Las Vegas Sun

March 29, 2024

Cigar proves to world that he’s king of hill

UP UNTIL this past week, the sport of horse racing had been gingerly stepping through the year with not a memory to hang its hat -- or its derby -- on.

In a space of four days, however, the sport of kings crowned a world's king in the land of sheikhs, while the Team Lukas Derby bus downsized to a nifty cab ride through the bluegrass country on the road to Louisville.

Just about the time Bob Dole was wrapping up the Republican nomination for his party's presidential bid, an American hero was conquering the world in Dubai.

Last Wednesday, on a patented Arabian night, that American hero stepped onto the sandy course of Nad Al Sheba and, by the time Las Vegans completed their morning commute, had taken the Persian Gulf by storm. Cigar won the inaugural running of the world's richest horse race in the most dramatic finish of his 14-race win streak. And, while he faced eight of the world's best in the field of 11, it was one of the other two compatriots that tested the 1995 Horse of the Year through the long home stretch to the wire. Soul Of The Matter tried the soul of the champ as they hooked up stride for stride to stamp the Dubai World Cup the race of the year to date.

He dug deep

Cigar proved to a worldwide audience why he is the best, as he looked Soul Of The Matter right in the eye, then dug deep and found what only true champions find to withstand and repel the stiff and sustained bid from his worthy challenger. L'Carriere finished third to complete an American trifecta as the international field, representing Australia, England, Japan and the homeland United Arab Emirates, lay in the wake of the star-spangled-bannered trio over the 2,000 meter (1 1/4-mile) race.

Cigar traveled more than 7,000 miles, covering 26 flight hours, to invade a foreign land. He raced over a strange course and layout, under lights, carried top weight and took on the best the world could offer. Recovering from a minor injury that set back his training and racing schedule, Cigar tested fate and fortitude with a victory over the very same horses he'll certainly meet throughout the rest of the year here at home. What he did do, however, was recover a good portion of that $5-a-barrel oil money we pay with his winner's share of the $4 million purse. His $2.4 million payday carried him to the top as the richest money-winning horse in history. His total now stands at $7,669,815 to eclipse Alysheba's mark of $6,679,243, and he isn't done yet.

While Cigar returns to the state, it is rumored that Dole is contemplating another victorious American Persian Gulf invader in Colin Powell for his ticket.

Well, Mr. Dole, if the former head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff declines the offer, maybe you should consider the All-American equine hero Cigar.

Look at his qualifications.

He is, with a doubt, a genuine American hero. He has gathered the imagination and support of bipartisan nonracing fans. His popularity rivals even yours, Mr. Dole, and he could certainly give the incumbent a run for his money. He has done his share to balance the national trade deficit with his earnings. And what about his foreign policy record? With one visit, he creates peace in the Middle East and is embraced in awe by world leaders. He has no peers in his field and is respected worldwide. His campaign staff is first rate, with Bill Mott keeping him in top shape and Allen Paulson mapping out a perfect course. His partner, Jerry Bailey, is always clad in the good old red, white and blue when they meet for official functions.

However, the one downside may be that he could be on the wrong side of the ticket. Cigar for president -- not bad! After all, he's already conquered the world.

On the home side of the world, it seems the Team Lukas contingent may not have the starting gate stacked with challengers for this year's Kentucky Derby after all.

Just like tonight's NCAA championship game, D. Wayne Lukas and company had a big field of entrants for the Derby but, as the preliminaries continue to roll along, there may be only two left for the run for the roses come the first Saturday in May. When the field of 64 started on the hard court, Lukas had seven contending for a Derby spot.

Lukas down to 3

Saturday's Grade II Jim Beam Stakes may not have produced another solid contender for Unbridled's Song in the Kentucky Derby just five weeks hence, but it served to eliminate at least one more Lukas starter. The highly touted Dr. Caton finished up the track while Beam favorite and stablemate Victory Speech did nothing to scare away rivals with a dismal third to winner Roar, who may have had his brightest moment winning the Turfway centerpiece.

With Hennessy already sidelined, that leaves Lukas down to recent Louisiana Derby winner Grindstone, who may need seasoning, Editor's Note, who may need easier competition, and Prince Of Thieves, who needs to toughen up.

Lukas' main hope to win his sixth consecutive Triple Crown race in this year's Kentucky Derby lies with Honour And Glory, who will start as the probable favorite in Sunday's $1 million Santa Anita Derby.

One thing's certain: Cigar and Team Lukas are sure to provide more memories through the year.

RALPH SIRACO is turf editor of the SUN. His column appears Mondays and his Southern California selections run Tuesday-Friday.

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