Wise Dan Super in Shadwell Turf Mile

Morton Fink’s homebred Wise Dan cruised to the lead leaving the far turn and coasted to a 2¼-length victory over Willcox Inn to win the 27th running of the $750,000 Shadwell Turf Mile (G1), the centerpiece of a five-stakes program before a crowd of 22,292 on a bright fall afternoon at Keeneland.

Jose Lezcano rode Wise Dan, who posted his fourth graded stakes victory at Keeneland for trainer Charles Lopresti. Wise Dan won the 2010 Phoenix (G3), 2011 Fayette (G2) and 2012 Ben Ali (G3) on the main track.

The Shadwell Turf Mile, a “Win and You’re In” race for the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1) to be run November 3 at Santa Anita, added $450,000 to Wise Dan’s bankroll as he increased his earnings to $2,461,638 with a record of 19-12-1-0.

Wise Dan, a 5-year-old gelded son of Wiseman’s Ferry out of the Wolf Power (SAf) mare Lisa Danielle, completed the mile on a turf course listed as firm in 1:34.94.

Silver Max and Dominus ran 1-2 in the early going through fractions of :23.33 and :46.89 as Lezcano kept Wise Dan in the clear while running in mid-pack.

Nearing the far turn, Wise Dan began picking off horses and swept three wide past Silver Max and Dominus before hitting the top of the stretch. Once clear, Wise Dan drew away as 48-1 longshot Willcox Inn closed for second behind the geared-down winner.

Wise Dan returned $3.20, $2.40 and $2.40. Willcox Inn, ridden by James Graham, paid $23.60 and $11 while finishing 2¾ lengths ahead of 100-1 longshot Slip and Drive, who rallied strongly to finish third under Alex Cintron and pay $20.40 to show.

Doubles Partner finished fourth another length back and was followed in order by Data Link, Dominus, Corporate Jungle, Swift Warrior, Silver Max, Skyring, Worthadd (IRE) and Ol Army.