VC Bet go 11/8 for Cambridge to win the Boat Race on Saturday after illness forced their Stroke, American Shane O'Mara, to withdraw from their eight yesterday.
"We feel that the loss of one of their key men at this point could put Cambridge at a serious disadvantage, and we want to keep on the right side of Oxford," said VC spokesman Neal Wilkins.
"The Light Blues are already far lighter than their rivals and the omens don't look good."
The firm also report that they have seen decent support for Oxford to win by over three lengths, and as usual the dead heat at 150/1 has been very popular.
"The dead heat is not the most rational bet, but every year it seems to capture the public's imagination and we run up huge liabilities on it," explained Wilkins.
Update
As of this morning (Saturday 29th March) Ladbrokes (who are offering all our Boat Race bettors at free £25 bet) are offering 2/5 for Oxford and 7/4 on Cambridge).