Wise Dan has first breeze of 2015

Wise Dan, the two-time Horse of the Year, had his first breeze since recovering from an ankle injury when going a half-mile in 48.20 seconds Friday over a firm turf course at Keeneland in Lexington, Ky.

Trainer Charlie LoPresti said afterward he was extremely pleased with the progress the 8-year-old gelding has made since returning to regular training late last month.

“I was just looking to get started back with him and see where we are,” said LoPresti. “He did it well within himself, and he’s cooled out great.”

Wise Dan has not raced since winning the Grade 1 Shadwell Turf Mile at Keeneland last October. He was diagnosed with a compression fracture in his right front ankle shortly afterward, and although surgery was not required, it has been a lengthy process in getting him back to where he is now.

LoPresti said he is unsure about the first race back for Wise Dan but reiterated that the primary goal for the year is the Breeders’ Cup Mile at Keeneland on Oct. 31. Possible comeback spots previously mentioned by LoPresti include the Aug. 15 Fourstardave and the Sept. 7 Bernard Baruch, both at Saratoga.

LoPresti said he will not adhere to a regular breeze schedule and that “weather will be a factor. It all depends on the horse. I’m not a once-a-week kind of guy – everybody knows that. I just wanted to get through this one work and see where we are.”

Bred and owned by Morton Fink, Wise Dan has won 23 of 31 career starts for earnings of $7,552,920. He was Horse of the Year in 2012 and 2013.

Jenn Patterson was aboard Wise Dan for the Friday work while regular exercise rider Damien Rock recovers from knee surgery.