THURSDAY FEATURE RACE

There is a Pick Six carryover of $50,304 into Friday and it’s expected Friday’s total Pick Six pool could exceed $350,000.

Idle since Nov. 4, 2012 in Peru, Argentine-bred Kung Fu Mambo made an auspicious U.S. debut Thursday at Santa Anita, as the 6-year-old horse by Giant’s Causeway pressed the pace and streaked to a facile 4 ¼ length win under Mike Smith. Trained by Peter Miller, Kung Fu Mambo negotiated one mile in 1:34.94.

“I didn’t know what to expect being off for two and a half years but this horse was a real horse down there (in Peru) and he’s shown it every time I’ve breezed him,” said Miller. “He’s a legitimate horse with the pedigree to back it up. If we can keep him sound, I think we can win some good races with him.”

Off at 15-1 in a field of nine three year olds and up, Kung Fu Mambo took command mid-way around the turn and paid $33.20, $11.60 and $7.60. Owned by Dona Licha, the one-time Peruvian Group I winner picked up $36,000 for the win, increasing his earnings to $161,390.

“I think being fresh, he was a little more aggressive leaving there but he’s full of class,” said Smith. “Pete has done a great job to get this horse ready to run against this caliber of horses after two years off, but he showed that kind of ability in the morning…This was impressive.”

Desert Dynamo, who sat a close third into the far turn behind Govenor Charlie and the winner, proved second best, finishing three quarter of a length in front of Solid Wager, who is also trained by Miller. Ridden by Flavien Prat, Desert Dynamo was off as the second choice in the wagering and paid $5.40 and $4.40.

Solid Wager, ridden by Victor Espinoza, made a steady late gain through the lane and finished a half length in front of Cross the Line, who finished well at the rail. Off at 18-1, Solid Wager paid $6.80 to show.

Fractions on the race were 23.54, 47.17, 1:11.03 and 1:22.80.