Brian Hughes favourite to retain title if he bypasses Cheltenham says Fitzgerald

Mick Fitzgerald thinks Brian Hughes is well placed to retain his champion jockey trophy after it was confirmed the title race leader is likely to be absent from next week's Cheltenham Festival as he goes in pursuit of greater winning opportunities elsewhere.

On Monday Harry Skelton emerged as the new favourite after narrowing the gap to five with a four-timer at Southwell. He is a best-priced 5-4 with Betfair, while Hughes, who has ridden 111 winners already this season, a 7-4 shot with Coral. Harry Cobden, who is just one adrift of Skelton on 105 following a double at Exeter on Tuesday, is a best-priced 7-2 with Betfair.

Skelton and Cobden both have the support of powerhouse operations but Fitzgerald believes the man who finally got his hands on the trophy in July, after the first national lockdown robbed him of the presentation at Sandown, will again be the one lifting the coveted crown.