INFOGRAPHIC: CLICK HERE TO RELIVE 'MAGIC MAN' JOAO MOREIRA'S RECORD 145 WINNERS IN 2014-15
It's hard to imagine Joao Moreira improving on his incomparable 2014-15 exploits and even though the Magic Man will have new opposition the Brazilian's biggest challenge is likely to be the rewritten record books.
At 31, Moreira is certainly young enough to find another level - even if that level now stands at an astonishing 145 wins. A more measured approach kept him out of the stewards' room last term and Moreira now seems more in tune with the rhythm of racing here.
As his legend grows, so does the demand for his services - so much so that trainers often change a horse's plan to suit the star jockey, if only so that owners can snap a parade ring selfie with their hero. Moreira proved in Singapore, where records once thought unattainable were shattered season-after-season, that inside the Brazilian there burns a desire to better himself that belies the Mr Nice Guy exterior.
Naturally, there will be competition - primarily from Zac Purton, who will be hoping for less time sidelined through injury and suspension after striking at better than one in five races, but sitting out nearly one quarter of the 83 meetings last term.
Douglas Whyte, Brett Prebble and Neil Callan will be waging a war for what rides are left over once the top two take their fill from races that look skinnier all the time.
Andreas Suborics departs and the fresh blood comes from Chad Schofield and Richard Fourie, although both names are familiar fans in different ways.
The timing seems right for 21-year-old gun Schofield, the son of former Sha Tin-based jockey Glyn, and the family name along with an impressive résumé could provide a head start.
South African Fourie rode 26 winners in his one and only season and returns from a two-year stint in his homeland to a very different landscape. He will be fighting for lightweight rides, not just against the locals but also the omnipresent Moreira, Schofield and Karis Teetan.
Also providing a point of difference is apprentice Kei Chiong Ka-kei - the first local female rider licensed in 15 years. She replaces Dicky Lui Cheuk-yin, while Jack Wong Ho-nam's presence means there are two 10-pound claimers.
Gerald Mosse nearly bid adieu when he was initially overlooked for another contract, but the quintessential "mercurial Frenchman" seemed spurred on by the snub and rode like a man possessed in July. He returns as retained rider for Manfred Man Ka-leung and should find plenty of freedom to pick up outside rides in the big feature races.
Nash Rawiller's first season stalled at the start when he brought suspensions with him but continued support from key stables should see improved results and great opportunities in big races as a sophomore.
It's tougher to be a local these days, but after admirable efforts from Vincent Ho Chak-yiu, Derek Leung Ka-chun and Keith Yeung Ming-lun they again spent an off-season abroad in search of experience, while Matthew Chadwick will be out to reclaim past glories after injury.
