The jockey standing in the way of Glen Boss winning another Melbourne premiership has emerged as an unlikely motivator for the flamboyant rider.

Boss won the first premiership of his successful career last season and sits second, eight wins behind Damien Oliver, with just under half the season remaining.

Oliver missed more than eight months of last season serving a ban for a betting offence but has ridden winners consistently since his return, including the Melbourne Cup on Fiorente.

"I haven't had what you would call good rides in the past month," Boss said, talking about his premiership hopes.

"Midweeks I've been struggling. Ollie has been getting the pick of a lot of good rides and he's really on fire.

"But geez, I'll never give up. God no."

Boss knew this season was going to be tougher than the last but said he was as determined as ever.

"Blokes like Ollie and that, they make you lift all the time because they're flying and you've got to keep lifting. It's good to have them around, good to have the competition.

"Craig (Williams) is back in town and riding well and Luke (Nolen) is back riding well now. We've got a smorgasbord of really good talent down here. There's a lot of depth."

Boss is on the outsider Finishing Card in Saturday's Group One CF Orr Stakes but has genuine chances in other stakes races including favourite Pakal in the Carlyon Cup, talented colt Lion Of Belfort in the Rubiton Stakes and Nostradamus in the Blue Diamond colts and geldings Prelude.