Abscess Keeps Texas Red Out of Risen Star
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Texas Red, winner of the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (gr. I), has suffered a foot abscess that will prevent him from running in the Feb. 21 Risen Star Stakes (gr. II) at Fair Grounds, said co-owner Erich Brehm.
"If we weren't where we are, this wouldn't even be worth talking about," Brehm said. "We'll skip the Risen Star and open up the Arkansas Derby (gr. I) as an option in case we run into any issues. If everything goes routinely, we will probably still run in the Santa Anita Derby (gr. I). The points issue is in play."
To ensure themselves a spot in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) field, horses need to accumulate points in Road to the Kentucky Derby points races. With 12 points, Texas Red currently ranks sixth on the list used to determine the Derby field if more than 20 horses are entered.
Texas Red, trained by Keith Desormeaux, made his 3-year-old debut in the seven-furlong San Vicente Stakes (gr. II) Feb. 1. The son of Afleet Alex closed strongly to finish second, beaten a neck by Lord Nelson.
Texas Red has two victories in six starts, having finished third behind American Pharoah in the FrontRunner Stakes (gr. I).