Douglas Whyte looks every chance to start the New Year in the same vein as he finished 2009 - and will be legged up as a deserved $2 favourite in the Jockey Challenge following his victory last week. Whyte has struck form since returning from Japan and has steadily been re-asserting his spot in the pecking order by reeling in the huge early season lead of Brett Prebble. Prebble remains a clear leader with 35 wins, but has ridden only three winners over the past four meetings, compared with Whyte's six in the same period. Whyte has moved to 22 wins, and still has a way to go to catch Prebble, but if the strength of his book is anything to go by, the champ may be in for a good 2010. Apprentice Matthew Chadwick ($3.60), Prebble ($8) and Darren Beadman ($12) all have their strong chances, but lack the quality to pose any real problem to Whyte. Whyte has nine quality rides in the 11 races. Brave Heart is a top contender to claim maximum points for Whyte in the first race after producing a gallant display on debut last start. From there, Whyte will be looking to The Rifle and last-start winner Hussler in races three and four to take control of the Jockey Challenge early. But he won't be content to stop his point-scoring spree there - Kowloon Pride, Presto, Armada, Always Something and Moonwalk give him an ultra-competitive back half of the card.
