2022 Kentucky Derby Field - Happy Jack
Last Updated: 05/04/2022 at 8:27 PM ET
Happy Jack will be ridden by Rafael Bejarano and is Doug O’Neill trained. The 3-year old has made four career starts with one win and two thirds. Happy Jack’s career earnings are $182,200. Happy Jack’s two third place finishes in qualifying prep races in early 2022 at Santa Anita Park, earned the thoroughbred a spot in Saturday’s field.
Happy Jack finished well back in the Santa Anita Derby but grabbed a third place finish while also finishing well back in third in the San Felipe Stakes. Prior to a third at San Felipe, Happy Jack did not earn any prep-race points after finishing more than 27 lengths behind winner Messier at the Robert B. Lewis Stakes.
Happy Jack’s only trip to the winner’s circle was in a sprint of six furlongs this past January. However, when Happy Jack is extended to a longer run his time’s have gone way up and will face an even longer 1 ¼-mile trip around Churchill Downs on Saturday.
Trainer O’Neill has two wins in the Derby. Bejarano has ridden 11 Derby thoroughbreds with a fourth place finish in 2009, his best result. Happy Jack has a tough post position at 2, and his only win in four races was in a sprint. Do not expect much from the thoroughbred when the field makes the turn and heads down the home stretch. Happy Jack is 30-1 after Monday’s draw and as the Kentucky Derby inches closer expect that number to increase as few will have confidence in the success of the thoroughbred over a 1 ¼-mile track.
