Wise Dan dazzles in Phoenix

Wise Dan came through in his stakes debut on Friday in the $175,000 Phoenix Stakes (G3) at Keeneland Race Course and may have earned a spot in the Sentient Jet Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1).

The lightly-raced three-year-old gelding notched his third straight victory since he began his career with a fifth-place finish on February 26 at Turfway Park for trainer Charlie Lopresti and owner-breeder Morton Fink. 

He came into the Phoenix off a six-month layoff but was plenty sharp in collaring favorite Hollywood Hit in the final furlong to win by a half-length as the 6.60-to-1 fourth choice.

“I didn’t know if [Wise Dan] was going to be seasoned enough against these older horses,” said Lopresti, who also has Forego Stakes (G1) winner Here Comes Ben in line for the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1). “He’s really, really fast.”