[Kasept]

An early Cigar Mile preview

Yes, the race is 2 weeks away and nominations don't close until tomorrow, but I'm taking a little time off after today so here's an early preview of G1 Cigar Mile to be run on 11-29.

Atreides: Looked awesome winning first three starts. Looked ordinary when running sixth at even-money in Grade 2 Indiana Derby.

Bourbon Courage: Highlight remains G2 Super Derby in 2013 for this 5-year-old, but his last two have been good. He won an allowance race at Keeneland and then was fourth, beaten just 2 lengths in BC Sprint.

Itsmyluckyday: G1 Woodward winner blew up when third in G2 Kelso on 9-27. May have been the best thing that ever happened to him. He avoided a possible supplement to BC Dirt Mile where I think he would have gotten dusted by Goldencents. Instead, he returned to Florida to train and will come into what is likely to be career finale relatively fresh.

Palace: Multiple G1 winner has Fall Highweight as first preference but I can't see how he doesn't get assigned 140 or 136 pounds and if that's the case don't be surprised if Linda Rice alters course and runs here. Bled when sixth in BC Sprint. Has made 23 starts and never has gone this far. Did win a NY-bred allowance going 7 1-2 furlongs over main track in Nov. 2012.

Private Zone: Second to Flat Out in this race at 32-1 last year. Won G1 Vosburgh at Belmont for a second consecutive year and ran a respectable third in BC Sprint.

Salutos Amigos: After winning G3 Bold Ruler Handicap this seemed like the logical next step. Instead, his connections wheeled him back in a week in BC Sprint where he ran seventh, just behind Palace, beaten only 3 lengths by Work All Week. Back on his home court at Aqueduct where he is 2 for 3 and where he trains daily.

Secret Circle: Trainer Bob Baffert, via text Friday, indicated the Cigar Mile is on the agenda for Secret Circle, beaten a half-length in BC Sprint. As the winner of last year's BC Sprint, Secret Circle is running for the winner's share of $1 million. Baffert has won this race three times, twice with Congaree and once with El Corredor.

Vyjack: Returned to old form with one-length victory in G2 Kelso Handicap at Belmont on Sept. 27. Is 3 for 4 at Aqueduct, with only loss coming in 2013 Wood Memorial where he was beaten one length.