Texas Red Scheduled for Ultra Sound Tomorrow

Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner Texas Red and his trainer and part owner Keith Desormeaux will be on the outside looking in at Saturday’s Santa Anita Derby, a race Desormeaux had resolutely on his radar screen until abscess issues with the colt’s right front foot ended those plans.

“I would have liked to been part of the Santa Anita Derby festivities but the horse is still here at Santa Anita and his status hasn’t changed much,” said Desormeaux, who has handled the disappointment of missing the Triple Crown candidly and forthrightly.

“He’ll have a thorough examination and then we’ll decide if we’re going to send him off to the farm again, but I don’t think that’s going to happen.

“He’s doing great, his legs look great. We’re going to do an ultra sound tomorrow to make sure things are progressing nicely, and as long as they are, he’s going to remain here. If the doc thinks the horse might benefit more by going to the farm, then we’ll do that, but in my estimation, he’ll be staying here.”

NEWCOMER STELLAR WIND FAVORED IN SANTA ANITA OAKS

In only her second start for John Sadler since a recent private purchase by Hronis Racing LLC, Stellar Wind seeks Grade I status when she runs in Saturday’s $400,000 Santa Anita Oaks at 1 1/16 miles.

“She’s doing well,” Sadler said of the daughter of two-time Horse of the Year Curlin. “She’s trained steadily and everything’s gone perfect. This is a step up in class but we’re looking forward to it. She’s doing great.”

The field for the Santa Anita Oaks: Light the City, Kent Desormeaux, 5-1; Glory, Rafael Bejarano, 8-1; Curlin’s Fox, Mike Smith, 4-1; Singing Kitty, Aaron Gryder, 12-1; Luminance, Martin Garcia, 5-2; Stellar Wind, Victor Espinoza, 9-5; and Wild At Heart, Flavien Prat, 8-1.

She’s a Big Winner was scratched.

NO DEFECTION FOR HAVANNA BELLE IN PROVIDENCIA

Havanna Belle is ready for her close up in Saturday’s Grade III, $100,000 Providencia Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at 1 1/8 miles on turf.

An Irish-bred daughter of Teofilo trained by Phil D’Amato for owner Michael House, Havanna Belle finished sixth in her U.S. debut in the restricted Sweet Life Stakes on Feb. 14, but was beaten less than four lengths despite hopping at the start of the race at about 6 ½ furlongs on turf. It was her first start in nearly four months.

The nine furlongs of the Providencia should be well within her comfort zone. “She needed her last race,” D’Amato said. “She’s just crying to go longer. I think this is more her trip. Rafael (Bejarano) breezed her on the grass last time and loved her.

“She should be fit and ready to run a much better race this time.”

The field for the Providencia: Lutine Belle, Alex Solis, 12-1; Ol’ Fashion Gal, 12-1; Miss Boom Boom, Kent Desormeaux, 12-1; Entrechat, Flavien Prat, 4-1; Jaded Glory, Drayden Van Dyke, 20-1; Spanish Queen, Brice Blanc, 6-1; Frosty Friday, Mike Smith, 6-1; Prize Exhibit, Victor Espinoza, 7-2; Havanna Belle, Rafael Bejarano, 12-1; Spirit of Xian, Joe Talamo, 6-1; Lady Zuzu, Tyler Baze, 6-1; and Sister of Mercy, Fernando Perez, 30-1.

Show Stealer was scratched.

FINISH LINES: Agent Tony Matos reports that Corey Nakatani visited with Dr. James Tibone yesterday and got word that he could resume riding in two weeks. Nominated to the Hall of Fame this year, the 44-year-old Nakatani suffered a broken left collarbone in a riding mishap March 15 . . . Sunland Derby winner Firing Line worked four furlongs under Gary Stevens in 48 seconds flat as the son of Line of David owned by Arnold Zetcher prepares for the Kentucky Derby on May 2. “He went on the steady side and really relaxed, which is good,” trainer Simon Callaghan said. “I think we’ll probably do our last work here and then ship him (to Churchill Downs).” . . . As stated yesterday, Millie Ball has joined Santa Anita’s simulcast broadcast team and will be sharing her insights throughout the current meet along with Michelle Yu and Jon White . . . Omar Figueroa is the 6-1 favorite among jockeys to capture their division of tomorrow’s Santa Anita Derby Day 5K run. Jesus Camacho (9-5 against men) and Jennifer Cirillo (3-1 vs. women) are the picks among employees.