Unbeaten At the Spa will point to Del Mar Debutante
The undefeated 2-year-old filly At the Spa will have her graded stakes debut in the Grade 1 Del Mar Debutante on Sept. 5 after recording her second stakes win in Thursday’s $101,500 California Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association Stakes.
At the Spa has won three starts, all at distances ranging from 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 furlongs, and deserves a chance in the $300,000 Del Mar Debutante at seven furlongs, according to trainer Jorge Periban.
“That way you know what you have,” Periban said. “She’s always shown me a lot of ability.”
At the Spa was withdrawn from Friday’s Grade 2 Sorrento Stakes at six furlongs because of an outside post position.
“I didn’t like the No. 11 hole,” Periban said. “If it was another number, I would have left her in the race.”
At the Spa, by the Uncle Mo stallion Outwork, races for the partnership of Terry Lovingier, Tom Beckerle, and Saul Carrillo. Lovingier bred At the Spa, who has earned $164,580.
In the CTBA Stakes for statebred fillies, At the Spa rallied from fourth on the inside to win by a neck under jockey Tyler Baze. The style of the win left Baze impressed.
“It wasn’t where I wanted to be, but it sure worked out well,” Baze said of the inside move. “The hole was tight. She kind of had to force her way through there.
“She’s special. She will do anything. Nothing seems to bother her.”
At the Spa won the Fasig-Tipton Debutante against open company at five furlongs at Santa Anita on June 20. The CTBA Stakes was the first stakes win at Del Mar for the 61-year-old Periban, who has a seven-horse stable.
“I know he’s a low-profile trainer, but he’s a good guy and works his tail off,” Baze said. “It’s awesome.”
Aside from the Debutante, another option for At the Spa in coming weeks is the $100,000 Generous Portion Stakes for statebred fillies at six furlongs on Sept. 3.