Douglas Whyte has Brett Prebble's premiership lead within his grasp this afternoon and odds-makers have declared him a $1.35 favourite to claim the Jockey Challenge at Happy Valley. Prebble is still serving the three-meeting suspension he received in Australia for his winning ride in the Golden Slipper at the start of the month, and Whyte has made the most of his counterpart's absence to steadily whittle away Prebble's lead. Just three wins separate the top guns at the head of the premiership tally and, if the Jockey Challenge market is anything to go by, Whyte may well bridge the gap by this evening. Weichong Marwing is $9 second favourite and in-form Zac Purton is listed at $10, but perhaps the best value chance at toppling Whyte is Darren Beadman at $25. However, it is Whyte who holds all the aces once again with at least seven genuine hopes included in his book of 10 rides. Tai Sing Yeh is undoubtedly his highlight, but Dr Win, Packing Friend, Upgrading, Dumbarton Rock, Happee Gift and Sapelli can also claim their respective events and ensure Whyte secures yet another Challenge as he shoulders past Prebble in the jockeys' premiership. Whyte must make the most of his opportunities now, because he is due to serve a four-meeting suspension at the end of the month, and Prebble will be itching to re-establish his lead, which stood at 14 wins earlier this season.
