Bailey steers Cigar to 13th consecutive victory

Cigar extended his winning sequence to 13 with a comfortable win in the Grade One Donn Handicap at Gulfstream Park, Florida, on Saturday. The topweight, making his first appearance of 1996, settled in third place behind Flying Chevron and Star Standard before rider Jerry Bailey made his move entering the turn for home.

Although pursued by Wekiva Springs, the topweight went clear of the rest and was not hard pressed to hold on by two lengths.

Cigar's next target is expected to be the Grade One Santa Anita Handicap on 2 March followed by the $4m Dubai World Cup, on 27 March.

In Melbourne, Australia's Dubai World Cup hopefuls, Jeune and Mahogany, ran in the C F Orr Stakes at Sandown, but both disappointed by finishing out of the frame in a race run at a farcically slow pace.