Favored at 9-5 on the morning line is Program Trading (GB) (Lope de Vega {Ire}), who will try to give Seth Klarman's Klaravich Stables a record-breaking three wins in the race. The ridgling made rapid progress this season, capping a three-race winning streak with a head defeat of Webslinger (Constitution) in the GI Saratoga Derby over yielding turf Aug. 5. Accordingly made the 7-10 chalk for the Sept. 9 GIII Virginia Derby, the bay led into the final furlong only to be upstaged by Integration (Quality Road), who franked the form in the GII Hill Prince S. in his next appearance.

“He was a little close to a fast pace,” Brown said of the Virginia Derby. “It might have did him in in the end where he got caught by a good horse. Hopefully he'll work out a better trip this time.”

Brown also sends out Redistricting (GB) (Kingman {GB}) for Klaravich, who exits a two-length Aqueduct allowance victory Oct. 28.

“He finished well,” Brown said, “and I think he's ready to step back up into a big race like this.”

Webslinger has been out of the top three just once in his eight starts this term and was a luckless third when last seen in the GII Twilight Derby on the Breeders' Cup undercard Nov. 4.

The two horses that finished ahead of him also line up here. Seal Team (GB) (War Front) came from worse than midfield to upstage Godolphin's Silver Knott (GB) (Lope de Vega {Ire}) by a half-length, but might need a touch of luck from the widest alley in this field of nine.

Two-year-old fillies head to the post in the co-featured GIII Jimmy Durante S. Brown looks set to saddle the favorite in the one-mile test in the form of Lady de Berry (Practical Joke), a debut sixth to future GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies heroine Just F Y I (Justify) on Saratoga debut Aug. 26 before graduating impressively going two turns over the Keeneland turf course Oct. 27. Go With Gusto (Medaglia d'Oro), third in the GI Summer S., failed to draw into the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf and was a mildly troubled second in the Qatar Gold Mile in the Breeders' Cup Friday lidlifter. She tries sex-restricted company for the first time in her career.

Cigar Mile Anchors Big Weekend at the Big A

Downgraded though it has been and lacking a standout runner, Saturday's GII Cigar Mile H. still offers a half-million dollar purse and a full field of 12 to challenge handicappers.

Trainer Todd Fincher makes a rare appearance on the New York circuit, but he brings in a horse with a big chance in the form of Joe Peacock Jr.'s Senor Buscador (Mineshaft). Two-for-three over this distance, including the GIII Ack Ack S. going Churchill's one-turn configuration last October, the 5-year-old entire took advantage of a strong pace up ahead to upset the GII San Diego H. at Del Mar this past July. Fourth in the GI Pacific Classic and third in the GI Awesome Again S., he ran on decently to finish seventh, beaten 5 1/4 lengths, behind White Abarrio (Race Day) in the GI Breeders' Cup Classic Nov. 4.

“He ran really good in the Breeders' Cup,” Fincher said. “He just got way, way back–almost 19 lengths back. I think he started his run too early. He made up a ton of ground down the backside and he actually flattened a little down the lane, which I've never seen him do.”

Senor Buscador worked a best-of-27 five furlongs over the Belmont training track in 1:00 4/5 Nov. 25 in preparation for the Cigar Mile.

Qatar Racing's Everso Mischievous (Into Mischief) looks the main danger as he goes for his fourth straight victory and fifth from seven starts. Picked up for just $85,000 at last year's Keeneland Horses of Racing Age Sale, the bay broke his maiden at second asking and has not tasted defeat in five months, including wins in the Sept. 23 Harrods Creek S. at Keeneland and the GII Forty Niner S. over this course and distance Oct. 28, where he had the re-opposing Dr Ardito (Liam's Map) and Accretive (Practical Joke) in his wake.

Dornoch (Good Magic), the full-brother to recently retired GI Kentucky Derby winner Mage, looks a handful facing nine other juvenile males in the GII Remsen S. The $325,000 KEESEP acquisition was second in his first two trips to the races, including the Aug. 26 Sapling S. at Monmouth, and was an impressive 6 1/4-length maiden winner at Keeneland Oct. 14. Moonlight (Audible) matched Dornoch's 90 Beyer Speed Figure when airing by eight in a local rained-off maiden Sept. 28, but was fractionally disappointing when runner-up to Liberal Arts (Arrogate) in a sloppy renewal of the GIII Street Sense S. at Churchill Sept. 29. Rick Dutrow, Jr. has won with eight of his last 24 starters dating back to the Breeders' Cup Classic. The following afternoon he sent out Where's Chris (Twirling Candy) to upset the previously unbeaten Book'em Danno (Bucchero) in the Nashua S.

The fillies' counterpart, the GII Demoiselle S., is topped by Repole Stable's Life Talk (Gun Runner), third in the local GI Frizette S. Oct. 7 ahead of an even fourth in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies. Shimmering Allure (Enticed) is the most experienced of this group, having made six previous racetrack appearances. A maiden winner at fourth asking in a restricted event at Churchill in September, the $40,000 Fasig-Tipton July grad was a midpack fourth in the GI Darley Alcibiades S. at Keeneland Oct. 6, but bounced back to best Vino Rouge (Vino Rosso) by three convincing lengths in the Nov. 5 Tempted S.

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Led by the GI Cigar Mile H. and three other graded events, Aqueduct's loaded 10-race card will be in the spotlight in South Ozone Park Saturday.

Zandon (Upstart), winner of the GI Toyota Blue Grass S. and third-place finisher in the GI Kentucky Derby this spring, cuts back to a one-turn mile for Chad Brown in the feature. The dark bay, favored at even-money on the Cigar Mile's morning-line, also finished third in the GI Runhappy Travers S. and second in the GI Pennsylvania Derby last time Sept. 24.

Fellow Grade I-winning sophomore White Abarrio (Race Day) will also shorten up here. He tired to fifth after setting the pace in the Pennsylvania Derby last time. The handsome gray has been firing bullets at Saffie Joseph, Jr.'s Gulfstream Park base for this.

Two-time Grade I winner Mind Control (Stay Thirsty), drawn widest of all in post seven (he'll move in one slot with the scratch of O Besos), will look to close out his career on top. The 2018 GI Hopeful S. winner and 2019 GI H. Allen Jerkens S. winner was moved up to first via disqualification after falling a neck short in a roughly run renewal of the Parx Dirt Mile S. last out Sept. 24. The 6-year-old boasts a record of 7-4-2-1 at Aqueduct, including a trio of graded wins. A stud deal for Mind Control will likely be finalized in the days following the Cigar Mile, according to Rick Sacco, racing manager for co-owner Red Oak Stable.

“He's been a great horse for us and accomplished a lot before he even came to us, but he's been a real neat horse to be around,” said Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher, who seeks a record-extending sixth Cigar Mile victory. “He enjoys his job and has always liked Aqueduct.”

Juveniles, meanwhile, will take centerstage in the GII Remsen S. and GII Demoiselle S., both at the demanding distance of 1 1/8 miles.

Stonestreet homebred Julia Shining (Curlin), a full-sister to champion 3-year-old filly and GI Breeders' Cup Distaff winner Malathaat, will head straight into the deep end versus six rivals in the Demoiselle. The bay kicked off her career with an eye-catching come-from-behind victory for Pletcher going seven furlongs at Keeneland Oct. 16. She is the 3-5 morning-line favorite for the Demoiselle. Malathaat, also trained by Pletcher, won this same race in 2020.

“Physically, they're a little bit different, but they're both very impressive fillies to watch train and she's shown talent from the beginning,” Pletcher said. “I always felt like the further she gets the opportunity to go, the better she'll get. That's why we have been pointing for the Demoiselle.”

A field of seven will also line up for the Remsen, led by unbeaten Rocky Run S. winner Tuskegee Airmen (Street Sense) and New York-bred Arctic Arrogance (Frosted), a last out winner of the Sleepy Hollow S.

Aqueduct's Saturday program also includes the GIII Go For Wand S. for older fillies and mares.

Welcome to Hollywood

A very deep field of 11 have been entered for the GI Hollywood Derby at Del Mar. New York shippers 'Rising Star' Wit (Practical Joke) and Celestial City (Uncle Mo) are the top two on the morning-line. Slightly favored Wit just missed by a neck for Pletcher in Keeneland's GIII Bryan Station S. Oct. 29. Celestial City posted a come-from-behind win for Shug McGaughey in Aqueduct's GII Hill Prince S. Oct. 22.

The Hollywood Derby field also includes: GIII La Jolla S. winner and GII Twilight Derby winner Cabo Spirit (Pioneerof the Nile); Cinema S. winner War At Sea (War Front); and Let It Ride S. winner Handy Dandy (Fury Kapcori).

Del Mar's Saturday card also includes a wide-open renewal of the grassy GIII Jimmy Durante S. for 2-year-old fillies.

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Four-time Eclipse Award-winning trainer Chad Brown earned his fourth NYRA meet title of the year with 24 winners, finishing ahead of Linda Rice in second [18 wins] and Hall of Famer Todd Pletcher in third [17 wins]. It was the 11th consecutive Belmont fall meet title for Brown. Peter Brant finished atop the owners standings with eight victories, ahead of Klaravich Stables and Michael Dubb, who tied for second with seven wins each.

Live racing resumes Friday for Opening Day of the 29-day Aqueduct fall meet, which offers 33 stakes worth a total of $6.375 million, and is highlighted by the $750,000 GI Cigar Mile H. Saturday, Dec. 3. First post on Friday's card, which features the $150,000 GIII Turnback the Alarm, is 11:35 a.m. Eastern. Doors open at 10 a.m.

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A homebred for Al Fried, Jr. and trained throughout by Rich Schosberg, Affirmed Success won the first three starts of his career and was third to Awesome Again in the 1997 GII Jim Dandy S., but made his name as a top-class sprinter/miler on the dirt, winning the GI Vosburgh S. and the GI Carter H. at seven furlongs and the GI Cigar Mile H. In his first of eight appearances on the turf, Affirmed Success won the first of his two Pokers in 2000 and was beaten a neck and two noses behind War Chant, North East Bound and Dansili (GB) in that year's GI Breeders' Cup Mile. He became the oldest winner of the GIII Toboggan H. at the age of eight in 2003. He retired with 17 wins overall from 42 career starts and earnings in excess of $2.2 million. Affirmed Success was originally retired to the Kentucky Horse Park and featured in the daily 'Parade of Breeds' show, but when soundness issues precluded his continued participation, he was transferred to Old Friends.

“He was such an incredible race horse, and he had such a great personality,” said Schosberg. “Beside his obvious talent, he had class, was brilliant, and was a joy to train. He always put in his best effort. And with his high cruising speed and running style he was exciting for the fans to watch, too.

“You think of a horse like that as the iron horse, as indestructible,” Schosberg added, “but being in this business my entire life, you know that day is going to come. But he had an incredible life. He had a great life on the track and an incredible life in his aftercare at Old Friends.”

“I like my horses the way I like my people, honest and hardworking, and Affirmed Success completely embodied that,” said jockey Richard Migliore, who rode Affirmed Success to four victories, including the 2002 Carter. “He was as hard-working and tenacious as any horse that I've ever been around, and I am happy to have been a small part of his history. I take comfort in knowing that he had a great twilight of his life.”

“He was one of my first horses, and he was a great champion,” said owner-breeder Al Fried, Jr. “I am so sorry to lose him.”

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With his last victory coming in a Belmont optional claimer in September of 2018, True Timber was overlooked at 7-1 in this event, which lost three contenders Saturday morning due to track condition, including second-choice Firenze Fire (Poseidon’s Warrior). Racing two-wide, the bay stalked from third as come-backing sophomore King Guillermo (Uncle Mo) and hard-knocking New York-bred Mr. Buff (Friend of Foe) battled through a :22.89 first quarter. Mr. Buff edged ahead of his younger foe through a half in :45.82 with True Timber maintaining his position in third and favored Performer (Speightstown) trailing the field.

Ranging up outside the top two approaching the far turn, True Timber turned for home in front and splashed clear of the field in the lane under confident handling from Kendrick Carmouche to pull off the upset by 5 1/2 lengths. Snapper Sinclair (City Zip), a 13-1 shot, completed the exacta and Performer got up for third.

“I’ve got to give credit to True Timber, the farm, the incredible staff I have, and of course Kendrick [Carmouche],” said winning trainer Jack Sisterson. “I had all the confidence in the world when Kendrick texted me, ‘I got you brother, don’t worry’, with a little peace sign.”

He continued, “As soon as I got the horse [this spring], the Cigar Mile was a year-end goal. A lot of emphasis has to be put on how good a trainer Kiaran McLaughlin is. He had this horse before I did and had him sent him to me in such good shape. This really shows how good of a trainer he really is.”

The Cigar Mile was the first Grade I score for the popular Carmouche, who currently sits atop the fall meet standings with one day left in the meet.

“I owe it all to my fans, my wife and kids and how much they stuck with me and kept me pushing and fighting in this game,” said Carmouche. “This means so much to me. This is the biggest win of my career and I hope I have many more blessed ones.”

“Was this a grade one?!” @KendrickCarmou1 exclaims as he makes his way back to the winner’s circle with TRUE TIMBER in the Cigar Mile! This is Kendrick’s first G1 victory!!!!!

*cue the tears* pic.twitter.com/Es7AuPHeOL

— NYRA () (@TheNYRA) December 5, 2020

As for his trip aboard True Timber, Carmouche said. “We got an outside position this time with the horse being inside the last two times that I rode him at Saratoga and Belmont. I was very pleased with the draw we got and we had a couple scratches because of the sloppy track. I had perfect position leaving the gate and all the way around there. Right before we got to the quarter pole, I pulled the trigger and I knew they were going to have to run me down from here.”

Second in the 2018 Cigar Mile and third to champion Maximum Security (New Year’s Day) in last year’s edition, True Timber kicked off 2020 with an eighth-place finish in the GI Pegasus World Cup Invitational S. Jan. 25 and was fourth in the GII Gulfstream Park Mile Feb. 29. Transferred to Sisterson after McLaughlin retired from training to take the book of jockey Luis Saez Apr. 1, the 6-year-old was third behind subsequent MGSW C Z Rocket (City Zip) when cut back to a sprint distance in a Keeneland optional claimer July 12. Completing the trifecta in a sloppy renewal of Saratoga’s GI Forego S. Aug. 29, True Timber was fourth to Firenze Fire in Belmont’s GII Vosburgh Invitational S. Sept. 26 and was second in the Lafayette S. at Keeneland on Breeders’ Cup Saturday Nov. 7.

Pedigree Notes:

True Timber is the seventh Grade I winner, 22nd graded victor and 52nd black-type scorer for Mineshaft, who, along with Honor Code, looks to carry on the legacy of his legendary late sire A.P. Indy at Lane’s End. The winner’s dam Queen’s Wood (Tiznow) was purchased by Haymarket Farm for $47,000 in foal to Quality Road at the 2016 Keeneland November Sale as part of the complete dispersal of VinMar Farm LLC. The resulting foal is the now-3-year-old gelding Motown Music, a $250,000 KEESEP acquisition by China Horse Club and WinStar Farm, who won two of his three starts this year. Her unraced juvenile colt by Into Mischief was purchased by the same connections for $560,000 at KEESEP and is named Floodgate. Queen’s Wood did not have a foal in 2019 and aborted her Malibu Moon foal this year. The 12-year-old mare was bred back to Omaha Beach earlier this term. True Timber hails from the family of MGISW stallion Pleasantly Perfect (Pleasant Colony); European champion Elusive Kate (Elusive Quality); and Group 1-winning sire Distant View (Mr. Prospector).

Saturday, Aqueduct
CIGAR MILE H.-GI, $250,000, Aqueduct, 12-5, 3yo/up, 1m, 1:36.49, sy.
1–TRUE TIMBER, 119, h, 6, by Mineshaft
1st Dam: Queen’s Wood, by Tiznow
2nd Dam: Salon Prive, by Private Account
3rd Dam: La Trinite (Fr), by Lyphard
1ST BLACK TYPE WIN, 1ST GRADED STAKES WIN, 1ST GRADE I
WIN. ($170,000 Wlg ’14 KEENOV). O-Calumet Farm; B-Mr. &
Mrs. Marc C. Ferrell (KY); T-Jack Sisterson; J-Kendrick
Carmouche. $137,500. Lifetime Record: 29-5-5-9, $1,215,150.
Werk Nick Rating: B. Click for the
eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.
2–Snapper Sinclair, 117, h, 5, City Zip–True Addiction, by Yes
It’s True. ($30,000 Ylg ’16 KEESEP; $180,000 2yo ’17 OBSAPR).
O-Bloom Racing Stable LLC (Jeffrey Bloom); B-K & G Stables
(KY); T-Steven M. Asmussen. $50,000.
3–Performer, 118, c, 4, Speightstown–Protesting, by A.P. Indy.
O-Phipps Stable & Claiborne Farm; B-Phipps Stable (KY);
T-Claude R. McGaughey III. $30,000.
Margins: 5HF, NK, 6HF. Odds: 7.30, 13.40, 0.85.
Also Ran: King Guillermo, Mr. Buff, Bon Raison. Scratched: Firenze Fire, Majestic Dunhill, Mind Control.
Click for the Equibase.com chart, the TJCIS.com PPs or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. VIDEO, sponsored by Fasig-Tipton.

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The homebred was a two-time Grade I winner during his championship campaign in 2019, taking the GI Florida Derby and GI Haskell Invitational S. around his disqualification from an apparent victory in the GI Kentucky Derby. He proved his versatility and did what no other horse of his generation could at the tail end of the campaign, defeating elders in the GIII Bold Ruler H. over seven furlongs and the GI Cigar Mile H. last December. Connections elected to pass on the GI Pegasus World Cup in favor of the inaugural $20-million Saudi Cup Feb. 29, where he gamely held off Midnight Bisou (Midnight Lute). With regular rider Luis Saez unable to leave Saratoga, Maximum Security–the 127-pound highweight–gets the services of Abel Cedillo.

Higher Power (Medaglia d’Oro) is in receipt of five pounds from the favorite and looks to take his record to a perfect two-for-two at Del Mar. After fetching $250,000 from Hronis Racing during the horses-of-racing-age section of the 2019 Keeneland April sale, the bay romped in the GI Pacific Classic before rounding out the triple in the GI Awesome Again S. and the GI Breeders’ Cup Classic. Racing without Lasix as the 14-5 chalk in the Pegasus, he finished a tailed-off 10th, but bounced back with a strong runner-up effort to ‘TDN Rising Star’ Improbable (City Zip) in the June 6 GI Gold Cup at Santa Anita.

Combatant (Scat Daddy) won four races and was multiple graded-placed for Steve Asmussen and Winchell Thoroughbreds and Willis Horton before being acquired by Hronis for $220,000 at KEENOV last fall. Third to Midcourt (Midnight Lute) in the GII San Pasqul S. Feb. 1, he was the narrow winner of the GI Santa Anita H. Mar. 7 and a latest 10th in the GII Oaklawn H. He is cross-entered for Sunday’s GII Eddie Read S. on the turf.

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