Wise Dan back in training after surgery

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Lexington, KY (SportsNetwork.com) - Wise Dan, the reigning two-time Horse of the Year, had his first workout Friday morning since his colic surgery in May.

The 7-year-old gelding, trained by Charlie LoPresti, put in a four furlong workout at Keeneland in 50 2/5 seconds with exercise rider Damien Rock. The champion galloped out five furlongs in 1:02 2/5 and six furlongs in 1:17.

"I was nervous about this one," LoPresti said. "I'd say it was better than I expected. What I liked about the way he worked today is it wasn't one of those speedy works. It was slow starting out then he really kicked it coming home. He went the last quarter in :24, and he galloped out in 1:02 and a tick."

Wise Dan, owned by Morton Fink, won both starts this year before emergency surgery on May 16.

With a third straight Horse of the Year honor on the line, the 7-year-old won his second straight Woodford Reserve Turf Classic at Churchill Downs on Kentucky Derby Day and began his 2014 season with a second straight win in the Maker's 46 Mile at Keeneland on April 11.

The champion will leave for Saratoga on Sunday, July 13. Possible races for Wise Dan include Saratoga's Fourstardave on Aug. 9 and Bernard Baruch on Aug. 30. Farther down the schedule are the Woodbine Mile on Sept. 14 and Shadwell Turf Mile on Oct. 4 at Keeneland.

Wise Dan, winner of the last two Breeders' Cup Miles, has career earnings of $6,802,920 with 21 wins in 29 starts.