Royal Spa could be next La Brea upsetter

ARCADIA, Calif. – Few stakes at Santa Anita produce as many upsets as the Grade 1 La Brea, but the hardest part this year has just been getting to the race. Never mind winning it.

Midwest-based graded winners Vahva and Alva Starr would have been top choices in Tuesday’s sprint for 3-year-old fillies. However, shipping is increasingly difficult. Vahva’s trainer, Cherie DeVaux, booked a Dec. 11 flight to California, then the transport company canceled.

The only option for Vahva was a long-distance van ride from Fair Grounds that would take more than 30 hours. No thanks.

“I can’t justify vanning a horse of that caliber [that far] to run in a race, no matter what grade it is,” DeVaux explained.

Same with Alva Starr, whose trainer Brett Brinkman scrapped the La Brea citing “logistical problems” shipping from Fair Grounds.

While the absence of the top nominees weakened the seven-furlong La Brea, two shippers did make the trip. Howl, a 2-for-2 Midwest filly, took the van ride for trainer Brad Cox; Royal Spa, unbeaten in sprints, arrived weeks ago from Kentucky for trainer Rodolphe Brisset.

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The La Brea, race 10 on opening day, attracted a modest field, including Grade 1-placed Clearly Unhinged, Grade 3 winner Ice Dancing, and California-bred stakes winner Big Pond. History suggests all 10 entrants are contenders, because the La Brea is a longshot race.

Since 2000, favorites have won just 3 of 23, the last seven odds-on favorites lost, and the median payoff since 2010 when the race returned to dirt is $23.

Royal Spa arrived from Kentucky weeks ago with stablemate Santorini, who finished fifth in the Hollywood Derby on Dec. 2 at Del Mar.

“At the time, I didn’t know traveling was going to be an issue. I was lucky enough to find out before things went downhill,” Brisset said.

Royal Spa, who has not missed a beat in training, could upset the La Brea despite a speed-figure deficiency. Santa Anita was closed for works Dec. 20 through Dec. 23; Royal Spa worked Dec. 13 and Dec. 18. She is dead fit and undefeated in sprints, a maiden and two allowances. Both losses were routes.

“You don’t have to graduate from Harvard to see five races and three wins going one turn,” Brisset said, laughing. “It took me long enough to learn that. I’m going to keep her at one turn.”

Irad Ortiz Jr. rides Royal Spa, who will rally from behind at possibly generous odds.

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Clearly Unhinged drops from a sixth in the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint.

“It was a tough spot going in,” trainer Michael McCarthy acknowledged, calling her effort “okay.” The La Brea is easier.

“Hopefully, we draw somewhere other than” inside, McCarthy said before the draw. Clearly Unhinged had drawn posts 1 or 2 in four of six starts. McCarthy’s wish was granted. Clearly Unhinged drew post 9 of 10 in the La Brea.

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Clearly Unhinged, runner-up in Grade 1 and Grade 3 sprints, has speed and is versatile. Jockey Umberto Rispoli should have her in a pressing position outside pace rivals Daddysruby and Fast and Shiny. Others in the La Brea are Blessed Touch, Bangs, and Satin Doll.