The Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend closes out the New York Grade 1 stakes schedule. The highlight race of the afternoon is the $50,000 Cigar Mile Handicap (G1), a 1 mile trip around 1 turn at Aqueduct for older horses. A field of just 6 (with 5 betting interests) went to post on Saturday before 7,762 fans, on Saturday afternoon under clear skies with temperatures in the mid 60's. To Honor and Serve was sent off as the even-money favorite, winner of the Pennsylvania Derby (G2) before finishing a disappointing seventh in the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) last out. In to challenge him included the Repole Stable-owned entry of Calibrachoa and Caixa Eletronica, coupled in the betting at 5-2, and 7-2 third choice Haynesfield, winner of the Empire Classic last out at Belmont Park.
To Honor and Serve went to the lead out of the chute and he clicked off an opening quarter mile in 23.05 before Calibrachoa moved up to challenge, holding a short 1/2 length lead through a half in 45.61 and 3/4 in 1:09.52. Entering the lane, To Honor and Serve regained the lead from the tiring pacesetter. 10-1 Hymn Book, last early, closed on the far outside but had too much ground to make up as To Honor and Serve cruised past the post 1 3/4 lengths in front in a time of 1:33.89 over the fast track. It was another 1 1/4 lengths back to Calibrachoa third.
Results chart
Also on the card were the Remsen and Demoiselle Stakes for the 2-year-olds.
