54% bets in the Top Jockey market have gone on the outsider in the last two days.
Cheltenham is usually dominated by a Walsh but punters are going for a different one to Ruby in the Top Jockey market – 20/1 shot Mark.
The frequent collaborator with J P McManus has had notable successes before with the likes of Jezki in the Champion Stayers Hurdle, but 54% bets in the Top Jockey market have gone on the outsider in the last two days.
Namesake Ruby (11/4 best price) has dominated the market previously, winning Top Jockey in nine of the last 11 years.
But Mark is likely to ride Sir Erec, the hot 6/5 best price favourite for the Triumph Hurdle, as well as a host of McManus’ fancies, which may include Fakir Doudaries, the 5/1 second favourite for the Supreme Novices Hurdle.
Elsewhere in the market, Jack Kennedy is another name receiving attention, with 10% of total bets in the last week, only behind the two Walsh’s.
The youngster won on Samcro and Veneer Of Charm last year in the Ballymore and Fred Winter respectively and could kick on with further success this year.
Oddschecker spokesman George Elek: “Willie Mullins doesn't come into this Cheltenham with the dominant hand that he usually enjoys, so punters are scouring the market for value in the Top Jockey market, with Ruby Walsh a vulnerable favourite.
With Ireland still the 8/11 jollies for the Prestbury Cup, the logic behind backing Mark Walsh is clear.”
