Cuban Cigar claims deserved win in Legend Mile
Trainer Tracey Bartley has expressed his significant ambitions for Cuban Cigar, a horse that was duly rewarded for his recent consistent form with a victory in the Legend Mile over 1600 metres.
"He's a really nice horse, I want to back him up next Saturday in The Gong if he gets a run and claim if I can,'' Bartley stated.
"Will he get enough benchmark (rating) points, I don't know.
"If we don't get into The Gong, he will go to the spelling paddock and come back for The (Provincial-Midway) Championships in autumn.''
Cuban Cigar, guided by jockey Jason Collett, was the subject of strong support, firming into $3.60 favouritism. The gelding held off a late challenge from Amreekiyah, who was priced at $3.70, by a half-length margin. Hammoon Sensation ($8.50) secured third place, two lengths adrift.
Collett, who completed a successful double following his win in the preceding race with Change My Address, indicated that a potential start in The Gong for Cuban Cigar was a prospect worth considering.
"He's a very likeable horse,'' Collett commented.
"One thing I marked down when I did the form was if we got into a dog fight he would come out on top and he showed that today.''
The campaign for Cuban Cigar began with a victory at Wyong. Subsequently, he has been placed in four of his next five starts, including three placings in city-grade races, before achieving this win at Newcastle.
Bartley shared that he had instructed Collett to ensure Cuban Cigar was positioned prominently in the race from an early stage.
"I left him a little bit fresh so he could be ridden closer,'' Bartley revealed.
"I told Jason not to leave him with a big job to do, ride him like a good thing.
"He was a bit unlucky the other day but he pulled up terrific. He's had a good preparation and deserved that win.
"I will have him out tomorrow morning on the water walker and will pick him up on Wednesday. If he's in good order we will look at The Gong.''
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