Runhappy puts bow on season with dominating Malibu S. (G1) victory

Runhappy wrapped up his terrific 3-year-old campaign with a scintillating victory in the $300,000 Malibu S. (G1) on Saturday afternoon at Santa Anita Park.

With wins in this year’s Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1), King’s Bishop S. (G1) and Phoenix S. (G3) already on his resume, the son of Super Saver is almost certain to be named the 2015 Sprint Champion at next month’s Eclipse Awards.

Ridden for the first time by Gary Stevens, Runhappy jetted to the front immediately, clicking off very fast fractions of :22.62 and :44.81. Up 2 ½-lengths at that point, Runhappy continued to pull away in the stretch, winning by 3 ½ lengths in 1:21.76 for the seven furlongs, earning a 102 Beyer Speed Figure, his fourth straight triple-digit number.

“He blows me away,” Stevens said. “That was only the second time I’ve sat on him and to get to feel that power coming into the stretch was awesome.”

According to trainer Laura Wohlers, Runhappy will get a break over the winter, with the Met Mile (G1) at Belmont Park, and ultimately next year’s Breeder’s Cup Sprint (G1) as goals for his 2016 campaign.

Owned by Jim McIngvale, Runhappy has now won seven of his eight starts and earned $1,481,300.

Super Saver’s brilliant second crop includes five graded stakes winners this year, more than any Second Crop sire. He also ranks second on the list with $4,479,462 in progeny earnings.