Purton can come up trumps over Prebble
Zac Purton can get the better of compatriot and fellow Jockey Challenge favourite Brett Prebble today at Sha Tin.
The two Aussies have eight rides on the 10-race card and shared favouritism at $4.75 late yesterday.
Purton started the season quietly but has ridden winners at each of the last two meetings, from just three opportunities on each day.
With the dominant Douglas Whyte sidelined through suspension, Purton fills in on Endless Luck for trainer John Size in race seven.
Purton will then team up with trainer Almond Lee in the eighth on Red Lucky Star. Adding to Purton's claims are a host of each-way shots, none without a chance but some hampered by wide barriers.
Prebble has to wait until the last for his 'banker', top pick Supreme Winner. Earlier he will be relying on each-way chances like Winner Smart (race four), Danzulu (race seven) and Noble Alpha (race nine).
Whyte's absence has opened the market up with more opportunities spread among the riding ranks.
Outsiders worth considering are in-form Derek Leung Ka-chun ($17), fresh off his winning treble last week, and Brett Doyle ($10), who is the only hoop with a full book of 10 rides. Doyle's rides include the highly fancied Chantilly in race two.
Apprentice Alvin Ng Ka-chun is on the third line of betting at $8, with seven rides.
His mounts have been over-bet in races as punters get carried away with the benefits of the rider's much-hyped 10-pound claim. Ng does have a solid chance in third race on Dane Patrol, but doesn't have much to back that up throughout the program.
