Texas Red Returns to the Worktab

GI Breeders’ Cup Juvenile romper Texas Red (Afleet Alex) made his return to the track Saturday morning with a half-mile breeze in :51.40 at Santa Anita. It was the sophomore’s first workout since an abcess was discovered in his hoof following a runner-up effort in the GII San Vicente S. Feb. 1. 

“I got him in :51 flat,” said part owner and trainer Keith Desormeaux. “It’s about what we wanted. Today doesn’t mean anything; it’s next week when you’re gonna let him roll. Next Saturday, you’ll see some real work.” 

Texas Red has been at the Premier Equine Center in Oakdale, California in order to retain his fitness by swimming during his recovery. 

Desormeaux hopes to have the bay ready for either the GI Santa Anita Derby Apr. 4 or the GI Arkansas Derby Apr. 11 in order to gain enough points to qualify for the GI Kentucky Derby May 2. 

The conditioner said, “His next race will depend on the liveliness of his works; is he finishing well, is he galloping out well, is he coming back after the works in good shape?” 

Texas Red was ridden by Humberto Tellez in Saturday’s work, but his Breeders’ Cup winning pilot Kent Desormeaux will be aboard for his breeze next week.