Aqueduct notes: Rich bonuses ensure large field for Cigar Mile

The prospective field for the Cigar Mile Handicap continues to grow day by day, and if all who have expressed interest make it to the starting gate Nov. 30, New York’s final Grade 1 race of 2013 could be the race of the year as well.

The Cigar Mile’s base purse recently was raised to $500,000, in addition to incentives for Grade 1 winners, who run for the winner’s share of a $750,000 purse, and Breeders’ Cup winners, who run for the winner’s share of a $1 million purse.

Those incentives, along with some divisional titles ostensibly remaining unsecured, are leading to a situation where at least half the 22 nominees – and quite possibly more – are likely to run. On the radar screen 11 days out are Alpha, Capo Bastone, Clearly Now, Forty Tales, Gentlemen’s Bet, Goldencents, Groupie Doll, Laugh Track, Saratoga Snacks, Secret Circle, and Verrazano.

In addition to Capo Bastone, Forty Tales, and Verrazano, who all worked Sunday, Todd Pletcher nominated Caixa Eletronica. However, the latter most likely will defend his title in the Fall Highweight, the traditional Thanksgiving Day feature.

Caixa Eletronica was one of four stakes winners for Pletcher and owner Mike Repole during the 2012 Thanksgiving weekend, along with Unlimited Budget in the Demoiselle, Overanalyze in the Remsen, and Stay Thirsty in the Cigar Mile – a race Pletcher had won previously with Left Bank (2001), Lion Tamer (2004), and Purge (2005).

As they have repeatedly in recent weeks, Capo Bastone and Verrazano worked as a team in 47.66 and 47.77 seconds.

“We were looking for a similar type of work from both of them,” Pletcher said. “Both did it willingly, on the bridle, and gave me the indication they both bounced out of their Breeders’ Cup races in good order.”

Groupie Doll, who was beaten a nose by Stay Thirsty in last year’s Cigar Mile, had an easy half-mile breeze in 48.61 seconds Saturday for William “Buff” Bradley, who has continued to train the mare following her recent purchase by Mandy Pope for $3.1 million.

“She’ll most likely breeze another half-mile next Sunday, and that will be it,” he said.

Velazquez on the mend

John Velazquez, who had his spleen removed after a spill in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies aboard the ill-fated Secret Compass, continues to make good progress while convalescing at home on Long Island, N.Y. Velazquez was hospitalized for five days and spent another five days in California before returning home.

“Thankfully, the paramedics were there to work on me right away and made the decision to go to a trauma hospital,” Velazquez said through a Jockeys’ Guild press release Tuesday. “That helped save my life.”

According to doctors in New York, Velazquez’s recovery is progressing nicely, and he will follow up with another appointment in December.

“I really wanted to thank everyone for their prayers and well wishes,” he said. “I really appreciate it. I’m doing well and looking forward to a full recovery.”

◗ A field of six New York-bred fillies and mares clash in Thursday’s second-level allowance feature at one mile on the main track. What the Frost may go favored, if only because her trainer, Rudy Rodriguez, is off to a torrid 12-for-30 start and tied atop the standings with David Jacobson. The latter has eight horses entered in five earlier races, but nothing in the feature. Bit Bustin, Motion Lounge, Royal Suspicion, She’s Stones Sis, and Victoryat Last also entered.