In-form Fitz long odds for top jock award

/ Editor / 17 February 2007 / Leave a Comment

Mick Fitzgerald is on a roll after a four-timer on Friday but the Irishman can be backed at long odds to be top jockey at the Cheltenham Festival.

The soon-to-retire Fitzgerald notched up a quartet when steering Dancing Bay, Tarotino, Be Telling and Fiddling Again to victory at Fakenham.

"It is always nice to ride nice horses like these and it has been a great afternoon," said Fitzgerald.

"The last time I rode a four-timer was last year and I am really enjoying it."

The weighing room stalwart can be backed at 19.5 to be the leading rider at the Festival - a feat he last achieved in 2000.

Last season's award went to Ruby Walsh with three winners and Paul Nicholls' retained jockey can be backed this year at 3.2 with the 27-year-old due to ride leading fancies Kauto Star and Denman.

Champion jockey Tony McCoy is next best in the market on 4.3 with Richard Johnson, the only other jockey in single figures, trading at 8.