Multiple Graded-stakes Winner Simplification Heads the 2022 Florida-bred Champions Class

By JoAnn Guidry

Eight accomplished racehorses make up the outstanding group of 2022 Florida-bred champions. Collectively, they won 16 black-type stakes, including seven graded stakes. Five of the eight were graded stakes winners: Simplification, Midnight Stroll, Hot Peppers, Our Flash Drive and Golden Pal. Our Flash Drive and C Z Rocket were crowned multiple Florida-bred champions.

Lynx and Our Flash Drive were homebreds raced by their breeders. Awesome Strong, Midnight Stroll, Hot Peppers and C Z Rocket were sold at public auction. C Z Rocket would later be claimed by his current owners. Golden Pal, who initially raced for his breeder, was sold privately; Simplification was also sold privately.

Three of the eight Florida-bred champions are by Florida-based stallions: Awesome Strong (Awesome Slew), Lynx (Brethren) and Hot Peppers (Khozan).

The 2022 Florida-bred champions were determined by points accumulated in black-type stakes competition during the year-long FTBOA Chase to the Championship. The FTBOA-registered Florida-bred with the most points in each division on Dec. 31 is deemed the champion of that division. Bonus points are awarded for special Florida-bred stakes races and an FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes series sweep. Year-end point ties are broken by graded-stakes earnings. Any Eclipse Award and/or Breeders’ Cup winner is automatically recognized as division champion regardless of points standings. Horses must win at least one race during the year to be eligible for championship honors.

SIMPLIFICATION
Florida-Bred Horse of the Year
2022 FLORIDA-BRED CHAMPION 3-YEAR-OLD COLT

Simply put, Simplification had a Florida-bred championship caliber season in 2022. He made his presence known at most of the major races for 3-year-old colts, snagging a couple of big wins along the way.

Simplification had been more than impressive as a juvenile when he broke his maiden by 16 ³/₄ lengths. He also showed his natural speed, posting a winning time of 1:09.81 in that victory. And his first start as a sophomore validated that preview of an outstanding racehorse in the making.

The $150,000 Mucho Macho Man was a great way to begin the New Year for Tami Bobo’s Simplification. He broke very well and sped into the lead with fractions of :23.70 and :45.81. When Skippylongstocking and Mr Rum Runner moved up to challenge him, Simplification shrugged them off and widened his lead. He won by four lengths with Strike Hard second and Mr Rum Runner third. Simplification’s winning time for the mile was 1:35.04.

In his first graded stakes start, the Holy Bull Stakes (G3) on Feb. 5 at Gulfstream Park, Simplification ran into a bit of bad luck with a poorbreak from the gates. The Antonio Sano trainee made a furious late charge but finished second to White Abarrio. Mo Donegal was third.

A month later, Simplification’s luck improved with his first graded-stakes victory in the Fasig-Tipton Fountain of Youth (G2). This time, he broke well but bided his time as Markhamian took the lead. Just past the six-furlong marker, Simplification rallied six-wide around the far turn. Simplification made it look easy, winning by three-and-a-half-lengths.
Winning time for the mile-and-one-sixteenths was 1:44.04.

In the Curlin Florida Derby (G1) on April 2 at Gulfstream Park, Simplification once again ran into his nemesis White Abarrio. He battled gamely, briefly took the lead nearing the half-mile pole but could not hold off White Abarrio and finished third. He next went into the Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) on May 7 at Churchill Downs now co-owned by Tami Bobo and Tristan de Meric. Simplification finished fourth to 80-1 longshot Rich Strike.

Following the Run for the Roses, Simplification was third in the West Virginia Derby (G3). He closed out his sophomore season with a third in the Harlan’s Holiday (G3) on Dec. 31 at Gulfstream Park. On the season, he posted two wins, a listed and a graded, a graded-stakes second and three graded-stakes thirds, in 10 starts. He earned $761,300 on the year.

A 2019 bay colt by Not This Time out of Simply Confection, by Candy Ride (Arg), Simplification was bred by France and the late Irwin Weiner. Consigned to the 2019 Keeneland November sale, Simplification was a RNA at $50,000.

MIDNIGHT STROLL
2022 FLORIDA-BRED CHAMPION 3-YEAR-OLD FILLY

Midnight Stroll posted a stellar 2022 Florida-bred championship season. In but six starts, she notched wins in both a graded and a listed stakes while also being graded stakes-placed twice.

After breaking her maiden by two-and-a-half lengths on Feb. 26 at Tampa Bay Downs, Midnight Stroll moved right into black-type stakes company in her next outing. In the Stonehedge Farm South Sophomore Filles on March 27 at Tampa Bay Downs, Midnight Stroll posted a gate-to-wire win. She was much the best by three and a quarter lengths over Rapturous. Outfoxed was third. Midnight Stroll stopped the clock in 1:23.12 for the seven furlongs.

Midnight Stroll then hit the road, starting at four different tracks with good results. In the Delaware Oaks (G3) on July 2 at Delaware Park, she proved her mettle. Breaking a step behind, Midnight Stroll raced in mid-pack on the inside before moving into the two path on the turn. She began passing horses from the three path in the upper stretch. Taking the lead, she held off a charging Shotgun Hottie to prevail by a head. Morning Matcha got up for third. Winning time for the mile and one-sixteenth was 1:44.31.

Trained by John P. Terranova II, Midnight Stroll closed out her sophomore season with a pair of thirds in the Charles Town Oaks (G3) at Charles Town and Raven Run Stakes (G2) at Keeneland. Campaigned by Gatsas Stables, R.A. Hill Stable and Steven Schoenfeld, Midnight Stroll earned $314,355 on the season.

A 2019 bay filly by Not This Time out of Midnight Magic, by Midnight Lute, Midnight Stroll was bred by Dr. Carolin Von Rosenberg DVM. Consigned by Abbie Road Farm to the 2020 OBS October yearling sale, Midnight Stroll was purchased for $225,000 by Tonja Terranova, agent.

AWESOME STRONG
2022 FLORIDA-BRED CHAMPION 2-YEAR-OLD COLT

On the strength of an undefeated season and an FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes series sweep, Awesome Strong garnered a Florida-bred champion title.

Awesome Strong indeed showed his potential strength as a racehorse, breaking his maiden by six lengths at first asking on May 6 at Gulf-stream Park. He covered the four and a half furlongs in :51.62. Owner Elena Racing had purchased the colt for $30,000 from the consignment of Sue Vacek at the 2021 OBS October yearling sale.

Ten days after Awesome Strong’s impressive maiden-breaking win, Elena Racing consigned him to the 2022 Fasig-Tipton May Digital Sale. Purchased by Bill Childs, Awesome Strong was the sales topper at $500,000. Awesome Strong would race the remainder of his juvenile season for CSLR Racing Partners.

Awesome Strong made his first start for his new owners in the $100,000 FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes Dr. Fager on Aug. 6 at Gulfstream Park. His eyebrow-raising gate-to-wire victory proved that he had been a good purchase. Awesome Strong was much the best, winning by four-and-three-quarter lengths. Turbo was second with Cajun Hope nabbing third. Winning time for the six furlongs was 1:11 flat.

Next up was the $200,000 FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes Affirmed on Sept. 3 at Gulfstream Park. Breaking well, Awesome Strong stalked the pace three-wide and then took the lead near the three-eighths pole. After that, it was all the Awesome Strong show as he won by three lengths with Turbo second. Apocalypso was third. Winning time for the seven furlongs was 1:24.77.

Awesome Strong put himself into the FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes series history books in the $400,000 In Reality on Oct. 1 at Gulfstream Park.
After a slower break than usual, Awesome Strong settled into fourth and was bumped entering the first turn. He held steady, tracking the pace four-wide between horses while improving his position. Under strong urging, Awesome Strong grabbed the lead near the quarter-pole and rallied to a hard-earned victory. He bested Tigre by a length and a half with Knox getting the show money. Winning time for the mile and one-sixteenth was 1:47.09.

With the In Reality win, Awesome Strong became the 10th horse to sweep the FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes series’ colts and geldings division. He combined margin of victory was nine-and-a-quarter lengths. Trained by Jorge Delgado, Awesome Strong banked $458,000 on four wins in four starts.

Bred by John B. Penn, Awesome Strong is a 2020 chestnut colt by Ocala Stud stallion Awesome Slew out of Pleasant Ring, by Pleasant Tap. Awesome Strong was Awesome Slew’s leading earner on the season.

LYNX
2022 FLORIDA-BRED CHAMPION 2-YEAR-OLD FILLY

Sleek and fast like her namesake, Arindel homebred Lynx proved precocity pays off with a Florida-bred championship crown.

Lynx won at first asking, breaking her maiden by a length-and-three-quarters on May 19 at Gulfstream Park. She also flashed some speed, stopping the clock in :58.65 for the five furlongs. Lynx seemed to be the perfect kind of juvenile filly for the FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes series and that prediction was correct.

The Carlos A. David trainee’s next appearance in the $100,000 FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes Desert Vixen on Aug. 6 at Gulfstream Park didn’t disappoint. She raced in sixth until around the far turn and slowly gained ground on leader Gemma’s Curls. Lynx rallied on the outside, overtaking Gemma’s Curls to win by a length and a quarter. Trust Me was third. Winning time for the six furlongs was 1:12.53.

Next up for predatory Lynx was the $200,000 FTBOA
Florida Sire Stakes Susan’s Girl on Sept. 3 at Gulfstream Park. Again stalking her rivals, Lynx charged from fifth on the turn to win by four and three-quarter lengths over Guardian Angel. Cajun Tease came in for the show money. Lynx stopped the clock in 1:25.79 for the seven furlongs.

With a possible FSS sweep on the line in the $400,000 FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes My Dear Girl on Oct. 1 at Gulfsteam Park, Lynx ran her typical come-from-behind race. But this time she wasn’t able to catch winner Atomically, who won by six-and-a-quarter lengths. Lynx had to settle for second best in her only defeat on the season.

A 2020 bay filly by Arindel stallion Brethren out of Darby Rose, by Red Bullet, Lynx recorded an outstanding juvenile season. On four starts, Lynx notched three wins, including two stakes, and one stakes second, in but four starts. She banked $303,000.

HOT PEPPERS
2022 FLORIDA-BRED CHAMPION FEMALE SPRINTER

 

No matter where she ran, Hot Peppers managed to spice things up on her way to cooking up a Florida-bred championship title.

In but her second career start, Hot Peppers garnered some attention with a rousing maiden-
breaking win by 14 ¹/₄ lengths. She also displayed her speed, posting a winning time of 1:03.25 for the five-and-a-half furlongs on
Jan. 6 at Gulf-stream Park. In her initial win, she was owned by trainer Ronald Spatz, Tom
Cannell and Debbi Gagne. Sold privately after her maiden win to Michael Dubb, Hot Peppers then posted back-to-back wins in an allowance and an optional claiming allowance.

By the time she started in the $145,500 Jersey Girl on June 12at Belmont Park, Hot Peppers was owned by Dubb and
Michael J. Caruso. She also had a new trainer in Rudy R. Rodriguez. Hot Peppers rewarded her new team with a wire-to-wire victory by six-and-three-quarter lengths over Stand Up Comic. Sweet Solare was third. In
posting her first black type win, Hot Peppers stopped the clock in 1:10.24 for the six furlongs.

Just shy of a month later, Hot Peppers garnered her initial graded-stakes win in the Victory Ride Stakes (G3) on July 9 at Belmont Park. Hot Peppers broke slightly off, brushed with Sterling Silver, and raced three-wide around the turn. She moved into the lead at the top of the stretch and held off Half Is Enough to win by three-quarters of a length. Sterling Silver finished third.

Hot Peppers added to her black-type resume with a second to Chi Town Lady in the Test (G1) on Aug. 6 at Saratoga. On the season, Hot Peppers posted five wins, one graded stakes and one stakes, and one Grade I second in eight starts. She earned $381,500 on the season.

Consigned by Journeyman Bloodstock Services to the 2020 OBS October yearling sale, Hot Peppers sold for $40,000 to De Meric Sales. The latter then consigned the filly to the 2021 OBS June juvenile sale, where she was bought for $16,000 by Ronald Spatz.

Bred by Brent and Crystal Fernung, Hot Peppers is a 2019 bay filly by Khozan out of Friends Pro, by Friends Lake. Khozan, who stands at the Fernungs’ Journeyman Stud, was the leading Florida sire in 2020, 2021 and 2022.

C Z ROCKET
2022 FLORIDA-BRED CHAMPION OLDER MALE
2022 FLORIDA-BRED CHAMPION MALE SPRINTER

It was deja vu all over again for C Z Rocket, who as an 8-year-old gelding picked up yet another pair of Florida-bred championship
titles. In 2020, as a 6-year-old gelding, C Z Rocket was also the Florida-bred champion older male and champion male sprinter.

C Z Rocket opened up his sixth racing season with a third in an allowance optional claiming race on Jan. 14 at Oaklawn Park. He then followed that with a win in an optional claiming allowance race on July 23 at Del Mar. Now warmed up, the grand old runner moved into graded-stakes company.

In the Santa Anita Sprint Championship (G2), C Z Rocket flashed his speed and class. Breaking slowly, C Z Rocket trailed the early leaders on the inside. But his afterburners kicked in going into at the top of the stretch to make his charge at leader Howbeit. But in a three-horse finish, C Z Rocket just missed by a nose to finish second. Super Ocho (Chi) was another nose back in third.

Next up was the Qatar Racing Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) on Nov. 5 at Keeneland. Again breaking back, C Z Rocket chased the pace early before briefly moving into the lead in the stretch. But in deep stretch, he was overtaken by Elite Power, who won by a length-and-a-quarter in 1:09.11. C Z Rocket was second by a length-and-a-quarter ahead of Jackie’s Warrior.

Trained by Peter Miller, C Z Rocket banked $441,000 on the season for owners Altamira Racing Stable, Madaket Stables LLC, Gary Barber and Tom Kagele.

A 2014 gelding by City Zip out of Successful Sarah, by Successful Appeal, C Z Rocket was bred by Farm III Enterprises LLC. Consigned by Stephens Thoroughbreds to the 2016 OBS June 2-year-olds in-training sale, he was bought for $800,000 by Frank Fletcher Racing Operations. After winning the 2018 Kelly’s Landing Overnight Stakes at Churchill Downs, he posted no wins in 2019 and began 2020 racing in the claiming ranks.

On April 30, 2020, trainer Peter Miller claimed fifth-placed C Z Rocket for $40,000 on behalf of Tom Kagele. C Z Rocket became a graded-stakes winner for his current owners when he won the 2020 Pat O’Brien Stakes (G2). To date, C Z Rocket has career earnings of $1,952,641.

OUR FLASH DRIVE
2022 FLORIDA-BRED CHAMPION OLDER FEMALE
2022 FLORIDA-BRED CHAMPION FEMALE TURF HORSE

Our Flash Drive garnered a pair of Florida-bred championship titles by being a talented and versatile runner. She alternated from turf to dirt competition with ease, winning on both surfaces.

Charlotte Weber’s Live Oak Plantation homebred began the season with a skein of stakes-placings in turf races at three different tracks. Our Flash Drive was second in the Pleasant Acres Stallions Distaff Turf Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs on March 27; second in the Beaugay (G3) at Belmont Park on May 14; third in the Nassau Stakes (G2) at Woodbine on July 2.

Our Flash Drive then shipped to Saratoga for a start in the $135,000 Del La Rose on Aug. 7 on the turf. Racing in fourth four-wide on the first turn and three-wide on the far turn, Our Flash Drive made her move at the three-sixteenths marker. She took the lead and won by a length over Plum All. Love And Thunder (Ire) was third. Winning time for the mile turf test was 1:35.42.

After a disappointing fifth in the Grade 2 Ballston Spa at Saratoga, Our Flash Drive returned to her homebase of Woodbine. Her next start there was Oct. 22 on the dirt in the Ontario Matron (G3). Our Flash Drive finished a game second by half-a-length to Kate’s Kingdom. Three weeks later, she was back for more on the dirt with a winning results.

In the Bessarabian (G2) on Nov. 12, Our Flash Drive broke well from the gates and settled into fifth. Early leader Hazelbrook took command around the final turn with Loyalty and Sweet Enough pressing her. Now in an all-out drive on the outside, Our Flash Drive took the lead at the six-furlong mark in 1:08.64. Then she powered away from her rivals, winning by five and three-quarter lengths in 1:20.76. Previously a Grade 3 winner in 2021, the Bessarabian was her first in Grade 2 company.

Bred by Weber’s Live Oak Stud, Our Flash Drive is a 2018 bay filly by Ghostzapper out of Dynamotor, by Dynaformer. On the season, the Mark Casse trainee banked $255,023 on two wins, a stakes and graded stakes, three seconds with two in graded stakes, and one third in a graded stakes.

GOLDEN PAL
2022 FLORIDA-BRED CHAMPION MALE TURF HORSE

After another stellar season, Golden Pal added to his treasure chest of Florida-bred championship crowns. In addition to his 2022 title, he was previously tabbed as the 2020 Florida-bred champion 2-year-old colt and 2021 Florida-bred champion 3-year-old colt, male sprinter and male turf horse.

And as the only Florida-bred to date to win two Breeders’ Cup championship races, Golden Pal will go into the Florida Thoroughbred industry history books as one of the most accomplished and honored Florida-breds.

Golden Pal began the 2022 season the same way he had finished the previous year with a victory. On April 9 at Keeneland, Golden Pal was much the best by four-and-three-quarter lengths in the Shakertown (G2). Johnny Unleashed was second with Gear Jockey third. Winning time for the five-and-a-half furlong turf sprint was 1:02.21.

After an uncharacteristic poor showing in the Grade 1 Kings Stand on June 14 at Ascot, Golden Pal once again returned to form back in his home country. He showed his true champion’s heart in the Grade 3 Troy Stakes on Aug. 5 at Saratoga. Golden Pal prevailed by a head over True Valour (Ire) with Thin White Duke third. Winning time for the five-and-a-half furlongs on the turf was a swift 1:00.2.

Back at Keeneland on Oct. 8, Golden Pal would tally his second consecutive Grade 2 Woodford Stakes victory. Wesley Ward’s trainee led gate to wire, winning by a length-and-a-half ahead of Oceanic with Artemus Citylimits third. Golden Pal stopped the clock in 1:01.39 for the five-and-a-half furlongs turf test, setting a stakes record.

In a twist of bad luck, Golden Pal’s quest for a third Breeders’ Cup victory was dashed when he broke badly in the Turf Sprint (G1) on Nov. 5 at Keeneland. He made a brief rally, but the deficit was too much to make up. Golden Pal finished 10th to Caravel and as had been previously announced, he was retired to Coolmore America’s Ashford Stud in Versailles, Kentucky.

On the season, Golden Pal earned $526,075 on three graded stakes wins in five starts. He retired with career earnings of $1,825,131 on eight wins, including seven graded, and two seconds in 13 lifetime starts. Most notably, Golden Pal captured the 2021 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (G1) and the 2020 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint (G2).

A 2018 bay colt by Uncle Mo out of Lady Shipman, by Midshipman, Golden Pal was bred by Randall E. Lowe. He was foaled and received his sales yearling prepping at Ryan Barbazon’s Ocala-based Barbazon Racing and Bloodstock. Consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency to the 2019 Keeneland September yearling sale, Golden Pal was an RNA at $325,000. Lowe then brokered a private sale with Coolmore, giving them 60 days to return the colt. When Coolmore did return Golden Pal, Lowe sent him back to Barbazon for his early training. Lowe raced Golden Pal the first half of 2020 before selling him privately to Mrs. John Magnier, Michael B. Tabor, Derrick Smith and Westerberg.

2022 FLORIDA STALLION OF THE YEAR
KHOZAN
2012 bay horse by Distorted Humor – Delta Princess, by A.P. Indy

Khozan was the leading 2022 Florida sire by progeny earnings with $4,513,950. It was the third consecutive year that Khozan was the leading Florida sire by progeny earnings. He had progeny totals of $3,521,813 in 2020 and $3,671,794 in 2021.

In 2022, Khozan was represented by 147 starters with 78 winners (53%), including 10 Florida-bred black-type horses. Of the latter number, Khozan posted one graded-stakes winner, two black-type stakes winners and seven black-type stakes-placed winners.

Khozan’s leading earner on the season was graded-stakes-winner Hot Peppers, who banked $381,500 on five wins and one second in eight starts. Raced by Michael Dubb and Michael Caruso, Hot Peppers won the Victory Ride (G3) and the $145,500 Jersey Girl at Belmont Park. The Rudy Rodriguez trainee also posted a second in the Test (G1) at Saratoga. Bred by Brent and Crystal Fernung, Hot Peppers is a 2019 bay filly out of Friends Pro, by Friends Lake.

Lure Him In won the Sunshine Turf at Gulfstream Park and was third in the Turf Classic at Tampa Bay Downs. Bred by Stonehedge LLC, Lure Him In is a 2017 bay gelding out of Alluring Lady, by Indygo Shiner. Lure Him In earned $114,375 on one win and two seconds in nine starts on the season, Lure Him In was trained by Robert B. Hess Jr.

Me and Mr C, a 2017 bay gelding out of Abiding, by Dynaformer, was bred by Stonehedge LLC. The Michael Maker trainee captured the Mr. Steele on the turf at Gulfstream Park. Raced by Paradise Farms Corp and David Staudacher, Me and Mr C was also second in the Soldier’s Dance and Sam Spear Memorial at Gulfstream Park. On the season, he notched two wins, one second and one third to earn $94,360.

Rounding out Khozan’s roster of Florida-bred black-type stakes-placed winners and their seasonal earnings were: Valenzan Day ($158,000), Sigiloso ($93,245); Warrior’s Battle ($90,200); Foggy Night ($89,950); Don’t Get Khozy ($67,432); Esoteric ($37,540) and Clemens ($17,920).

A 2021 bay horse by Distorted Humor out of the A.P. Indy mare Delta Princess, Khozan was purchased for $1 million by Al Shaqab Racing. Khozan entered stud at Brent and Crystal Fernung’s Journeyman Stud, as property of a syndicate, in 2016. He was the 2019 leading Florida freshman and juvenile sire.

2022 LEADING FLORIDA JUVENILE & FRESHMAN SIRE
GIRVIN
2014 dark bay horse by Tale of Ekati – Catch the Moon, by Malibu Moon

Girvin was the 2022 leading Florida juvenile and freshman sire by progeny earnings with $1,910,156. He was represented by 52 starters with 20 winners, including four Florida-bred black-type stakes winners and two Florida-bred black-type stakes-placed winners.

Girvin’s leading earner Atomically, banked $288,000 in two wins and one third in four starts. Raced by Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Michael G.
Bernard and Harry Colburn, Atomically captured the FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes My Dear Girl at Gulfstream Park. The 2020 bay filly out of Shesunbelievable, by Uncaptured, was bred by Tracy Pinchin and Michael Bernard.

Graded-stakes-winner Damon’s Mound was victorious in the Saratoga Special (G2). Campaigned by Cliff and Michele Love, Damon’s Mound earned $147,810 on two wins in three starts. The 2020 bay colt out of San Antonio Stroll, by Stroll, was bred by Cliff Love.

Stakes-winner Dorth Vader, bred and raced by John Ropes, won the Sandpiper at Tampa Bay Downs and Juvenile Fillies Sprint at Gulfstream Park. The 2020 bay filly out of Hardcore Candy, by Yonaguska, had a seasonal bankroll of $206,228.

Stakes-winner Devious Dame proved the best in the Astoria at Belmont Park for owner John Oxley. She posted two wins in three starts to earn $120,560. The 2020 bay filly out of The Shady Lady, by Quality Road, was bred by Ocala Stud, Joseph M. O’Farrell III, David O’Farrell, et al and trained by Norm Casse.

Girvin was also represented by Florida-bred black-type stakes-placed winners Apocalypso, who was third in the FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes
Affirmed, and Miss Georgie, who was second in the Smart Halo at Laurel Park.

A multiple graded stakes-winning millionaire, Girvin entered stud at Ocala Stud in 2019 and stood there through the 2022 breeding season.

2022 LEADING FLORIDA TRAINER OF FLORIDA-BREDS
BY EARNINGS & WINS
SAFFIE A. JOSEPH JR.

Saffie A. Joseph Jr. was the 2022 leading Florida trainer of Florida-breds by earnings with $2,396,229 and wins with 64. Joseph trained Florida-bred stakes-winners Shifty She and Lovely Luvy.

Shifty She won the Pleasant Acres Stallions Distaff Turf at Tampa Bay Downs. The 2016 bay mare by Gone Astray out of Perilous Hope, by Strong Hope, was bred by Chris Pallas and George Klein. Raced by Pedigree Partners LLC, Shifty She earned $117,500 on the season.

Lovely Luvy captured the Sunshine Filly & Mare Turf and Ginger Punch, both at Gulf-stream Park. Bred by Rustlewood Farm Inc., Lovely Luvy is a 2016 gray/roan mare by He’s Had Enough out of Realgoodlooking, by Unbridled’s Song. She banked $91,205 on the
season for owner Sonata Stable.

2022 LEADING FLORIDA TRAINERS OF FLORIDA-BREDS
BY BLACK TYPE WINS
CARLOS A. DAVID

Carlos A. David was the 2022 leading Florida trainer of Florida-breds by black-type wins with six. David trained Florida-bred stakes winners Lynx, Gatsby, Hot Blooded, Octane and Dangerous Ride.

Lynx was a multiple stakes winner with tallies in the FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes Desert Vixen and FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes Susan’s Girl at Gulfstream Park. The 2020 bay filly by Brethren out of Darby Rose, by Red Bullet, was bred and raced by Arindel. She earned $303,000 on the season and was named the 2022 Florida-bred champion 2-year-old filly.

Gatsby, also an Arindel homebred, captured the Sunshine Sprint at Gulfstream Park. The 2018 bay gelding by Brethren out of Star Recruit, by Aldebaran, banked $139,600 on the season.

Hot Blooded won the Soldier’s Dancer at Gulfstream Park and earned $133,750 for Palm Beach Racing V LLC. The 2018 bay gelding by Declaration of War out of Hot Cappucino, by Medaglia d’Oro was bred by Hallmarc Stallions LLC.

Octane, another Arindel homebred and full brother to Gatsby, posted a win in the FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes Marion County at Tampa Bay Downs. The 2019 bay gelding by Brethren out of Star Recruit, by Aldebaran, earned $108,480 on the season.

Dangerous Ride was victorious in the Juvenile at Gulfstream Park and had a seasonal bankroll of $98,862. Bred by Palm Beach Racing III LLC and raced by Palm Beach Racing V LLC, Dangerous Ride is a 2020 bay colt by Lord Nelson out of Ride a Wave, by Medaglia d’Oro.

2022 JOSEPH M. O’FARRELL MEMORIAL AWARD
CONSIGNORS: BETH BAYER & BLAS PEREZ STABLES
HORSE: HAVNAMELTDOWN

The 2022 Joseph M. O’Farrell Memorial Award was presented to consignors Beth Bayer and Blas Perez Stables, who sold Florida-bred graded stakes-winner Havnameltdown. Bred by Katherine S. Devall, Havnameltdown was consigned by Beth Bayer to the 2021 Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company October Yearling Sale. A 2020 bay colt by Uncaptured out of Ashley’s Babe, by Put It Back, Havnameltdown sold for $16,000 to Blas Perez Stables. The latter then consigned Havnameltdown to the 2022 OBS April Spring Sale, where he was purchased for $200,000 by Three Amigos.

Raced by Michael Pegram, Karl Watson and Paul Weitman, Havnameltdown won the Best Pal (G3) and Bob Hope (G3) in 2022. He was also second in the Del Mar Futurity (G1) on his way to banking $288,000.

The Joseph M. O’Farrell Memorial Award is presented annually by OBS to the consignor(s) of the year’s best Florida-bred racehorse offered at an OBS auction. The award is named after Joseph M. O’Farrell, who was part of the nine-man syndicate that founded Ocala Stud in 1956 and who was a pioneer in establishing public Thoroughbred auctions in Florida.

2022 NEEDLES AWARD
JOHN B. PENN

The 2022 Needles Award was presented to John B. Penn, who as a breeder posted
Florida-bred earnings of $683,475 on the season. Penn was represented by 14 starters, who recorded 12 wins, 14 seconds and nine thirds.

Penn, who owns Ocala-based Pennston Farm, bred undefeated multiple stakes-winner Awesome Strong.

A 2020 chestnut colt by Awesome Slew out of Pleasant Ring, by Pleasant Tap, Awesome Strong became the 10th horse to sweep the FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes series’ colts and geldings division.

He won the Dr. Fager, Affirmed and In Reality divisions of the Florida Sire Stakes by a combined margin of nine-and-a-quarter lengths.

Campaigned by CSLR Racing Partners and trained by Jorge Delgado, Awesome Strong earned $458,000 on the season. He was named the 2022 Florida-bred champion 2-year-old colt/gelding.

The Needles Award was established by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association to honor small Thoroughbred operations that have made outstanding contributions to the Florida Thoroughbred industry.

The award is named after Needles, who was the first Florida-bred national champion (1955 champion 2-year-old colt) and the first Florida-bred to win the Kentucky Derby (1956).

2022 FLORIDA BREEDER OF THE YEAR  / 2022 LEADING OWNER
By Florida-Bred Earnings
ARINDEL

Arindel was named the 2022 Florida Breeder of the Year by the FTBOA board of directors and was the leading breeder by Florida-bred earnings with $3,050,911, by Florida-bred black-type stakes winners (6), blacktype stakes wins (7) and wins (94). Arindel was also the 2022 Leading Owner by Florida-bred earnings with $1,943,436.

Arindel was represented by six homebred black-type stakes winners, all by Arindel stallion Brethren. Leading the way for the Arindel stable was graded-stakes-winner Key Biscayne and joining her were stakes-winners Lynx, Clapton, Turbo, Gatsby and Octane.

Graded-stakes-winner Key Biscayne won the Robert G. Dick Memorial (G3) at Delaware Park. The 2017 chestnut mare out of the Lemon Drop Kid mare Boa Twelve, Key Biscayne was also third in the Sunshine Filly And Mare Turf at Gulfstream Park. Trained by Juan Alvarado, she earned $177,968 on two wins and one second in seven starts on the season.

Lynx was the leading Florida-bred earner for Arindel, banking $303,000 on the season. The precocious filly won the FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes Desert Vixen and FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes Susan’s Girl at Gulfstream Park. The 2020 bay filly out of Darby Rose, by Red Bullet, also notched a second in the FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes My Dear Girl. Trained by Carlos A. David, Lynx was named the 2022 Florida-bred champion 2-year-old filly.

Clapton, a 2019 chestnut colt out of Alexandra Rylee, by Afleet Alex, captured the inaugural Gil Campbell Memorial Handicap at Gulfstream Park. The Juan Alvarado trainee was also third in the Carry Back at Gulfstream Park. On the season, Clapton earned $216,620.

Turbo won the Juvenile Sprint at Gulfstream Park. The 2020 bay colt out of Horah for Bailey, by Doneraile Court, also posted seconds in the FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes Affirmed and FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes Dr. Fager at Gulfstream Park. Trained by Juan Alvarado, Turbo banked $154,828 on the season.

Gatsby and Octane are full siblings by Brethren out of Star Recruit, by Aldebaran. Gatsby, a 2018 bay gelding, won the Sunshine Sprint Stakes at Gulfstream Park. He was also second in the Benny The Bull Stakes at Gulfstream Park and third in the FTBOA Marion County Florida Sire Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs. In an interesting twist in the latter race, Octane, a 2019 bay gelding, won the FTBOA Marion County Florida Sire Stakes. Both trained by Carlos A. David, Gatsby earned $139,600 and Octane banked $108,480 on the season.

Alan Cohen established 500-acre Arindel in 2004 on what had previously been a Marion County cattle operation.

2022 FLORIDA BROODMARE OF THE YEAR
SIMPLY CONFECTION
2012 bay mare by Candy Ride (Arg) –
Ballado’s Halo, by Saint Ballado

Simply Confection, the dam of Florida-bred graded-stakes-winner Simplification, was named the 2022 Florida Broodmare of the Year by the FTBOA board of directors.

Bred by Frances and (the late) Irwin Weiner, Simplification won the Fasig-Tipton Fountain of Youth (G2) and $150,000 Mucho Macho Man at Gulfstream Park on the season. A 2019 bay colt by Not This Time, Simplification was second in the Holy Bull (G3) and posted thirds in the Curlin Florida Derby (G1), Harlan’s Holiday (G3) and West Virginia Derby (G3).

Raced by Tami Bobo and Tristan de Meric, Simplification notched two wins, one second and three thirds to bank $761,300. Trained by Antonio Sano, Simplification was the leading Florida-bred earner on the season. He was named the 2022 Florida-bred champion 3-year-old colt/gelding and Horse of the Year.

BRUCE CAMPBELL AWARD
KATHLEEN O’CONNELL

The 2022 Bruce Campbell Award was presented to Florida-based trainer Kathleen O’Connell. O’Connell is the most honored Florida-bred trainer with 18 awards to her credit.

The Bruce Campbell Award is presented by The Florida Horse magazine for Outstanding Achievement when deemed appropriate to individuals or groups who have brought honor and prestige to Florida’s Thoroughbred industry. It is named in honor of Bruce Campbell, who headed the nine-person syndicate which bought Dickey Stables in 1956 and renamed it Ocala Stud.

On March 12, 2023, O’Connell became the leading female Thoroughbred racehorse trainer by wins in North America. Florida-bred My Eagle Soars won the fifth race at Tampa Bay Downs that day, giving O’Connell 2,386 career wins. O’Connell co-owns My Eagle Soars with P and G Zambelli Inc.

My Eagle Soars, a 2020 chestnut gelding by Khozan out of Silver Rock (Ire), by Rock Gilbralter, was bred in the name of late Gilbert Campbell and his wife Marilyn’s Stonehedge LLC. O’Connell has trained for the Campbells since the 1990s, including winning 12 divisions of the Florida Sire Stakes.

O’Connell began training on her own in 1981 at Detroit Race Course
before moving her operation to South Florida. She has been honored by the
Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association 14 times as the leading Florida trainer by Florida-bred wins. Through her record-breaking win on March 12, 2023, she has started 17,316 Thoroughbreds with 2,386 wins, 2,280 seconds and 2,154 thirds with purse earnings of more than $46 million.