Bejarano set to return Thursday

ARCADIA, Calif. – Jockey Rafael Bejarano, who has not ridden since he sustained a wrist injury on March 18, has resumed working horses this week in advance of a scheduled comeback on Thursday.

Bejarano was in the stable area on Friday, his second day of exercising horses, he said.

Bejarano, 35, began physical therapy last month after a brief trip to see family in Peru. A former leading rider in Southern California, Bejarano has won 24 races this year. He finished seventh in the standings at the Santa Anita winter-spring meeting, which ended on April 9, with 29 wins.

Fibonacci to Rainbow Stakes

Fibonacci, the winner of consecutive races on turf for 3-year-olds in February and March, was held out of Saturday’s $100,000 Singletary Stakes at a mile by design.

Trainer Richard Baltas said on Friday that he plans to run Fibonacci in the $100,000 Rainbow Stakes at 1 1/8 miles on June 16. Fibonacci would have been a leading contender in the Singletary Stakes.

“I’m not in a hurry with him,” Baltas said. “I think a mile is a little short for him.”

Fibonacci has won 2 of 4 starts and earned $80,400. Fibonacci won an optional claimer at 1 1/8 miles on turf by five lengths on March 30.