The Grade 2, $500,000 Cigar Mile at Aqueduct draws a competitive field of sprinters and distance runners for the final graded stakes race of the year on the NYRA circuit.
The Cigar Mile, known for its one-turn mile distance, brings together a diverse field of 12 horses looking to end the year on a high note. With a mix of sprinters and distance runners, the race promises an exciting clash of styles. Among the contenders are Hoist the Gold, Señor Buscador, and Three Technique, all aiming to add another graded-stakes victory to their records and boost their career earnings above $1 million.
Coastal Mission and Hoist the Gold Lead the Sprinters
Coastal Mission, with a six-race winning streak and nine wins out of his last 10 starts, enters the Cigar Mile as a strong sprinting contender. The 4-year-old has shown impressive form, including victories in the West Virginia Breeders’ Classic and the Russell Road at Charles Town. With a preference for setting the early pace, Coastal Mission has only finished outside the top three once. A trifecta finish is possible for this promising sprinter.
Hoist the Gold, the winner of the Phoenix (G2) at Keeneland, faces class relief after a sixth-place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint. While he hasn’t found success at a mile distance in his previous starts, Hoist the Gold has faced top sprinters and could surprise with a strong performance. However, the distance might be a concern for him, making him a candidate for underneath use.
Accretive and Everso Mischievous: The Distance Runners
Accretive, trained by Chad Brown, has shown promise as a distance runner. With a second-place finish in the Vosburgh (G2) and a third-place finish in the Forty Niner (G2), Accretive is still seeking his first stakes victory. As a 3-year-old, he ran a neck behind Gunite in the Amsterdam (G2) at Saratoga. With his stalking trip style, Accretive is a win contender in the Cigar Mile.
Everso Mischievous, another Chad Brown trainee, enters the race with three consecutive wins. Victories in the Forty Niner (G2) at Aqueduct, the Harrods Creek at Churchill Downs, and an allowance race at Saratoga showcase his form. With a strong ability to press the pace, Everso Mischievous is a contender in the race and should not be overlooked.
Señor Buscador and Three Technique: The Closing Runners
Señor Buscador, a 5-year-old with four stakes wins, relies on a quick pace to aid his closing running style. With victories in the Remington Mile, the Ack Ack (G3), and the San Diego Handicap (G2), Señor Buscador has proven his ability to finish strong. Making his first start on the East Coast, Señor Buscador is a win contender in the Cigar Mile.
Three Technique, with the most career starts and earnings in the field, brings experience to the race. After winning the John Nerud (G2) at Belmont Park, Three Technique took some time off before finishing third in the Ack Ack (G3) at Churchill Downs. While his performance in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint was disappointing, Three Technique has two wins at the mile distance and could surprise as a live long shot.
Dr Ardito: The Late Runner
Dr Ardito, trained by Chad Brown, is a late runner with a strong closing move. With victories in New York-bred stakes races at Saratoga and Aqueduct, Dr Ardito has shown his ability to come from behind. His recent second-place finish in the Forty Niner (G2) between two horses in the Cigar Mile field suggests he is in top form. With a career record of 8: 5-1-0 at the mile distance, Dr Ardito is the top choice in the race.
Conclusion: The Cigar Mile at Aqueduct promises an exhilarating clash between sprinters and distance runners. With Coastal Mission and Hoist the Gold leading the sprinters, Accretive and Everso Mischievous representing the distance runners, and Señor Buscador and Three Technique as the closing runners, the race offers a diverse mix of talent. Dr Ardito, with his late-running style, emerges as the top choice. As the final graded stakes race of the year on the NYRA circuit, the Cigar Mile is sure to provide a thrilling conclusion to the racing season.
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