How Thursday's action could impact the jump jockeys' championship

This week has already brought a series of twists and turns in the 2021 jump jockeys' championship with Harry Skeltondrawing level with Brian Hughes on Wednesday before the reigning champion ended the day one clear.

Skelton had a treble at Southwell on Wednesday taking his tally for the week to nine winners following a four-timer at Stratford on Monday and a double at Warwick on Tuesday. Hughes rode a solitary winner at Hexham on Wednesday, while Harry Cobden was out of luck at Ludlow.

The three jockeys are at different meetings again on Thursday and we assess their chances on another pivotal day in the championship.

Brian Hughes

Wins:130
Rides today:7
Form in last 14 days:13 wins from 70 rides
Current title odds:5-4 (Betfair), 11-8 (William Hill)

Hughes will be confident of adding to his total as he heads to Wetherby for a bumper book of seven rides.

He starts with Barrichello (1.15), who looks to have a good opportunity to get off the mark after four second-placed finishes, before rides on Poucor (1.45) and Snougar (2.15).

Last-time-out winners Domaine De L'Isle (2.50) and Sigurd (3.50) could go off favourite, while Diamond Fort (3.20) and Ajay's Ways (4.22) are not without hope.

Hughes is the leading rider at Wetherby this season with nine winners.

Thursday cards and betting

Harry Skelton

Wins:129
Rides today:6
Form in last 14 days:19 wins from 68 rides
Current title odds:4-7 (Betfair, William Hill)

Skelton will be licking his lips at the prospects of returning to Uttoxeter with six fancied rides.

He has ridden his most winners (98) at the Midlands track, with Warwick (75) his next highest, and could get off to a flyer with course winner Riggs (1.00) a warm order after his second at Sandown last time.

With Eclair D'Ainay (2.05), Stormy Flight (2.40), Off The Hook (3.10), Getaway Mag (3.40) and Get A Tonic (4.45) to follow, Skelton looks poised to continue his remarkable week.

Harry Skelton posts ninth winner of the week to boost jockeys' title prospects

Harry Cobden

Wins:117
Rides left today: 4
Form in last 14 days:9 wins from 46 rides
Current title odds:20-1 (Betfair), 16-1 (William Hill)

Cobden will be desperate to get back in the title hunt with four rides at Ffos Las. He doesn't appear to have the firepower of his rivals, with all of his mounts available at double-figure prices on Wednesday evening.

With his boss Paul Nicholls having no entries until Saturday, Cobden teams up with Colin Tizzard on Coastal Drift (1.55), Carrick Roads (3.00) and Sizing At Midnight (4.37) before having a first ride for Phil Kirby on Miss Mahmite (5.10).

If you want more of the day's top stories . . .

Sam Thomas: we're lucky to train some incredible horses and it's been fantastic

UK's biggest taxpayer Denise Coates earned £470 million from bet365 in 2019-20

Jamie Codd preparing to do lowest weight in 17 years on Irish National contender

Aidan O'Brien: I'm sure hot favourite Santa Barbara has speed for 1,000 Guineas

Download the free Racing Post app for cards, form, tips, in-app betting and to watch live races. Download for free at racingpost.com/mobile or search Racing Post app