Stoute hot favourite for another title

Michael Stoute has been slashed to 1-5 by Ladbrokes for this year’s trainers’ championship.

His nearest rival, Aidan O’Brien, failed to close the gap at the top of the table at Newmarket on Saturday and the Harrow firm have shortened Stoute’s odds while easing O’Brien out to 100-30.

Stoute has won the championship seven times in the past while O’Brien has two titles to his name.

“We think O’Brien needs the first three in the Racing Post Trophy to stand any chance of catching Stoute,” said Ladbrokes spokesman David Williams.

Ladbrokes have also priced up next year’s championship, installing O’Brien as the 5-4 favourite ahead of Stoute, who is on offer at 6-4, with Godolphin’s Saeed bin Suroor next best at 5-1.

“With the ante-post favourites for the 2000 Guineas and the Derby, O’Brien is a worthy favourite,” added Williams.