Oisin Murphy v William Buick: who are they riding and who has the advantage?

The gap in the British jockeys' championship was reduced to four on Tuesday after a William Buick treble at Leicester put the pressure on reigning champion Oisin Murphy.

Buick, who struck on the Godolphin colt Parlando before making all on the Tim Easterby-trained Kentucky Kitten, rounded off a fantastic day with success in the final race of the day when he saw off his title rival on the line on Rhythm N Rock.

Murphy also claimed a winner from four rides on the day, with favourite Able Kane scoring for trainer Rod Millman in the 7f handicap.

The pair head to Nottingham on Wednesday for another competitive day of racing, with Murphy set to ride six while Buick is booked for all eight races.

Oisin Murphy

Wins 150
Rides on Wednesday 6
Form in last 14 daysWins: 10 Rides: 70 (14 per cent strike-rate)
Odds (4-9 with Paddy Power)

Murphy misses out in the first two races at Nottingham before partnering Candy Kitchen, who is out to go one better after a neck second at Thirsk in August in the 1m½f fillies' maiden (2.05).

Aldbourne will bid for a maiden victory in the 1m½f nursery (2.40) before Legendary Day, who has won under both Murphy and Buick this season, steps up to 1m2f for the first time (3.15).

An outside chance on Showdiemlad (3.50) is followed by a more lively contender in the 5f handicap (4.25), as Murphy partners the hat-trick-seeking Natural Path.

Murphy caps off his day on Twice Adaay as he takes just his seventh ride for trainer Adrian Keatley in the finale (4.55).

William Buick

Wins 146
Rides on Wednesday 8
Form in last 14 daysWins: 17Rides: 79(22 per cent strike-rate)
Odds (7-4 with Paddy Power)

With Murphy absent for the opening two races, Buick will be looking to get some early marks on the board with two unraced favourites as he teams up with John and Thady Gosden for the first four races.

Medyaf bids to make a winning start for Al Shaqab over 1m½f (1.00) before newcomer Rockfire makes his debut for Godolphin in the second division of the maiden (1.30).

Another making her first career start is Peace Offering, who takes on Murphy's mount Candy Kitchen at the top of the betting for the fillies' maiden (2.05) in the colours of owner Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Buick's final ride for the Gosden team is back with Godolphin on Red Joan, who will need to find improvement to land a blow in the 1m½f nursery (2.40).

The consistent Fairmac is sure to thereabouts in the 1m2½f handicap (3.15), while a drop in trip may help Zebelle's chances for trainer George Boughey (3.50).

Course-and-distance winner Raasel attempts to make it back-to-back Nottingham successes in a sprint that could be one of the most intriguing contests between the two leading jockeys (4.25).

With success in the final race of the day at Leicester on Tuesday, Buick will be looking to end affairs in a similar fashion with Mehmo for Mick Appleby (4.55).

Jockey statistics

Murphy v Buick: our Spotlight comments on their rides – and favourites – at Nottingham

1.00 Nottingham

Buick: Medyaf

Lots to like on paper and stable's above-average 2yos have been winning first time out

Murphy: no ride

1.30 Nottingham

Buick: Rockfire

Brother to 1m2f turf/1m4f AW winner Brilliant Light (RPR 102); respected newcomer

Murphy: no ride

2.05 Nottingham

Buick: Peace Offering

First foal; dam 8.5f/9.4f winner (RPR 104), half-sister to 5f-6f winner Battle Of Jericho

Murphy: Candy Kitchen

Made most and battled back very well when neck second at Thirsk (1m, good) on second start

2.40 Nottingham

Buick: Red Joan

In top hands and may improve for a mile but she's not overly convincing

Murphy: Aldbourne

Disappointing since raised to 1m and down only 1lb for those two failures

3.15 Nottingham

Buick: Fairmac

Tough 3yo who has a solid record since wearing blinkers; likely player

Murphy: Legendary Day

Form dipped last time but generally progressive otherwise and may well bounce back

3.50 Nottingham

Buick: Zebelle

Returning to her winning trip may help matters but others have more going for them

Murphy: Showdiemlad

Interesting on one piece of form and returns from a break now gelded

4.25 Nottingham

Buick: Raasel

Won with something in hand over 5f on good ground at Goodwood and this track last month

Murphy: Natural Path

6f wins on last two starts and he's not dismissed on this first attempt at 5f

4.55 Nottingham

Buick: Mehmo

Has a modest strike-rate but sole win came in July and he's been consistent since

Murphy: Twice Adaay

Won in good style at Beverley in July but well below that level the next twice

The market leaders

1.00: Medyaf, 2-1 (Buick)
1.30: Rockfire, 5-2 (Buick)
2.05: Candy Kitchen, 3-1 (Murphy)
2.40: Aldbourne, 10-3 (Murphy)
3.15: Legendary Day, 9-2 (Murphy)
4.25: Raasel, 13-8 (Buick)
4.55: Mehmo, 6-1 (Buick)

Wednesday's tips: six horses to consider putting in your multiple bets

What the bookies say about Wednesday's action

Rupert Adams, spokesperson for William Hill, said: "Wednesday at Nottingham could prove pivotal in the Flat jockeys' championship. William Buick looks to have the stronger book of rides and he's odds-on at 4-6 to close the gap on current leader Oisin Murphy.

"Although Murphy still has a clear lead, the momentum is building behind Buick's challenge and, after his treble at Leicester on Tuesday, he's been cut to 11-8 from 5-2 to take the crown."

Who has the advantage in the title race on Wednesday?

Murphy does not have a ride priced shorter than 3-1 and the edge may lie with Buick, who is set to partner three favourites at 5-2 or shorter. He rides four favourites overall at Nottingham and has every chance of closing the gap on Murphy further.
Robbie Wilders, tipster

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