Life Is Good Climbs Kentucky Derby Leaderboard

WinStar Farm and China Horse Club's Life Is Good posted his third straight victory March 6 in the San Felipe Stakes (G2) at Santa Anita Park, breaking like a shot from his inside post position and rolling to an eight-length triumph despite meandering through the stretch.

"He came out of the race really well," trainer Bob Baffert said Sunday morning. "We're looking at staying home for the Santa Anita Derby (G1)."

Mike Smith, who has ridden Life Is Good in each of his three races, attributed the bay colt's drifting through the lane to ogling at the track's infield screen.

"When the screen is lit up, they can see it," Smith said after the race. "In the mornings, he goes by the screen like it's nothing because it's not on. He was locked on it down the lane today. He's so talented. I had a strong hold on him down to the wire, just holding onto him, making sure that he stayed straight."

But Baffert, who added to his record of seven previous San Felipe victories, was unconcerned about the colt's antics and wasn't contemplating any equipment changes.

"He's still green," Baffert said matter-of-factly. "Remember Authentic  did all that weaving one race … they're still babies. They're still immature. The main thing is he came out of it really well. We saw a lot of raw talent yesterday."

Baffert trainee Medina Spirit ran a game second in the San Felipe under John Velazquez, who won the 2020 Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) for Baffert last year on Authentic, eventual Horse of the Year.

"He's a good horse and we needed to run first or second (with him) to continue on (the Triple Crown trail)," Baffert said.

"He'll either run here (in the April 3 Runhappy Santa Anita Derby) or the Arkansas Derby (G1, April 10). I'm not sure yet."

Life Is Good now sits second on the Road to the Kentucky Derby leaderboard with 60 points, the same amount as Greatest Honour, who claims the No. 1 spot with more earnings in non-restricted stakes races. Medina Spirit is fifth with 34 points. Both the Santa Anita Derby and Arkansas Derby award points on a 100-40-20-10 scale.

Idol Doesn't Idle in Big 'Cap

Richard Baltas joined a long list of training luminaries who have won the Santa Anita Handicap (G1) when Calvin Nguyen's Idol stormed from behind to win Saturday's Big 'Cap by a half-length under Joel Rosario.

Now the late-running son of two-time Horse of the Year Curlin  is eligible for the inaugural "Wild West Bonus" of $1 million which goes to a horse winning the Big 'Cap, the Hollywood Gold Cup (G1) at Santa Anita May 31, and the TVG Pacific Classic (G1) at Del Mar Aug. 31.

All three races are at the classic American distance of a mile and a quarter.

"He came out of the race in good order," Baltas said Sunday morning. "Of course, we're going to definitely look at it, although the Gold Cup is a long way off. I'm just happy he came out of the race very, very good.

"I knew he wanted all of a mile and a quarter, and the jockey made a bit of a difference, too. But a mile and a quarter is always what the horse wanted. He's just a big, long-striding horse.

"We needed all of Rosario's power in the stretch to get him home. It was a great win, a race you dream about winning. I've been coming to Santa Anita since I was 13 years old.

"Before I even became a trainer, I saw all the greats run in the Big 'Cap and you never think you're going to be here, but you keep working hard and God blesses you."

Blacker Gets Early Birthday Present in Kilroe

Dan Blacker celebrates his 39th birthday March 12 but got an early present Saturday when Hit the Road won the Frank E. Kilroe Mile Stakes (G1T) by a neck to give the trainer his first grade 1 victory.

"I gave myself 10 years to win one and luckily we got it done in nine," Blacker said after the exciting win under jockey Florent Geroux, who rode the 4-year-old More Than Ready  colt for the first time.

"It's all about the horse; he's such a professional animal, a true racehorse. He was born that way. He's a true athlete and so mentally focused on racing.

"I feel fortunate to have him and a great group of owners who have been with me a long time. They've been so patient and I'm thrilled for them to get a win like this."

Hit the Road is owned by D K Racing, Radley Equine, Taste of Victory Stables, Rick Gold, Tony Maslowski, and Dave Odmark.