So Happy gets the distance in Santa Anita Derby

Apr 04, 2026 Vance Hanson/Brisnet.com

So Happy wins 2026 Santa Anita Derby (Benoit Photo)

The first-two turn experience for So Happy, in last month's 1 1/16-mile San Felipe (G2), resulted in a weakening third-place finish after he pressed the pace. It was a respectable effort but not necessarily an encouraging one as far as tackling longer distances.

On Saturday, a far more relaxed So Happy temporarily put such concerns to bed when he rallied to overtake heavily favored Potente over 1 1/8 miles in the Santa Anita Derby (G1).

Under the ageless Mike Smith, 60, So Happy was content to sit 1 1/2 lengths behind the San Felipe one-two Potente and Robusta, who traded leads through the opening six furlongs. Potente began to put Robusta away approaching the quarter pole, but So Happy then made a three-wide bid into contention.

Poking his head in front with a furlong to go, So Happy eventually drew away from a tired Potente to win the Santa Anita Derby by 2 3/4 lengths.

Owned by Saints or Sinners and Norman Stables, So Happy finished up in 1:49.01 over a fast track. He paid $16.60.

So Happy increased his Kentucky Derby (G1) qualifying point total from 15 to 115 points. Although not expected to be among the top choices, his story will be among the most emotional, given trainer Mark Glatt lost his beloved wife Dena earlier this year.

Potente, trained by Bob Baffert increased his points total from 50 to 100 and is assured a spot in the Derby for Hall of Famer Bob Baffert. Potente finished 6 3/4 lengths ahead of Vitruvian Man, who earned 25 points. Intrepido finished fourth, boosting his total from 23 to 38 points, while Start the Ride earned 10 points.

Completing the order of finish were Cherokee Nation and Robusta.

The Santa Anita Derby was the third win in four starts for So Happy. He won both starts prior to the San Felipe, including the seven-furlong San Vicente (G2) by two lengths.

A son of champion sprinter Runhappy, So Happy was bred in Kentucky by Leverett Miller and last sold for $150,000 as an OBS juvenile. He was produced by So Cunning, a daughter of Blame.