LoPresti pleased with Wise Dan's latest workout
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – The larger-than-usual crowd gathering at the Oklahoma training track shortly before 10 a.m. on Friday could mean only one thing: Wise Dan was about to turn in his first work since arriving here from Kentucky one week ago.
The two-time defending Horse of the Year did not disappoint his fans, breezing an easy half-mile in 49.10 seconds before galloping out strongly into and around the turn, pulling up six furlongs in 1:14.53 with regular exercise rider Damien Rock aboard.
“I told Damien to just let him do what he wants to do. Just sit against him. Don’t let him go too fast, and don’t let him go too slow,” said trainer Charlie LoPresti. “Last week, he went in 50 and pulled up six furlongs in 1:16, today 49 and 1:14 and change. When he came back, he wouldn’t blow out a match, so he’s definitely heading in the right direction.”
LoPresti said he’s not a big believer in workout times; it’s how Wise Dan is going about his work that matters most to him. And he loved what he saw from his star again Friday.
“I don’t really pay attention to times,” said LoPresti. “I know the turf course was really hard last year when he was turning in those monster workout times. You watch me when he works, and I’ve got my binoculars, and I’m looking how he’s reaching, how his ears are, more that kind of stuff. And I saw what I wanted to see today. I especially loved the way he galloped out. I think we’re right where we want to be at the moment.”
LoPresti said Wise Dan, who underwent colic surgery just two months ago, likely will work five furlongs over the Oklahoma turf next Friday, with either the Fourstardave Handicap on Aug. 9 or Bernard Baruch Handicap on Aug. 30 his first goal here this summer.
“Look at him,” said a beaming LoPresti while standing alongside Wise Dan, who paid little attention while grazing on the grass just behind his barn. “It’s hard to believe this horse was lying on the operating table just eight weeks ago. He’s really a once-in-a-lifetime horse.”