Wimbledon Third in First Start In 15 Months

Wimbledon, the 2004 Louisiana Derby (gr. II) winner who suffered a tendon injury while preparing for the Kentucky Derby (gr. I), finished third at the Solano County Fair Sunday in his first start in more than 15 months.

The handsome gray/roan was sent off as the second choice at odds of 17-10 in the 1 1/16-mile $50,000 allowance/optional claiming event that drew five contestants to the Northern California summer circuit. Bells Fool, the 13-10 favorite, made the entire running to win by a decisive 11 lengths. King Mobay finished 2 1/4 lengths ahead of Wimbledon, who made a brief bid on the final turn but tired in the final furlong.

Tom Roberts took over training duties of Wimbledon for owner James McIngvale, replacing Bob Baffert. Chad Schvaneveldt was aboard for the colt's return race.

Wimbledon, a 4-year-old son of Wild Rush, jumped from an eight-length maiden score at Santa Anita last winter into the Louisiana Derby, which he won with an impressive finish by 2 1/4 lengths over Borrego and Pollard's Vision. Sent off at 5-2 in the Santa Anita Derby (gr. I), he ran fifth behind Castledale, beaten by 9 1/2 lengths. He went to the sidelines a short time later.

(Chart, Equibase)