How will they beat Douglas Whyte in his quest for a 10th straight jockeys' championship? Rather than asking Whyte - who is loathe to give many clues away - it probably makes more sense to question the man who gave him a fright three seasons ago then chased him home again in 2008 and 2009. 'If you say it quickly, it sounds simple - be consistent, get strong support across the board, stay in Hong Kong and stay out of the stewards' room,' laughed Brett Prebble yesterday. 'Saying it is a lot easier than getting it done. Douglas doesn't lose concentration all season, after such a long reign here he has the kind of support that allows him to get on and off horses when he likes and he is a top-class rider. It's a tough recipe to overcome.' Prebble has averaged 80 wins for the past three terms and has been the only jockey during Whyte's reign to really get a sniff of toppling him in that memorable 2006-07 season. He and the Durban Demon traded the championship lead, bringing home doubles and trebles meeting after meeting through May and June until the South African finally prevailed. 'It was great theatre, good for both of us and really good for racing. But the difficulty with the championship is that you have to make a decision on your targets - the championship or the big races,' Prebble said. 'I'm quite proud of the fact I've been the most successful Hong Kong-based rider in big overseas events but, to keep doing that, I have to go away for those races and that gives Douglas an edge with my absence. The difference would be for me if I was in front or level with him after three months and feeling like it's a realistic chase. But mostly, I've been a slow starter and already giving a decent start by that time - it's easy to look at it then and say you'd rather target the majors.' After six years, Prebble has the status that allows him the freedom to choose and reject mounts, but he said there is a price to pay for that privilege. 'I will have great across-the-board support this year, with quite a few of the Chinese trainers, a strong link with Caspar Fownes and even John Size has said he'll use me more,' Prebble said. 'But Caspar, for example, doesn't appreciate jockeys getting on for one ride then jumping off - which is probably why he doesn't use Douglas much - and that can be crucial in winning a tight championship race. My view of the title is that if it happens, it happens but, as always, I'll be trying to give Douglas a run for his money.' Whyte's typical response: 'I'm as hungry as I've ever been. I wish Brett and the other boys well.'
