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FKA Twigs favourite to win Mercury Music Prize 2014 with LP1

Kate Tempest and Royal Blood follow closely behind

Christopher Hooton
Tuesday 28 October 2014 10:05 EDT
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FKA Twigs at Barclaycard Mercury Prize nominations launch
FKA Twigs at Barclaycard Mercury Prize nominations launch (Getty)

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FKA Twigs is emerging as the frontrunner in the 2014 Barclaycard Mercury Prize, though bookmakers have conceded that the race is fairly "open".

The London-based singer-songwriter's debut album was originally available at 33/1 when bookmakers released early odds, but is now the favourite at 5/2 (Ladbrokes).

You can read our review of the stunning record here.

Kate Tempest and Royal Blood follow closely behind, while Jungle are a good punt at 10/1.

"This looks like the most open Mercury race ever and all twelve albums have a shot at winning," said Matthew Shaddick of Ladbrokes. "Bookies will be hoping for another surprise result following James Blake's 33/1 success last year."

Other winners in recent years include Alt-J for "An Awesome Wave" and The xx for their debut album.

12 acts have been nominated for this year's £20,000 prize, with the winner set to be announced on 29 October.

Ladbrokes' latest betting

2014 Barclaycard Mercury Prize

5/2 FKA Twigs

3/1 Kate Tempest

5/1 Royal Blood

8/1 East India Youth

10/1 Jungle

10/1 Nick Mulvey

12/1 Young Fathers

16/1 Polar Bear

16/1 Bombay Bicycle Club

16/1 Damon Albarn

20/1 Anna Calvi

33/1 GoGo Penguin

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