The Classic Mile is less than two weeks away and it shapes as one of the most competitive editions in recent years, with at least half a dozen four-year-olds staking their claims as leading candidates.

All eyes will be on the Jockey Club’s release of the priority to run list on Wednesday to see what rating is needed to gain a coveted berth in the field of 14.

The Post has ranked the top 10 prospects for the Classic Mile on February 1.

1. Invincible Ibis

While it is difficult to split many of the leading contenders, Mark Newnham’s exciting galloper has been the starting point of the conversation for some time and could not have done more after putting together four consecutive victories.

Armed with a lethal turn of foot, the son of I Am Invincible has passed the mile test on his past two starts and has to be a great chance to follow in the footsteps of Newnham’s Classic Mile winner of 12 months ago, My Wish.

2. Sagacious Life

Zac Purton’s opinion deserves the utmost respect and the champion jockey elected to ride Pierre Ng Pang-chi’s quality import over six other prime chances in the one Hong Kong feature that has eluded him.

Boasting the highest rating of the Classic Mile hopefuls on a mark of 97, Sagacious Life arrived in the city with four wins and two seconds to his name in Brazil and has acclimatised quickly, notching a pair of 1,600m wins at Sha Tin.

His latest effort when overcoming topweight of 130lb in a competitive Class Two sealed the deal for Purton.

3. Little Paradise

A shining light for Jimmy Ting Koon-ho, Little Paradise was unbeaten from his first two starts last term and has returned even better this campaign, notching three wins from his four starts.

The trip could be a slight query given he hasn’t raced at a mile, but Ting is confident it will be suitable provided he settles in running. He has the quality to be a big chance.

4. Beauty Bolt

Labelling Tony Cruz’s import a model of consistency might be underselling his claims as a legitimate Classic Mile hope.

The former Irish galloper has won twice and finished in the top four in all seven local starts, including a neck second to Invincible Ibis last start when almost overcoming a horror draw in gate 14. The booking of James McDonald is a big plus.

5. Patch Of Cosmo

It would be quite the story if Manfred Man Ka-leung’s smart galloper wins the Classic Mile second up off a major injury, but on the strength of his return last Sunday, it would not be a surprise.

On his first start in 315 days after injuring a tendon, the son of Super Seth won first up over a mile under top weight of 135lb, earning high praise from Purton.

He won four races last season and is proven at a mile with two victories from as many starts at the trip.

6. Top Dragon

Chris So Wai-yin’s progressive galloper carries strong form into the first leg of the Classic Series, including a smart second-up triumph and recent placings behind Little Paradise and Sagacious Life.

He had excuses last start behind the former when finishing strongly for third on his first test at 1,600m, proving the distance won’t be a query.

7. Infinite Resolve

Newnham’s talented son of Snitzel has delivered on his promise on his last two starts to make a late surge into Classic Mile calculations.

He finally broke through at start seven with a strong performance over six furlongs before catching the eye on his first 1,400m test, rattling home from well back while overcoming traffic in the straight to run second to Little Paradise.

His pedigree suggests the mile should be fine and he should not be underestimated.

8. Public Attention

David Hayes’ Australian import is yet to win in Hong Kong but wasn’t beaten far on his first two starts before a game fourth to Little Paradise after racing wide throughout last start.

The Written Tycoon colt arrived with a striking record, including a Group Three win over 1,200m at Randwick and placings at Group Two and Group Three level.

He has raced once at 1,600m, finishing fifth in the Group One Caulfield Guineas, and could be a big improver come February 1.

9. Akashvani

Needing a win to guarantee a Classic Mile berth, Hayes’ galloper bounced back from a series of unlucky runs with a blistering three-length romp on Sunday.

While he is yet to be tested over 1,600m, his pedigree suggests it won’t be a problem and he could be dangerous with a soft run on or near the speed.

10. Dazzling Fit

David Eustace’s promising three-time winner looks like he might miss a run on a rating of 75, but he would not be out of place if he happens to sneak in.

He overcame a wide run throughout from gate 14 to beat Beauty Bolt over a mile in November and had excuses last start.