Going into the Shadwell Turf Mile, no one expected any of Wise Dan's rivals to have a realistic shot at defeating the heavy favorite at Keeneland. Sure, there's always a chance in a horse race; no horse is ever a 100% lock (despite what us handicappers like to think). But if the 2012 racing season has taught us anything, it's this: Wise Dan, when he's in form, is one of the best horses in the country, a legitimate Horse of the Year candidate and almost unbeatable in turf mile events.

Saturday at Keeneland, Wide Dan put in a professional effort to win the Shadwell Turf Mile - his his second Grade 1 race of 2012 and his fourth graded stakes overall. The only blemish on his record this year is a head defeat to Ron the Greek in the G1-Stephen Foster Handicap when he was giving four pounds to the winner. A further testament to his class and versatility is the fact that Wise Dan is a graded stakes winner on turf, dirt and synthetic surfaces.

The connections of Wise Dan are still uncertain as to which race they will enter at the 2012 Breeders' Cup but one thing is certain: he's the best turf miler in North America and would be strong favorite in the Breeders' Cup Mile.