Texas Red on comeback trail at Santa Anita

"We're pushing it," Desormeaux told Privman Monday. "It's not the best

situation, but it's the hand we've been dealt."

Aside from trying to play catch-up physically, Texas Red also has to ensure

that he has enough Derby points to make the field. He currently has 12 -- 10

from the Juvenile and two from his third in last September's FrontRunner (G1).

Texas Red sits 14th on the list now, with the biggest points races still to

come.

Speculation about Texas Red's status intensified over the weekend. His Hall

of Fame rider Kent Desormeaux, the trainer's brother, also has the mount on the

Cliff Sise-trained Prospect Park (Tapit), who ran second to unbeaten Dortmund

(Big Brown) in Saturday's San Felipe (G2). Earlier that day, Sise reportedly

said in an interview that Kent Desormeaux had committed to ride Prospect Park

through the Kentucky Derby, fueling rumors about whether Texas Red was

officially off the trail.

Kent Desormeaux took to Twitter Monday and counseled fans to watch as the

prep season unfolds.

"People people, Derby is coming. Let the horses talk."

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