He actually takes over from David Harrison, who returned recently to resume his career in England.

Said Allan: 'I was pleased to get Robbie because I think he has taken his Hong Kong chance really well. He gives everything he rides a decent go and I'm sure he will do everything possible on Housemaster.

'I think the key to the outcome of the race could simply be the distance. For a few strides I thought he was going to win the Derby in March but it was on the sharp side for him.' Housemaster finished second to Keen Winner in the $8 million Hong Kong Derby over 2,000 metres with the official margin just half a length.

Although he would never not have a crack at the championship, the former multiple Malayan Racing Association (MRA) supremo said two years ago that he was after a couple of good horses that would help him win good races outside Hong Kong.

He has certainly come up with those and been greatly assisted by Oriental Express, last year's Champions' winner and also involved here, and reigning Horse of the Year, Indigenous.

English jockey Alan Munro, who knows all about big-race glory having partnered Generous to Derby wins at both Epsom and The Curragh in 1990, takes out the Brian Kan Ping-chee stayer Industrialist for what should be his final crack at major money this season.

Kan has had great success with the English import who did his racing back home with the Newmarket-based Mark Tompkins. It is reliably reported that Menza, as he then was, changed hands for a considerable sum but his owners can well afford to smile.

With victories in the Gold Cup and QEII Cup to his name this season, the cheques have been well worth receiving and the ledger unquestionably better than balanced. It could be more substantially in the black about 4.35pm today.

Little hope can be reasonably held out for Gaylord, apprentice-ridden but without benefit of a claim under race conditions. His grand-sire on the dam's side won an Epsom Derby and only realised one crop before dying of colic.

Helene Express, excellent winner of his past two outings, goes into this end-of-season showdown seeking a hat-trick of the highest quality but it will be hard for Douglas Whyte, who takes over from Fradd.

Kan is also represented by American colt Ironic Commander, who has not been sighted in three runs to date but owner Adam Hassan will get his colours carried in one of the most important races on the calendar.

For multiple players or those wishing to take a chance on horses with ability, the two at the bottom of the list catch the attention.

Corey Brown partners David Hill's Peak Power, who scored a sensational success at Happy Valley last time out.

The griffin, progressing through the classes, was hiked 16 points for the crushing win where everything else in the Class Two field was made to look second rate. 'I thought about putting him away until next season but he's enjoyed his first-season racing and we haven't been hard on him. This is obviously very tough for him but he'll have to face up to it sometime,' said Hill.

'We're certainly not going into it saying we are going to win but I'm really quite hopeful that he'll run an encouraging race against some of the best here.' Litigado, trained by South African Tony Millard, whips them in on the official race sheet but can be expected to take a lot closer order in the race itself.

Felix Coetzee stays aboard and they now step out over a more suitable distance to that of his debut.

Graphic: s2400glo