RACING: In just a week, John Murtagh has changed from being the outsider of three for the jockey's championship to becoming clear favourite.

A successful Listowel festival so far has resulted in Cashmans making Murtagh a 6 to 5 favourite to reclaim the title.

The current champion Pat Smullen is a 7 to 4 shot and Michael Kinane, who currently tops the listings, is the outsider on 2 to 1.

Both Kinane and Smullen are likely to be at Ascot tomorrow but Murtagh intends to ride at Fairyhouse. However, before that, he can make another mark at the Listowel Festival with Egyptian.

The John Oxx horse is topweight for the Harp Handicap but there was plenty to like about his storming late finish at the Curragh behind Sonorous last time.

Murtagh rode No Frontier on Wednesday when that one was third to Flying Boat and Marko Jadeo. No Frontier didn't get the clearest of runs in that race and might be worth another chance in the mile and a quarter handicap.

Richie Rich found only Polish Legion too good earlier in the week and looks the bet in the sprint handicap.

Another topweight that could go close is the former McDonogh winner Sheer Tenby who goes in the mile handicap.

Sheer Tenby has been put up 5lb for his winning return to form at the Curragh last time and his liking for fast ground should see him close again.

Kieren Fallon returns to action at Ascot today following a 14-day suspension that has seen his lead in the jockeys' championship cut by Richard Hughes to just three. When the reigning champion signed off on September 12th, he was 14 ahead of Hughes.