Aqueduct Picks: December 2, 2023 Cigar Mile Analysis

Saturday’s race card from Aqueduct features the Grade 2 Cigar Mile. The event is one of the highlights of the meet. Here’s a look at the Cigar Mile card and our Aqueduct picks.

The Great Cigar

Cigar, a legendary American Thoroughbred racehorse, etched his name in horse racing history during the 1990s. Foaled on April 18, 1990, Cigar initially struggled to find success, but his career took a remarkable turn under the guidance of trainer Bill Mott.

Breaking Through

The chestnut-colored champion’s breakthrough came in 1994 when he won the NYRA Mile at Aqueduct Racetrack.

However, it was 1995 that solidified Cigar’s place in racing lore. Unprecedentedly, he embarked on an incredible 16-race winning streak that included victories in prestigious events like the Dubai World Cup and the Breeders’ Cup Classic.

Cigar’s remarkable consistency and unparalleled dominance earned him the title of American Horse of the Year in 1995 and 1996.

Cigar’s Legacy

Retiring with an impressive record of 19 wins from 33 starts and earnings exceeding $9 million, Cigar became one of the highest-earning racehorses of his time.

Post-retirement, Cigar enjoyed a second career as a stud, although his success in that arena didn’t match his racing achievements. Nevertheless, Cigar’s legacy endures, and he remains a symbol of tenacity and excellence in the world of Thoroughbred racing.

In 2002, he was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, cementing his status as one of the greatest racehorses in American history.

Full Card Analysis

Aqueduct Picks- 1

Post: 11:50 AM ET; $70k Maiden Special Weight going 6 f on dirt; Entries: 9

• #9 BIG PRANKSTER (7-5) takes the top selection with the pedigree to be a major player, guided by Silvera for the Clement barn.
• #7 LIBERTY CENTRAL (3-1), set to improve, is a major player running for Quick and Gomez.
• #3 HAIR ON FIRE (8-1), showing potential improvement, is a competitive choice making sense on speed figures.
• #6 FRANKIE R. (30-1), a price horse, seems to target the minor placings.

Selections: 9 – 7 – 3 – 6

Aqueduct Picks- 2

Post: 12:20 PM ET; $85k Maiden Special Weight going 7 f on dirt; Entries: 8

• #6 IGNITE THE LIGHT (3-1) secures the top selection, a major player for the Dutrow barn with Cancel in the irons.
• #5 HOP SING (9-2) debuts with a shot, guided by Saez for the D’Angelo barn.
• #7 SPEED CONTROL (8-1), set to improve, is a late runner with a good closing kick.
• #4 CONQUEST WARRIOR (4-1), debuting, is a solid choice to put underneath on most tickets.

Selections: 6 – 5 – 7 – 4

Aqueduct Picks- 3

Post: 12:52 PM ET; $92k Allowance Optional Claiming going 1 m on dirt; Entries: 9

• #1 NO BURN (6-1) claims the top selection, running consistent pace figures in a moderately paced race.
• #2 WINIT (5-2), a major player, makes sense on speed figures with consistent pace figures.
• #8 SET SAIL (4-1) is another major player, having run against decent company and showing consistent pace figures.
• #3 TRAFALGAR (7-2) is a major player, with consistent pace figures and the ability to beat this group.

Selections: 1 – 2 – 8 – 3

Aqueduct Picks- 4

Post: 1:19 PM ET; $36k Maiden Claiming going 1 m on dirt; Entries: 9

• #1 IN A MINUTE (4-1) takes the top selection, running evenly and benefiting from a fair pace scenario.
• #3 DRINKING SOLO (7-2), the class of the field, is likely to be part of the early pace.
• #2 BLUE MARBLE (10-1), a price horse, is competitive and shouldn’t have trouble with the distance.
• #5 SEBA M (9-2), showing improvement potential, is a fringe contender.

Selections: 1 – 3 – 2 – 5

Aqueduct Picks- 5

Post: 1:48 PM US/EASTERN; $55k Starter Allowance going 1 m on dirt; Entries: 11

• #8 AMERICAN LAW (9-2) is a major player, likely to be in the first flight of runners and competitive late.
• #10 VODKA MARDINI (8-1) claims the top selection, running for the combination of Rice and Ortiz.
• #7 CLOUD FOREST (8-1) is another major player, showing solidity in recent starts.
• #6 BROOKLYN DIAMONDS (3-1) is set to be competitive, making sense on speed figures and potentially benefiting from a hot pace.

Selections: 8 – 10 – 7 – 6

Aqueduct Picks- 6

Post: 2:17 PM ET; $90k Allowance going 7 f on dirt; Entries: 10

• #3 OVERSTEP (2-1) claims the top selection, with tactical speed and the ability to stalk and pounce.
• #5 OCEAN’S RESERVE (5-1) will be competitive, guided by Castellano for the Gyarmati barn.
• #4 BAD TO THE BONES (12-1), a price horse, is solid and ready to run a big one.
• #6 ROCCO STRONG (5-1) is likely to get loose on the front end, projecting to sit mid-pack and make one strong run.

Selections: 3 – 5 – 4 – 6

Aqueduct Picks- 7

Post: 2:45 PM ET; $250k Demoiselle S. going 1 1/8 m on dirt; Entries: 9

• #3 LIFE TALK (8-5) takes the top selection, running races good enough to beat this group and strategically positioned in the second tier for a well-timed run.
• #2 DOLOMITE (10-1), a price horse, is set to be competitive, running for the combination of Brown and Franco.
• #9 CALDWELL LUVS GOLD (9-2) is another competitive contender, running races good enough to beat this group.
• #7 SHIMMERING ALLURE (7-2) is a fringe contender, having proven abilities to handle these conditions.

Selections: 3 – 2 – 9 – 7

Aqueduct Picks- 8

Post: 3:17 PM ET; $200k Go for Wand S. going 1 m on dirt; Entries: 7

• #6 GERRYMANDER (2-1) claims the top selection, with no trouble expected at the distance.
• #5 TIZZY IN THE SKY (7-2) is set to be competitive, showing solidity in recent starts.
• #7 GOOD SAM (5-2) is a fringe contender, not likely to have trouble with the distance.
• #1 SADDLE UP JESSIE (10-1), a price horse, isn’t without hope, running for the combination of Russell and Davis.

Selections: 6 – 5 – 7 – 1

Aqueduct Picks- 9

Post: 3:45 PM ET; $250k Remsen S. going 1 1/8 m on dirt; Entries: 10

• #9 COPPER TAX (10-1) claims the top selection, being the class of the field with tactical speed for a stalk and pounce trip.
• #3 DORNOCH (5-2) is a major player, having run against decent company and likely to be part of the early pace.
• #8 WHERE’S CHRIS (6-1) is another major player, going out for the Dutrow barn with Castillo in the irons.
• #4 MOONLIGHT (9-2) is a major player, having proven abilities to handle these conditions and likely to be in the first flight of runners.

Selections: 9 – 3 – 8 – 4

Aqueduct Picks- 10

Post: 4:12 PM ET; $500k Cigar Mile H. going 1 m on dirt; Entries: 12

• #10 ACCRETIVE (4-1) claims the top selection, with no trouble expected at the distance.
• #3 SENOR BUSCADOR (7-2) is a major player, coming into the race in good form and holding the top overall power rating.
• #11 HOIST THE GOLD (8-1) is another major player, having tactical speed and likely to get the right setup.
• #7 THREE TECHNIQUE (8-1) is a major player, coming into the race in good form and being the class of the field.

Selections: 10 – 3 – 11 – 7

Betting News Horse Racing Coverage

Betting News provides AI generated handicapping tools for all of the major tracks around the country each and every day.

In addition, Betting News will continue to provide in depth analysis of select racing cards throughout the week.

Saturday

• Fair Grounds Picks featuring the Claiming Crown
• Aqueduct Picks featuring the Grade 2 Cigar Mile
• Del Mar Picks featuring the Grade 1 Hollywood Derby

Sunday

• Del Mar Picks featuring the Grade 1 Matriarch

Kentucky Derby Future Prop

Bet on your favorite horse to win the 2024 Kentucky Derby today. Check out our analysis of the top of the market in the Derby futures wagers.

Click here for more information on horse racing terminology, how to read a racing program, and how to bet on the races.