Gary Stevens Up for Runhappy Breeze

Runhappy, winner of two grade I sprints this year, will attempt a third Dec. 26 in Santa Anita Park's Malibu Stakes. The 3-year-old son of Super Saver   breeezed seven furlongs Dec. 15 at the California track under Hall of Fame rider Gary Stevens, who will sub on Runhappy for a sidelined Edgar Prado.

Jim McIngvale's Runhappy was clocked in 1:25 2/5, according to trainer Laura Wohlers. "He looked good," she said. "The track was playing a little slow and there's a lot of moisture in the track. We're just trying to get him ready for the distance."

The Malibu, the feature on Santa Anita's opening day, is at seven furlongs. "Gary said he didn't feel like he got tired; he just took one, deep breath," Wohlers said.

Runhappy, winner of the NYRA.com King's Bishop Stakes (gr. I), Stoll Keenon Ogden Phoenix Stakes (gr. III), and Twinspires Breeders' Cup Sprint (gr. I), will likely get in one more move prior to the Malibu. In all Runhappy is 6-0-0 from seven starts and has earned $1,301,300.

Out of Bella Jolie, by Broken Vow  , Runhappy was bred by Wayne, Gray, and Bryan Lyster and was a $200,000 Keeneland September yearling sale purchase.

"We'll probably blow him out mid-week; either a quarter or an eighth down the lane to put some speed into him," Wohlers said.

The Dec. 15 move was the second for Runhappy since he shipped to Southern California earlier this month. On Dec. 8 he was caught going six furlongs in 1:11 4/5.

Prado had been aboard Runhappy in his last three starts. Wohlers said Stevens' agent had checked in with her to let her know he was available, and then following his incident at Gulfstream Park Dec. 13—which will sideline him for up to two months—Team Runhappy made the call.

BLOODHORSE STAFF: Prado Could be Sidelined for Two Months

"I checked with (McIngvale) and he gave the OK on Gary," Wohlers said. "It's nice to have two Hall of Fame jockeys riding the horse."

Nominations for the Malibu close Dec. 17 and entries will be drawn Dec. 21.