Lukas Planning a Gradual Return to Work June 27

Jeff Lukas, critically injured when Tabasco Cat ran over him Dec. 15, is tentatively scheduled to return to work on June 27 for his father, trainer Wayne Lukas, at Santa Anita.

A visitor, along with wife Linda, to Hollywood Park on Wednesday for the first time since his accident, Lukas, 36, said he hopes to begin by working five hours a day, then gradually increase his schedule.

“I’m feeling well and looking forward to it,” he said between the second and third races Wednesday. “It’s another motion in the whole circuit (toward recovery) that I’ve gone through. I’m excited about the opportunity.

“The horses are at Santa Anita, and then we’ll move on to Del Mar (which begins on July 27). I’ll see how I feel, and I’ll gradually move forward. I’ll do the basics--watch and observe the horses train, make out the (training) charts and instruct the employees.”

Lukas, who said he will continue rehabilitation at Casa Colima for “a little while longer,” played golf twice recently. “It was good relaxation,” he said. “It was fun.”

Lukas and his wife said they will watch the Belmont Stakes Saturday at their Glendora home, as they did when they watched Tabasco Cat beat Go For Gin in the Preakness.