The 2024 Cigar Mile
The Cigar Mile has become one of the most anticipated stakes on the racing calendar. Run towards the end of the year when things are quieting down it has become a targeted race for the fastest miler sand even some sprinters pushing their limits. It is usually a fast and competitive race, and the 2024 renewal promises to be just that.
Book’ em Danno will get a lot of respect here and I can see why a lot of people like him and will land here. I am a contrarian with him in this spot. Yes, he is fast and game and had Irad and the rail. That said I am not wild about the rail at a mile out of the Big A or Aqueduct chute. He lost both his other starts at a mile, and I see him as more of a six- or seven-furlong type horse. Obviously, he would be no surprise and should make his presence felt but I believe someone will be better than he is at the finish line.
Nelson Avenue has some speed and is in good form at what should be a big price if you believe. I don’t, he looks a cut below these.
Repo Rocks has run races good enough to win here. I am not convinced he is quite in that form, and I don’t see anything jumping out at me suggesting a return to it. I’ll pass.
Vinsanity looks to be in deep waters and would be a surprise.
Mullikan is where I land. I think the mile stretch out will suit him fine and things didn’t quite work out to plan in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint. I see him wherever Prat wants him to be and moving at the right time which should make a big difference in this race. His Breeders’ Cup was better than it looked in my opinion and I think he makes amends here.
Law Professor loves the track and goes for a dangerous barn. He should trip out well and will be a nice price. I can see him making some noise after careful review.
I have to view Locked as a contender off that big comeback race. He is a Gun Runner who was given time early and seems to have developed. I can see him going forward off the big comeback win and that makes him a live one in here.
Pipeline is another who while would not be a complete shock does look a cut below.
Senor Buscador can surely win this with his best but will we get that is the question. He was great early in the year but does not seem to have come back from the middle east as good as he was when he went there to win the Saudi Cup and run third in the Dubai World Cup. I thought the Pat O Brien was a strange spot to bring him back and was more of a prep or set up race but the two races that followed it disappointed me. He will have to prove to me hie is back at his best.
Coastal Mission is in good form against lesser. He knows how to win races, but I think a few in here are better and faster than he is.
Post Time arguably ran as good a race as the winner in The Breeders’ Cup Mile. This colt is honest and finishes fast consistently. I expect him to be running late and quite possibly finishing best but with Mullikan getting the jump on him.
I like Mullikan over Law Professor, Locked and Post Time taking a shot to get past Book’ em Danno for an exacta, triple and super. Will Mullikan get this week’s AmWager performance of the week?
