Americanrevolution likely to take a shot at Cigar Mile
OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Americanrevolution, who earned a 108 Beyer Speed Figure for his victory in the Empire Classic on Oct. 30, is under strong consideration for the Grade 1, $750,000 Cigar Mile on Dec. 4, trainer Todd Pletcher said Wednesday.
Americanrevolution, a 3-year-old son of Constitution, won the Empire Classic for New York-breds by 11 3/4 lengths. He ran a one-turn 1 1/8 miles in 1:49.11.
It was his fourth victory from six starts. He is 4 for 4 versus New York-breds. He finished fourth behind Mandaloun in his career debut 13 months ago. He finished third behind Hot Rod Charlie and Midnight Bourbon in the Grade 1 Pennsylvania Derby on Sept. 25 at Parx Racing.
Pletcher, a four-time Cigar Mile winner, doesn’t think the Cigar Mile distance will be a problem for Americanrevolution.
“It’s a cutback in distance, but the way he performed at one turn he should be able to handle it,” Pletcher said.
Americanrevolution will try to become the 10th 3-year-old to win the Cigar Mile, which will be having its 33rd running. Connect in 2016 was the last to do it.
Americanrevolution could be one of two winners from the Oct. 30 Empire Showcase Day to run in the Cigar Mile. Ny Traffic, who won the Hudson Handicap by 8 3/4 lengths, earning a 90 Beyer, also is under consideration for that race, trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. said after the Hudson Handicap.