The Cigar Mile is one of the last major races of the year. There is a good chance the 2022 edition will be run over a sloppy Aqueduct racetrack with rain in the forecast. While there are seemingly no championships on the line, The Cigar is always a fast and interesting race over a one turn mile.

Double Crown breaks from the rail, not the best spot on the Big A chute. He is one for one at Aqueduct but looks a cut below these and a bit too slow for my liking.

Zandon is interesting. He has run some huge races without winning and his only one turn start was a debut win. He will like the mile, Rosario will be able to sit and make that one run he loves to make, and I think Zandon will fulfill the potential he has shown since day one and beat older horses, albeit very late in the year and win The Cigar Mile. He was looking great in the summer and if Chad thinks this is the spot, I must conclude he has grown up some more.

White Abarrio is capable of a nice effort, but he has not been very consistent. I don’t think his best race is as good or as fast as Zandon’s nor do I think he is as good.

Get Her Number can make noise here and I believe can get involved when it counts. I think Zandon can out finish him if the track plays fair, but I won’t be surprised if this guy is in the fight big time.

O Besos is coming out of three sprints including The Breeders’ Cup. He’ll be sharp in this one turn mile. I think he can get a piece but not the win.

Outlier looks a cut below, maybe two cuts below the best of those in here.

Mind Control is proven quality and is dead game. He likes Aqueduct, is making his final start and will likely be favored. I think he may have lost a step and I don’t think he can afford that if Zandon shows up with the effort I am looking for. He’s legit but I think we can beat him in this spot. He did get the ideal draw and that will help.

I’ll take a shot with three-year old Zandon. On a fair track I think he can run these down. Hopefully Joel keeps him close, but not too close and gets him rolling early enough to get up.