Big Cigar

The most recent form tells a mixed story. In his last five races, he has had a seventh, another seventh, then a first-place finish, followed by a fifth, and most recently a seventh again just yesterday. That means he has won 2 of those 5 runs, but the pattern suggests he is inconsistent — capable of the very best one day and well beaten the next. This is not uncommon in young horses finding their feet, but it does mean he is unpredictable. The six-week gap since his York victory before yesterday's race suggests the trainer may have been patient with him, waiting for the right opportunity to run again.

Richard and Peter Fahey's Musley Bank yard in North Yorkshire has been in fine form this season, with 23 winners to date, so Big Cigar is in a stable with serious credentials and momentum. At two years old, he remains very much a work in progress, but the early signs — two wins from five races, proven ability at multiple tracks, and solid placing form — suggest there is genuine potential here. Whether he can add consistency to his undoubted talent will determine how far he goes.