ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 12, 2018)–Unraced since running fourth at first asking on July 21, the Richard Mandella-trained Amuse made short work of seven rivals in taking Santa Anita’s $50,000 maiden special weight feature by 5 ¼ lengths Friday as she shortened up in distance and transitioned to dirt with aplomb, getting six furlongs under Mike Smith in 1:10.43.

“She had trained okay going into her first race (1 1/16 miles on turf), but coming out of that race, she really trained like a serious horse,” said Mandella.  “The way she trained before she ran, we thought she’d probably want grass, but once she ran, she really turned it around.”

Off at 8-5 in a field comprised entirely of 3-year-old fillies, Amuse, who broke from the far outside and was unhurried through the first quarter mile, paid $5.20, $3.40 and $2.40.

“What a classy filly,” said Smith, who was aboard for the first time today and employed a strong hand ride the final eighth of a mile.  “She’s got such a big stride.  Once I got her rolling, wow, she’s very impressive.”

A Kentucky-bred filly by Medaglia d’Oro, out of the Distorted Humor mare Witty, Amuse, who is owned by Claiborne Farm, Perry R. Bass II, Ramona Bass and Adele B. Dilschneider, picked up $30,000 for the win, increasing her earnings to $33,600.

With a win from two starts, Mandella indicated he would look for a first condition allowance for Amuse’s next start.

Ridden by Tyler Baze, Creative Contessa had to work to wrest the lead from eventual last place finisher See That Kat, was in control around the far turn, but was no match for the winner the final quarter mile, finishing second, 5 ½ lengths in front on Tivat.

The second choice at 7-2, Creative Contessa paid $4.40 and $4.00.

Tivat, who broke from the rail and was off at 5-1 with Geovanni Franco, paid $3.60 to show while finishing 5 ¼ lengths in front of Giveherdalute.

Fractions on the race were 21.73, 45.22 and 57.61.