Smarty Jones Stakes runner-up Texas Bling showed that he’s ready to take the next step along the Derby trail in the Grade III Southwest Stakes with a five-furlong workout in 1:00.80 (2/74).

The colt appeared to be just galloping and was already asking for more by the time he got back to the barn.

“He looked really good,” said trainer Danele Durham. “He’s walking around like he wants to do more. That’s how he came out of the Smarty Jones. The horseman in me said I needed to keep him in the barn one more day after that race, but he wasn’t having it. I had to take him to the track. It’s really exciting how good he’s doing.”

Durham, who is spending her first meet at Oaklawn, has already had two winners and two second-place finishes from eight starters. “I’ve been really blessed,” said Durham. “My horses are loving this track.

Edited Oaklawn Park release
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