Wilburn tries two turns at Santa Anita

Wilburn, the outstanding winner of a maiden race on March 5, makes his debut against winners, and first start around two turns, in a first-level optional $80,000 claimer for 3-year-olds going a mile on Sunday’s seventh race at Santa Anita.

Owned by Jess Jackson’s Stonestreet Stable and trained by Steve Asmussen, Wilburn won his debut over 6 1/2 furlongs by 3 1/4 lengths, closing from fourth in a field of seven before taking the lead in early stretch.

“He’s a great big horse with a beautiful mind,” said Asmussen’s assistant, Scott Blasi. “Hopefully, he can get a similar trip. This is the next step. If he passes this test, I think there are bigger things in the future for him.”