The world of horse racing is set ablaze with excitement as Saturday's Grade 2, $500,000 Cigar Mile at Aqueduct takes center stage. With an impressive lineup of top-level winners and millionaires, this race is making a strong case for its Grade 1 status to be restored. Four winners and five millionaires, including a decamillionaire, are among the 11 horses entered. It's a spectacle that promises thrilling action and intense competition. Unleash the Power of the Cigar Mile
The Cigar Mile: A Race of Champions
Loaded with talent, the Cigar Mile features horses like Book’em Danno, who earned his place with a second-place finish in the 2024 Perryville G3 and is now set to compete in the Cigar Mile. Nelson Avenue, with a 4.79 rating and a second-place finish in the 2024 Forty Niner G3, is also in the mix. Repo Rocks, Tapiture's offspring, is looking to bounce back after a fourth-place finish in the 2024 Forty Niner G3. These horses bring their best to the track, each with a story to tell.
The post silks add a touch of color and tradition to the race. From Bucchero to Into Mischief, each horse has its own unique background and trainer. The jockeys, such as Irad Ortiz, Jr. and Dylan Davis, play a crucial role in guiding the horses to victory.
The Remsen: A Derby Prep with Promise
Eoin Harty is in a prime position to win another Derby prep with Poster, a Munnings colt who has shown exceptional form. Studlydoright, with six races under his belt, including a first-place finish in the Nashua, is another contender. Tux, Tapit's offspring, and Aviator Gui, Uncle Mo's son, are also vying for a spot in the Remsen. These 2-year-olds are ready to make their mark on the racing world.
The post silks and trainers of these horses add another layer of excitement. From William I. Mott to Chad C. Brown, each trainer brings their expertise to the track. The jockeys, like Junior Alvarado and Manuel Franco, will be crucial in determining the outcome of the race.
The Demoiselle: A Kentucky Oaks Prelude
Muhimma, the odds-on favorite, has been a star in her first two races, winning by significant margins. Liam In The Dust and Fortuna Mia are also in the mix, each with their own potential. These 2-year-old fillies are gearing up for the Kentucky Oaks, and the Demoiselle is their chance to shine.
The post silks and trainers of these fillies add a touch of elegance to the race. From Brad H. Cox to Rodolphe Brisset, each trainer has their own style and approach. The jockeys, such as Florent Geroux and Flavien Prat, will be fighting for the top spot.
The Go for Wand: A Fillies and Mares Race
Tizzy in the Sky, a 5-year-old Sky Kingdom mare, is in search of her first win since the Top Flight Invitational. Occult, a Grade 3 winner, and Movie Moxy are also in the race. These fillies and mares bring a wealth of experience and talent to the track.
The post silks and trainers of these horses add a touch of class to the race. From Todd A. Pletcher to Linda Rice, each trainer has their own strategies. The jockeys, like Flavien Prat and Jose Lezcano, will be looking to make their mark.
The Starlet: A Kentucky Oaks Prep
Bob Baffert has won the Starlet seven times in a row and is aiming for an eighth. Tenma, a Del Mar Debutante winner, and Practical Dream, a listed stakes winner, are among the favorites. These 2-year-old fillies are ready to take on the challenge and make their mark in the Kentucky Oaks.
The post silks and trainers of these fillies add a touch of history to the race. From Bob Baffert to Phil D’Amato, each trainer has their own legacy. The jockeys, such as Irad Ortiz, Jr. and Dylan Davis, will be fighting for the top spot.
The Valedictory: A 3-Year-Old and Up Stakes
Mark Casse is trying to win the Valedictory for the third year in a row with Get Smokin and Junipero Serra. These 3-year-old and up horses bring a mix of experience and potential to the track.
The post silks and trainers of these horses add a touch of mystery to the race. From Mark E. Casse to Martin Drexler, each trainer has their own approach. The jockeys, like Dylan Davis and Eric Cancel, will be looking to make their mark.
As the horses line up at the starting gate, the anticipation builds. These graded stakes races are a celebration of the sport of horse racing, and each one offers a unique opportunity for horses and jockeys to shine. Whether it's the Cigar Mile, the Remsen, the Demoiselle, the Go for Wand, the Starlet, or the Valedictory, the action is sure to be thrilling.