Danette, Decked Out on Track for Desormeaux

Stabling a string of horses in New York for the first time since taking out his trainer's license in 1988, Southern California-based trainer Keith Desormeaux will look to extend his recent success with Grade 2 Jim Dandy winner Texas Red with a pair of upcoming assignments for stakes runners Danette and Decked Out.

Don't Tell My Wife Stables' Danette, most recently fourth in the Grade 1, 1 1/8-mile Coaching Club American Oaks, is expected to make her next start in the Grade 1, $600,000 Alabama on August 22. Assistant trainer Julie Clark said that the 3-year-old daughter of Curlin should relish the extra furlong of the 1 ¼-mile Alabama.

"I think she showed at the end in the Oaks that she wanted a little more distance," Clark said. "She kind of went by them before the turn. She was strong pulling up. I think the Alabama will be her cup of tea."

Clark also reported that Decked Out, runner-up in the Astoria at Belmont before running a distant third in the Grade 3 Schuylerville on opening day at Saratoga, is still on track for the Grade 2, $200,000 Adirondack on August 15.

"She trains aggressively every morning and I thought that was enough for her, but I think she actually needed a little more," she said. "She got a little tired in that race, so we'll have her a little better prepared for the next one."

Source: NYRA Communications