Cigar Wins at Pimlico for His Seventh in Row

Cigar had everything his way Saturday, leading almost every step in winning the $600,000 Pimlico Special by 2 1/4 lengths over Devil His Due.

The 5-year-old Maryland-bred stretched his winning streak to seven races, five in Grade I stakes. He ran the 1 3/16 miles in 1:53 3/5.

Cigar, the 3-5 favorite, broke from the inside post and led by more than a length when the field of six went under the wire the first time. Jockey Jerry Bailey took him through moderate fractions of 24 1/5 and 48 flat.

Devil His Due tried to apply pressure, laying second the entire way, but was unable to keep up with the winner in the stretch.

Concern, second choice at 3-1, was close to the leader as the field turned for home but also failed to close the gap, finishing 2 3/4 lengths behind Devil His Due. The second place pushed Devil His Due’s career earnings past $3.9 million.

Cigar paid $2.80, $2.20 and $2.10. Devil His Due returned $3.20 and $2.10, and Concern paid $2.10 to show.