Mort Fink’s homebred WISE DAN (Wiseman’s Ferry) wore down pacesetter Jimmy
Simms (Lost Soldier) and edged clear to a half-length decision in Friday night’s
$250,600 Presque Isle Mile S. Winner of the grassy Firecracker H. (G2) in his
previous start, Wise Dan notched his third career stakes win, improving his
overall record to 11-6-0-0, $473,047, when completing eight furlongs in 1:35 3/5
on the Tapeta.
Jon Court had the mount for trainer Charles Lopresti.
Wise Dan broke from post 9 and raced wide into the first turn as Jimmy Simms
sprinted forward from post 10 to establish the opening quarter-mile in :24 1/5.
Wise Dan was up close on the outside, stalking the pacesetter in third down the
backstretch, as Jimmy Simms got to the rail and reached the half-mile mark in
:47 2/5. Wise Dan began to advance on the far turn and went after leader upon
reaching the stretch run.
Jimmy Simms was still clinging to a head advantage at the quarter-pole,
completing six furlongs in 1:11, and proved game in the final furlongs, but Wise
Dan was going the better of the two late and prevailed comfortably under a hard
drive. Jimmy Simms easily held second by 1 1/2 lengths.
Off as the 7-2 second choice among 11 rivals, Wise Dan paid $9.40, $4 and
$2.80. The four-year-old gelding captured his stakes debut last October, the
six-furlong Phoenix S. (G3) at Keeneland, and went on to finish sixth, beaten 2
1/2 lengths, in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) in his next start. His connections
now have some options for the 2011 Breeders’ Cup.
Wise Dan probably won’t return for the Sprint. The Dirt Mile (G1) is a
possibility, but the Mile (G1) is also definitely in the mix. Wise Dan could
return to sod for the October 8 Shadwell Turf Mile (G1) at Keeneland next out.
Stunning Stag (Running Stag), the 4-1 third choice, reach a threatening spot
turning for home but could never seriously challenge the top two, getting up
late for third behind the 15-1 Jimmy Simms. Ravalo (Mutakddim) came next in
fourth and was followed by Guys Reward (Grand Reward), Al Muhtasib (Distorted
Humor), 2-1 favorite Noble’s Promise (Cuvee), Anak Nakal (Victory Gallop), Wear
the Crown (Roman Ruler), Capitol Appeal (Successful Appeal) and Tempted to Tapit
(Tapit). Dazzled Saint (Saint Afleet) was scratched.
Wise Dan is the third stakes winner produced by Lisa Danielle (Wolf Power [SAf]),
the others being Grade 2 hero Successful Dan (Successful Appeal) and stakes
vixen Our Royal Dancer (Roy). Last fall, Successful Dan won the Fayette S. (G2)
and was disqualified from first to third in the Clark H. (G1), but he is
currently sidelined indefinitely due to infirmities. Lisa Danielle has also
reared the yearling filly Enchanting Lisa (War Chant).
This female family is also responsible for German Group 1 hero Scalo (Lando
[Ger]) and Grade 2 winner Siphon City (Siphon [Brz]). Wise Dan’s fourth dam was
Kalila (Beau Prince), a half-sister to French champion and classic winner *Val
de Loir (Vieux Manoir) and Irish champion and dual classic winner *Valoris II (*Tiziano
II).