The Dubai World Cup meeting will have quite an influence on Sunday's Jockey Challenge at Sha Tin, and while it looks like a day where the favourites can capitalise, it can potentially lead to an upset result towards the end of the card.
Not only is perennial favourite Joao Moreira out of action as he begins another three-meeting suspension, but a number of jockeys will be making the trek back from Meydan in the early hours of the morning.
Neil Callan and Olivier Doleuze are back before the first, but Gerald Mosse and Douglas Whyte - who rode Red Cadeaux and Akeed Mofeed in the World Cup respectively - won't be back until race eight.
The day looks to be broken down into distinct sections - Zac Purton ($2.60) looks set to dominate the first few races, Karis Teetan ($3.25) has a strong book in the middle of the card, while the late arrivals can dominate at the finish. In the background, Callan ($4.50) also has a number of good rides peppered throughout the day.
At the halfway mark, it will be clear where this Jockey Challenge is headed - and if no jockey has more than 24 points, then it may be worth having a throw at the stumps at Mosse.
The Frenchman only has three rides - Ambitious Champion, My Little Friend and Star of Bond - but all three are last start winners and will be among the favourites. He would need it to be a low-scoring day to have any chance, but at $100, he is well worth a speculator.
However, it would require Purton, Teetan and Callan to either squander a number of chances earlier in the day, or to share the spoils amongst themselves. This is unlikely, but it is definitely worth a small wager.
