World Approval 'in great shape' for Churchill Downs' Wise Dan

Live Oak Plantation’s 2017 Eclipse Award Champion Turf Male World Approval was made the 6-5 morning line favorite for Saturday's 29th running of the $200,000 Wise Dan (GII) at 1 1/16 miles on turf.

“He’s trained great here at Churchill Downs,” trainer Mark Casse’s assistant Nick Tomlinson said. “I think it’s a great spot for him and the timing between races should ultimately help him.”

World Approval (26-12-2-4—$3,060,363) dominated the older turf division in 2017 with victories in the Fourstardave Handicap (GI) at Saratoga, Woodbine Mile (GI) and, ultimately, the Breeders’ Cup Mile (GI) at Del Mar. However, the 6-year-old son of Northern Afleet disappointed in the Frank Kilroe Mile (GI) at Santa Anita on March 10 when he finished fifth, beaten 3 ¾ lengths.

“I think the timing may have been a bit quick for him after he won the Tampa Bay Stakes on Feb. 10,” Tomlinson said. “He got a little rest and is coming into the race in great shape.”

World Approval was originally targeting the May 19 Dixie Stakes (GII) at Pimlico but was scratched due to “soft” conditions of the turf course.  

The Wise Dan field, which will go as Race 6 at 8:30 p.m., from the rail out: Divisidero (ridden by Jevian Toledo, trained by Kelly Rubley, 121 pounds, 3-1 morning line odds); Shining Copper (Irad Ortiz Jr., Mike Maker, 123, 6-1); Inspector Lynley (Jose Ortiz, Shug McGaughey III, 121, 10-1); World Approval (Velazquez, Casse, 126, 6-5); Mr. Misunderstood (Florent Geroux, Brad Cox, 121, 10-1); Mr Cub (Chris Landeros, Ian Wilkes, 121, 10-1); Flatlined (Corey Lanerie, Scooter Dickey, 121, 12-1); and Parlor (Brian Hernandez Jr., Eddie Kenneally, 121, 10-1).