In Massachusetts ‘Cap, It’s a Victory for Cigar

There was too much Cigar everywhere at Suffolk Downs on Saturday.

Not only did Cigar blow away the competition in the Massachusetts Handicap, there were also cigars on trainer Bill Mott’s tie, one in his pocket and a box of them under his arm.

Winning owner Allen Paulson had a tie just like his trainer’s when he came to the smoke-filled press box to talk about his horse-of-the-year candidate.

The 5-year-old turf reject easily won his eighth consecutive race on the dirt, taking the MassCap by four lengths to claim a $500,000 bonus along with the winner’s share of the $250,000 purse.

“We do feel that Cigar is one of the best horses I’ve ever had, and maybe ever seen,” Paulson said. “When you win eight in a row, it’s pretty hard to do any better.”

The 1-5 favorite, ridden by Jerry Bailey, finished 1 1/8 miles over a fast track in 1:48 3/5 and paid $2.40 and $2.20.

The Maryland-bred Cigar earned the $500,000 bonus by sweeping the Gulfstream Park Handicap, Oaklawn Handicap and Pimlico Special. He has won his last five stakes.

This was the first Massachusetts Handicap since 1989. Early in 1990, Suffolk Downs closed for two years because of financial problems. There was no MassCap from 1992-94 either, while the track got back on its feet.