Nash Rawiller can close the deal on a third Sydney jockeys' premiership without the support of the two stables at the forefront of his end-of-season surge.
Rawiller goes into Wednesday's Warwick Farm fixture with a 2-1/2 win lead over Hugh Bowman - and a full book of rides for the last Sydney meeting of the racing season.
But he will be relying on `outside' stables to maintain his advantage over Bowman.
Rawiller doesn't have a ride for premier trainer Chris Waller and Aussies Love Sport is his only mount for Gai Waterhouse who retains his services as Tulloch Lodge's No.1 rider.
In nine city meetings since July 1, Rawiller has ridden nine winners for Waller and six for Waterhouse in a haul of 21 victories as he chased down Bowman's lead.
But it will be someone such as emerging trainer David Pfieffer who will be out to help Rawiller put the finishing touches on his whirlwind completion to the season.
Pfieffer will saddle up Nediym's Quest as one of the favourites with Rawiller in the saddle in the TAB.com.au Handicap (1100m).
For one reason or another, Nediym's Quest rarely delivers on raceday what he promises in trackwork and barrier trials.
But Pfieffer is hoping Rawiller's inspirational run of form can rub off on a horse who started third favourite against Pierro in the last year's Silver Slipper Stakes.
"He's been a nightmare to train and a nightmare to advise his owners on but I've got a jockey on who is dying to ride winners so I'm hoping that might help," Pfieffer said.
Bowman has lost one ride at the meeting because of a scratching, leaving him with five mounts.
The in-form Bjorn Baker-trained Msongari and Darley's Syncopated appeal as Bowman's better chances.
The TAB has reopened premiership betting, marking Rawiller as a $1.02 chance against Bowman at $11.
"Bowman has two very good rides in Msongari and Syncopated but he trails by 2-1/2 wins and Rawiller has a full book," the TAB's Matthew Jenkins said.