Simplification: Preakness contender profile
Simplification winning the Fountain of Youth S. (G2) at Gulfstream Park (Coglianese Photos)
May 18th, 2022
Rating in 18th after the opening three-quarters of a mile, Simplification uncorked a rally from far back to finish fourth, beaten 3 1/2 lengths at 35-1 odds, in the Kentucky Derby. The Florida-bred colt was more of a confirmed frontrunner earlier in his career, and he weakened to third after dueling on the pace in the Florida Derby (G1) two starts back, but Simplification’s top performances have come when utilizing a push-button run style, including a convincing Fountain of Youth (G2) win from off the pace. It will be interesting to see the tactics employed from his rail post in the Preakness, and Simplification is listed as the 6-1 fourth choice on the morning line.
Simplification getting his workout in at @PimlicoRC. Is he your pick for #Preakness147? pic.twitter.com/ftEuq2PkcP
— Preakness Stakes (@PreaknessStakes) May 12, 2022
Simplification Speed Figures
Top Brisnet Speed: 103, maiden win
Top Brisnet Late Pace: 103, maiden win
Simplification Pedigree
Sire: Not This Time
Simplification is from the second crop of Not This Time, who established himself as a top contender for the 2017 Kentucky Derby when recording a neck second in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) but unfortunately never raced again. By three-time leading sire Giant’s Causeway, Not This Time will also have favored Epicenter in the Preakness field.
Dam: Simply Confection
From the stakes-placed mare Simply Confection, Simplification counts Candy Ride as his broodmare sire. His dam is out of Ballado’s Halo, a full-sister to 2004 Kentucky Oaks (G1) and Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1) winner Ashado. Candy Ride, who is best known for siring champions Gun Runner, Shared Belief, and Game Winner, is also the broodmare sire of Epicenter.
Simplification Connections
Owner: Tami Bobo and Tristan De Meric
A $50,000 weanling purchase, Simplification is campaigned by Tami Bobo and Tristan De Meric.
Trainer: Antonio Sano
Simplification will be the second Preakness runner for Antonio Sano, who saddled Gunnevera to a fifth in 2017. He is the winningest trainer in Venezuelan history, and Sano won his first U.S. race in 2010 after relocating to Florida.
Jockey: John Velazquez
John Velazquez picks up the assignment from Jose Ortiz, who opted to ride Early Voting, and Velazquez will seek to complete the Triple Crown trifecta after multiple wins in the Kentucky Derby and Belmont S. (G1). The Hall of Famer has been close, finishing second on Animal Kingdom (2011), Itsmyluckyday (2013), and Authentic (2020), and Simplification will be his 12th Preakness mount.
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
