End of 2010 Review: Bad bets, disappointments and irritations

Bloggers / Kieran Packman / 27 December 2010 / Leave a Comment

Harbinger produced Kieran Packman's performance of 2010

"Yes, there was much debate about whether he warranted his Timeform rating of 140, but the history books will record that Harbinger trounced the subsequent Irish Champion Stakes winner, by a mere 11 lengths."

Kieran Packman reflects on his personal highlights, lowlights and memorable moments from the racing year 2010.

Individual performance
Harbinger - Ascot, July 24
A scintillating performance. Yes, there was much debate about whether he warranted his Timeform rating of 140, but the history books will record that Harbinger trounced the subsequent Irish Champion Stakes winner, by a mere 11 lengths. His Hardwicke win wasn't bad either, given he smashed up the subsequent Foy, Lancashire Oaks, Princess of Wales's and Irish St Leger winners (and Hong Kong Vase runner-up) by three lengths and six. He'll do for me.

Ride of the Year
Matt Crawley - Lastroseofsummer, Musselburgh, November 19
A more highbrow pundit might have selected a front-running masterclass or a perfect jumping display, but this show of brute strength and determination gets my vote. The fact that he stayed aboard to complete the race would have been worthy of considerable praise, the fact the mare won was ridiculous.

New favourite horse
Dansili Dancer
What, that old handicapper of Clive Cox's? Yes, for purely selfish reasons. He's won three times in three seasons, from a total of nineteen runs. In that time, we've tipped him as a Timeform Jury selection three times. The three occasions he's obliged. Grand stuff. (Unlike Kuanyao, who we've also tipped three times. He did win once, but then proceeded to rattle off a six-timer without a bean of ours on and will probably win next year's Golden Jubilee. Pah.)

Biggest disappointment
Arabian Spirit
We started off the year confidently anticipating this Timeform Betfair Racing Club recruit would be making his mark in races such as the Hunt Cup or the Bunbury. We ended it watching him finish a pretty dismal eighth in a Musselburgh novice hurdle. In fairness, he did gradually improve on the Flat as the season went on and his third at Newmarket in September is very strong handicap form. With another winter for Fahey to quietly work with him, I'm not giving up hope of landing a 'proper' race just yet.

Most memorable ride of a finish on the armchair whilst screaming "FIIINNDDD"
Wigmore Hall - York, July 10
Two-fold this one. The Jury had made a slow start to July and were on a run of ten straight losers prior to selecting Wigmore Hall. As worryingly, half the people I know go to John Smith's Cup day at my local track. I've found the best policy, when inevitably badgered for a tip, is to give them one confident selection and cross everything. Kings Gambit found plenty, but thankfully Martin Lane got serious and the previously tricky Wigmore did just enough. A very rare moment (ever, let alone this year) when it came right for me on the right day.

Race that more neatly encapsulates my 'luck'
Kheley - Southwell, December 10
I had a good bet on Kheley in an evening race at Kempton on 9th December. She finished a close second, one of those things. She was entered the following afternoon at Southwell, but I naively assumed she'd be a non runner after her exertions just hours earlier. Therefore, I confidently dutched Thoughtsofstardom and Mr Funshine and went about my daily business. They finished second and third. Behind Kheley...

Best bet struck
Una Pelota - Wolverhampton, December 17
A recent memory, and still a particularly painful one. 7/1 in the morning about a horse with the best form from a yard churning out winners. Went off 2/1 Fav and cruised round. Then found path completely blocked. In a 5-runner race! Narrowly beats the one bet I had on Derby and Arc hero Workforce (who I'd put up as one of two horses to follow here earlier in the year). That's right, I backed him for the Dante.

Worst bet struck
Roulez Cool - Cheltenham, March 19
Sometimes it's best just to put your hands up and admit you're an idiot. A tough Cheltenham already and encountering a horse some way clear on ratings, we have a crack at Roulez Cool, despite the fact he's already favourite, has been off nearly a year and, above all, it's the Foxhunters. Drifted in the market, never travelled, brought down when beaten. Rubbish bet. (Though typically he did win on his next start).

Most irritating cliché
"They shouldn't call it all-weather should they!". Yes, we know, it's been said thousands of time, but, really, who cares. The concern only of the very dull pedant. We have a lot bigger problems to deal with.

Favourite racing experience without having a bet
Krispy Kreme donuts and coffee for breakfast on the backstretch at Churchill Downs. Highly recommended. Particularly the ones with chocolate sprinkles.

One for 2011
Grands Crus in the World Hurdle. I know taking on Big Buck's has hardly proved a path to riches, but there's considerable mileage in both the place market and the w/o fav market as things stand. The fact his two wins this year came in handicap company seem to have resulted in a lukewarm appraisal of his chance in this grade. Don't believe it, that Haydock win returned a Timeform rating of 160p. He should be clear second favourite overall.