Pletcher sophomore pair face Independence Hall, Ginobili in G1 Cigar Mile
At 0h37, on December 2, 2021 • By AQUEDUCT
An accomplished field of eight horses will seek the calendar year’s final opportunity for Grade 1 glory on the NYRA circuit in the 32nd running of the $750,000 Cigar Mile at Aqueduct Racetrack.
Since its inception in 1988, a total of 11 sophomores have bested their elders in the prestigious race, which was run as the NYRA Mile prior to 1997. This year, two 3-year-olds will vie to add to that number, including the accomplished pair of Americanrevolution and Following Sea from the stable of Hall of Famer Todd Pletcher – a four-time Cigar Mile winner.
“It’s always a big race and it’s the last Grade 1 in New York for the year,” said Pletcher who saddled previous Cigar Mile victors Left Bank [2001], Lion Tamer [2004], Purge [2005] and Stay Thirsty [2012]. “I’m not surprised that it’s attracted a nice field.”
Owned by WinStar Farm and CHC Inc. and bred in New York by Fred W. Hertrich III and John D. Fielding, Americanrevolution makes his return to graded company after finishing third two starts back in the Grade 1 Pennsylvania Derby on September 25 at Parx, which was won by Hot Rod Charlie over Midnight Bourbon.
Americanrevolution, one of two sons of leading third-crop sire Constitution in the Cigar Mile, has garnered three stakes victories against his Empire State-bred counterparts by a combined 24 lengths.
“He’s been very consistent, and he’s accomplished a lot in a short period of time,” Pletcher said. “He’s made a lot of progress. It’s another class test and he’s dropping back in distance which is always a challenge, but he deserves a chance.”
Luis Saez will retain the mount from post 3.
