Texas Red works mile in prep for Dwyer

ARCADIA, Calif. – A one-mile workout for Texas Red on a warm Sunday afternoon at Santa Anita accomplished goals trainer Keith Desormeaux had in mind for the winner of the 2014 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile.

Desormeaux said he wanted to replicate weather conditions Texas Red may face at Belmont Park for the $500,000 Dwyer Stakes at Belmont Park on July 4. Temperatures were in the low 90s Sunday at Santa Anita.

Texas Red worked a mile in company in 1:38.97. Ridden by Keith’s brother Kent, Texas Red started about four lengths behind stablemate Salty Kid and was timed in 25.33 seconds for the opening quarter-mile and 50.29 for the first half-mile.

Texas Red was closer to the pacesetter after six furlongs in 1:15.20. He took the lead and pulled clear in the stretch.

“I wanted to tax him in preparation for New York,” Keith Desormeaux said. “I think we did that today.”

Texas Red has not raced since finishing second in the Grade 2 San Vicente Stakes for 3-year-olds at seven furlongs Feb. 1. He later was sidelined by a foot ailment that prevented a start in the Triple Crown and the preps for those races.

Texas Red has been in regular training since May 1.

“It looks like he’s fit,” Keith Desormeaux said.

Texas Red has won 2 of 6 starts and earned $1,232,300 for a partnership that includes Erich Brehm, Wayne Detmar, Lee Michaels, and Keith Desormeaux.