Wise Dan by a Nose in the Bernard Baruch

Showing a feisty streak before the race began, and great courage as the race came to a thrilling conclusion, the supreme gelding Wise Dan returned a winner today in the 56th renewal of the Bernard Baruch at Saratoga.

Making his first start since Kentucky Derby day, and just over three months removed from emergency colic surgery, the two-time Horse of the Year Wise Dan may not have been at his spectacular best in today’s Grade 2, 1 1/16 mile turf test, but his heart and his class were on full display for all to see as he gamely held off a spirited rally by long shot Optimizer to get to the wire first by a nose.

If the layoff, after surgery, and spotting the field from 8 to 13 pounds was not enough, Wise Dan reared up in the starting gate, dumping his Hall of Fame rider, John Velazquez before the race began. The uncharacteristic move did not seem to faze the 4-5, though. Breaking smoothly from the number four post, Wise Dan cruised into the first turn and into a comfortable tracking position, as the speedy Five Iron set sail on the lead.

The seven-year-old Morton Fink homebred happily loped along in fourth as the pacesetter set down taxing fractions of :23.26 and :46.32. Always in a good spot, Wise Dan moved closer as the field cut into the early advantage of Five Iron on the far turn.  Johnny V guided him to the outside from the rail for clear sailing, but the explosive move coming out of the turn was not there this time, and it was clear from early in the lane that Wise Dan was going to really have to work for the money today.

Much to the delight of the large Saratoga crowd, and millions more watching at home, the 127-pound highweight finally struck the lead in late stretch, but as soon as he did, the oncoming presence of the multiple stakes winner Optimizer became a huge obstacle in Wise Dan’s way for yet another victory in his great career. It became an all-out battle to the wire as Wise Dan gave it everything he had to hold of the powerful advance of the challenger. I’m not sure how much longer it would have lasted, but the wire came just in time for Wise Dan and his supporters. As announcer Tom Durkin had guessed, the photo showed the champ had held off the outstanding effort by Optimizer by a diminishing nose.

Final time of the firm Saratoga turf was an excellent 1:39.08, making it the fastest Baruch ever, when run at the 8 1/2 furlong distance.

As the popular chestnut galloped back to the winner’s circle, the appreciative fans in attendance let him have it with a warm and loud applause reserved for one of the greats of the sport.

Trained by Charles LoPresti, Wise Dan has now won each of his three starts this year. He had previously accounted for the Grade 1 Makers 46 Mile in April at Keeneland, and the Grade 1 Woodford Reserve Turf Classic on May 3 on the Churchill Downs turf. The victory raised his lifetime mark to a sparkling 22 wins in 30 lifetime starts, with earning just a shade below the $7 million mark. His score in the Bernard Baruch was his 18th career graded stakes win.

This one was a little different than all the rest, though. The son of Wiseman’s Ferry had spent the past 3 ½ months recuperating from the emergency surgery of May 16 after developing colic following a routine gallop. Those who wanted to see him roll home an easy winner today, may not have gotten what they were looking for, but all things considered, it was a championship type of performance by the fan favorite. His trainer was thoughtful in reviewing the race, and the long road back for the champion.

"We wanted a good race for him to get started with,” said LoPresti. “He's been through a lot. I knew he was training good and I knew he was going to run good. I wouldn't have been disappointed if he was beat today; it would have been something to build on. He showed today why he is the two-time Horse of the Year. To overcome what he's overcome ... if you'd have seen him four days after that surgery it [was] like he never even had surgery. That's the amazing thing about him. He'll build from this race, I have to think. God willing, he comes back good. He'll be way tougher next time."

If he does come back well, the Shadwell Mile at Keeneland should be next, with the Breeders’ Cup Mile, where he would be looking to match the incredible feat of Goldikova as a three-time winner, after that. But for now, let’s all take another moment to celebrate what we saw this afternoon.

Watching a race like today’s Baruch reminds me why I know that thoroughbred horse racing is the greatest game in the world … Thank you, Wise Dan!