Texas Red Recovering from Abscess

GI Breeders’ Cup Juvenile upsetter Texas Red (Afleet Alex) is still pointing towards the GI Kentucky Derby May 2 despite a slight set back caused by an abscess in his right front foot. The abcess was discovered following the bay’s seasonal bow in the GII San Vicente S. Feb. 1, where he finished a valiant second behind Lord Nelson (Pulpit). 

“We have a positive outlook,” trainer and part owner Keith Desormeaux said Friday. “It’s something that we’ve dealt with before and we’re hoping he’s done with it in a couple of weeks.” 

Donning cap and gown at third asking at Del Mar Aug. 20, Texas Red finished third behind champion American Pharoah (Pioneerof the Nile) in Santa Anita’s GI FrontRunner S. Sept. 27 prior to his triumph in the Breeders’ Cup Nov. 1. 
Fitness and a prep race are not a concern for Desormeaux heading into the Derby, but qualifying points are and right now Texas Red only has 12. 

“I wouldn’t even be concerned with having another race at all if we weren’t at the mercy of this point system,” the conditioner said. “I’d go straight into the Derby. But you have to run now.” 

Desormeaux added, “You’ve got a horse with $1.2 million in earnings and he’s the Breeders’ Cup champion. He shouldn’t have to prove anything more to get into the Kentucky Derby. But we have to run.”