Santa Anita Derby winner So Happy back in training

So Happy, winner of the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby, but ninth as the third choice in the Kentucky Derby on May 2, has returned to trainer Mark Glatt’s stable at Del Mar.

So Happy was turned out to a farm in late May and has been based at Del Mar for “about a week,” Glatt said on Friday.

“He looks tremendous,” Glatt said. “He’s filled out into his frame a little bit. He seems very happy.

“He’s back on his way. He’s jogging.”

So Happy has won 3 of 5 starts and earned $480,000 for Hans and Ana Maron, who race as Saints or Sinners Stable, and Robbie Norman.

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The Santa Anita Derby is So Happy’s most prestigious win. In the Kentucky Derby, So Happy raced near a quick pace for the first mile before fading through the stretch, finishing 7 1/2 lengths behind Golden Tempo.

Glatt said a long-range plan for So Happy is the Grade 1 Malibu Stakes for 3-year-olds at seven furlongs at Santa Anita, which is typically run on Dec. 26.

“That’s certainly on our radar,” Glatt said. “I don’t know if he’ll get ready to run a little sooner than that. We’ll play it by ear.”

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