Prebble has more incentive as he flies HK flag

Brett Prebble has been the dominant jockey at Happy Valley over recent seasons and the Australian can make it official by taking the Cathay Pacific International Jockeys' Championship tonight.

Prebble rides under the bauhinia flag rather than that of his native land and, while he has ridden more than his share of Sha Tin winners since he made Hong Kong his home, he has gradually overhauled Douglas Whyte as the jockey to beat at the tricky Valley circuit with 90 wins there since September 2008 against his arch rival's 67.

And that will take him a long way in a difficult CXIJC, especially since Prebble didn't get any spoils at the barrier draws with seven, nine, 10 and 11.

That may play in his favour, though, with the IJC moving back to the 'A' course after several years on the 'B' track.

The 'A' course doesn't spread the runners out in the straight like the other rails and is traditionally a placement which can suit the horse running on.

Prebble will spring something of a surprise in the opening leg if he wins on Common Goal for Andy Leung Ting-wah, but his engagement is beneficial as he did plenty of work last season on the five-year-old grey, who comes off an excellent dirt sprint run on Sunday.

Bespoke Master, Prebble's second ride, comes off a failure when apprentice-ridden but his prior form was sound for senior riders.

Prebble on Moon Chaser is fortuitous, as the jockey does so much riding for Caspar Fownes and was aboard this gelding over 1,800m last time. Moon Chaser loomed as the winner with 150m to run but didn't finish off and the drop back in trip will help.

His final ride, Dr Win for John Size, looks Prebble's weakest link after disappointing last time, with the only mitigating circumstance that he was up handy to a solid speed, but he could benefit from a change of tactics.

With all four of his mounts looking scoring chances, Frankie Dettori looks hardest for Prebble to beat.