Badge Tries Cigar Again

Badge Of Silver, second in the 2004 Cigar Mile, will try again in the final Grade I race of the year in New York today at Aqueduct.

Trained by Bobby Frankel for owners Ken and Sarah Ramsey, the 5-year-old son of Silver Deputy is among 11 set to go in the Cigar, which was won 12 months ago by Lion Tamer.

This will be the first race for Badge Of Silver since he finished sixth of eight at 3-1 in the Stephen Foster Handicap on June 18 at Churchill Downs. The winner of the Foster was Saint Liam, who captured the Breeders’ Cup Classic last month at Belmont Park and who is likely to be voted horse of the year.

Jerry Bailey, who has been pondering retirement, will ride Badge Of Silver, winner of half of his 12 starts to earn $679,725.

Frankel is also scheduled to run Mass Media. The 4-year-old Touch Gold colt, who races for Gary and Mary West, won the 2004 Sports Page Handicap at Aqueduct. Alex Solis will ride.

The Aqueduct card also includes the $200,000 Demoiselle for 2-year-old fillies and the $200,000 Remsen for 2-year-olds. Both races are Grade II’s run at 1 1/8 miles.

Race of the day: Bob And John will try for his second win in four starts for owners Bob and Janice McNair’s Stonerside Stable and trainer Bob Baffert in the $100,000 Real Quiet today at Hollywood Park. Victor Espinoza will ride the 2-year-old Seeking The Gold colt in the 1 1/16 -mile race that serves as a prep for the Hollywood Futurity on Dec. 17.

One for the road: Sabatini looked good breaking her maiden at first asking for trainer Patrick Biancone and should get a fast pace to chase as she tries to become a stakes winner in the $200,000 Golden Rod on the closing-day program at Churchill Downs. Gary Stevens, who is riding for the final time today after making his retirement official on Friday, has the call on the 2-year-old Five Star Day filly in the Grade II at 1 1/16 miles.

Exotically speaking: A late pick four using Tiz Only Money, Roanwiththepunches and Fairly Crafty in the sixth; the Refinery entry, Outrageous Limit and Cotton King in the seventh; Accountable Event, High Z and Indian Dreamin in the eighth; and Bing in the ninth.

Winners: (previous day/meet total): 0/37. Money: (previous day/meet total): $0/$187.80. Total money bet: $200.