AMERICAN superstar Cigar made an impressive start to the campaign and extended his winning sequence to 13 with a comfortable win in the Grade One Donn Handicap at Gulfstream Park in Florida on Saturday.

The top weight, settled in third position behind Flying Chevron and Star Standard, made his move three wide entering the turn. Although he was pursued by Wekiva Springs, he went clear of the rest and was not hard pressed to hold on by two lengths, with the filly. Heavenly Prize, closing to be third a further four lengths back.

In the process, Cigar repeated his success in the Donn and continued his remarkable run, having been elected American Horse of the Year for 1995 on Friday.

Trainer Bill Mott said. He won pretty easily and although I could play all those games with the handicapper, they aren't blind."

Cigar's next target is expected to be the Grade One Santa Anita Handicap on March 2nd followed by the inaugural running of the world's richest race, the Dubai World Cup, on March 27th.