Bishops Bay collars Mika late to seize the Grade 2 Cigar Mile Handicap at Aqueduct Racetrack

Keith McCalmont

In the thirty-seventh edition worth a half‑million dollars, Bishops Bay surged past front‑runner Mika in the last few jumps to take Saturday’s Cigar Mile Handicap at Aqueduct Racetrack

Conditioner Brad Cox sent out the five‑year‑old Uncle Mo bay with Flavien Prat aboard for the one‑turn mile open to 3‑year‑olds and older, and the runner entered off a recent acquisition for approximately 1.3 million dollars at the Keeneland November Horses of Racing Age Sale, a detail that added intrigue to this race recap.

Despite shouldering a co‑top impost of one hundred twenty‑five pounds, Bishops Bay required every yard of the stretch to subdue the determined sophomore Mika and to preserve his spotless Big A résumé after Grade 3 victories at this course and trip in the Westchester in May and the Forty Niner on November 2, which, for example, often hint at affinity for the surface.

Cox praised Prat’s handling, noting the jockey’s perfect six‑for‑six partnership on Bishops Bay, a streak that includes the restricted American Pharoah in March at Oaklawn Park, the Grade 3 Salvator Mile in June at Monmouth Park, plus those Westchester and Forty Niner scores that showcased his versatility.

“Watching that loose leader had me anxious—through the bend he was going easily, and once they straightened, I figured he might be tough to reel in,” Cox remarked. “But our horse dug in again—he’s reliable and shows up every time. With Flavien being six‑for‑six on him, clearly they complement each other.”

Bishops Bay left sharply from the outside stall 6; however, from the rail, Mika under Manny Franco took command and posted an opening quarter in twenty‑three and one‑tenth seconds over a fast main track, a tempo that can feel comfortable early but exacting late.

Into the turn, Mika dictated terms with Bishops Bay tracking second, while Pentathlon and Phileas Fogg sat close behind; far back came the late‑closing Crazy Mason in fifth, ahead of only Brazenly as the half‑mile flashed by in forty‑five and seventy‑two hundredths, an example of a pace that stretches stamina.

“When Manny went to the front and was traveling easily, I adjusted, stayed as near as I could without spending my horse,” Prat explained. “Turning in, I hoped he’d come back to us; at that point, I wasn’t certain I would reach him.”

At the top of the lane, Mika still held about two and one‑half lengths, yet under strong urging, Bishops Bay kept grinding to wear down the pacesetter and prevail by a narrow neck, earning an appreciative pat after stopping the clock in one minute, 34 and 62 hundredths, which is a solid one‑turn mile standard.

Prat attributed the outcome to Bishops Bay’s determination and sustained finish through the final furlong, a trait that often separates winners in equine competition.

“I could stay attached to him—Mika—and when we turned in, he never really got away,” Prat said. “I stayed within range figuring he’d ease up eventually; my horse didn’t back off. He’s ultra game and honest, shows up every time, and his mind is excellent—he wants to win.”

Franco reported that Mika, trained by Mike Maker, ran admirably in his first graded attempt after two open‑length wins against winners, a notable class rise in horse racing.

“I executed the plan: make the top and have them follow,” Franco said. “He gave me what I asked, and at the three‑sixteenths, I thought we might have it. Inside the final furlong, he felt that forty‑five‑second half a bit.”

“Those were the instructions,” Franco added. “They told me to commit to the lead whatever came, and I did exactly that.”

Maker echoed the satisfaction with Mika, a 3‑year‑old by Catholic Boy assigned one hundred fourteen pounds, with Franco listed as plus four pounds, a standard notation for overage.

“He ran terrific and fought hard. He’s a 3‑year‑old facing older, so no complaints,” Maker said. “It’s a big leap from an ‘a‑other‑than’ into a Grade 2, and the others have more seasoning. The ceiling is high for him.”

Another four and one‑quarter lengths back came Crazy Mason in third, followed by Phileas Fogg, then Pentathlon, with Brazenly completing the order; Doc Sullivan, aimed to the 125‑thousand‑dollar Alex M. Robb here on December 26 against fellow New York‑breds, was withdrawn.

Cox indicated Bishops Bay will be pointed to the Group 1 Saudi Cup, carrying a purse of twenty million dollars on February 14 at Kingabdulaziz Racecourse, subject to invitation.

“Ownership wants to go that route. Whether we run once between now and then, I’m unsure,” Cox said. “We’ll discuss with the Saudi Cup committee to learn if this effort earns a spot now or if another race would be required.”

Initially bought for four hundred fifty thousand dollars at the 2021 Keeneland September Yearling Sale, Bishops Bay is out of Catch my Drift, a dual graded stakes‑placed mare by Pioneerof the Nile, making him a half‑brother to Cox‑trained Grade 2‑winning millionaire Catching Freedom, a pedigree angle appreciated by bloodlines enthusiasts.

Bred in Kentucky by WinStar Farm, Bishops Bay earned two hundred seventy‑five thousand dollars for the win and now shows a slate of 13‑9‑3‑0; as the post‑time favorite, he paid four dollars and forty cents on a two‑dollar win wager.

Racing returns Sunday at the Big A with eight races, highlighted by the Grade 3, two‑hundred‑thousand‑dollar Comely in Race 7 and the one‑hundred‑fifty‑thousand‑dollar Garland of Roses in Race 6; first post is twelve‑forty p.m. Eastern, a mid‑day start.

America’s Day at the Races will air live coverage and analysis of the Aqueduct Racetrack fall meet across the FOX Sports networks; consult the track’s TV schedule for channels and times.

NYRA Bets serves as Aqueduct Racetrack’s official wagering platform and offers the best way to bet the entire fall meet; the NYRA Bets app can be downloaded now on iOS and Android for eligible players nationwide.