Unusual Heatwave scores against Cal-breds in Crystal Water

Unusual Heatwave struggles in open company, but put him in a race against California-breds and the 5-year-old knows how to win.

Back in with statebreds for the first time since August 2012, Unusual Heatwave snapped a six-racing losing streak that extended over parts of three seasons in Sunday’s $100,000 Crystal Water Stakes at Santa Anita.

Ridden for the first time by Kent Desormeaux, Unusual Heatwave ($16.80) shifted fro the inside to several paths outside in midstretch and ran down pacesetter Ethnic Dance and 8-5 favorite Mega Heat to score by three-q uarters of a length in the one-mile Crystal Water, part of the Golden State series for California-bred and California-sired horses. The winning time over firm turf was 1:34.17.

Mega Heat nosed out Ethnic Dance, the 2-1 second choice, for the place.

Each of Unusual Heatwave’s last two victories, the Snow Chief and Really Good Deal, came in restricted stakes during his 2012 campaign.

“He had a bit of problem with his breathing, but we’ve got that addressed now,” said Alexis Barba, who trains Unusual Heatwave for owner Teresa McWilliams. “We felt he was doing well coming into this race and it was great to see him run well.”

It was the fourth win in 19 lifetime starts for Unusual Heatwave, a son of Unusual Heat.

Including a carryover from Saturday of $109,125, Sunday’s total pick six pool was $770,519. There were 45 winning tickets, each worth $10,276.80.