What we learned: Smile Happy acts up before Stephen Foster

Smile Happy gave another important lesson to horse bettors Saturday in the Stephen Foster Stakes (G1) at Ellis Park. Even if someone does a thorough analysis of the field using the past performances and replays, the handicapping does not stop in the minutes leading up to the race.

To put the scene before the loading process in general terms, the son of Runhappy did not seem eager to walk to the starting gate. While the other horses went through their standard routines, he was resisting directions.

Eventually, Smile Happy made his arrival to the gate and began the race in a standard manner by taking up an inside stalking position in fourth.

The expected speed horses went to the front, with Speed Bias setting a fairly quick pace for nine furlongs through fractions of 23.74, 46.97 and 1:10.83 while under pressure from West Will Power in second. Stilleto Boy was chasing a few lengths behind in third next to Smile Happy.

West Will Power put away Speed Bias on the far turn. At that point, Smile Happy under Corey Lanerie tried to move into contention by getting closer and tipping outside of West Will Power. But when it came time to kick in at the top of the stretch, Smile Happy had nothing left. 

Smile Happy’s stablemate Rattle N Roll ended up giving West Will Power a challenge with his closing rally. Despite Rattle N Roll’s best effort, West Will Power held him off by a half-length to score the victory and pick up the first Grade 1 win of his career as a 6-year-old horse.

West Will Power completed the nine furlongs in in 1:47.93, which resulted in a 102 Beyer Speed Figure. Two races earlier on the card, Pauline’s Pearl finished the nine-furlong Fleur de Lis Stakes (G2) in 1:49.59 with only an 87 Beyer.

Under trainer Brad Cox, West Will Power has been nothing short of consistent, with four wins, three seconds and one third-place finish in eight starts. Although West Will Power ran well under his previous trainer Kelly Breen, he competed at a different level. Cox led him to a Grade 1 win in the Stephen Foster and a Grade 1 runner-up finish in the Clark Stakes (G1) last November.

With his speed and the ability to sit off the pacesetter, West Will Power will always factor into the mix of top contenders in any major dirt route.

Rattle N Roll turned in another nice performance after winning the Blame Stakes (G3), Pimlico Special (G3) and Ben Ali Stakes (G3) in his three starts before the Stephen Foster. Earlier in his career as a 2-year-old colt, Rattle N Roll captured the Breeders’ Futurity (G1) for his lone Grade 1. Maybe Rattle N Roll can pick up another one if the pace sets up.  

Smile Happy faded to fifth in the stretch after moving up on the far turn. As described earlier, the son of Runhappy just looked unhappy before the race, but only those who paid attention to the post parade were aware of his behavior. By showing his resistance on camera, Smile Happy offered parade watchers a chance to think twice and possibly cancel their wagers on him.

Whenever Smile Happy makes his next start, cross out the Stephen Foster effort. In his previous race before the Stephen Foster, Smile Happy took the Alysheba Stakes (G2) at Churchill Downs by two lengths over Art Collector in second, with a tired West Will Power in third. Smile Happy won after pressuring West Will Power through the early stages.  

Saturday, Smile Happy was not himself, and he strongly hinted at the disappointing effort to come with his odd post-parade behavior. On some days, horses do not want to try their best, and humans cannot make them run to their form. These are living creatures, and they have off days.  

If bettors can forgive Smile Happy’s race Saturday, also pay attention to his odds next time. Value-minded bettors do not want to take him as the favorite after this effort if he runs in another Grade 1.

But at the right odds, Smile Happy might deserve another chance to show his best. The ceiling remains high for this improving 4-year-old colt.