Brinkman Hopes Third Time is the Charm for Cilla at Keeneland

Louisiana-bred Cilla ventured into the deep waters of graded stakes company at Keeneland twice in 2021, finishing sixth in the Beaumont (G3) Presented by Keeneland Select in April and third in the Lexus Raven Run (G2) in October. 

Bred by owner P. Dale Ladner and trainer Brett Brinkman, Cilla is back in town for Saturday’s $500,000 Madison (G1). Unlike last year, Cilla arrived at Keeneland early enough to work a half-mile in :48.40 last Saturday, the 12^th fastest of 72 at the distance. 

“In hindsight, I see where a work over the surface, especially in April, can be beneficial,” Brinkman said. 

Winner of the Prioress (G2) last summer at Saratoga, the 4-year-old daughter of California Chrome has won her only two starts on less than a fast track by a combined 11½ lengths. 

“She has shown she can handle off going, but so does Kimari,” Brinkman said, referring to the defending Madison champion. 

Cilla will break from post one under Brian Hernandez Jr. 

A daylight winner of two 5-furlong sprints at Delta Downs this year, Cilla will be making a big jump Saturday in the Madison. 

“As breeder and owner, we have (most of the) family,” Brinkman said. “So shooting for a Grade 1, if we can be lucky enough to be successful, would make that family more valuable and we need to see if we belong.” 

That family includes Cilla’s older Grade 2-placed half-sister, Club Car, who is entered in the Madison for owners Mike and K.K. Ball and trainer Ben Colebrook. Ladner and Brinkman also bred the 6-year-old Club Car, a Kentucky-bred daughter of Malibu Moon.

Out of multiple stakes winner Sittin At the Bar, by Into Mischief, Club Car and Cilla both are Keeneland sales graduates. Mike Ball purchased Club Car for $120,000 at the 2017 September Yearling Sale, where she was consigned by Denali Stud, agent.

Cilla was offered at the 2019 Horses of All Ages Sale by Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent.