Wise Dan captures Breeders' Cup Mile

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Arcadia, CA (Sports Network) - Leading thoroughbred Wise Dan took the lead at the top of the stretch and went on to win Saturday's $2 million Breeders' Cup Mile at Santa Anita Park.

Wise Dan, trained by Charles Lopresti, went off as the 9-5 favorite in the nine-horse field. The 2-1 second choice was Aidan O'Brien's Excelebration.

Wise Dan allowed Obviously to set the pace while the favorite was third with Suggestive Boy racing second up the backstretch. Around the final turn Obviously still had the lead as Wise Dan and jockey John Velazquez drew even from the outside.

Owned by Morton Fink, Wise Dan assumed the lead at the head of the stretch as 2011 Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom rallied from off the pace. The favorite cruised to a two-length win over Animal Kingdom and set a course and stakes record of 1:31.78 over the grass.

Obviously held on for third with Excelebration finishing fourth.

Wise Dan recorded his third straight win and added $1.08 million to his earnings. The 5-year-old gelding has banked more than $3.5 million in 20 starts with 13 wins.

Wise Dan paid $5.60, $3.00 and $2.80. Animal Kingdom returned $6.60 and $4.60, and Obviously paid $4.20 to show.