Summer stakes plans coming together for Desormeaux barn

CYPRESS, Calif. – This summer is shaping into a busy one in stakes races for California-based trainer Keith Desormeaux.

Already, Desormeaux won the $150,500 San Juan Capistrano at Santa Anita on June 28 with the former claimer Crucero. Last Saturday, Texas Red, winner of the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile last November, ran a game second in the Grade 3 Dwyer Stakes at Belmont Park.

Desormeaux has plans to have stakes runners at Los Alamitos this weekend and at Del Mar and Saratoga in coming weeks.

Texas Red is scheduled for two stakes for 3-year-olds at Saratoga – the $600,000 Jim Dandy Stakes on Aug. 1 and the $1.25 million Travers Stakes on Aug. 29.

On Saturday, Uzziel may start for the stable in the $200,000 Great Lady M. Stakes for fillies and mares at 6 1/2 furlongs. Uzziel was second in the Grade 2 Santa Maria Stakes at Santa Anita earlier this year, but was last of six in the Grade 3 Wilshire Stakes on turf April 26 in her last start.

On Sunday, Swipe, a 2-year-old colt by Birdstone, will run in the $75,000 Summer Juvenile Championship for 2-year-olds at 5 1/2 furlongs. Swipe was third after a wide trip in the Tremont Stakes on June 5 at Belmont Park.

“He made a major move on the turn and flattened out,” Desormeaux said.

At Del Mar, Crucero could run in the $100,000 Cougar II Handicap at 1 1/2 miles on dirt July 24 or wait for the $250,000 Del Mar Handicap at 1 3/8 miles on turf Aug. 22.

Plans for the filly Right There are more certain. The winner of the Landaluce Stakes on June 21 at Santa Anita, Right There is a candidate for the $200,000 Sorrento Stakes for 2-year-old fillies at 6 1/2 furlongs Aug. 12.