Happy Jack all smiles after making Triple Bend first stakes triumph

ARCADIA, Calif. - It’s easy to forget that Happy Jack finished 14th behind Rich Strike in the 2022 Kentucky Derby. More than two years later, Happy Jack’s career is on a different path.

“He’s a top-notch, one-turn dirt horse,” trainer Doug O’Neill said.

Ridden for the first time by Edwin Maldonado, Happy Jack fought for the early lead with 6-1 Tahoe Sunrise before pulling away by 4 1/2 lengths. Happy Jack ($7.80) was timed in 1:21.32 and earned a lofty Beyer Speed Figure of 105.

Ridden for the first time by Edwin Maldonado, Happy Jack fought for the early lead with 6-1 Tahoe Sunrise before pulling away by 4 1/2 lengths. Happy Jack ($7.80) was timed in 1:21.32.

Even though Happy Jack led narrowly over Tahoe Sunrise early, he was racing well within himself, Maldonado said.

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“He relaxed the first quarter,” Maldonado said. “I wasn’t expecting to be on the lead.”

Maldonado asked Happy Jack to accelerate approaching the turn, and got an immediate response.

“He picked it up,” Maldonado said. “I thought I was loaded.”

Dr. Venkman, the 9-10 favorite, closed from last of four to finish second in his first start since a second by a head in the Perryville Stakes for 3-year-olds at Keeneland last October.

Dr. Venkman, who trailed Happy Jack by no more than 1 1/2 lengths through the opening half-mile, finished a length in front of the multiple stakes winner Big City Lights, who was 11 1/2 lengths clear of Tahoe Sunrise.

The $196,000 Triple Bend was Tahoe Sunrise’s first start since December.

Happy Jack, a 5-year-old horse by Oxbow, has won 3 of 13 starts and earned $445,560 for owner and breeder Calumet Farm.

The Triple Bend was Happy Jack’s second race of 2024 and first start since a game second to top California sprinter The Chosen Vron in the Kona Gold Stakes at 6 1/2 furlongs on April 27. The Chosen Vron returned to win the California Cup Sprint on May 25, his 17th stakes win.

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