Smile Happy's reputation has grown while he has rested
The 3-year-old colt Smile Happy hasn't started since late November, but since Jan. 22 his form, impressive enough already, has shined even brighter.
Marcus HershFeb 14, 2022
The 3-year-old colt Smile Happy hasn't started since late November, but since Jan. 22 his form, impressive enough already, has shined even brighter.
On the lead from the start Saturday in the Grade 3 Davis at Tampa Bay Downs, Classic Causeway was a dominant 3 3/4-length winner in an effort that simulaneously validated the considerable potential the colt flashed at 2 while making him one of the early favorites for the May 7 Kentucky Derby.
The mutuel field, the 24th or “all others” option, closed as the 2-1 favorite in Pool 3 of the 2022 Kentucky Derby Future Wager, which closed Sunday at 6 p.m. Eastern following the customary three-day run.
Blackadder seemingly is fairly far down the depth chart among Baffert’s 3-year-olds, so this was a smart spot in which to race him, especially since it offered a “Win and You’re In” to the Preakness Stakes on May 21 at Pimlico.
Classic Causeway, making his first start since finishing second in his 2-year-old finale in the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes, franked the form of that race and served notice he remains among the leaders of this crop with a solid comeback victory.
Three days before Mardi Gras, Doug O'Neill has live horses for the Risen Star and the Rachel Alexandra stakes. Slow Down Andy will be entered in the Risen Star, a stepping-stone to the Louisiana Derby, and Awake at Midnyte goes in the Rachel Alexandra, a prep for the Fair Grounds Oaks.
Last Sunday began and ended at Santa Anita as so many race days have this winter for Hall of Fame trainer John Velazquez. In the morning, Velazquez, riding in California on a temporary basis, arrived at trainer Bob Baffert's stable to work a horse. In the afternoon, Velazquez climbed off two exciting Baffert-trained runners in the winner's circle.
The Grade 3 Sam F. Davis Saturday at Tampa Bay Downs would be an opportune time for Classic Causeway to show that all the praise heaped upon him was legit.
Mark Casse sent out Flameaway to lower the stakes mark four years ago in the Sam F. Davis Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs. The Hall of Fame trainer wouldn't mind having one of his three runners in Saturday's running of the Davis become similarly successful.
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