Prebble has the goods to get Challenge off to a Flyer
Jockey Challenge odds for the opening meeting reflected the 'points per ride' of the three top contenders as prices went up last night, but Brett Prebble has the depth and consistency to his book to come out on top of Douglas Whyte and Matthew Chadwick at Sha Tin today.
During the whole of last season, Whyte (averaging 3.2 points per ride) just headed Prebble (3), Chadwick (2.9) and Beadman (2.8), and oddsmakers framed a market along those lines.
Whyte was marginally favourite at 3.40 over Prebble at 3.80, Chadwick at 4.20 and Beadman at 6.50, but Prebble looks to have the ammunition across the card to come out on top.
The Australian looks hungry for an early breakthrough and was one of the first expat riders to return to work for the new season last month, and that has paid off.
Prebble has nine rides, all with winning claims, even though he doesn't appear to have a standout.
He pilots Multi-Win Spirit in the opening Class Five and the gelding is probably one of his lesser mounts, but still won't surprise if he takes a hand in the finish as he has placed second first time out in the past two seasons.
Prebble then teams up with David Hall as Encosta Don drops to Class Five for the first time and must be a serious threat in the second.
Brilliant Chapter might be the second string for John Size in the day's feature but has solid claims on his best form, and Prebble has given punters a guide in the seventh event, choosing promising new Australian PP, Vital Flyer, over Ocean Wide, despite the latter's impressive trial last week.
