Hillwood Stable's Post Time, a Maryland-bred millionaire with dual graded-stakes wins, is set to top an 11-horse field in Saturday's Grade 2, $500,000 Cigar Mile at Aqueduct. Trained by Brittany Russell and ridden by her husband Sheldon Russell, the 4-year-old Frosted colt will face some tough competition, including four Grade 1 and Group 1 winners.

Post Time's Impressive Past Performances

Post Time has had an outstanding racing career. He won eight of his first nine starts, including the seven-furlong General George (G3) in February at Laurel Park and a neck victory over Castle Chaos in the seven-furlong Carter (G2) on April 6 at Aqueduct. In his next three outings, he hit the board in each, with a close second in the local one-mile Westchester in May, a 6 1/4-length second to National Treasure in the Met Mile (G1) at Saratoga, and third in the Spa's 1 1/8-mile Whitney (G1) on Aug. 3. His most recent effort was a remarkable rallying second in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile on Nov. 2 at Del Mar.Post Time entered that race last of 13 as Full Serrano pressed the pace. He came from seventh at the stretch call and rallied four-wide to miss by 1 1/2 lengths with a final time of 1:35.48, registering a 102 Beyer Speed Figure.

Señor Buscador's Journey and Chances

Peacock Family Racing Stable's Kentucky homebred Señor Buscador is another strong contender. Trained by Todd Fincher and with Joel Rosario in the saddle, he is one of 5 millionaires in the field. Señor Buscador has had a varied career, with wins in the 2022 Ack Ack (G3) and last year's San Diego Handicap (G2). He has also had some off-the-board efforts since returning from a trip to the Middle East.Last year, he finished second in the Cigar Mile, closing from last of 12 to finish 4 1/2 lengths behind Hoist the Gold. In the Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1) in January at Gulfstream Park, he ran a deep-closing second, finishing a neck behind National Treasure. He then won the Saudi Cup (G1) in February and was third in the Dubai World Cup (G1) in March.

Coastal Mission's Tenacity and Preparation

Owner-trainer Jeff Runco's West Virginia-homebred Coastal Mission is a gritty competitor. He won the one-mile Forty Niner (G3) last out with a rallying, one-length score. In that race, he settled in sixth but advanced four wide through the turn and closed strongly to take command.Coastal Mission entered the Forty Niner after a gritty, half-length win over dual graded-stakes winner Repo Rocks in the listed Parx Dirt Mile around two turns. He has made a name for himself with his win-friendly attitude and has banked $1,091,653 through 25 starts, including six stakes victories.

Book’em Danno's Recent Successes

Atlantic Six Racing's Book’em Danno has been on a winning streak. He won the seven-furlong Woody Stephens (G1) in June at Saratoga and has had several other strong performances, including a win in the six-furlong Jersey Shore and a third in the H. Allen Jerkens Memorial (G1).In his most recent start, he finished a neck in back of Brunacini in the seven-furlong Perryville (G3). He is set to face tough competition in the Cigar Mile and will be looking to add another victory to his resume.

Mullikin's Sophomore Campaign and Options

Siena Farm and WinStar Farm's Grade 1 winner Mullikin has had a successful sophomore campaign. He won the John A. Nerud (G2) and the Forego (G1) and was third in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint.Although he was a bit unlucky in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint, finishing four lengths off the pace, he has shown his speed and versatility. He has worked back twice, including a six-furlong breeze, and is looking to perform well in the Cigar Mile.

Locked's Return and Potential

Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Walmac Farm's Grade 1 winner Locked returned victorious from a nearly one-year layoff at Aqueduct. He won an allowance, optional-claiming sprint by 7 1/2 lengths, with a career-best 97 Beyer.The Gun Runner sophomore has had a successful career and is looking to continue his winning ways in the Cigar Mile. He is out of the winning Malibu Moon mare Luna Rosa, a half-sister to multiple graded-stakes winners.

The Field and the Big Race

The Cigar Mile is set to be a thrilling race with a talented field of 11 horses. From Post Time's impressive closing kick to Señor Buscador's versatility, Coastal Mission's tenacity, Book’em Danno's recent success, Mullikin's speed, Locked's potential, and the rest of the field, there is a lot to look forward to.The race is slated for 3:35 p.m. EST as the ninth of Saturday's 10 races, and all eyes will be on these talented horses as they battle it out on the track.