Ryan Moore odds-on for flat jockey’s title

Coral make Ryan Moore their 10/11 favourite to win the flat jockey’s title, as he builds up a healthy lead in the absence of his main rival Richard Hughes.

Moore got the week off to a flyer with a fabulous four-timer at Windsor, but is playing down talks of a fourth title.

The 30-year-old, who is attached to the powerful Sir Michael Stoute yard, says he will go out and do his job every day to the best of his abilities but is refusing to talk about going all out for the prize.

The Brighton-born jockey says it is dangerous to tempt fate and look too far ahead in such a dangerous business where it can be hard to stay free of injuries.

However, there is little doubt that is currently making hay while the sun shines, with his main rival for the title Richard Hughes on the sidelines for at least another couple of weeks.

Hughesie has won the title for the past two years, riding a total of 208 victors to capture the crown last season.

He was injured when his mount Mars threw him, following a heart attack after two furlongs of the Dubai Sheema Classic at Meydan, and suffered a stable fracture of a vertebra.

The 41-year-old saw his back specialist this week, and he is pleased with the progress being made, but has warned against rushing a return to the saddle.

Hughes has now penciled in Sandown’s high-profile card on April 25th as for his return to action.

The Irishman has the powerful Richard Hannon team behind him in his bid to win a third consecutive title, and they have a very strong and large team of two-year-olds to go to war with.

That ammunition could prove the key to the outcome of this year’s title, and Hughes is even money with Coral to retain his crown.

Silvestre De Sous is the firm’s third-favourite at 10/1, while dual winner Paul Hanagan is a 33/1 shot.