Wise Dan ready for Woodford Reserve Turf Classic

Wise Dan is ready. Now all Churchill has to do is round up some opposition for the reigning two-time Horse of the Year in the Grade 1 Woodford Reserve Turf Classic, the race before the Derby on the May 3 card.

In what will be his only workout between races, Wise Dan breezed a half-mile in 47.60 seconds Monday over the Keeneland Polytrack. The 7-year-old gelding won the April 11 Maker’s 46 Mile for his 11th victory in his last 12 starts.

“I just wanted a good workout for him just to keep him kicking over,” said trainer Charlie LoPresti.

At this juncture, the opposition for the 1 1/8-mile Woodford is expected to include Little Mike, Kaigun, and maybe four or five others.

◗ Although Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas briefly considered moving Will Take Charge to the grass for the Woodford, he instead has settled on the Grade 2, $300,000 Alysheba Stakes on the Oaks undercard for his handicap star.

Lukas said the 1 1/16-mile Alysheba will be followed June 14 by the Grade 1 Stephen Foster Stakes. The Alysheba also could attract Normandy Invasion, Golden Ticket, and another four or five.