Tami Bobo’s Simplify breezed an five furlongs april 15 at Gulfstream Park to prepare for a tentative start in the May 7 Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) at Churchill Downs. The son of Not this time hit a speed of 1:01.83 in his first practice session since finishing third in the $1 million Florida Curlin Derby presented by Hill ‘n’ Dale Farms at Xalapa (G1) at Gulfstream today April 2.
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“He gallops out six stretches in 1:15 3/5, seven stretches in 1:27 and one mile in 1:40,” said coach Antonio Sano. . “Clever.”
Jockey Junior Alvarado joined with ease, replacing Jose Ortiz.
Simplified is 9th on the Kentucky Derby Leaderboard with 74 qualifying points, securing the Florida Cross a spot on the 20-horse race track. Before finishing third in the Florida Derby, he won the Fasig-Tipton Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) at Gulfstream.
Simplified is expected to operate the next two Fridays at Gulfstream before shipping to Churchill Downs on April 29.
Elsewhere in South Florida, Charge it (four inner tubes: 47,77) and Medina’s Pioneers (five furs in 1:00.41) worked at the Palm Beach Downs for trainer Todd Pletcher. Charge It is currently 19th on the Kentucky Derby Leaderboard with 40 points, Medina’s Pioneer is 22nd with 25 points.
White Abarrio Florida Derby winner, who is third with 112 points, is scheduled to show off three trophies at Gulfstream April 16 to coach Saffie Joseph Jr.
