Surprise Packages Of The Flat Season

Billesdon Brook 66/1 1,000 Guineas Winner

From time to time as a punter we don't mind seeing big odds go on to win a big race but that is only if you have backed it.

This was the case in the second classic of the season in England, the fillies 1,000 Guineas saw one of the biggest shocks of the season so far when Billesdon Brook for Richard Hannon went on to take the race at odds of 66/1.

In that race there are horses that have this season gone on to win Group 1s comfortably and are really smart fillies, where as the Hannon horse has not won since and that is why it is seen as one of the biggest shocks this season.

Billesdon Brook from winning that race became the highest odds horse since the races inaugaration to win it, which shows how much of a remarkable shock, but also remarkable achievement it was by the horse, trainer and connections.

(Credit Racing UK)

Dark Vision Costing 15,000 Guineas And Winning A Group 2

The Mark Johnston trained two year old has had a superb first season in racing and has got the recognition that he deserves, he has been an amazing surprise package in the summer flat racing season.

Dark Vision has only raced four times during his career and before the weekend was unbeaten in the first three where he had shown a great turn of foot and to be a really smart prospect for this year and looking forward to next season.

His greatest moment was at Glorious Goodwood in the Group 2 Qatar Vintage Stakes where he gave the ride of the year in our eyes coming from back to front to steal the show.

The remarkable thing about this horse is that he only cost 15,000 Guineas and normally a horse needs to be a lot more expensive to be that good.

He has now been sold to Godolphin for an unknown fee but still under the tutelage of Britain's most winning trainer Mark Johnston.

(Credit Racing UK)

Jason Watson's Season

The jockey that has stood up to be counted for this season and really from out of nowhere has been the surprise package of the season is apprentice jockey Jason Watson.

Riding for various trainers but being based and having the majority of his rides for Andrew balding he has had an astounding season riding winners left, right and centre.

Learning under Balding has been a big part of his learning curve and compared to last season he has really made a breakthrough gaining 82 wins from 471 rides at a 17 percent strike rate winning £765,860 in prize money. Compared to last season where he only managed 2 wins from 41 rides.

His biggest win this season was in the Stewards Cup at Glorious Goodwood on board the top weighted Gifted Master for trainer Hugo Palmer in one the most wealthiest Handicaps of the season.

Jason Watson when he eventually loses his claim can turn out to be one of the best in the game and challenge some of the best jockeys in the sport and possibly become a champion jockey.