Racing’s Flat jockeys’ championship is set up for a grandstand finish after Buick’s treble on Tuesday saw him close the gap of leader Oisin Murphy.
Meanwhile, Murphy is looking to defend the title he won for the second year in a row last season, but Buick’s is there every step of the way to ensure nothing could be taken for granted in the run-up to Saturday’s QIPCO British Champions Day finale at Ascot.
And although Murphy has maintained the job wasn’t done until the final race was official over, for quite some weeks, it looked as he had the title in the bag. However, it’s horse racing, so anything could happen.
In fact, Murphy was lucky that he even made it to Arc a couple of weeks ago as he had a nasty fall at Salisbury just days before.
They’re both back at it again today as they’re going head-to-head at Nottingham, where Buick, now on 146 winners, is booked for eight rides, several of them well-fancied, while Murphy, top on 150, has six.
As Murphy misses out on the first two races, Buick will be looking to get some early marks on the board with two un-raced favourites.
At 1pm, Medyaf bids to make a winning start for Al Shaqab over 1m½f before newcomer Rockfire makes his debut for Godolphin in the second division of the maiden at 1.30pm.
At 2.05pm, Peace Offering, who’s making her career start takes on Murphy’s mount Candy Kitchen at the top of the betting for the fillies’ maiden.
At 2.40pm, Buick is on Red Joan, who will need to find significant improvement to land a blow in the 1m½f nursery.
The consistent Fairmac is sure to thereabouts in the 1m2½f handicap at 3.15pm, while a drop in trip may help Zebelle’s chances in the following race.
Meanwhile, Murphy is set for an outside chance on Showdiemlad at 3.50pm, followed by a more lively contender in the 5f handicap as he’s partners the hat-trick-seeking Natural Path.
Murphy caps off his day on Twice Adaay as he takes just his seventh ride for trainer Adrian Keatley in the finale race of the day.
Odds vis BestofBets:
Nottingham Races
William Buick to ride 4 or more winner today: 7/1
Oisin Murphy to ride 3 or more winners today: 10/1
Oisin Murphy to ride 2 or more winners today: 3/1
Flat Jockey Champions Title
Oisin Murphy to win flat jockey title: 4/9
William Buick to win flat jockey title: 7/4
Odds correct at time of writing but may be subject to change.
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