Cigar Mile

TRACK BANDIT PREVIEWS

A compact, yet accomplished, field of six will vie in the $300,000 Cigar Mile

H. (G1) as the centerpiece of a big day at Aqueduct on Saturday. A quartet of

Grade 1 winners highlights the field, and we'll look for one of them to add to

his resume in here.

VINEYARD HAVEN (Lido Palace [Chi]), with the exception of a failed winter in

Duabi, has been a phenomenal performer and looks like the class of the race. A

smashing winner of the Champagne S. (G1) at two, which prompted a private

purchase by Godolphin, the colt has crossed the line first in all but one U.S.

start and should find this distance ideal for him. We expect the Florida-bred to

track in second early before taking over beneath Alan Garcia.

Dual Grade 1 winner KODIAK KOWBOY (Posse) ran huge to win the Vosburgh S.

(G1) last out from off the pace for Steve Asmussen. The four-year-old was a very

good fifth in this last year against a strong field, and he could surely

challenge for the win this time around. The closer will have Shaun Bridgmohan in

the irons.

Met Mile H. (G1) star BRIBON (Fr) (Mark of Esteem [Ire]) is a mile specialist

who is a two-time winner over this oval for Robert Ribaudo. Another win threat

if the pace is very fast, the late-running chestnut put in a pair of solid turf

runs in his last two and returns to his preferred surface on this day. Rajiv

Maragh will guide the six-year-old, who has won half of his 10 starts at the

distance.

Speedster DRIVEN BY SUCCESS (Precise End) should be leading early and is

plenty fast, but the competition and depth of the small contingent that awaits

him might be a bit too much for the Bruce Levine charge. Sensible fractions

would yield a top three finish, though, under Ramon Dominguez.

Forego S. (G1) victor PYRO (Pulpit), who is coupled in the wagering with our

top pick, didn't fire on the Pro-Ride at Santa Anita last out but is a proven

dirt performer and adds class to the Godolphin entry. The four-year-old is

essentially a one-run closer that should love the small field, and we like him

at this eight-furlong distance. A fast pace would aid the colt.

VACATION (Dynaformer) looks like the odd horse out as far as class goes, but

we never underestimate trainer Shug McGaughey in these spots. The Kentucky-bred

has finished in the top three in 19 of 24 career tries but will need a lifetime

effort to put a dent in this field.