Mercury Music Prize 2010: Dramatic surge as Weller's odds slashed

Mercury Music Prize / Maxliu / 07 September 2010 / Leave a Comment

Will it be Weller's night?

"Paul Weller, who has been backed at [50.0], has seen his odds cut to [4.6]."

Veteran Modfather is second favourite after late turn around in the betting...

The Mercury Music Prize 2010 winner is set to be announced this evening and there is no doubt about which candidate has the market momentum.

Paul Weller, who has been backed at [50.0], has seen his odds cut to [4.6] and he has climbed to second favourite on Betfair. The XX still lead the market at [2.28] but the shortening of Weller's odds represent a massive shift in punters' opinion.

Late surges are common in the Mercury markets, with last year's winner coming in significantly in the hours before the announcement, but the momentum behind Weller is truly remarkable. Wake Up The Nation, Weller's 10th solo album, has been critically acclaimed and many fans would be delighted to see him receive the award. It has been argued that the Mercury judges may honour him in recognition of his contribution to British music over the last three decades but that fails to explain why punters have only reached this view now.

Weller was a big outsider when the shorlist was announced last month but his late popularity has lead to prices lengthening on a number of prominent nominees. The Mercury Music Prize winner is announced this evening and punters are set for a frantic, anxious fews hours.

Mercury Music Prize 2010 Latest Odds:
The XX [2.28], Paul Weller [4.6], Wild Beast [8.0], Foals [8.4], Laura Marling [12.0], Mumford & Sons [16.5], I Am Kloot [27.0], Villagers [22.0], Biffy Clyro [38.0], Corinne Bailey Rae [100.00], Dizzee Rascal [100.00], Kit Downes [100.00].