The Cigar Mile Handicap Grade One
For Three-year-olds and Upwards
At a mile on the dirt
November 26, 2011
Aqueduct Racetrack
Purse of $250.000
Only five were brave enough to tack the rigorous Cigar Mile GI at Aqueduct on November 26. Runners of all sorts were entered to make this an exciting event not to be missed.
Starting the list of entrants is multiple GIII winner Another Major a three-year-old bay gelding my Generalmajor from the barn of Chili King Stables. Another Major recently won the Bold Ruler Handicap GIII at seven furlongs and seem to prefer the shorter distances because his times winning longer races even though not much is pretty on the average side than what most of these stakes performers are used to and with limited speed to stalk he might end up on the lead and fry himself up front and has nothing left to repel the run on horses.
Fresh from his fourth place finish in the Breeders Cup Sprint GI Cincinnati Kid has come back to the distance of his preference and maybe the pace too as not everyone may want to lead this small field. He was the winner of the Pat O'Brian GI and was runner up in the Kelso GII. He was not a factor in the Sprint but will definitely be there when the wire appears.
Working and racing on the turf in his last few starts June Jumper is one fast runner. Before being claimed he won three races in a row at seven furlongs one of those wins being a track record. His new owner quickly entered him in a GI turf sprint but he was a disappointing sixth. He has not raced since but has been turning fast times at exercise but is that all he needs to do? Well he is a speed ball and a mile should not be a problem to him.
Sarahs Zippy by Wild Zippy loves long distances as he was an eventful winner of the Queens Plate Stakes at a mile and a quarter and several others including the GII Swale Stakes. He is another with speed but he is able to carry and maintain his speed at longer distances hence the mile would be the perfect race for him as he is a bit more matured around this time of year.
Finally on the list of starters is multiple Graded stakes winner and performer El Che Guevara, a front runner who loves the lead and once he gets there it will be hard to pass him as he seems to get an adrenaline rush when challenged. He has not been very active in the last two quarters but owner/trainer Nj Vets has been patient with him and he is now ready to return to active stakes racing.
