Life Is Good looks set to continue the formidable run of Bob Baffert in the US Triple Crown following a demolition in the Grade Three San Felipe Stakes at the weekend – a reliable pointer to Churchill Downs.

The $525,000 yearling purchase only made his debut at Del Mar last November, but having won that at cramped odds of 1/5, he was already put in as second choice in Circa’s futures at 12/1 for the Derby in May.

Life Is Good then landed the Grade Three Sham over a mile and today is a perfect three from three.

Proven now over two turns and seeming to tick most of the boxes for a KY Derby hope, Life Is Good now heads the Derby futures lists at 4/1, but is as short as 5/2 in a place. Baffert’s charge  toppled Essential Quality, who is now a general 8/1 chance for Brad Cox and Godolphin and is also undefeated.

Speaking exclusively to Race Sharp this week, China Horse Club Vice President Eden Harrington said:

It’s enormously satisfying to race a horse of his caliber with our partners WinStar Farm. We have a wonderful association with them which dates back many years. The partnership goes well beyond the parameters of the racecourse – WinStar sees the same responsibilities that we do of growing the sport into different parts of the world, supporting on our projects in China and in St Lucia, for example.

The Mike Smith and Bob Baffert firm has been fantastic for us, not just with the brilliant Justify but dating back to our first horse Abel Tasman, a fantastic filly.

Life Is Good will tread down a similar path to Justify following this win in the San Felipe. The natural focus is on the first Saturday in May. Bob knows best how to keep the horses happy and we will be guided by him.

Whilst not drawn on a particular race, Harrington’s comments suggest that Life Is Good may run in the Grade One Santa Anita Derby next month over nine furlongs to complete his Derby preparation. That would follow the same sequence as previous San Felipe winners, California Chrome and Dortmund.