Wise Dan Takes on Seven in $1 Million Shadwell Turf Mile

Wise Dan has been installed as the favorite at morning line odds of 4-5 for trainer Charles Lopresti and will have regular rider John Velazquex aboard. Two years ago, he won the Shadwell (G1) in dominant fashion en route to his first of two wins in the Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1). Last year, torrential rain forced the race to come off of the turf and he was upset by Silver Max over the then-synthetic main track. Last time out, he prevailed by a nose in the Bernard Baruch (G2) in his first start since undergoing colic surgery.

Seek Again a star on the rise

Second choice on the morning line at odds of 7-2 is Seek Again who will be trying to avenge his narrow loss to Wise Dan in the Turf Classic (G1) in May. Trained by Bill Mott, the four-year-old son of Speightstown is a homebred for Juddmonte Farms. He earned his second stateside win last time out with a game effort despite a troubled trip in the Fourstardave (G2) at Saratoga. Joel Rosario, aboard for all three starts this year, remains in the irons and they will break from post eight.

Optimizer appears back in top form

Also in the field is Optimizer, a longshot at odds of 12-1. Trained by Jose Fernandez, the five-year-old son of English Channel came within a nose of dethroning Wise Dan last time out. It was his best start from three races this year and the five-time winner will have Alan Garcia back aboard. Last year, the bay colt won two races on the turf while previously under the tutelage of D. Wayne Lukas for Calumet Farm. He will break from post position two as he goes for his first win of the year.