Wise Dan holds off Animal Kingdom
Wise Dan beat Animal Kingdom, the 2011 Kentucky Derby winner, on Saturday by 1-1/2 lengths in the $2 million Breeders' Cup Mile on the turf.
The time was 1 minute, 31.78, a course record at Santa Anita.
Wise Dan, the 8-5 favorite, capped a brilliant season. The 5-year-old gelding won five of six races, and moved into the Horse of the Year discussion with his fourth straight triumph.
Wise Dan angled off the fence turning for home and surged past the pacesetting Obviously to give jockey John Velazquez his 12th Breeders' Cup win. Animal Kingdom, stuck in traffic for most of the race, sprung free late and stormed through the lane in his first race since February.
Wise Dan, trained by Charles Lopresti, paid $5.60 for a $2 win bet.
Obviously held on for third place.
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