Colonel John runs over Wickerr foes

Any doubts about Colonel John's fitness for a comeback after a seven-month racing hiatus, or concerns about his first turf start, were dispelled about midway down the Del Mar stretch in yesterday's $91,970 Wickerr Handicap.

At that point, the 2008 Santa Anita Derby and Travers Stakes winner separated himself from the competition and went on to a two-length victory under Garrett Gomez for trainer Eoin Harty.

Becrux got the closest of Colonel John's pursuers, edging Ferneley for second place.

“I'm very impressed,” said Harty, who trains the colt for the WinStar Farm of Texans Bill Casner and Kenny Troutt. “It was a huge effort. I figured he was the best horse in the race and he handled the turf course well.”