Red-hot Whyte can run his rivals ragged
Douglas Whyte looks a standout as $1.55 favourite in today's Jockey Challenge at Sha Tin and his excellent book may give him some leverage as he sets about pegging back Brett Prebble's nine-win lead in the premiership.
Jeff Lloyd, Matthew Chadwick and Prebble sit on the second line of betting upwards of $7, but Whyte's full book of 10 quality chances leaves them standing in the shade.
Whyte has a terrific chance to get off to a winning start with improving Rugby Heaven, who has drawn ideally to break his maiden status down the straight.
Kimberley is rarely far from the action when the whips are cracking and gives Whyte another chance to add to his tally, before he takes the ride on unbeaten Entrapment in race three.
A good draw gives Fresh Air strong claims second-up, but Whyte hasn't faired as well with Big Winner Again, who has drawn the outside gate and will make the Derby winning hoop's job tougher in Sha Tin Hoi Handicap (1,400m).
Apex disappointed last start, but has since been passed fit for trainer Manfred Man Ka-leung, who is having a best season, and sharp improvement can be expected from this horse.
Tuscan Spirit is on the back-up after last week's Derby and shouldn't be discounted in the Premier Plate over the more suitable 1,800m.
Craig's Dragon, Bouncer and Elegance Desire round out Whyte's terrific card and he has swooped on a couple of John Moore's best chances with regular rider Darren Beadman out on suspension.
