Booker Prize Odds Update: McCarthy leads but Jacobson price shortens

Booker Prize / Editor / 12 October 2010 /

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Does it mean anything that the chairman of the judges is clutching C?

"I tipped Jacobson a month ago when he was trading at [8.0] and his odds have now narrowed to [4.6]."

The Booker Prize is announced tonight but who do the Betfair markets expect to win?

With hours to go before the Booker Prize is announced, Tom McCarthy remains the strong favourite at [1.66].

McCarthy, who is nominated for his third novel C, has lead the market since its inception following the announcement of the shortlist. It was a surprise to see him included on the longlist in August but the amount of coverage gained by C has made punters believe that a novel so determinedly out of step with mainstream, contemporary literary culture could land the Booker.

I remain unconvinced. Amongst the judges, chaired by former-poet laureate Andrew Motion, I don't see a true champion of the avant garde, someone who will be determined to push McCarthy's case. Admittedly, the favourite prevailed last year when Hillary Mantel won for Wolf Hall but I still believe C will prove divisive and expect to see a betting upset tonight.

Higstreet bookmakers have reported significant last minute moves on Damon Galgut [5.0]. In A Strange Room is a terrific piece of work and would be a worthy winner but I'm sticking with Howard Jacobson. I tipped him a month ago when he was trading at [8.0] and his odds have now narrowed to [4.6].

Other latest Booker odds: Peter Carey [3.4], Emma Donoghue [3.6], Andrea Levy [4.3].

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