For four meetings while Douglas Whyte was suspended, Brett Prebble had a veritable picnic and last Sunday when the Durban Demon returned, Prebble was overseas with Sacred Kingdom. Tonight is what the fans have been waiting for - a real head-to-head with Hong Kong's two best jockeys. Prebble could extract first blood in the opening race, where he rides overnight $28 favourite Golden Opportunity. Whyte could also earn points, however, as he partners disappointing Dragon Boy, and the addition of bl
For four meetings while Douglas Whyte was suspended, Brett Prebble had a veritable picnic and last Sunday when the Durban Demon returned, Prebble was overseas with Sacred Kingdom. Tonight is what the fans have been waiting for - a real head-to-head with Hong Kong's two best jockeys. Prebble could extract first blood in the opening race, where he rides overnight $28 favourite Golden Opportunity. Whyte could also earn points, however, as he partners disappointing Dragon Boy, and the addition of blinkers makes two sound reasons why the gelding might improve.
From there, Prebble should have a head start and weight of numbers, with his full book compared to Whyte's six remaining rides. However, defeating Whyte is never a matter to be consummated so simply.
Prebble will expect a tough encounter and is guaranteed to get it, with Whyte's long-standing friend, Alex Wong Yu-on, supplying his last three mounts - Butterfield, Nordic Star and our front-page special Mi Reilly - all high up in betting.
On last night's tote call, Prebble was given the honour of being favourite for the clash, according to oddsmakers, at $2.20, with Whyte at $3.50 and $8 bar the two.
If there is to be an upset, Darren Beadman could spring it. He was at odds of 20-1 and could win the second race with Active Valour to set himself up nicely.
Beadman has two solid chances later - Rewarding Star and Fortune Haven, and on a night like this, two winners and a placing could be sufficient to claim victory. (www.racing.scmp.com)