Hi Happy regains stride with Pletcher, wins Man o' War Stakes
He was undefeated in six starts in South America, there as a multiple Group 1 winner, but then went without a win in four starts on the United States’ West Coast.
Nothing a major barn change couldn’t fix.
Hi Happy on Saturday won his second straight stakes since transferred to Todd Pletcher and became a Grade 1 winner domestically, taking a stalking trip to hit the wire first in Belmont Park’s $700,000 Man o’ War.
"It was just a perfect trip," Pletcher said, "exactly what we were hoping for. He delivered a big performance. We're very proud of him."
The final time was 2:14.79 for 1 13/8 miles on turf rated firm, but with rain falling at Belmont.
Sadler’s Joy, who needs an especially strong pace in which to close, ran on for second while One Go All Go held on for third.
"When we came to the three-eighths, he was ready to run," Saez said. "I felt the other horses coming, but he never gave up. He was always trying, so I just kept going with him and he finished very strongly."
At age 6, Hi Happy continues to run for his breeder, La Providencia, and last out won Gulfstream Park's Grade 2 Pan American.
Two contenders — Scholar Athlete and Money Multiplier — scratched to leave a field of eight in the Man o’ War. Hi Happy left the gates the 9-5 favorite.