Few sports fans ever have the privilege of watching a world-class trainer cultivate a champion athlete—and even fewer fans have the opportunity to witness the development of an elite animal athlete. The transformation of Cigar from a horse that showed modest turf ability to one that developed into a legend on dirt illustrates how critical a trainer’s role can be in our sport. 

The transformation of Cigar from a horse that showed modest turf ability to one that developed into a legend on dirt illustrates how critical a trainer’s role can be.

For a fleet, 3-year-old filly sprinter who may not be ready to face their elders in the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint, Saturday’s Lexus Raven Run Stakes at Keeneland is a rather nice option.