Displaying his trademark deceptive ease, Morton Fink’s multiple Grade I winner Wise Dan worked four furlongs in a bullet :47.40 at Keeneland Friday morning as his connections continue to mull what if any will be his next move leading up to the Breeders’ Cup.
“That was just an easy half,” said trainer Charlie Lopresti. “It was kind of dark so we couldn’t really tell much to be honest, but we just saw the last eighth and he came home really strong. It was just something to do with him in between (races).”
Lopresti said there is still a chance the Wiseman’s Ferry gelding could start in the Grade I Shadwell Turf Mile at Keeneland next Saturday but would most likely train the 5-year-old chestnut up to the Breeders’ Cup at Santa Anita next month.
“We’re going to see how he does over the next couple days,” Lopresti said. “I’m still leaning toward (training up to) the Breeders’ Cup. Everyone seems to think he’d win (the Shadwell) but if he goes out to California – there hasn’t been a horse since (two-time Mile winner) Lure that’s won from the East Coast to the West Coast. So then I’d think ‘Well, that was dumb running in the Shadwell Mile).”
Also still up for debate – albeit slightly – is whether Wise Dan will end up in the Breeders’ Cup Mile or $5 million Classic. Though he won the Grade I Woodbine Mile in spectacular fashion last time out and is 3-for-4 on the turf, Wise Dan is also a Grade I winner on dirt having taken the Clark Handicap at Churchill Downs last November.
“I think we’re looking at the Mile, that’s kind of what he’s been doing well with that’s what we’re going to stick with for right now,” Lopresti said. “But I haven’t talked to Mr. Fink yet and…we’ll just play everyday by ear.”
Alicia Wincze Hughes is the turf writer for the Lexington Herald-Leader. She started riding at age 8 and was a four-year member of the Pace University equestrian team.
0 Responses to “Wise Dan posts bullet move in “easy” half at Keeneland”