Mamdooha Extends Winning Streak in Cicada

Mamdooha extended her winning streak to four and picked up her third stakes victory by coming from off the pace to capture the $100,000 Cicada on Saturday at Aqueduct Racetrack.

Backed as the 6-5 favorite in the six-furlong race for 3-year-old fillies, Mamdooha raced six lengths behind the leader in fifth through an opening quarter-mile in 22.87 seconds, hooked to the outside as she drew into contention through a half in 46.52, and drove past her opponents in the stretch en route to a 1 ½-length victory over Sustainable. Both Mamdooha and Sustainable are trained by Kiaran McLaughlin.

Mamdooha completed the distance in 1:12.13 and returned $4.40 for a $2 win wager.

"I knew there was speed in there, and it was good for me, but I couldn't let the speed get too far away," said jockey Eddie Castro. "I saved ground and when I made the turn for home, I let my horse run. She's a nice filly."

The Cicada was Mamdooha's first start since her nose victory in the Ruthless on January 14, also at Aqueduct. She won the Gin Talking in December at Laurel Park, which was preceded by a four-length win in her second start, a maiden special weight in November at the Big A.

"She trains herself, pretty much," said Magnuson. "She's a light, slight little filly. We're always looking for a little further than six [furlongs], but it's worked out well."

Mamdooha has earned $230,200 to date, including $60,000 for her Cicada triumph. She's a Shadwell Stable homebred by Daaher, whose biggest win came in the 2007 Grade 1 Cigar Mile Handicap at Aqueduct.

Sustainable finished a half-length in front of third-place finisher Alpaca Fina, who was followed home by Red Minx, Inspired Say Eye, Jonesin for Jerry, and Rock Me Mama. Go West Marie and morning-line second choice Miss Behaviour were scratched.