Simms Hopes Blueeyesintherein Visits Winner's Circle Monday

Blueeyesintherein visited the winner’s circle following her run in last year’s Debutante (Grade III) and trainer Garry Simms is hoping for a similar result Monday in the $100,000-added Winning Colors (GIII) at Churchill Downs.

 

“It’s a tough race, but that’s how it goes,” Simms said. “She’s doing really well and came out of her last race good. We thought we’d stay home.”

 

Dorothy Self, Berry King and Travis Morgeson V LLC’s Blueeyesintherein’s last race was the Eight Belles (GIII) on Kentucky Oaks Day and she finished fifth of 13 after battling for the lead.

 

“I didn’t want to be up that close,” Simms said. “She usually lays three to five lengths off, but she was battling for the lead with some longshots. She held on the best she could.”

 

Jon Court was aboard Blueeyesintherein in the Eight Belles, but Leandro Goncalves will have the call in the Winning Colors. Goncalves was aboard Blueeyesintherein for her maiden and Debutante victories.

 

“It’s nothing against Jon,” Simms said. “Leandro started on her and I just thought we’d make a change back.”

 

The Winning Colors would be the fourth graded-stakes victory of the career for the 61-year-old Simms, who has battled multiple myeloma for more than three years. Multiple myeloma is an incurable form of cancer that attacks the plasma cells in bone marrow.

 

“I’m doing well and I feel good,” Simms said. “I’ve still got it, but my tests have been good and if it stays like this then I won’t have to have any more treatments until it goes the other way.”