their selections outside Southern California racetracks in 1938. Using a mimeograph machine, the pair gained respect after picking the winners of all seven races on opening day at Hollywood Park in 1950. Over the next two days, the brothers picked 10 winners in 14 races.

"Baedeker's Guide" -- named after travel books first published by Karl Baedeker in the early 1800s -- has been sold at Southern California tracks since 1938.

It is now published by Bob Baedeker, one of Bud Baedeker's sons.

The business rubbed off on the family, whose bloodlines are rich with horse racing links. His other son, Rick Baedeker, is president of Hollywood Park, and several other relatives continue to offer their daily choices to the public.

"He had so much fun doing it," said Jack Baedeker, 89. "I couldn't think of anyone who was more honest than he was. He applied himself 1,000 percent."

Mr. Baedeker, whose real name was Frederick Martin, grew up in Chicago, where he once worked as a caddie for mobster Al Capone, Jack Baedeker said.

Mr. Baedeker moved to California with his family when he was 19 because he was ill with tuberculosis.

Doctors eventually removed his left lung.

The handicapper maintained his best pick didn't come at the track.

"The best winner he picked in his life was his wife," his grandson, Toby Turrell, recounted Mr. Baedeker saying.

In addition to his brother and sons, he leaves his wife, Helen; two daughters, Kathy Brandt and Therese Pohlson; 15 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

A memorial service was held yesterday.