"Damien Oliver will ride Bel Esprit in Sunday’s Dubai Cup over 1400m at Caulfield.

The decisions on the jockey and the race were made after a conference between trainer John Symons and connections today. The other alternative race being considered was the Caulfield Guineas Prelude.

Oliver’s manager Bruce Clark said that Oliver was able to get a release from the Lee Freedman trained Chong Tong in the race to get the mount on the top colt, who will carry 53kg.

Chong Tong, with 56kg, will now be ridden by Patrick Payne.

Oliver replaced Scott Seamer who came under fire from some quarters for his ride on Bel Esprit when second in the Manikato Stakes last weekend."

Will be interesting to see the run of Chong Tong!
:wink: