Wilko on Comeback Trail to Strub Series

(from Oak Tree at Santa Anita notes)
Wilko, upset winner of the 2004 Breeders' Cup Juvenile (gr. I) who has been out of action since the Triple Crown, breezed three furlongs Friday morning at Hollywood Park in :38 3/5 in his first step toward a return to the races in the Strub series.

The age-restricted Strub series begins with the Malibu Stakes (gr. I) for 3-year-olds at Santa Anita on Dec. 26.

"He looks good," trainer Craig Dollase said. "It was a nice, easy breeze and he did it the right way. It's nice to have him back."

Wilko had been sidelined some 90 days after having a chip removed from his right ankle. The diminutive colt ran sixth in the Kentucky Derby (gr. I) and 12th in the Preakness (gr. I), where he bled.

Following the-seven furlong Malibu, the Strub series consists of the San Fernando Breeders' Cup at 1 1/16 miles and the Strub Stakes at 1 1/8 miles, both for 4-year-olds.