Trainer Tracey Bartley has declared his lofty ambitions for Cuban Cigar, who was rewarded for his recent consistent performances with a well-deserved win in the Legend Mile (1600m).

“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.”

Ridden by Jason Collett, Cuban Cigar started as the $3.60 favourite and managed to hold off the late challenge from Amreekiyah ($3.70), winning by half a length. Hammoon Sensation ($8.50) finished third, a further two lengths behind.

Collett, who had secured a double with a win in the preceding race aboard Change My Address, commented that a Gong start for Cuban Cigar was “worth a look”.

“He’s a very likeable horse,” Collett said.

“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.”

Cuban Cigar commenced his campaign with a win at Wyong and has since secured placings in four of his next five outings, including three in city-grade races, prior to his standout performance at Newcastle.

Bartley explained that he had instructed Collett to ensure Cuban Cigar was positioned forward in the field.

“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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