Independence can add another to make it three out of three at Aqueduct

THE Grade 1 Cigar Mile Handicap (9.13), which offers a total prize fund of $750,000 and is the final top-level contest held in New York this year, headlines an exceptional ten-race card at Aqueduct this evening.

American revolution, who has won all four of his races in New York-bred contests, reverts to open company and is the Morning Line favourite after he romped home in the Empire Classic at Belmont in October.

The time of that race was quick, but it came on a wet track against inferior opposition. With that in mind, I want to oppose him at the prices despite his unexposed profile and quality connections.

Another horse last seen on a sloppy main track is Independence Hall, a fouryear-old son of Constitution (Tiz The Law’s sire) who has competed in all of the best mile contests this season and fairly bolted up in the Grade 2 Fayette Stakes at Keeneland.

He was perhaps favoured by getting the run of the race, but it wasn’t necessarily beneficial to be on the speed at that meet and he never stopped galloping despite running over a furlong further than ideal.

Independence Hall is unbeaten in two runs at Aqueduct and his 2019 Nashua Stakes victory was one of the most impressive in his career. He has the required speed to sit prominently – he can lead or stalk – and should go close to recording his first Grade 1 success.

The preceding Grade 2 Demoiselle Stakes (8.43) features a handful of promising two-year-old fillies who are looking to break through over 1m1f early in their career.

Likely front-runner Magic Circle and Curlin filly Nest are respected after finishing second and third respectively in the Listed Tempted Stakes, but it’s hard to get away from the unbeaten Tap The Faith as she steps up in trip.

Trainer Christophe

Clement doesn’t have too many first-time-out winners, but this $1.25 million purchase travelled sweetly before putting away 1-3 favourite A Mo Reay on her debut at Belmont last month. The pair drew six and a half lengths clear of the remainder.

Joel Rosario only had to issue one reminder as she surged up the rail and, given the strength of the runnerup’s form, Tap The Faith appears to have the ability to make her mark at this level.