Smile Happy: A Sneaky Contender for the 2022 Kentucky Derby

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Importance of the Kentucky Derby
3. Trip Notes and Their Significance
4. Smile Happy: A Closer Look
5. The 2018 Kentucky Derby: A Reminder of the Payout Potential
6. Cory Lanerie: A Jockey to Watch
7. Betting Strategies for the Kentucky Derby
8. The Racing Dudes Inside Track to the 2022 Kentucky Derby Wagering Guide
9. Conclusion

Smile Happy: A Closer Look

The Kentucky Derby is the biggest race of the year, and for good reason. It's a race that captures the Attention of the entire country, and it's a race that can make or break a horse's career. With so much on the line, it's important to take a closer look at the contenders and identify any potential value plays. One horse that stands out as a potential value play is Smile Happy.

Trained by Kenny McPeek, Smile Happy is a three-year-old colt who has shown promise in his young career. He has two wins in six starts, and he's coming off a third-place finish in the Grade 2 Louisiana Derby. While that may not seem like a standout performance, a closer look at his trip notes reveals that there may be more to Smile Happy than meets the eye.

According to trip notes expert Justin Chris-Stein, Smile Happy had a "sneaky trip" in the Louisiana Derby that could make him a contender in the Kentucky Derby. Stein notes that Smile Happy broke alertly and was closer to the pace than he had been in the past, which could signal that he's getting sharper. He was also in a stalking position in a spot where he's Never been before, which could cue sharpness but also an adjustment period. Despite going five wide around the entire first turn, Smile Happy was able to put himself in fourth and then third, stalking in a spot where he's never been before. Stein notes that sometimes when horses put themselves in new positions, it can cue sharpness, but it can also be an adjustment period for them to be in a new spot in the race.

Smile Happy made his move around the Second turn and struck the front, finishing pretty well. While he flopped back to his left lead, indicating that he got a little tired late, his gallop out wasn't great, which could signal that he may have needed the race. Stein believes that Smile Happy will be in the middle half of the field in the Kentucky Derby, more like the style that he prefers and is used to.

The 2018 Kentucky Derby: A Reminder of the Payout Potential

The Kentucky Derby is known for its massive payouts, and the 2018 edition was no exception. Justify, Good Magic, and Audible were the top three finishers, but the real value came in the fourth spot. Instilled Regard, who was over 80 to one, finished fourth, making for a very nice superfecta payout for those who had it.

This is a reminder that in the Kentucky Derby, all it takes is one horse to hit the board to make for a profitable day. While the top contenders will always get the most attention, it's important to look for value plays like Smile Happy, who could make for a nice payout if he hits the board.

Cory Lanerie: A Jockey to Watch

When it comes to jockeys in the Kentucky Derby, there are few better than Cory Lanerie. Lanerie has ridden in the Kentucky Derby 12 times, and he's finished in the top three four times. He's known for his ability to find the rail down the backside and weave his way through traffic turning for home. If he can find an opening, he can get his horse into the mix for the top three spots.

Lanerie will be riding O Besos in the 2022 Kentucky Derby, a horse who has shown promise in his young career. O Besos finished third in the Louisiana Derby, and he's been training well leading up to the Kentucky Derby. While he may not be one of the top contenders, he could be a value play to consider.

Betting Strategies for the Kentucky Derby

When it comes to betting on the Kentucky Derby, there are a few strategies to consider. One is to focus on the top contenders and try to find value in the exacta, trifecta, or superfecta. Another is to look for value plays like Smile Happy or O Besos and try to hit a big payout.

It's also important to consider the jockeys and trainers. Jockeys like Cory Lanerie and trainers like Kenny McPeek have a history of success in the Kentucky Derby, and they could be worth considering when making your bets.

Finally, it's important to have a solid understanding of the track conditions and how they may impact the race. The Kentucky Derby is run on dirt, and the track conditions can vary depending on the weather. It's important to consider how the track conditions may impact each horse's running style and adjust your bets accordingly.

The Racing Dudes Inside Track to the 2022 Kentucky Derby Wagering Guide

For those looking for more in-depth analysis and betting strategies for the 2022 Kentucky Derby, the Racing Dudes Inside Track to the 2022 Kentucky Derby Wagering Guide is a must-have. The guide features in-depth analysis of all eight stakes races on the Saturday card, as well as capsules for each of the 20 horses running in the Kentucky Derby.

The guide also includes bonus analysis for Friday's Kentucky Oaks, along with top four Consensus picks for all stakes on Friday and Saturday from the expert handicappers at RacingDudes.com. Additionally, the guide features an exclusive bankroll wagering article, available only in this guide. Play the exact same tickets as Aaron and Jared live at the track, and potentially win big.

Conclusion

The Kentucky Derby is the biggest race of the year, and it's a race that captures the attention of the entire country. With so much on the line, it's important to take a closer look at the contenders and identify any potential value plays. Smile Happy is one horse that stands out as a potential value play, with a sneaky trip in the Louisiana Derby that could make him a contender in the Kentucky Derby.

It's also important to consider jockeys like Cory Lanerie and trainers like Kenny McPeek, who have a history of success in the Kentucky Derby. And for those looking for more in-depth analysis and betting strategies, the Racing Dudes Inside Track to the 2022 Kentucky Derby Wagering Guide is a must-have. With these tips and strategies in mind, You'll be well on your way to a profitable Kentucky Derby day.