Runhappy Targets Met Mile for Season Opener

Not that plans were ever set in stone, but what owner James McIngvale characterized as some heel bruising has champion sprinter Runhappy targeting the Metropolitan Handicap (gr. I) for his first race of 2016.

McIngvale said a heel bruise has slightly slowed Runhappy, as the 4-year-old son of Super Saver   prepares for his 2016 seasonal debut and first start since closing 2015 with victories in the TwinSpires Breeders' Cup Sprint (gr. I) at Keeneland and the Malibu Stakes (gr. I) at Santa Anita Park.

BALAN: Runhappy Untouchable in Malibu Victory

The Met Mile, a one-turn mile at Belmont Park, is scheduled for Belmont Stakes (gr. I) day June 11. McIngvale expressed confidence Runhappy would be able to run well off the more than five-month racing layoff that would be involved.

Runhappy has only once raced beyond seven furlongs, finishing ninth in last year's Lecomte Stakes (gr. III) at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots. McIngvale blamed that Jan. 17, 2015 loss on too quick a turnaround and stretch out to two turns off Runhappy's debut maiden win going 6 1/2 furlongs Dec. 28, 2014 at Turfway Park.

Runhappy, who has not registered an official timed workout this year, has twice registered grade I wins going seven furlongs, taking last year's Malibu and King's Bishop Stakes.