‘TDN Rising Star’ SMILE HAPPY (c, 4, Runhappy–Pleasant Smile, by Pleasant Tap), winner of the 2021 GII Kentucky Jockey Club S. under the Twin Spires but eighth in last year’s GI Kentucky Derby behind re-opposing Rich Strike (Keen Ice), rediscovered his best form Friday to defeat a short but talented field in Churchill’s GII Alysheba S. The 7-1 shot kicked off his 4-year-old campaign with a nice victory in an Oaklawn optional claimer Mar. 16, and was most recently third in the GIII Oaklawn Mile Apr. 1. Stalking from second early, the dark bay took over turning for home and dug in gamely to fend off GI Pegasus World Cup winner Art Collector (Bernardini) to prevail by about two lengths in 1:41.29. Rich Strike came under an early ride at the back and never made an impact. Sales history: $175,000 wnlg ’19 KEENOV; $185,000 ylg ’20 FTKSEL.
O-Lucky Seven Stable. B-Moreau Bloodstock Int’l Inc. & White Bloodstock LLC (Ky). T-Kenneth G. McPeek.
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