With an even batch of four-year-olds progressing through this year’s Classic Series, the BMW Hong Kong Derby (2,000m) promises to be one of the most open editions in recent years.

Rubylot stamped his claims for the HK$26 million feature with a superb Classic Cup (1,800m) victory, My Wish backed up his Classic Mile win with another top performance and a few prospects have emerged outside the four-year-old series in the past week.

On the eve of the final field announcement, the Post has ranked the top 10 contenders for the city’s most prestigious race.

1. Rubylot

After a wide draw was to blame for his Classic Mile sixth, the David Hayes-trained gelding returned to winning form with a barnstorming display in the key lead-up race to the Derby.

While the Classic Cup-Derby double has been tough to achieve in recent years – Golden Sixty (2020), Rapper Dragon (2017) and Designs On Rome (2014) are the most recent to do it – Rubylot looks a deserved favourite and his pedigree suggests the 2,000m won’t be a problem.

2. Johannes Brahms

Pierre Ng Pang-chi’s import bounced back from a distant last in the Classic Mile to win a Class Two mile before an unlucky third in the Classic Cup.

The former Aidan O’Brien-trained gelding should have finished closer to Rubylot after being held up at a crucial stage in the straight and he will be a big chance with a good draw and smoother passage.

Johannes Brahms gets up on the inside of Speed Dragon to win at Sha Tin last month.

3. My Wish

Mark Newnham’s pint-sized galloper answered the 1,800m query with an admirable performance last start, running on from near midfield to strike the lead and only get run down late by Rubylot.

The big question again is the distance – can he run a strong 2,000m? However, it’s hard to knock his outstanding form and history suggests Derby winners aren’t necessarily genuine stayers.

4. Bundle Award

The Australian import’s barnstorming victory in last Sunday’s Class Two Carpenter Handicap (1,800m) not only secured him a Derby berth, but it also put him firmly in the frame as a legitimate chance.

While he brings alternative form from outside the four-year-old series, the trip shouldn’t be an issue and he is trained by the master in John Size, a three-time Derby winner.

5. Packing Angel

A beaten favourite in the Classic Cup, Francis Lui Kin-wai’s progressive galloper ran on solidly and had every chance when fourth behind Rubylot.

The son of Melbourne Cup (3,200m) winner Shocking is perhaps the Derby runner with the most scope for improvement, given he was rising in trip after three consecutive victories over 1,400m.

6. Noisy Boy

If there is one Classic Cup flop that can turn the tables significantly in the Derby, it has to be Noisy Boy.

Noisy Boy wins at Sha Tin in January.

He had to work hard from a wide draw to cross in the early stages and went too quick in front before understandably fading to run 13th. With a kinder draw and a more suitable tempo if he leads again, the course-and-distance winner can bounce back.

7. Steps Ahead

Lui’s consistent galloper defied his big quote to run an eye-catching fifth in the Classic Cup, finishing powerfully along the inside rail under Lyle Hewitson.

He has also defied his strong sprinting pedigree to win at 1,800m and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him match his last-start performance in the Derby.

8. Markwin

Cody Mo Wai-kit’s talented galloper did enough to secure a Derby berth when he stormed home from last to run second to Bundle Award last Sunday.

Derek Leung boots home Markwin in December.

He is putting together a good record with two wins and five placings from nine starts and his dam side indicates he is more than capable of seeing out the 2,000m.

9. Stunning Peach

An early fancy for the final leg of the Classic Series, the high-profile import hasn’t lived up to expectations this term.

He had every chance when a solid sixth in the Classic Cup and the hope is that the rise to 2,000m helps him more than others.

10. Beauty Alliance

It’s hard to imagine a last-start Happy Valley winner figuring in the Derby, but Size’s promising galloper deserves elevation into the field after scoring by almost six lengths combined on his past two starts.

He has also won at Sha Tin and would boast some X factor if he is promoted into the final 14.