Brunacini to start next in Churchill’s Cherokee Mile

Today’s media notes by Keeneland’s publicity team (Coady Media/John Gallagher photo of Brunacini winning Saturday’s Perryville)

The question of the morning for 34-year-old Matt Sims: How does a trainer celebrate his first stakes victory?

“Went to The Thoroughbred Club for dinner and then went home and watched the Wildcats get beat,” Sims said referring to the University of Kentucky loss to Florida.

Sims, who has been training on his own for a year, recorded that initial stakes victory in Saturday’s 7-furlong Perryville (G3) with Emilie Fojan’s homebred Brunacini, the 28-1 longshot.

“He looks good this morning, and he wasn’t tired after the race,” said Sims, who will split the winter between racing at Turfway Park and Oaklawn Park.

However, before winter sets in, Sims has a target in mind for Brunacini.

“Looking at the ($250,000) Cherokee Mile at Churchill Downs on Dec. 1,” said Sims, whose father, Phil, trained Hot Cha Cha to win the 2009 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup (G1) and Don’t Tell Sophia to win the 2014 Juddmonte Spinster (G1) at Keeneland.

Between them, the two Sims have 20 horses in training.

One of those is War Campaign, a homebred racing for Jerry Namy, who campaigned Don’t Tell Sophia with Phil Sims. The elder Sims trains the 5-year-old two-time Grade 3-placed horse who is entered in Saturday’s closing day $350,000 Hagyard Fayette (G2). 

Brunacini, who drew in from the also-eligible list, held off odds-on favorite Book’em Danno by a neck to get the Perryville victory.

“He’s good this morning; he ran his race, but that’s just racing luck,” trainer Derek Ryan said of Book’em Danno, who is owned by Atlantic Six Racing. “I wish he could have gotten to the outside.”

Far back early, Book’em Danno rallied between horses in the stretch and just failed to catch Brunacini.

“The winner is a nice horse,” Ryan said of the lightly raced Brunacini. “And he had had like four bullet works here.”

Ryan said that Book’em Danno would leave Keeneland Monday morning for New York with the $500,000 Cigar Mile (G2) on Dec. 7 targeted as his star’s final start of 2024.

PLANS TO BE DETERMINED FOR LEXUS RAVEN RUN WINNER EMERY

Stonestreet Stables’ Emery remained perfect at Keeneland Saturday with a 2-length victory over My Mane Squeeze in the 7-furlong Lexus Raven Run (G2).

“She probably will go back to Churchill Downs today or tomorrow,” said Blake Cox, assistant to his father, trainer Brad Cox. “She ran up to expectations yesterday. She is a very good, consistent filly.”

An allowance winner here in the spring in her 2024 debut, Emery has won five of seven career starts with all the victories coming with jockey Tyler Gaffalione aboard.

As for what’s next, Cox said that was to be determined after talks with ownership.

FALL MEET THIRD WEEK SPECIAL EVENTS

Throughout the Fall Meet, special events and activities will continue Keeneland’s historic mission to support the Central Kentucky community and the Thoroughbred industry. They include:

Year-round

Official Keeneland Tours: Click here for description, availability and to purchase tickets.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday (weather permitting)

The Hill. No ticket or reservation is required for tailgating on The Hill, located adjacent to the Keene Barn & Entertainment Center and accessible via Gate 1 (at Man o’ War Blvd.) or Gate 4 (off Van Meter Road on the east side of Keeneland). Fans can watch the racing action via a jumbo TV and place their bets in a wagering tent while they enjoy live music presented by The Burl, food trucks and handicapping assistance from BETologists. Complimentary shuttles to the track are offered. 

The Hill is open from 8 a.m. to 60 minutes after the final race. Amenities are available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For fans who want to elevate their experience, Keeneland again is partnering with RevelXP to offer tailgate packages for groups of any size. RevelXP will organize tailgates by furnishing a designated tent, catering, amenities and more. Click here for more details. 

Sunday, Oct. 20

Heroes Day. Keeneland will honor members of the military (active duty and veterans), first responders, health care workers and their families. Heroes and their families will receive free general admission, reserved Grandstand seating, a complimentary meal at the North Terrace provided by City Barbeque (for the first 2,000 people) and a 30% discount at The Keeneland Shop. Special programming will include a flag rollout on the track and honoree recognitions in the Winner’s Circle. 

A POW-MIA Chair of Honor will be displayed on the Paddock Apron to bring awareness to past and current POW-MIA military members through a partnership with The Rolling Thunder Kentucky Chapter 5.

Each hero is eligible to receive up to four complimentary tickets. Click here for more information and to reserve complimentary tickets. 

FALL MEET LEADERS

Through Oct. 19 (12 days of 17-day season)