Wise Dan fine after runner-up finish in Shadwell

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Lexington, KY (SportsNetwork.com) - Horse of the Year Wise Dan is doing fine after finishing second in Saturday's Shadwell Turf Mile at Keeneland and will defend his title in next month's $2 million Breeders' Cup Mile at Santa Anita.

"Those were not ideal conditions yesterday," trainer Charles LoPresti said of the race that came off the turf and was run at 1 1/16 miles on the main track after Keeneland was hit by 1 1/2 inches of rain in less than two hours. "I was a little disappointed that he lost, but he never stopped trying and was gaining on the winner (Silver Max)."

With John Velazquez in the saddle. Wise Dan had his nine-race win streak snapped when he finished 1 1/4 lengths behind Silver Max in the reconfigured stakes.

"I looked at the Trakus (stats) after the race and it showed he ran 40 feet farther than the winner," LoPresti said. "That computes to losing about four lengths.

"We will make sure he is OK for the Breeders' Cup and go out on the 29th (of October)."

This year, the 6-year-old gelding won his second consecutive Fourstardave Handicap at Saratoga as well as his second straight Woodbine Mile. He won the Firecracker Handicap at Churchill Downs on June 29 after beginning 2013 with wins in the Maker's 46 Mile and Woodford Reserve Turf Classic.

With five wins in six starts this year, Wise Dan overall has won 18 of 26 starts for $5,193,610.