Keeneland: Wise Dan readies for Maker's 46 Mile

Wise Dan, the reigning two-time Horse of the Year, had his fourth workout since he returned to training when breezing five furlongs Tuesday in 1:01 over the Polytrack surface at Keeneland.

“He rocked it,” trainer Charlie LoPresti said. “They caught him going out [six furlongs] in 1:13 and change. Everything’s going really well for us.”

LoPresti said he definitely is targeting the Grade 1 Maker’s 46 Mile on April 11 on the Keeneland turf as a comeback spot for the 7-year-old gelding.

“If we don’t have any hiccups, that’s where we’re going,” LoPresti said. “I’d like to work him once a week from here on in, but we’re always having to watch the weather. Right now, though, that’s our plan.”

LoPresti said that if for some reason Wise Dan does not make the Maker’s 46 Mile, the Alysheba or Woodford Reserve Turf Classic on Kentucky Derby weekend (May 2-3) at Churchill Downs would be alternate spots.

Another top older horse in the barn, Successful Dan, also worked five furlongs Tuesday and is progressing “on schedule” toward the April 19 Ben Ali at Keeneland, according to LoPresti.