Simms enjoying Churchill meet, looking forward to
Blueeyesintherein in Debutante
Trainer Garry Simms won last year’s running of the Grade 3 Debutante at
Churchill Downs with Flashy Lassie and he will attempt to repeat in the first
graded stakes event in North America for two-year-old fillies with
Blueeyesintherein, the 5-2 morning-line favorite, on Saturday. The Debutante,
which was first run at Churchill Downs in 1895, is the featured race on
Saturday’s program.
“She’s doing great,” Simms said. “I think I have the best horse in the race.
I’ve never had to ask her to run, but she might have to run Saturday and then
we’ll really find out what she’s got. I think she’s got a lot.”
Blueeyesintherein enters the Debutante off a 3 3/4-length victory at
Churchill Downs in her career debut on May 31. She was ridden that day by
Leandro Goncalves, and he will have the mount in the Debuante when
Blueeyesintherein breaks from post 3 in the field of 10.
Blueeyesintherein was the first winner for her sire, Magna Graduate, winner
of the Grade 2 Clark Handicap in 2005 under the Twin Spires. A 10-time winner of
more than $2.5 million, Magna Graduate started in Simms’ barn.
“It’s neat to train his first winner,” Simms remarked. “I picked him out at
the yearling sale and ran him three times before we sold him to Elisabeth
Alexander. We would be willing to sell (Blueeyesintherein), too, but the price
has to be right.”
Blueeyesintherein’s victory is one of five for Simms this meet from just
eight starters.
“I’m having a great meet,” Simms said. “I use the KISS method: Keep It Simple
Stupid. I also have a great team. Everyone is in-sync with each other. It’s a
well-oiled machine.”
The success this meet comes as a blessing for the 60-year-old Simms, who has
been battling multiple myeloma for more than two years. He has had numerous
rounds of chemotherapy and radiation treatments and two bone marrow transplants.
“I feel great,” Simms said. “There’s no cure for multiple myeloma and I’m in
the final stage. It’s a miracle I’ve come this far to be this healthy. It’s a
God thing. I’m taking it one day at a time. It’s what we all have to do. None of
us are promised tomorrow.”
Simms said being around the horses has definitely helped with his morale and
overall health.
“I love the horses,” Simms said. “I also bred some mares and have three foals
by Magna Graduate on my farm. It might not have been the smartest financial
move, but money can’t buy the joy I get from watching those babies.”
Two more horses of note in the Simms barn at Churchill Downs include Flashy
Lassie and Circle Unbroken. Flashy Lassie is back in training at Churchill Downs
after getting some time off following surgery to remove a few chips in her
ankles. Simms is hopeful she will run before the end of the summer.
Circle Unbroken won his career debut last Sunday and could make his next
start in the Grade 3 Bashford Manor on June 30 at Churchill Downs.
“The Bashford Manor is a possibility,” Simms said. “I don’t want to run him
back in two weeks, but there aren’t many other spots to go. A lot of people have
been trying to buy him, but he’s not for sale. We’re going to keep him and take
our chances.”