Breeders' Cup Blog: Packman's pinning his hopes on Sidney's Candy

USA / Kieran Packman / 03 November 2010 / Leave a Comment

Churchill Downs

"As I'm yet to land on American soil, confidence is still high and we can get my first tip out of the way. Sidney's Candy in the Mile, double figure prices not reflecting the hugely impressive nature of his most recent performance"

Timeform's Kieran Packman keeps us updated on all the latest happenings in Kentucky...

Wednesday November 3

Manchester Airport departure lounge and I can report that the long-standing British tradition of a pre-flight pint is being maintained by plenty of hardier constitutions than my own, the fact it's 730am apparently no barrier.

Security wasn't anywhere near as bad as feared and I've spent the obligatory £30 in WHSmith. So, all boxes ticked, Kentucky here we come.

This is my first trip to a Breeders' Cup and it seems I've landed on one that could go down in history. Precision Break has a chance in a 'championship' event. Amazing scenes. Plus Zenyatta and Goldikova provide a stimulating sideshow.

It's little surprise to learn that the French mare has been eased a touch in the market after she landed what can, at best, be classed as an awkward draw in 10 of 11 runners in the Mile. She won from a wide stall twelve months ago, but the configuration of Santa Anita is a touch more forgiving and this will unquestionably give her connections a tactical dilemma.

Similar comments apply to top-notch Classic contender Lookin At Lucky, who's also stuck wide in 12.

And, most disappointingly, Precision Break is in 11 for the meeting's opening race. Spencer will have to change the habit of a lifetime by dropping him out and hoping the gaps come...

As I'm yet to land on American soil, confidence is still high and we can get my first tip out of the way. Sidney's Candy in the Mile, double figure prices not reflecting the hugely impressive nature of his most recent performance. Win and place. And if that turns out a dud, it's all the fault of fellow blogger and US handicapping fiend S Rowlands who used the phrase 'has to be seen to be believed' to describe that latest success.