Cigar Smokes Field to Win at Gulfstream

Cigar, the heavy favorite ridden by Jerry Bailey, overwhelmed his opposition Sunday to win the $500,000 Gulfstream Park Handicap by 7 1/2 lengths.

The 5-year-old cruised into the lead approaching the stretch turn and never was threatened. Pride of Burkaan, a 36-1 shot, held off fast-closing Mahogany Hall to finish second in the field of 11 older horses going 1 1/4 miles.

Timed in 2:02 4/5, Cigar, carrying top weight of 118 pounds, paid $3, $2.80 and $2.20 in the Grade I race. Pride of Burkaan paid $13.80 and $6. Mahogany Hall paid $3 to show.

Since being switched from grass to dirt late last year, Cigar has won five in a row, three of them Grade I handicaps. The son of Palace Music has earned $769,815.