Turf Paradise: Mambo Man returns dividends in Wildcat Handicap

Mambo Man, claimed for $40,000 out of a big win at Santa Anita last month by trainer Robertino Diodoro, made the trainer’s eye look good as he came back to romp in Saturday’s $35,000 Wildcat Handicap at Turf Paradise.

Owned by Charles Garvey, Ted Graling , and TG Racing LLC,, Mambo Man ($3.60) sat fourth early in the 1 3/8-mile grass race. He bided his time there, surged between horses to grab the lead when asked by rider Geovanni Franco into the lane, and quickly put the race to bed, reporting home 7 1/2 lengths clear.

Myhorseforcourse rallied from far back to be second, a neck in front of Michael the Man.

Mambo Man ran the distance in 2:14.99 and the winner’s share of $21,049 gives the 5-year-old gelding earnings of $170,209 from 4 wins in 14 starts.

Desert Wildcatter upsets Arizona Stallion Stakes

Desert Wildcatter ($34.40), a well-beaten third in his first two starts, both dirt sprints, moved to turf and earned his diploma in a stakes race as the 3-year-old son of Never Shamed posted a big upset in the $39,087 Arizona Stallion Stakes.

Owned by Peggy Hopwood and trained by Dan McFarlane, Desert Wildcatter stalked in fourth in the 7 1/2-furlong grass event, went after clear leader Deadly Black Eagle and doggedly ran him down, getting up to win by a neck under Jennifer Reid. Deadly Black Eagle was a clear second, three lengths ahead of Saturnino. Idling, a filly, was the 8-5 favorite while facing males but she lagged back, made a mild run into the lane before giving way to end up sixth.

Desert Wildcatter ran the distance in 1:30.87 and the winner’s share of $21,715 gives him earnings of $32,871 from 1 win in 3 starts.