And at the moment they are right on the money.
Ryder - who looks more like an All Black than a Black Cap - is the subject of a cruel market opened for the first Test against Australia at the Gabba starting on Thursday.
Under the market "will Jesse Ryder hit more runs in the first Test than his current weight", the big hitting left-hander is $1.65 to score less than 105.5 runs.
He is $2.30 to score more.
And Ryder does look like a short-priced favourite to score less than 105 in Brisbane after his disappointing dismissal for six on Thursday.
Weight issues and alcohol-related controversies had ensured Ryder was always the subject of criticism.
When he made his 2008 debut former Kiwi cricketer Adam Parore claimed Ryder was "too fat" and declared he "wouldn't want him in his dressing room".
And he arrived Down Under still smarting from fresh barbs in the press across the ditch where an article claimed Aussie quicks would have a field day with him because "there is plenty of Ryder to hit".
He seemed to take his frustrations out on Australia A in the recent tour match in Brisbane - hitting a 131-ball 175 including a record equalling 16 sixes.
More of the same was expected from Ryder in the first Test - especially after news of the market spread.
New Zealand coach John Wright hinted as much before the start of play.
Asked if he expected something special from Ryder, Wright said: "I hope so, he is a fine player.
"Personally I think he has great ability and his game is suited to these conditions.
"But any criticism you cop it is part of the game - your best replies are usually on the field."
Wright is still awaiting a decent retort from Ryder after he was dismissed on the last ball of the first over after lunch off rookie quick Mitchell Starc.
Poor Ryder even copped it in the usually politically correct Cricinfo website ball-by-ball summary after his dismissal.
"OUT - didn't Jesse have enough for lunch?," it read.
"He's already on his way back for more.
"The very epitome of a hair-brained shot."
