With arch-rival Brett Prebble away in Japan, Douglas Whyte will be keen to take advantage and has been installed a short-priced favourite in the first Jockey Challenge of the season today.

Whyte has snared a full book of 10 rides, and was a dominant $2.10 top pick when markets opened. The first two races look tough for the Durban Demon, but his association with John Size could prove decisive from races three through six. Whyte will ride Rich Unicorn in the HKSAR Chief Executive's Cup (race three), then Prosperity (race four) and Delish (race five), which will both be in the market. Late in the programme he rides sprinter King Mossman (race nine) for Size, another strong chance and one of seven runners for the Aussie. Best supported to beat Whyte has been Zac Purton, backed into $5.50, but perhaps punters can look to Frenchman Olivier Doleuze for value at $15.

Doleuze only has six rides, but can get off to a good start in the first with Hey Ha Master and then follow that up with winning chances Shibala (race five) and promising Eagle Regiment (race nine).