Betting the Cigar Mile on a $20 Budget
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Itsmyluckyday winning the Grade 1 Woodward Stakes at Saratoga in August. (Photos by Eclipse Sportswire)
The $500,000 Cigar Mile has long been a staple on the New York racing circuit and it takes on added significance this year with the recent passing of its namesake, Cigar. The horse, who won the race in 1994 when it was known as the NYRA Mile, was just one example of the great talent that this race has historically drawn. This year is no different, with three horses who ran in the Breeders' Cup Sprint earlier this month, returning here for another shot at a big check before the end of the year.
Private Zone, who is breaking from post position 1, is of the three horses exiting the Breeders' Cup Sprint for the Cigar Mile. He prefers being on or near the lead, which he didn't have the benefit of in the Breeders' Cup. Before that race, he showed incredible grit and determination, battling back after looking like he was going to lose his lead in deep stretch, to win the Grade-1 Vosburgh Stakes for the second year in a row. Private Zone should find the pace scenario in the Cigar Mile much more to his liking. He's got the rail and there isn't anyone faster drawn outside of him. He also put up a huge number in this race last year when he finished second.
The Cigar Mile will also mark the final race in the career of No. 2, Itsmyluckyday. The 4-year-old son of Lawyer Ron is headed off to stud duty after the race and after what has been a spectacular 2014. He won four graded stakes over the course of the year, highlighted by the Grade 1 Woodward at Saratoga in August. He should be sitting just off the pace and have every shot to grab a slice late. However, as noted, he's coming in off of a campaign that makes you wonder how much more he has in the tank. I wouldn't dismiss him entirely but like some of the others in here a little more.
Another Breeders' Cup runner returning here is the No. 6, Secret Circle. He finished second in that race and has yet to finish out of the money in 12 career starts. In fact, he's only finished worse than second in one race. Secret Circle is as consistent as they come. If Private Zone doesn't dictate terms up front as expected, Secret Circle figures to be the most logical horse to win this race. The only concern with both he and Private Zone is that they're a combined 1-for-4 at this distance. Just something to consider if you're trying to build a case against the likely favorites in this race.
SECRET CIRCLE WINNING THE 2013 BREEDERS' CUP SPRINT
On the opposite end of the spectrum is long shot No. 7, Big Business. He'll likely be overlooked because he's mostly raced in much softer state-bred company. But don't overlook the race he ran three-back in the Grade 3 Forego at Saratoga. He came on strongly late to grab the place money at odds of 20.80-to-1. Big Business had to weave his way through a lot of traffic in that race on a day when closers appeared to be up against it. Not only is he 4-for-5 at Aqueduct, he also seems better suited to get this mile distance than some of the others in this race. If the pace happens to heat up early, look for Big Business late.
Selections: No. 1 Private Zone, No. 7 Big Business, No. 6 Secret Circle, No. 2 Itsmyluckyday
$20 Wagering Strategies
Strategy A:
$5 exacta key box 1/6,7 ($20 total)
Strategy B:
$1 trifecta wheel 1,7/1,2,6,7/1,2,6,7,8
$500,000 Cigar Mile
Saturday, Aqueduct, Race 10, Post time 4:17 p.m. ET
1 mile on dirt for 3-year-olds and up
PP
Horse
Jockey
Weight
Trainer
1
Private Zone (ON)
Martin Pedroza
122
Alfredo Velazquez
2
Itsmyluckyday (KY)
Paco Lopez
122
Edward Plesa Jr.
3
Noble Moon (VA)
Jose Ortiz
114
Leah Gyarmati
4
Vyjack (KY)
Irad Ortiz Jr.
118
Rudy Rodriguez
5
Transparent (FL)
Javier Castellano
114
Kiaran McLaughlin
6
Secret Circle (KY)
Joel Rosario
122
Bob Baffert
7
Big Business (NY)
Cornelio Velasquez
116
David Jacobson
8
Regally Ready (KY)
John Velazquez
117
Steve Asmussen
9
Bourbon Courage(KY)
Jose Lezcano
117
Kellyn Gorder