Texas Ryano targets Oceanside Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. – Texas Ryano is bound for the $100,000 Oceanside Stakes on Del Mar’s opening day July 17 after a strong win in an optional claimer for 3-year-olds over 1 1/8 miles on turf Friday.

Ridden by Joe Talamo, Texas Ryano ($12.60) closed from last in a field of six to win by three-quarters of a length over 1-2 favorite Quotient. Texas Ryano was timed in 1:46.53. Quotient, third in the Grade 2 American Turf Stakes at Churchill Downs last month, was vanned off and diagnosed as unsound in his left foreleg, according to track stewards.

Texas Ryano has won two of three starts for owner Warren Williamson and trainer Carla Gaines. He won a maiden race over a mile on turf in January.

“He ran way up to expectations,” Gaines said. “The extra distance suits him.”

The Oceanside Stakes is run over a mile on turf for 3-year-olds and frequently draws enough entries to be split into divisions. Gaines won a division of the 2013 Oceanside with Gervinho.