Geraghty is 11/10 to win the crown but plenty of others will be eyeing up their chances
Barry Geraghty landed a quick-fire double on the second day of the Festival which propelled him into the 11/10 favourite to be the Top Jockey at the Festival. Geraghty is still likely to be a little frustrated though as he was beaten on the 2/5 favourite, Defi Du Seuil.
Looking at the cards for the next two days, you’d have to think that if Geraghty had won on Defi Du Seuil and taken his Festival tally to four winners he’d be almost guaranteed to take home the prize. However, that shock loss has blown race wide open, especially as the current market leader only has four rides booked over the next two days including a 66/1 shot.
Paul Townend finally got off the mark in the last race on day two when he guided Ferny Hollow to victory. Townend has plenty of good chances left in the Festival including Faugheen, Relegate, Min, Colreevy, Aramon, Monkfish and Al Boum Photo. Townend can currently be backed at 4/1 with one bookmaker.
Rachel Blackmore’s currently sitting on one Festival win this season, she looks likely to add to that with A Plus Tard in the Ryanair Chase. Blackmore also has rides on Minella Melody and Aspire Tower to come.
A couple of bookmakers have cut the price of Mark Walsh winning Cheltenham Festival top jockey, Walsh has a string of rides to come including Delta Work in the Gold Cup. Walsh has one winner at the Festival this year, and is sitting at 14/1.
There’s one name not priced up who has a good chance of landing a couple of winners today. Gavin Sheehan will ride Itchy Feet, Emitom, Skandiburg, Saint Calvados and Simply The Betts on day three.
Oddschecker spokesperson Callum Wilson: “Paul Townend is probably the bet in the market at the current prices, it’s tricky to see Barry Gerraghty adding to his total. Defi Du Seuil flopping was huge for the market, it would have been all over if he saluted”
