2012 Horse of the Year Wise Dan

Wise Dan began 2012 with a win in the 1/8 mile Ben Ali Stakes (gr. III) on the Polytrack at Keeneland on April 22.

Photo: Keeneland/coady Photography

He left the others behind in the Ben Ali, crossing the line 10 1/2 lengths in front, and establishing a new track record of 1:46.63.

Photo: Mathea Kelley

He next ran in the Stephen Foster Handicap (gr. I) on the dirt at Churchill Downs, finishing a head behind closing Ron the Greek (right).

Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt

Wise Dan journeyed to Saratoga next, to run in the Fourstardave Handicap (gr. IIT).

Photo: Adam Coglianese

He skipped over the yielding course, coming home 5 lengths in front.

Photo: Adam Coglianese

Arriving in Canada for the Ricoh Woodbine Mile (gr. IT).

Photo: Michael Burns

Some early morning training at Woodbine.

Photo: Michael Burns

Checking out the Woodbine turf.

Photo: Michael Burns

Drawing post 3 in the Woodbine Mile.

Photo: Michael Burns

Heading for home in the Woodbine Mile.

Photo: Michael Burns

Pulling away in the Woodbine Mile for a 3 1/4 length win.

Photo: Michael Burns

Back to Keeneland in October for the Shadwell Turf Mile Stakes (gr. IT).

Photo: Mathea Kelley

He rallied for a 2 1/2 length win over the firm turf.

Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt

On to California for the Breeders' Cup. Working on the turf at Santa Anita.

Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt

Off in the Breeders' Cup Mile (gr. IT)

Photo: Chad Harmon

Running away from the field, including 2011 Kentucky Derby (gr. I) winner Animal Kingdom,

Photo: Crawford Ifland

and crossing the line in a time of 1:31.78, a new track record for Santa Anita.

Photo: Skip Dickstein

Casting a long shadow in the Breeders' Cup Mile.

Photo: Skip Dickstein

Trainer Charles Lopresti reacts to the win.

Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt

2012 Breeders' Cup Mile Winner - Wise Dan

Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt

The winning connections, including jockey John Velazquez, trainer Charles Lopresti, and owner Morton Fink.

Photo: Dave Harmon

The Breeders' Cup Champions paraded at Churchill Downs, Wise Dan, Fort Larned, Groupie Doll, and Little Mike.

Photo: Churchill Downs / Reed Palmer Photography

The Wise Dan connections with some of their Eclipse Hardware, including Owner/Breeder Morton Fink on the mic, Trainer Charles Lopresti and Jockey John Velazquez.

Photo: Photosbyz.com

2012 Horse of the Year Wise Dan. 2012 Record: 6 starts, 5 wins, 1 second, earnings of $2,622,037.

Photo: Skip Dickstein