Blueeyesintherein gives Simms second consecutive Debutante
Blueeyesintherein took command in mid-stretch and easily held off the late charge Quiet Success to win the $100,000 Debutante Stakes (gr. III) at Churchill Downs June 23.
Ridden by Leandro Goncalves, Blueeyesintherein (Magna Graduate-Tartufi, by Mr. Greeley) was winning for the second time for owners Dorothy Self and Barry L. King. It was the second straight Debutante win for trainer Garry Simms, who captured the race last year with Flashy Lassie.
Quiet Success was second, with Shesakitty third. Time for the six furlongs was 1:11.17 over a fast track.
Debutante Quotes, Courtesy Churchill Downs
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Garry Simms, trainer of Blueeyesintherein, winner: “We came into this race with a lot of confidence. I thought we were the best on paper, but it’s a horse race and anything can happen. She really showed a lot of class and heart today and looked a lot like her sire, Magna Graduate, who I trained at the beginning of his career. I had déjà vu watching her run.”
On winning this race in back-to-back years: “Anytime you can win a big race at a place like Churchill Downs two years in a row, it’s a big deal. It feels great.”
On getting this win while battling cancer for the last two years: “I’ve been through a lot, but a lot of people have it a lot worse than I do. Today’s win is a blessing from above and I’m really happy for my owners and my team.”
Q: What's next?: “We've got a couple of options. There’s the Schuylerville (GIII at Saratoga on July 20) and the Mountaineer Juvenile Fillies (at Mountaineer on Aug. 4). Either way she’ll have about four to six weeks before her next start.”
Leandro Goncalves, jockeyon Blueeyesintherein, winner: “She broke well and I decided to lay her off the pace. Around the half-mile pole, we got in a lot of traffic. From there to the quarter-pole, I had horses all over me. I had to work my way out. She didn’t have the best trip, but good horses are always able to overcome things and that’s what she did.”
Q: Was this extra special to win a race for your good friend, Garry Simms?: “It’s very, very special. We all know that two years ago we almost lost him. Garry was the first person in Kentucky to help me and he’s like a dad to me. He’s been there to help me and to teach me to do things the right way. It’s a dream to get this win for him.”
