Soumillon looks a standout in the Challenge
Christophe Soumillon has an unbeaten four-from-four record on the emerging Dream Team and the Tony Cruz gelding will be the pivot around which the visiting rider can build a Jockey Challenge success.
With champion Good Ba Ba another chance for victory and a near certainty for minor points at least in the Champions Mile, the brilliant Belgian might only need one other win to be assured of victory.
Soumillon is the highest strike-rate rider on this programme. He's ridden 18 winners from his last 100 Hong Kong rides and his success rate over the last 12 calendar months is in a similar league - 18.9 per cent.
Early in the day, his chances are fleeting with topweight Sou Ma Tam in the opening race and Lucky Bo Bo in the fourth, though this gelding could possibly spring a surprise wearing blinkers for the first time.
But with renowned fresh performer Island Super in the sixth, Good Ba Ba in the Mile, Thumbs Up in the QE II and Dream Team in the final event, Soumillon is dealing with nothing but winning chances.
Douglas Whyte was the market leader at $3.15, from Darren Beadman at $3.30 and Soumillon being bracketed with Brett Prebble on the third line of favouritism at $6.50.
Douglas Whyte heads the market at $3.15, but Christophe Soumillon looks a good thing as the Belgian ace is offering the juicy price of: $6.50
