Five likely for Cigar Mile; Quality Road takes a pass

Vineyard Haven, shown winning the October 24 De Francis Dash, is the likely favorite in Saturday’s Cigar Mile (Melissa Wirth/Horsephotos.com) Metropolitan H. (G1) winner BRIBON (Fr) (Mark of Esteem [Ire]), Vosburgh S. (G1) winner KODIAK KOWBOY (Posse), Forego S. (G1) winner PYRO (Pulpit) and Frank J. De Francis Memorial Dash (G1) winner VINEYARD HAVEN (Lido Palace [Chi]), as well as multiple Grade 1-placed DRIVEN BY SUCCESS (Precise End), are likely starters for Saturday’s Cigar Mile H. (G1) at Aqueduct. Grade 3 victor VACATION (Dynaformer), a winner at Keeneland in his most recent start, remains possible for the race, according to Andrew Byrnes, stakes coordinator for the New York Racing Association (NYRA).

Connections for QUALITY ROAD (Elusive Quality) said Wednesday afternoon that
the Edward P. Evans’ homebred, who had trained well at Belmont Park after being
scratched at the gate from the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) on November 7, would
skip the Cigar Mile and await a four-year-old campaign.

“The horse had trained so well and done so well since he returned to New York
that we thought maybe we’d be crazy not to run him,” said Chris Baker, farm
manager for Evans. “But in looking at it, we felt the smart thing was to pass on
the race and focus on next year.”

Quality Road had schooled uneventfully since returning from California and
Monday worked an easy half-mile in 50 4/5 over the training track at Belmont
Park. Quality Road could make his next start in the January 3 Hal’s Hope H. (G3)
at Gulfstream Park, a one-mile prep for the February 6 Donn H. (G1).

“The gate crew at NYRA has been great working with him, and we are looking
forward to a strong campaign next year,” Baker said.

Trainer Todd Pletcher added that multiple Grade 2 winner MUNNINGS (Speightstown)
will miss the Cigar Mile as well due to a foot injury.