At a Glance Look at Wise Dan Stakes

A competitive group of nine turf horses ages 4 and older are set to face off in the Wise Dan Stakes (G2T) June 28 at Churchill Downs. Originally held on dirt, this race was moved to turf in 1993 and in 2016 its name was changed from the Firecracker Handicap to honor the two-time Horse of the Year that had his coming-out party with a win in 2011 at 14-1 odds. 1. Henro: Two-time stakes winner on dirt makes his first start on turf in a very tough spot. His two most recent races were duds and he seemingly prefers shorter distances, too. An outsider. JOCKEY: Rafael Bejarano; TRAINER: Chris Hartman 2. Lagynos: Enters off of a close third in the Arlington Stakes (G3T), Churchill's prep for this race. He always puts in a good run but usually settles for second or third, which probably will happen again. JOCKEY: Flavien Prat; TRAINER: Steve Asmussen 3. Mi Hermano Ramon: Arrives from California off of a near-miss in the Shoemaker Mile Stakes (G1T). He also came three-quarters of a length short of defeating elite turf runner Johannes late last year. If he takes to new surroundings, look out. JOCKEY: Antonio Fresu; TRAINER: Mark Glatt 4. Mercante: Was absent from racing for more than a year and was gelded during that span. Since then, he's 4-for-7 with a second and a third. Won the Arlington Stakes last out on this course and at this distance. He is a threat to repeat here. JOCKEY: Joseph Ramos; TRAINER: Brian Knippenberg 5. Event Detail: Late runner finished a good fourth in the Arlington and has done much better since switching to compete on turf and all-weather surfaces. Still, he's a notch below the top contenders. JOCKEY: Irad Ortiz Jr.; TRAINER: Will Walden 6. Taking Candy: Finished last of 10 in his previous start, the Turf Classic Stakes (G1T), but he had trouble early and late in that race. Should bounce back in this spot and is talented enough to hit the board. JOCKEY: Jose Ortiz; TRAINER: Cherie DeVaux 7. Brilliant Berti: Almost always fires and he's 4-for-5 on this course. That includes a first and second in stakes during this spring meet, most recently runner-up to Mercante in the Arlington. A main win threat. JOCKEY: Brian Hernandez Jr.; TRAINER: Cherie DeVaux 8. Fort Washington: East Coast-based runner is in fine form with back-to-back wins in the Canadian Turf (G3T) and the Dinner Party (G3T) stakes. Will be rallying from off of the pace and with some racing luck should be in the mix at the finish. JOCKEY: Junior Alvarado; TRAINER: Shug McGaughey 9. Seminole Chief: Won back-to-back turf races in Florida earlier this year but was no threat when shipping to California for the Shoemaker Mile, finishing last of nine. He might be hustled to set or press the pace breaking from the outside, which could prove a difficult approach. JOCKEY: Luis Saez; TRAINER: Jack Sisterson THE PICK: Mi Hermano Ramon LIVE LONGSHOT: Lagynos SUPERFECTA: 3-7-8-4