Wise Dan put him self squarely in the picture for Horse of the Year when he coasted away from a top-class field in the $2 million Breeders' Cup Mile (gr. I), winning by 1 1/2 lengths over the late-running Animal Kingdom.
Ridden to victory by John Velazquez, Wise Dan flashed speed from the start of the one-mile turf race and soon found himself racing in third, 1 1/2 lengths behind pace-setting Obviously. Suggestive Boy was right behind in second, while Excelebration, Mr. Commons, and Willcoxx Inn comprised the group of mid-pack runners. Moonlight Cloud, Animal Kingdom, and Jeranimo were the early trailers.
Through spectacular fractions of :23.34, :46.16, and 1:08.81, Obviously continued to lead the way, but coming into the homestretch, Wise Dan shifted to the outside to challenge for the lead. The two top milers briefly engaged in a battle for command, with Wise Dan emerging the winner by 1 1/2 lengths in the spectacular time of 1:31.78.
Animal Kingdom overcame a great deal of traffic to edge out Obviously for second, while Excelebration, Mr. Commons, Jeranimo, Suggestive Boy, Moonlight Cloud, and Willcox Inn completed the order of finish.
The winner is trained by Charles Lopresti and owned by Morton Fink.
-Keelerman
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