Bourbon Courage eyes Cigar Mile

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Bourbon Courage, an impressive winner of a 6 1/2-furlong allowance last Friday, will target the Grade 1 Cigar Mile on Nov. 29 at Aqueduct, trainer said Kellyn Gorder.

“We may or may not get another race into him before then, depending on what’s available,” said Gorder.

Meanwhile, Hashtag Bourbon, ninth here Saturday as the second wagering choice in the Breeders’ Futurity, underwent ankle surgery Wednesday to repair a non-displaced ankle chip, added Gorder.

“It doesn’t seem that major, so hopefully we can have him back training in January at Oaklawn Park,” he said.

** Two jockeys recently returned to action here after layoffs of varying lengths: Stewart Elliott, off since fracturing his ribs Aug. 11 at Del Mar, had one mount Sunday, while Miguel Mena, who injured a knee in a starting-gate mishap Sept. 24 at Kentucky Downs, was back in action Wednesday with one mount.

** Friday marks the biannual College Scholarship Day at Keeneland, with $1,000 scholarships being raffled off after every race. David Schneck, of the event’s co-sponsor, the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association, reports that $500,000 in scholarship aid will have been paid out by Keeneland and the KTA with this latest raffle.

** For a record seventh year, Keeneland has been honored with the International Simulcast Award, which recognizes the live-race production to simulcast outlets. The award was announced Sept. 30 in Delray Beach, Fla.