Simplification

5) SIMPLIFICATION (c, Not This Time–Simply Confection, by Candy Ride {Arg}) O-Tami Bobo. B-France & Irwin Weiner (FL). T-Antonio Sano. Sales History: $50,000 wlg '19 KEENOV. Lifetime Record: GSW & GISP, 7-3-1-2, $515,350. Last Start: 3rd GI Curlin Florida Derby. KY Derby Points: 74. Post 13, 20-1.

Simplification joins Smile Happy and Messier, both ranked right above him, as a potentially overlooked horse who's most recent losing effort was much better than it appears on paper. This son of Not This Time ($50,000 RNA at KEENOV) got embroiled in two separate internal speed battles in the GI Florida Derby that sapped his chances for engaging in a more robust stretch run, and if you're in a forgiving mood, Simplification's overall dossier that features five 90+ Beyer tries should make his juicy 20-1 morning-line pricing look attractive. He has, in some ways, rounded into a more natural stalker than some of his contemporaries, so Jose Ortiz should have tactical options in trying to attain a good first-flight spot from post 13.