Cigar Wins No. 15, Closes On Citation

Call it a mismatch, a walk in park, a paid holiday, but Cigar’s romp in the Massachusetts Handicap on Saturday was just what the fans jammed into Suffolk Downs came to see.

“He’s the world’s racing ambassador and we’re proud of him,” said Madeleine Paulson, wife of owner Allen Paulson, after the 6-year-old Cigar won the MassCap for his 15th straight victory, one shy of the modern-day North American record held by Citation, the 1948 Triple Crown winner.

“I’ve never seen a crowd so with it,” Paulson said. “The thank yous, you just can’t believe. I think we made a right choice coming back here.”

The 1995 MassCap was the seventh victory in Cigar’s winning streak.

Cheering started when Cigar, racing for the first time since his dramatic victory in the $4 million Dubai World Cup March 27, walked down the track and didn’t stop until he returned to his barn after the race.

The loudest roar from the crowd of 22,169, Suffolk Downs’ largest since July 4, 1966, came when Cigar, sitting third under Jerry Bailey with a half-mile remaining, suddenly shot into the lead past Will to Reign and Prolanzier.

It was Cigar’s decision.

“He took me to the lead,” Bailey said. “I never asked him.”

When the strapping bay took the lead, the race was over.

Cigar loped into a four-length margin over Personal Merit with an eighth of a mile remaining, but with Cigar being hand ridden Personal Merit was 2-1/4 back at the finish. The time for the 1-1/8 miles was 1:49-3/5.

There was straight betting on win only and Cigar’s $2.20 return was the lowest in 57 MassCaps. The exacta of Cigar and Personal Merit was worth $4.80.

Prolanzier finished 10-1/4 lengths behind Personal Merit and was followed home by Hogan’s Goat, Northern Ensign and Will to Reign.

“I tried to stay close to the front and then make a strong move toward the finish, see what happened,” said Julio Pezua, rider of Personal Merit. “I just couldn’t get up to him (Cigar). He’s such a nice horse. He’s just too nice a horse.”

“He started to reel them in down the backstretch when he wanted to,” said Bill Mott, Cigar’s trainer. “This race showed us he was back and hopefully he has another one in him.”

Cigar will try to match Citation’s record in the 1-mile Hollywood Gold Cup, a handicap June 30 at Hollywood Park. He will carry 130-131 pounds and face tougher opposition.