Wise Dan returns to worktab with Keeneland turf breeze

Two-time Horse of the Year Wise Dan returned to the worktab Friday for the first time after suffering a non-displaced fracture at the bottom of the cannon bone in his right front fetlock last fall.

Under Jen Patterson, the eight-year-old gelding worked four furlongs in :48.20 and galloped out five furlongs in 1:01.60 over the Keeneland turf course.

"He did it easy," trainer Charlie LoPresti said. "I'm just really happy for him because that's what he wants to do. He wants to train, he wants to run. He's happy doing what he does. You saw that today. It's a big relief to know he's back and his ankle's good. If he never runs again, at least I know he's in good shape. But I'm hoping to run him."

Wise Dan, the Horse of the Year in 2012 and 2013, missed last year's Breeders' Cup Mile (G1) after the fracture was discovered following his victory in the Shadwell Turf Mile (G1) at Keeneland in November. Wise Dan had won the Breeders' Cup Mile at Santa Anita the previous two years.

LoPresti said Wise Dan will remain at Keeneland for his next several works. With the Breeders' Cup at Keeneland on October 31, Wise Dan could prep for the Mile in the Woodbine Mile (G1) on September 13 and/or the Shadwell Turf Mile on October 3.

"We'll see what happens after this breeze," LoPresti said. "If he looks good, we'll keep going forward."

(Wise Dan photo: Keeneland/Coady Photography)