Florida coach Antonio Sano will have a brace at this year’s Breeders’ Cup with the 3-year-old Simplify and adolescents Congruent .
In 2018, Sano trained the winner of the classified multi-stakes Gunnevera finished runner-up in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1). From three starts at the level, he is yet to capture a win.
Looking to change that record is Simplification, a son who won the second prize of Not this time owned by the partnership of Tami Bobo and Tristan De Meric, who will compete for the Big Ass Cup Dirt’ (G1) Fans on November 5 at Keeneland.
Bobo, along with Lugamo Racing Stable, also co-owns Congruent, son of Tapit participant of the FanDuel Breeders’ Juvenile Cup presented by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (G1) on Nov.
In the stable while both ponies relax in the stable after morning training, Bobo ponders how they’ve grown over the past year.
Bobo said.
“Simplification, mentally matured a lot, now I’m on top when Congruent comes on because everything with him is as new as it was in the preliminary stages like with Simplification… It’s shocking to stand here and look into these two horses and to know how far Simplification has come in the spirit of the short while Congruent is now experiencing everything new is being thrown at him.”
After finishing fourth in the May 7 Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (G1), Simplification finished sixth in the Preakness Stakes (G1) next game on May 21. He finished third in the Derby. West Virginia August 6 (G3) and finished fourth in the Pennsylvania Derby (G1) September 24.
The choice to join the Breeders’ Cup was made by Sano, Bobo says she’s behind.
“Antonio has always been really confident. He likes to run a lot more than I do, so this is one of those supportive decisions that you have to get your coach,” Bobo said. “Really this is 100% Antonio (who picked) running here. As an owner, sometimes you just need to support your coach.”
Sano said both of his horses are in good form: “This is another chance to run at the Breeders’ Cup. I’ve dreamed of winning for a long time. These are two very strong races but both horses. Everyone has a chance, so I’ll try.”
