Ottoman Fleet cruised to an easy victory in the $500,000 Wise Dan Stakes (G2) at Churchill Downs on Saturday, taking the lead in the first turn under Flavien Prat and winning by 1 ½ lengths over Chasing the Crown.
The 5-year-old gray gelding is trained by Charlie Appleby for Godolphin and was sent odd as the 7-10 favorite in a field of six going 1 1-16 miles on the turf.
The Wise Dan was the first of two Grade 2 races on the Churchill undercard prior to the $1 million Stephen Foster (G1). In the other Grade 2, 9-10 favorite Scylla ($3.82) won the $500,000 Fleur de Lis Stakes.
Ottoman Fleet, a 5-year-old son of Sea The Stars was never challenged and covered the distance in 1:41.26 over a firm track. He won the Arlington Stakes (G3) at Churchill on June 1, defeating Chasing the Crown by one length.
Strong Tide broke first, but Ottoman Fleet moved to the front on the first turn, led by as many as three lengths at the top of the stretch and coasted home for his third victory in six starts this year.
“I really wasn’t expecting the pace scenario to be what it turned out to be,” Prat said. “We sort of found ourselves on the lead and just went on with it. He was traveling so nicely that I just let him keep doing it on the front end. Turning for home he still had a lot left in the tank to kick clear at the wire.”
For online horse racing bettors, Ottoman Fleet returned $3.40 on a $2 win wager.
“He’s just a lovely horse that has done well in Europe and here in North America,” said Michael Banahan, Godolphin’s director of bloodstock operations. “He got an easy lead and took what he could get. He galloped all the way to the wire. Being a half-million dollar race the money is nice as well. I’m sure Charlie is happy with that performance. I’m not too sure what will be next for him, but he’ll join the team at Saratoga this summer and find a spot for him likely there.”