Sano, Bobo Take Team of Two to Breeders' Cup

Florida-based trainer Antonio Sano will have a double shot at Breeders' Cup redemption this year with the 3-year-old Simplification  and juvenile Congruent .

In 2018, Sano trained multiple graded stakes winner Gunnevera   to a runner-up finish in the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1). From three starters at the level, he has yet to grasp a victory.

Looking to change that record is Simplification, a grade 2-winning son of Not This Time   owned in partnership by Tami Bobo and Tristan De Meric who will contest the Nov. 5 Big Ass Fans Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile (G1) at Keeneland.

Bobo, along with Lugamo Racing Stable, also co-owns Congruent, a stakes-winning son of Tapit   who takes on the FanDuel Breeders' Cup Juvenile Presented by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (G1) Nov. 4.

In the barn while both colts relaxed in their stalls after morning training, Bobo reflected on how they have grown in the past year.

"I was the one on the muscle in the earlier stages with Simplification. You hold your breath every time you take these young horses out because they're not exposed to these elements and everything going on with the barn and on the track," Bobo said.

"Simplification, mentally has matured tremendously where now I am on the muscle when Congruent goes out because everything to him is new like it was in the preliminary phases like it was with Simplification... It's shocking to stand here and look at these two horses and to know mentally how far Simplification has come in such a short time where Congruent now is experiencing everything new that's being thrown at him."

After finishing fourth in the May 7 Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1), Simplification was sixth in the May 21 Preakness Stakes (G1) in his next start. He was third in the Aug. 6 West Virginia Derby (G3) and came in fourth last out in the Sept. 24 Pennsylvania Derby (G1).

The choice to run in the Breeders' Cup was one made by Sano, which Bobo says she stands behind.

"Antonio has always been real confident. He likes to run a lot more than I probably do so this was one of those supportive decisions where you have to get behind your trainer," Bobo said. "Truly this was Antonio 100% (who chose) to run here. As an owner, sometimes you just have to back up your trainer."

Sano says both of his horses are in good form: "It's another chance to run at the Breeders' Cup. I have dreamed for a long time to win. It's two very strong races but both horses have a chance so I will try."