McPeek Considers Derby Prep at Oaklawn for Smile Happy

Trainer Kenny McPeek, who returns to Oaklawn Park this year with a string for the first time since 2018, told Oaklawn publicity that Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (G2) winner Smile Happy  is a candidate to race in Arkansas this winter.

The Runhappy   colt, owned by the Mackin family's Lucky Seven Stable, improved to 2-for-2 in his first stakes attempt in the Kentucky Jockey Club at Churchill Downs. A maiden win around two turns at Keeneland preceded that effort.

"He's a really, really good horse," McPeek said. "He's going to go to Florida initially and we're probably going to bring him up for the Southwest and possibly the Rebel and the Arkansas Derby."

The $750,000 Southwest Stakes (G3) Jan. 29, the $1 million Rebel Stakes (G2) Feb. 26, and the $1.25 million Arkansas Derby (G1) April 2 conclude Oaklawn's four-race Road to the Kentucky Derby points series. 

Lucky Seven Stable also campaigned 2001 Rebel winner Crafty Shaw  with now-retired trainer Pete Vestal. Crafty Shaw also ran third in the Southwest and seventh in the Arkansas Derby.

Lucky Seven also has another leading 2-year-old in Claiborne Breeders' Futurity (G1) winner Rattle N Roll , also trained by McPeek. The trainer has a third leading young prospect in Phoenix Thoroughbred's Tiz the Bomb .

McPeek said Dec. 2 that he has eight horses stabled at Oaklawn and expects to eventually have "20ish" on the grounds for the 2021-22 meeting that began Dec. 3. He indicated Oaklawn's expanded racing calendar was the hook to return to Hot Springs. For the first time, Oaklawn is opening in December and has 66 scheduled racing dates while racing three days a week, roughly 10 more than past years. With a more active weekly schedule, Oaklawn had previously begun in mid-to-late January. The 2021-22 live season ends May 8.

"The December start date completely changes the complexion of the Oaklawn meet," McPeek said. "I think it's a big help. You're there longer. As long as they can get the races that you need to go ... I know it's a bit of an experiment, but I think it's a really good move on their part."

McPeek's purse earnings this year are a career-high $6.7 million.

"Had a good meet," the trainer said. "Had a good fall."

He starts three horses Dec. 4 at Oaklawn, including Oliviaofthedesert  and Semble Juste  in the inaugural $150,000 Mistletoe Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at 1 1/16 miles. Laughing Boy , McPeek said, "will probably be entered" in the inaugural $150,000 Poinsettia Stakes for 3-year-olds at 1 1/16 miles Dec. 11 at Oaklawn. Laughing Boy finished second in a Nov. 25 allowance optional claiming race at Churchill Downs.

With John Ed Anthony of Hot Springs as a major client, McPeek won 40 races from 2012-17 at Oaklawn, including the $75,000 Arkansas Breeders' Stakes in 2015 with Trace Creek  and the $125,000 Spring Fever Stakes in 2017 with Kathballu . He won five races from 32 starts in 2018.

McPeek's last Oaklawn victory came with eventual champion Swiss Skydiver , who shipped in to win the $400,000 Fantasy Stakes (G3) in 2020.