Sims will take his time with Don't Tell Sophia

The presence of My Miss Sophia in the Doubledogdare Stakes on Friday at Keeneland might have triggered fans to think of an older mare with a similar name: Don’t Tell Sophia.

Second to Untapable in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff last fall at Santa Anita, Don’t Tell Sophia is nearing her first breeze of the year, according to Keeneland-based trainer Phil Sims.

“I’m ready to start tightening the screws on her,” said Sims. “The main goal is to get her back to the Breeders’ Cup here in October, so we’re working backward from there and just taking our time with her.”

Sims had hoped to have Don’t Tell Sophia, 7, ready to run in the Grade 1 Apple Blossom last weekend at Oaklawn Park, “but that just wasn’t practical after we missed as much training as we did down there,” he said. “We’re fine, though. I’ll probably run her in about five or six weeks, then maybe a couple of more times, all with the Breeders’ Cup in mind.”