Happy Jack: Preakness contender profile
Happy Jack at Santa Anita Park (Photo by Benoit Photo)
May 18th, 2022
Happy Jack was slow into stride and failed to make any impact in the Kentucky Derby, checking in 14th at 23-1 odds. He had placed in a pair of fast races, recording non-threatening thirds in the Santa Anita Derby (G1) and San Felipe (G2), and the Kentucky-bred colt recorded a debut maiden win at Santa Anita in late January. Connections are drawing a line through the Kentucky Derby effort, and adding blinkers to the late runner, and Happy Jack has been pegged as a 30-1 outsider in the Preakness.
Happy Jack Speed Figures
Top Brisnet Speed: 97, Santa Anita Derby
Top Brisnet Late Pace: 95, Santa Anita Derby
Happy Jack Pedigree
Sire: Oxbow
Happy Jack is by 2013 Preakness winner Oxbow, who was also campaigned by Calumet. Oxbow’s most accomplished offspring so far, Grade 1-winning millionaire Hot Rod Charlie, was second in the 2021 Kentucky Derby for O’Neill.
Dam: Tapitstry
Her first two foals were winners, and Happy Jack is the first stakes-placed runner from the Tapit mare Tapitstry. Happy Jack counts Chic Sheba, a daughter of 1988 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Alysheba, as his second maternal dam.
Happy Jack Connections
Owner: Calumet Farm
Happy Jack is a homebred for iconic Calumet Farm, which leads all owners with eight Preakness wins, including the 2013 edition with Oxbow under Brad Kelley’s stewardship.
Trainer: Doug O’Neill
Doug O’Neill swept the Kentucky Derby and Preakness with I’ll Have Another in 2012, and the Southern California-based conditioner finished third with 2016 Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist. Happy Jack will be his fifth Preakness starter.
Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione
In his lone previous appearance, Tyler Gaffalione piloted War of Will to a 6-1 upset in the 2019 Preakness. He will take over the reins aboard Happy Jack.
Learn about all of the Preakness Stakes Contenders and insight from our expert handicappers on the lead up to race day here on TwinSpires.com
