Secret Spice runs her way into the La Brea

ARCADIA, Calif. – Secret Spice may have earned a spot in the Grade 1 La Brea Stakes for 3-year-old fillies in late December with an 11 1/4-length win in an optional claimer last Sunday at Santa Anita.

Secret Spice won for the second time in her eight-race career. She ran a mile in 1:36.01, earning a Beyer Speed Figure of 102.

At Del Mar, Secret Spice was beaten a neck in a similar race Aug. 17 in her second race following a layoff of more than five months.

“I thought she’d win at Del Mar,” trainer Richard Baltas said.

Baltas said Secret Spice may not race again until the $300,000 La Brea Stakes at seven furlongs, which is typically run Dec. 26, opening day of the track’s marathon winter-spring meeting. The schedule has not been announced.

“I want to give her some time,” Baltas said. “My goal is to run in the La Brea. The 11 weeks is perfect.”

Owned by the Little Red Feather Racing partnership, Secret Spice, by Discreet Cat, was third in the Desi Arnaz Stakes at seven furlongs for 2-year-old fillies last November at Del Mar.