Happy Soul returns from layoff better than ever in Dixie Belle
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. - Happy Soul started her 3-year-old season Saturday right where she left off at 2: In the winner’s circle.
Happy Soul invaded Oaklawn Park for the $150,000 Dixie Belle and darted to a three-length win over Verylittlecents in the six furlong race for 3-year-old fillies. It was another two and a half lengths back in third to Hypersport.
Happy Soul ($4) came into the Dixie Belle off back-to-back blowout wins at Belmont Park, taking a maiden special weight by 11 3/4 lengths May 13 and the Astoria by 11 1/2 lengths in her 2-year-old finale June 3.
Happy Soul had been working at Santa Anita and before that in Florida for the Dixie Belle.
In the race Saturday, Pretty Birdie took the field through an opening quarter in 21.37 seconds as Happy Soul sat just off her. Happy Soul drew even with Pretty Birdie through a half-mile in 44.81 seconds, then went on to cover the distance on a fast track in 1:10.44.
“She was more impressive to me now than she was as a 2-year-old,” winning rider John Velazquez said in a post-race interview broadcast by Oaklawn.
“She’s still learning. Down the lane, I kept her mind a little busy. She was looking around.”
Velazquez has ridden Happy Soul in all of her races.
Trainer Wesley Ward removed blinkers from Happy Soul for the Dixie Belle, and added Lasix.
Happy Soul is a daughter of Runhappy who races for Gayla Rankin. She has now won 3 of 4 starts. Happy Soul earned $90,000 to push her career earnings to $238,500.