Cal-bred News

Cal Cup Stable Notes

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 13, 2005) -- Texcess, second in Monday's second race at 1 1/16 miles, is a candidate for the $250,000 California Cup Classic sponsored by Smith Barney, trainer Paul Aguirre said.

"That's what we're looking at," Aguirre said of the 1 1/8 mile race on closing day at Oak Tree, Nov. 6. "I hope this race sets him up for it."

Texcess, a well-traveled 3-year-old gelded son of In Excess, was a game second, beaten three lengths, to 1-5 favorite Surf Cat on Monday. Overall, the bay gelding has a 3-3-1 record from 10 starts with earnings of $784,665 for owners Omar Aldabbagh, who is from Las Vegas, and Aguirre, who resides in El Segundo.

Monday's race was the first start for Texcess since May 28, when he finished fifth in the Grade III Will Rogers Handicap at one mile on turf.

"He was over-raced," Aguirre said. "Not really over-raced, but he had flown back and forth a few times and it got to him. He's a Cal-bred at heart."

Texcess has raced at six different tracks, from Santa Anita to Delta Downs in Louisiana.

In other Cal Cup news:
Valentine Dancer, a candidate for either the $150,000 Matron at 1 1/16 miles on the main track or the $150,000 Distaff at about 6 1/2 furlongs on turf, worked five furlongs Thursday in 1:00.40 on the main track.

"She was very comfortable and well within herself," trainer Craig Lewis said. "She looked good. She's probably a little better on the grass and I think her record shows that."

Dream of Summer worked four furlongs in :47.60, breezing for the Matron. "So far, so good," said trainer Juan Garcia.

Darrell Vienna reports Cheroot is being considered for either the Classic or the $175,000 Mile on turf. "But he'll run in one of them," the trainer said.