Daaher Ran Away From Midnight Lute to Win Cigar Mile Handicap at Aqueduct
Four weeks after winning the Breeders’ Cup Sprint, Midnight Lute was upset by Daaher in the final Grade 1 race of the year in New York, the $300,000 Cigar Mile Handicap at Aqueduct on Saturday, November 24th.
Midnight Lute, who staged an explosive rally to win the Breeders’ Cup Sprint at Monmouth Park, appeared in perfect position to take on Daaher as the two turned for home but the 4-year-old colt was unable to close ground and was outran by 2 1/2 lengths.
“He wanted to go, but the jock was just waiting and waiting,” trainer Bob Baffert said, referring to jockey Garrett Gomez. “We’re still learning about this horse. We learned today to let him do his thing.”
Midnight Lute came into the Cigar Mile with five victories in 10 starts. Before winning the Breeders’ Cup Sprint, he won the Forego Handicap at Saratoga on September 1st in his first race after a 5 1/2 month layoff to correct a breathing problem. Despite the loss, Midnight Lute remains the top contender to win the Eclipse Award as the nation’s top sprinter, but the son of Real Quiet could have made a case for top older horse with a win.
It was Daaher, though, who came away with the victory. Daaher has now won three straight and improved to 4-for-7. He earned $180,000 to boost his bankroll to nearly $450,000.
“He’s turned out to be a top horse,” winning trainer Kiaran McLaughlin said. “It worked out well. There was no one pressing us.” McLaughlin said the 3-year-old Daaher will be pointed to the Donn Handicap next year at Gulfstream Park followed by the Dubai World Cup or the Godolphin Mile in March.
Daaher, ridden by Mike Luzzi, was bumped at the start but quickly moved to the front and stayed there. When Midnight Lute challenged briefly, Daaher dug in and held off the big colt owned by Mike Pegram.
Daaher covered one mile in 1:33.79, and returned $6.70 and $2.80. 1-2 favorite Midnight Lute paid $2.10. Naughty New Yorker was third, followed by Xchanger and Sir Greeley. There was no show wagering. City Attraction and Diamond Isle were scratched.
"Daaher Ran Away From Midnight Lute to Win Cigar Mile Handicap at Aqueduct" was posted on 24 November 2007 8:24 PM under Horse Racing News, Horses, Stakes Races, Trainers
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