Wise Dan returns with another Maker's 46 Mile win

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Lexington, KY (SportsNetwork.com) - Two-time Horse of the Year Wise Dan successfully returned to the races Friday with a second straight victory in the $300,000 Maker's 46 Mile at Keeneland.

The 7-year-old gelding, trained by Charles LoPresti, was making his initial start of 2014 in the same turf stakes in which he began his 2013 season.

Ridden by John Velazquez, Wise Dan went off as the 2-5 favorite in the six- horse field. The chestnut champion stalked the pace being set by 19-1 longshot Gentleman's Kitten and 7-2 second pick Za Approval. Also on the lead was 29-1 longshot Alakazan Alakazan while 9-2 third choice Lochte was racing off the pace.

Around the final turn, Wise Dan and Lochte moved together from the outside to take the lead over the firm turf course. Wise Dan shot past Lochte from the outside for the lead coming down the stretch.

Velazquez tapped the champion a couple of times with the whip as 37-1 longshot Kaigun came surging toward him down the stretch. Wise Dan proved too much for his rivals and registered a three-quarter length victory in the Maker's 46 Mile.

"That was a good race. That was a race we were looking for," LoPresti said.

Kaigun finished second followed by Lochte, Za Approval, Gentleman's Kitten and Alakazan Alakazan. Reload was scratched.

The time for the Maker's 46 Mile was 1:34.91.

Owned by Morton Fink, Wise Dan added $180,000 to his bankroll which now totals $6,473,610 with 20 wins in 28 lifetime starts.

The six-time Eclipse Award winner has won the last two Breeders' Cup Miles and since the beginning of 2012 has won 12 of 14 starts. He bettered his mark at Keeneland to three wins in four starts as he also won the track's Shadwell Turf Mile in 2012.

Wise Dan returned $2.80, $2.40 and $2.10. Kaigun paid $12.40 and $5.40, and Lochte paid $2.80 to show.