Mike Beer's Cigar Mile Analysis
www.drf.com/race-results/tracks/AQU/country/USA/date/12-07-2019
NICODEMUS isn't a likely winner of the Cigar Mile while making his first start back from a layoff after being eased (reportedly due to heat exhaustion) in the Nerud in July, but do think this is his best distance and there is a chance that he gets the right trip in here if MAXIMUM SECURITY and SPUN TO RUN go at each other early; both wins this year have come in the slop but think he is actually better over a fast track and his effort two back in the True North is underrated. Things have not gone according to plan for MAXIMUM SECURITY since his controversial run in the Derby but he has bounced back strongly when making it to the track and exits perhaps his best effort to date when strongly handling older horses with a new top figure; the mile is perfect for him but he may be under pressure throughout from the in-form SPUN TO RUN. SPUN TO RUN was no match for MAXIMUM SECURITY in the Haskell but he has clearly turned a corner since then and the key may be the combination of shorter distances and the use of his early speed; had a relatively soft trip when wiring the Dirt Mile last time but he is going to be tough if running another figure like the last two.