In the highly anticipated race between the Breeders’ Cup last month and the Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1) next month, the Grade 2, $500,000 Cigar Mile stands as a significant one-turn crossroads. Horses are passing through racing’s eight-furlong Maginot Line in different directions. Four of the 11 entrants are set to stay at one mile, three are cutting back from routes, and three are stretching from seven furlongs. This race holds great importance and is a crucial test for the participating horses.

Unraveling the Challenges and Possibilities of the Cigar Mile

Staying Put at One Mile

Some horses in the Cigar Mile are determined to stay at the one-mile distance. They have shown consistency and a clear focus on this particular distance. For example, those who have dedicated themselves to one-mile races have developed a rhythm and strategy that suits this specific length. They understand the nuances and demands of running a full mile and are ready to showcase their skills on this track.

These horses have trained specifically for one-mile races, honing their speed and endurance to perform at their best. They know that maintaining a steady pace and finishing strong is crucial in a one-mile race. Their preparation and determination make them formidable contenders in this category.

Cutting Back from Routes

On the other hand, there are horses that are cutting back from longer routes. These horses bring a different set of skills and experiences to the Cigar Mile. They have raced over longer distances and now need to adapt to the shorter one-mile distance.

For instance, these horses have learned the art of pacing themselves over longer stretches and now need to adjust their strategy for a quicker race. They have the ability to surge forward in the later stages and make a strong finish despite the shorter distance. Their versatility in adapting to different race lengths gives them an edge in this race.

Stretching from Seven Furlongs

The third group of horses is stretching from seven furlongs to one mile. This presents a unique challenge as they need to build up their speed and endurance over the additional distance.

These horses have shown potential in shorter races but now need to prove themselves over a longer stretch. They have been working on increasing their stamina and learning how to maintain a consistent pace over one mile. Their progress and ability to handle the extended distance will be closely watched in the Cigar Mile.

Mullikin: The 3-1 Favorite with a Unique Challenge

Mullikin, the 3-1 morning-line favorite, is extending from his third-place finish in the six-furlong Breeders’ Cup Sprint at Del Mar. Unlike the other horses, he has never raced a mile before.

His trainer, Rodolphe Brisset, is eager to test Mullikin over one mile. Despite the uncertainty, Mullikin has shown a remarkable ability to gain ground late in every race this year. In his four victories, he added at least a length to his lead in the final furlong. This shows his potential to perform well over a longer distance.

However, the challenge of running a mile for the first time is significant. Mullikin will need to adapt to the longer distance and maintain his speed and stamina. His performance in the Cigar Mile will be closely watched as it will determine his future as a racehorse.

The Pace and Riding Strategy

With Flavien Prat riding from post 5, Mullikin is the prime candidate to set the pace on Saturday. But Brisset is cautious and not ready to confirm this.

The pace of the race will play a crucial role in determining the outcome. If Mullikin can set a strong pace and maintain it, he has a good chance of winning. However, if the pace is too fast or too slow, it could affect his performance. Flavien Prat will need to make strategic decisions based on the pace and the other horses in the race.

The other horses in the race also have their own pace strategies. Some are prone to flashing early speed, while others prefer to sit back and make a late move. The interplay between the different pace strategies will add to the excitement of the Cigar Mile.

The Stretch Run and Late Surges

In the stretch run, Mullikin has shown his ability to pick up speed whether he is leading or trailing. This quality could be crucial in the Cigar Mile.

When he led at every call in two of his wins this year and never was more than a half-length behind in the other two, it demonstrated his reliability and competitiveness. In the Breeders’ Cup, although he was initially behind, he came on strong in the deep stretch. This shows his ability to respond to the challenge and make a late surge.

The stretch run is where the true test of a horse’s mettle lies. The horses will need to dig deep and show their determination to cross the finish line first. Mullikin’s performance in the stretch will be a key factor in determining his success in the Cigar Mile.

The Rigors of the Race and the Future

The Cigar Mile presents significant rigors for the horses, especially for Mullikin who has a short turnaround from the Breeders’ Cup. Brisset acknowledges the challenges but remains confident in Mullikin’s abilities.

Racing over different distances and dealing with the demands of the Cigar Mile will take a toll on the horses. But Mullikin has shown resilience in the past and has the potential to overcome these challenges. His future as a racehorse depends on his performance in this race.

For other horses like Liam in the Dust and World Record, the Cigar Mile is also a stepping stone to their future careers. They will be looking to make a name for themselves and prove their worth in this prestigious race. The Cigar Mile card will provide valuable insights into their potential and help shape their future paths.