8th-Oaklawn, $106,000, Alw (NW2$X)/Opt. Clm ($50,000), 3-16, 4yo/up, 1 1/8m, 1:48.95, sy, 1 1/4 lengths.
SMILE HAPPY (c, 4, Runhappy–Pleasant Smile, by Pleasant Tap) was a force on last year’s GI Kentucky Derby trail as a ‘TDN Rising Star‘, winning the GII Kentucky Jockey Cup S. in just his second start before checking in second twice–to Eclipse champion Epicenter (Not This Time) in the GII Risen Star S. and Zandon (Upstart) in Keeneland’s GI Blue Grass S. Last seen beating more than half the field home in eighth under the Twin Spires, Smile Happy picked up Lasix for the first time Thursday while returning as the 4-5 favorite over a track downgraded to sloppy. Off the pace in fourth while staying in the clear off the rail around the first turn and up the backstretch, he was patiently handled while staying in range. Forced four wide for his move past the quater pole, Smile Happy was much the best down the lane, striding out to run down late leader Speed Bias (Uncle Mo) and win by 1 1/4 lengths. Creative Minister (Creative Cause) checked in fourth. Smile Happy is his dam’s last reported offspring. Sales History: $175,000 Wlg ’19 KEENOV; $185,000 Ylg ’20 FTKSEL. Lifetime Record: GSW & GISP, 6-3-2-0, $613,410. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by TVG.
O-Lucky Seven Stable (Mackin); B-Moreau Bloodstock Int’l Inc. & White Bloodstock LLC (KY); T-Kenneth G. McPeek.
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