Cheltenham Festival 2011 Guide - Jockeys
Cheltenham Festival 2011 Guide - Jockeys
Ruby Walsh
Nominating Ruby Walsh as a jockey to follow at the Cheltenham Festival could be viewed as patronising. He is the leading jockey throughout the 100-year history of the illustrious meeting with 27 winners and, in 2009, broke the record for the most winners during a single Festival with seven big-race successes. He has been crowned top jockey at the meeting five times since 2004, including on the last three occasions. Despite being out of action since November, due to a broken leg sustained at Down Royal, Bet365 and Boylesports rate him as a 5-4 chance to win the award again. He may not have much match practice behind him going into the Festival, but it is hard to look past him. Nobody rides the course better than him and his potential book of rides, which includes Big Buck's, Master Minded, Kauto Star, Quevega, and possibly Hurricane Fly, looks classy.
Barry Geraghty
With 19 Festival winners, Barry Geraghty has some live contenders at this year's meeting who could add to his impressive tally. After partnering Big Zeb to his Queen Mother Champion Chase victory last season, Geraghty will again be on board as his mount goes in search of a repeat. As well as Big Zeb, Geraghty will also be required to ride for trainer Nicky Henderson, who is - as usual - mob-handed as he goes in search of more Cheltenham glory. The Irishman will be riding some big fancies, including Spirit Son, Finian's Rainbow, Oscar Whisky, Bobs Worth and Riverside Theatre. He is priced up at 3-1 with Victor Chandler, odds which could be the value bet in this market.
Tony McCoy
Despite being 15-time champion jockey, Tony McCoy has only been crowned top jockey at the Festival twice, the last time in 1998. McCoy has the plum ride on Champion Hurdle favourite Binocular to look forward but he does lack the embarrassment of riches that Walsh and Geraghty have at this year's Festival. McCoy is likely to have plenty of chances in the handicaps but his rides in the Championship races are thin on ground. At 7-1, his price to be top jockey is unappealing.
Robert Thornton
Leading jockey in 2007 with four winners, Choc Thornton has failed to hit the target at Cheltenham for the past two years but heads into this year's meeting with a host of solid rides. The main reason for not having a winner last year was down to the poor form of trainer Alan King, to whomThornton is stable jockey. The pair have high hopes for their team this time around, though, and it would not be a surprise to see them bag a couple of winners. Medermit is their main hope, who is currently vying for favourite in the Arkle. They are also responsible for Champion Hurdle hopeful Mille Chief and handicap fancy Bensalem. Thornton is as big as 12-1 to be top jockey, which is a fair reflection of his chance.
Richard Johnson
Crowned top jockey at the Festival in 2002, Richard Johnson has a good chance to make it two this year. He has some solid chances throughout the week and he could be good value at his current price of 16-1 to be leading jockey. He will take the ride on Champion Hurdle contender Menorah as well as the smart novice pair of Captain Chris and Wishfull Thinking. He is also sure to get a few rides in the handicaps throughout the week. Cheltenham Festival 2011 Guide - Trainers Glimpses of European history with tours of Rome Washington DC, Independent Film Festival March Must Have Skirts For Spring Why Americans Should Look at Long Term Care Problem Seriously? Spend Your Cornwall Holidays at the Beach Celebrities Gossips - Celebrity Gossips - Fun-Gossips Storing Luggage Whilst On Holidays Playa de las Americas: A Purpose Built Paradise Find Out About Holidays in Tenerife Travel to black sea Turkey Carnival Imagination Cruises For Your Next Holiday New Growth - spring 2011