Preakness Stakes Contender Profile: Multiplier

Multiplier (KY)

Bay Colt
Trainer: Brendan P. Walsh
Jockey Last Start: James Graham
Owner: Gary Barber, Adam Wachtel and George Kerr
Breeder: Mark Stansell

Foaled: April 24, 2014
Sire: The Factor
Dam, Dam Sire: Trippi Street, by Trippi
Auction History: Sold to Walter Bloodstock for $62,000 at the Keeneland November 2014 Breeding Stock Sale, RNA Keeneland 2015 September Yearling Sale, RNA Ocala Breeders’ Sale April 2016 Spring Sale of Two-Year-Olds in Training

Record: 4-2-1-1
Earnings: $187,310
Highest Beyer Speed Figure: 88

Comments:  Unraced as a juvenile, Brendan Walsh’s trainee began his career at Fair Grounds with a third-place finish in a muddy maiden route on Jan. 21. Multiplier just missed when he returned on a fast track four weeks later, settling for second by a neck behind the highly-regarded Souper Tapit.

The colt’s breakthrough came on March 18 when he rallied to a 1 3/4-length victory over eight rivals at the New Orleans oval. Multiplier then made his stakes debut in the Grade 3 Illinois Derby on April 22 and prevailed by a head over favored Hedge Fund in a thriller, earning a career-best 88 Beyer Speed Figure in the process.

Following his Illinois Derby score, owner American Equistock sold Multiplier to the partnership of Gary Barber, Adam Wachtel and George Kerr and the colt remained in Walsh’s care. Jockey Joel Rosario, who will replace James Graham in the irons, will wear Barber’s silks in the May 20 Preakness Stakes. The colt galloped at Keeneland on May 16 before vanning to Pimlico for the second jewel in the Triple Crown.