Woodbine Mile 2013 Result: Wise Dan wins under wraps

Defending Horse of the Year Wise Dan, the overwhelming favorite on the tote board and on the course, dominated the Grade 1 Woodbine Mile with nary a challenge from any of his completely over-matched rivals. After stalking the early pace, jockey John Velazquez moved the champion into the three-path as he was coming off the far turn where he engaged the early leaders at the top of the stretch and proceeded to pull away with little to no urging from the rider. Velazquez spent the final furlong looking around for the non-existent competition as Wise Dan continued his dominating run of form.

The final time of the Woodbine Mile was a lightning fast 1:31.3 over the firm turf course at Woodbine, a track record for a mile on the lawn. The internal split (posted below) were simply incredible: 23 flat, 22.20, 23 flat and a final quarter of 23.10 while never being asked to run a step. While the quickness of the turf course at Woodbine today certainly played into the fast times (as any track will), the ease of Wise Dan's victory combined with the time provides an impressive "big picture."

Za Approval ran on well to finish second to Wise Dan but never threatened the winner at any point during the race. Trade Storm rounded out a trifecta that paid a microscopic 1.63 for a $0.20. (Don't spend that all in one place!)

Wise Dan is a six-year-old gelding by Wiseman's Ferry out of a Wolf Power (SAF) mare (Lisa Danielle), trained by Charles LoPresti and ridden by John Velazquez. The victory in the Woodbine Mile was Wise Dan's ninth straight victory, all against graded stakes competition.

Below are the payouts for the Woodbine Mile: