The Wise Dan Stakes honors one of America’s very best turf milers. The 2020 Hall of Famer was a two-time Horse of the Year, champion male turfer and champion older male in 2012-2013. He also defeated international competition in the Breeders’ Cup Mile in both of those years. Among the field of nine entered in Saturday’s stakes are several horses who could very well wind up in the Breeders’ Cup later in the year.

1. Silent Heart: Was claimed by trainer Mike Maker for $100,000 out of a victory in his last race. Had a rough close to 2025 but was a consistent performer in stakes company when in top form. Can be a factor on his best try.

JOCKEY: Luis Saez; TRAINER: Mike Maker

2. Lagynos: He’s in outstanding form right now. Has won four straight starts, all in stakes company. In 10 starts over the course, has been unplaced once. Looks very much like the one to beat.

JOCKEY: Jose Ortiz; TRAINER: Steve Asmussen

3. Mercante: Hasn’t won since May 2025 but seems a threat to land in the superfecta. Has a second, third and two fourths in six starts the past year.

JOCKEY: Florent Geroux; TRAINER: Brian Knippenberg

4. Chasing the Crown: Comes off a closing second when he lost by a nose to Lagynos in Churchill’s Opening Verse Stakes at a mile. The added distance could help him turn the tables here. Has four wins and three seconds in eight starts over the course. Seems like the main danger.

JOCKEY: Flavien Prat; TRAINER: Mike Maker

5. Flying Mohawk: Has a nice closing kick but lacks a graded stakes win on turf. Seems like a tough spot for securing one.

JOCKEY: Tyler Gaffalione; TRAINER: Whit Beckman

6. Dresden Row: Highly consistent runner rarely turns in a bad effort. Faces a tough challenge at this level but looks ready.

JOCKEY: Irad Ortiz Jr.; TRAINER: Anthony Sciametta Jr.

7. Fort Washington: Proven Grade 1 winner has a solid late kick. Would be more attractive at 1 1/8 miles, especially since there does not seem to be much early pace to strengthen his closing burst.

JOCKEY: Junior Alvarado; TRAINER: Shug McGaughey

8. Brilliant Berti: Won this race last year and has earned more than $2.2 million. But has yet to find his top form in 2026. Has two fourths and a fifth in three starts and will need to take a big step forward to be a factor.

JOCKEY: Brian Hernandez Jr.; TRAINER: Cherie DeVaux

9. Beach Gold: Has been consistent but needs to show more at this level. The prospect of a wide trip from the outside post does not help his chances.

JOCKEY: Keith Asmussen; TRAINER: Patrick Biancone

THE PICK: Chasing the Crown

LIVE LONGSHOT: Silent Heart

SUPERFECTA: 4-2-1-7