Santa Anita Derby Winner So Happy Impresses in Final Derby Prep Work
Arcadia, Calif. — April 17, 2026.
So Happy, winner of the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby, continued to look the part of a major Kentucky Derby contender on Friday morning, turning in a sharp five-furlong workout at Santa Anita Park under trainer Mark Glatt’s supervision.
This was the colt’s first timed move since capturing the Santa Anita Derby on April 4, a performance that established the son of Into Mischief as one of the leading three-year-olds in this year’s Derby field. Friday’s breeze was brisk yet controlled — the type of efficient move Glatt prefers in the final stages of conditioning.
“He worked beautifully, exactly what we wanted,” Glatt said following the drill. “He came back great, was full of energy, and continues to do everything right heading into Churchill.”
Clockers recorded five furlongs in 1:00.20, with So Happy finishing strong through the wire and galloping out smoothly in 1:13.00 for six furlongs. The colt appeared relaxed throughout the move, staying well within himself while maintaining a steady, professional rhythm under exercise rider Juan Leyva.
So Happy has trained purposefully since his commanding Santa Anita Derby win, a race that showcased both tactical speed and finishing power — key traits in a Kentucky Derby likely to feature a large, competitive field. Glatt said the plan is for the colt to ship to Churchill Downs early next week, giving him ample time to settle in before the first Saturday in May.
Owned by Red Bar Stable, So Happy has three wins from five starts, with more than $900,000 in earnings. He’s part of a deep lineup of West Coast hopefuls targeting the 2026 Derby, which also includes Florida Derby runner-up The Puma and Arkansas Derby hero Renegade.
“He’s handled everything we’ve thrown at him,” Glatt added. “This work told us he’s right where he needs to be.”
So Happy will have one final, light gallop upon arriving in Kentucky before joining the contingent of top contenders training over the Churchill surface.
