Kentucky Derby Horse Profile: Smile Happy

Apr 27, 2022 John Mucciolo/TwinSpires.com

Lucky Seven Stable’s Smile Happy ranks 10th on the 2022 Road to the Kentucky Derby challenge series leaderboard with 70 qualifying points. Trained by Kenny McPeek, the classy sophomore was last seen finishing a clear second in the Bluegrass S. (G2) at Keeneland on April 9. 

'He got a little tired at the end.” McPeek said following the Bluegrass. “We will see how much water he drinks and how (tired) he is. This is a really good horse. This is only his fourth career start. I feel like I could win the Derby or the Preakness with this horse.' 

Smile Happy made his first appearance on October 29 at Keeneland and rolled home to an emphatic 5 1/2-length win while running 1 1/16 miles on debut. The precocious one moved to the stakes ranks second time out and proved to be much the best when rallying to a 3 1/4-length triumph in the Kentucky Jockey Club S. (G2) at Churchill Downs on November 27. 

He commenced his three-year-old campaign with a runner-up showing in the Risen Star S. (G2) at Fair Grounds on February 19, which preceded his Keeneland performance. His lifetime line now reads 4-2-2-0, $549,810. 

Smile Happy was bred in Kentucky by Moreau Bloodstock International and White Bloodstock, and he went through the auction ring on a pair of occasions. The son of Runhappy attracted a bid of $175,000 as a weanling at the 2019 Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale, prior to bringing the gavel down at $185,000 at Fasig-Tipton as a yearling in 2020. 

The dark bay colt is the first black-type winner out of the winning Pleasant Tap mare Pleasant Smile, and he is a half-brother to the multiple stakes placed Wilko Rum. His female line traces back to champion Funny Cide, who bagged both the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Preakness S. (G1) in 2003. 

Smile Happy has earned solid Brisnet Speed figures of 87-98-95-101 from four career races to date. The top sophomore has displayed a fine closing kick in each of his assignments, and he also possesses enough tactical speed to be in range in the early stages of his races. The colt will appreciate the added ground in Louisville on May 7, and he appears to be rounding up to a peak showing in his third start off the layoff, as well. Smile Happy is a prime top-three threat in the Run for the Roses.