Source:
https://scmp.com/sport/racing/article/2020288/go-wide-douglas-whyte-jockey-challenge-promising-day-champion-rider
Sport/ Racing

Go wide with Douglas Whyte for the Jockey Challenge on promising day for the champion rider

With Joao Moreira sidelined, the 13-time champion has picked up handy rides but it is a pair of outsiders that could provide some value

Douglas Whyte has a nice book of rides at Sha Tin on Sunday. Photos: Kenneth Chan

Douglas Whyte’s book of rides includes a couple of genuine chances on Sunday but it is a pair of his outsiders – Hastily Feet and Flying Force - that the horses’ respective trainers were talking up at trackwork.

Whyte is one of the biggest beneficiaries of Joao Moreira’s two-meeting suspension that begins on Sunday, taking over on John Moore-trained pair Prince Falcon and Green Card, who both should head out with strong support.

Hastily Feet will have his work cut out against smart youngster Jing Jing Win in a Class Four sprint, but the five-year-old’s handler Chris So Wai-yin said punters can expect to see an improved animal to the one that placed once in nine starts last season.

Douglas Whyte is one of the leading contenders for Sunday’s Jockey Challenge.
Douglas Whyte is one of the leading contenders for Sunday’s Jockey Challenge.

“We tried something different and got him to a mile in the middle of last season, and we were experimenting with all types of stuff – tongue-tie and cheekpieces - and he ran really badly,” So said. “By the end of the season we had taken all of that gear of his head, he has put a little bit of weight on and now comes back fresh over 1,200m, I think he will run well.”

Dennis Yip Chor-hong says Flying Force will eventually be looking for a step up in trip but maintains that 1,000m remains his best trip for now after the grey was a closing third over the course on opening day.

“He goes too hard at the moment but I think he will eventually be fine,” Yip said. “These straight races are the best for him now because they go so fast. Once he settles down he will be a lot better.”

A double last weekend gave Whyte three wins from three meetings so far and his rides today also include two other Yip-trained runners without outside chances, Mr Potential and Super Leader.

The premiership-leading Zac Purton is the $1.40 favourite for the Jockey Challenge, with Whyte drifting from $7 to $7.50.