Runhappy Drills Five Furlongs in Malibu Prep
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Photo: Zoe Metz
Runhappy works Dec. 8
James McIngvale's Runhappy, winner of the TwinSpires Breeders' Cup Sprint (gr. I) at Keeneland in his last start, recorded his first work at Santa Anita Park Dec. 8, getting six furlongs in 1:11 4/5. The sophomore son of Super Saver galloped out seven furlongs in 1:24 4/5 under Marcelino Torres.
Runhappy is being targeted toward Santa Anita's Dec. 26 opening day Malibu Stakes (gr. I) at seven furlongs. Nominations for the race close Dec. 17.
"It was a good work—it didn't look like he was going that fast, but he never looks like he's going fast," said trainer Laura Wohlers. "It was a strong work with a good gallop out."
Runhappy arrived in Southern California from Central Kentucky Dec. 3.
"He was a little fractious when he first got here, but he's settled in," Wohlers said. "He's sleeping good and eating good and that's 75% of the job."
Previously trained by Maria Borell, Runhappy has won his last five starts, all between six and seven furlongs. Prior to his three-quarter-length win in the Sprint, he won the Oct. 2 Stoll Keenon Ogden Phoenix Stakes (gr. III) and the Aug. 29 NYRA.com King's Bishop Stakes (gr. I).
Bred by Wayne, Gray, and Bryan Lyster, Runhappy is out of Bella Jolie, by Broken Vow.