Cigar Street being considered for Breeders’ Cup Classic

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Cigar Street will return Wednesday to trainer Bill Mott’s main base at Belmont Park to prepare for a possible run in the Breeders’ Cup Classic after his stirring victory Saturday in the Homecoming Classic, the highlight of closing weekend of the 12-day September meet at Churchill Downs.

Making his second start following a 17-month layoff, Cigar Street earned a 101 Beyer Speed Figure in his 1 3/4-length triumph over Departing in the 1 1/8-mile race. Shaun Bridgmohan was aboard the 2-1 second choice.

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“Saturday wasn’t a Win and You’re In race, so we’ll sit down and talk to the connections and see what our next move will be,” Mott told Churchill publicity. “But I wouldn’t rule the Classic out at this point. He ran a great race. That was his second start back, and we obviously didn’t think he was ready to go to the Jockey Club Gold Cup, so we really weren’t sure what he would do going into Saturday. But we were impressed with his performance, and I think he’s moving forward like we had hoped.”

Jake Ballis co-owns the 5-year-old Cigar Street with longtime friend and NBA star Rashard Lewis. Both were on hand Saturday at Churchill, marking Lewis’s first visit to the historic track.

“It was an absolutely awesome day for us,” Ballis said.

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Meanwhile, Departing, the Homecoming runner-up as the 13-10 favorite, exited the race in good shape and will point to the Grade 2 Fayette on closing day, Oct. 25, of the upcoming Keeneland fall meet, said trainer Al Stall Jr.

“You’re never happy to lose, but at least he tried,” said Stall. “It was a lot better effort than his last race in the Whitney,” when he beat just one horse.

Also, Carve, a disappointing fifth when beaten 4 3/4 lengths as the 3-1 third choice, remains possible for the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile, said trainer Brad Cox.