Two-time Horse of Year Wise Dan to return Saturday at Saratoga

Two-time Horse of the Year Wise Dan is set to return to the races this weekend at Saratoga, 3-1/2 months after having emergency surgery.

Hall of Fame rider John Velazquez will be aboard Wise Dan in the $250,000 Bernard Baruch Handicap, a 1-1/16-mile race on turf. The 7-year-old will carry high weight of 127 pounds.

Wise Dan has won both of his two starts this year, but has spent the past few months recuperating from surgery he had on May 16 after developing colic following a routine gallop.

Trainer Charlie LoPresti says Wise Dan has gotten back to being himself, and his workouts have been good.

Wise Dan has career earnings of $6,802,920, with 21 wins in 29 starts, including 10 Grade 1 victories.