Wise Dan repeats as Breeders' Cup Mile winner

ARCADIA, California (AP) U.S. Horse of the Year Wise Dan defended his title in the $2 million Mile, winning by three-quarters of a length.

With jockey Jose Lezcano a late replacement for injured John Velazquez, Wise Dan paid $3.60, $2.80 and $2.20 as the 4-5 favorite on Saturday at Santa Anita.

A year ago, Wise Dan won by 1 lengths with Velazquez aboard.

Za Approval returned $8.40 and $5.80.

Silentio was another three-quarters of a length back in third and paid $9 to show.

Lezcano took over on Wise Dan after Velazquez was thrown from his mount in the opening Breeders' Cup race, the Juvenile Fillies. He later underwent surgery to have his spleen removed.