Life Is Good: unbeaten, unchallenged, undaunted.
The $525,000 son of Into Mischief posted his third straight victory Saturday in the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes at Santa Anita in Arcadia, Calif., breaking like a shot from his inside post position and rolling to an eight-length triumph despite meandering through the stretch.
Next up: the G1 Runhappy Santa Anita Derby April 3.
“He came out of the race really well,” Bob Baffert said Sunday morning. “We're looking at staying home for the Santa Anita Derby.”
Mike Smith, who has ridden Life Is Good in each of his three races, attributed the bay colt's drifting through the lane to ogling at the track's infield screen.
“When the screen is lit up, they can see it,” Smith said after the race. “In the mornings, he goes by the screen like it's nothing because it's not on. He was locked on it down the lane today. He's so talented. I had a strong hold on him down to the wire, just holding onto him, making sure that he stayed straight.”
But Baffert, who added to his record of seven San Felipe victories, was unconcerned about the colt's sightseeing antics and wasn't contemplating any equipment changes.
“He's still green,” Baffert said matter-of-factly. “Remember Authentic did all that weaving one race … they're still babies. They're still immature. The main thing is he came out of it really well. We saw a lot of raw talent yesterday.”
Baffert trainee Medina Spirit, purchased for 15 times less than Life Is Good ($35,000), ran a game second in the San Felipe under John Velazquez, who won the Kentucky Derby for Baffert last year on Authentic, eventual Horse of the Year.
“He's a good horse and we needed to run first or second (with him) to continue on (the Triple Crown trail),” Baffert said.
“He'll either run here (in the Runhappy Santa Anita Derby) or the Arkansas Derby April 10). I'm not sure yet.”
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