October 12, 2018 - Santa Anita, Race 4, Msw, USD $50,000, 6F
1st Dam: Witty
2st Dam: Well Dressed
2st Dam: Trithenia
Owner: Claiborne Farm, Perry & Ramona Bass & Adele Dilschneider
Breeder: Raydelz Stable (KY)
Trainer: Richard E. Mandella
Claiborne Farm, Adele Dilschneider and Perry and Ramona Bass’s Amuse (Medaglia d’Oro) proved dirt was more to her liking with a good-looking graduation in her main track-bow at Santa Anita Friday to be tabbed the second ‘TDN Rising Star’ of the day. Fourth in her 1 1/16-mile unveiling on the Del Mar lawn July 21, she fired several bullets in the lead up to this test, most recently breezing a best-of-25 three panels in :35 flat in Arcadia Oct. 8. Favored at 8-5 in this switch to the dirt and cut back in trip, the dark bay ran in a two-wide fifth through an opening quarter in a sharp :21.73. Making an eye-catching move up the outside to take control entering the far turn as the half went up in :45.22, Amuse easily extended clear in the stretch under a hand ride from Hall of Famer Mike Smith to win by 5 1/4 lengths and galloped out even further clear with ears pricked. Creative Contessa (Creative Cause) filled the place spot.
“She had trained okay going into her first race, but coming out of that race, she really trained like a serious horse,†said winning trainer Richard Mandella. “The way she trained before she ran, we thought she’d probably want grass, but once she ran, she really turned it around.â€
“What a classy filly,†said Smith. “She’s got such a big stride. Once I got her rolling, wow, she’s very impressive.â€
Amuse is a half-sister to Bombard (War Front), SW, $211,320. Her Grade III-winning dam Witty is a half to G1 Dubai World Cup and G1 Goodwood S. victor Well Armed (Tiznow); and the dam of Grade I winner American Patriot (War Front). Amuse is her third and final foal. The Medaglia d’Oro/Forty Niner cross is responsible for star fillies such as Hall of Famer Rachel Alexandra, champion Songbird and multiple Grade I winner New Money Honey.
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