It’s shaping as one of the most open editions of the BMW Hong Kong Derby (2,000m) in recent years, with Stormy Grove’s upset win in the Classic Cup (1,800m) providing more questions than answers.

The third stage of entries were taken on Monday, while the selection announcement for the coveted HK$26 million feature will be on Friday.

The SCMP has ranked the top 10 contenders for this year’s Derby on March 22.

1. Numbers

While he missed a top-three placing in the Classic Cup, Numbers was far from disgraced in fourth when working hard early to cross from a wide draw before going too quickly in front.

He was still fighting strongly at the finish and his work past the post was eye-catching. If he can control the Derby at a more suitable speed, he will prove hard to catch.

2. Invincible Ibis

Mark Newnham’s quality galloper dropped down the Classic Cup rankings after only managing sixth in the Classic Mile, but he bounced back with an encouraging second behind Stormy Grove.

The rise to 2,000m remains a slight query, but he can figure prominently again with a good draw and suitable tempo.

3. Stormy Grove

Frankie Lor Fu-chuen’s import has burst into Derby calculations with back-to-back wins, rocketing home from last or near last to round up his rivals impressively.

Is he still being underrated after winning the Classic Cup at $22.25? Perhaps so, but his form is hard to ignore.

4. Little Paradise

One of the Classic Cup stand-outs after a scintillating Classic Mile success, Jimmy Ting Koon-ho’s emerging star couldn’t continue his winning streak when eighth behind Stormy Grove.

Not much went right for him after he was nervous in the gates and blew the start, forcing him back to last, and struggled to make ground until he got going in the final 150m. With a clean start, he could easily bounce back with another victory.

5. Patch Of Cosmo

Luckless in the Classic Mile, Manfred Man Ka-leung’s quality galloper loomed as a winning chance in the Classic Cup when storming home from well back to eventually finish a strong third.

If he can draw a more favourable gate and settle closer in running, he will be a big threat.

6. Dazzling Fit

David Eustace’s three-time winner overcame a wide run without cover to finish a gutsy fifth, beaten three lengths in the Classic Cup.

He is one of only a few contenders crying out for 2,000m and a smoother run will put him right in the mix.

7. Top Dragon

He’s one of the most consistent four-year-olds in Hong Kong and steps up in trip after an agonisingly close second over a mile behind Stunning Peach, who boosted the form with another win on Sunday.

It will be the first time he steps out beyond 1,600m, but he can not be written off as a top four hope.

8. Beauty Bolt

Another consistent type, the Irish import comes off his worst performance in Hong Kong after only managing seventh in the Classic Cup.

It was the first time in his career he finished outside the top four and while it wasn’t a disastrous run, it could indicate another rise in trip will test him.

9. Emblazon

He is the X-factor horse in the Derby, stepping into uncharted territory after five wins and a second this season – all over 1,200m or 1,400m.

The distance is a big unknown, but Galaxy Patch faced the same rise in 2024 and almost pulled off a famous victory when second in the Derby.

10. Pope Cody

Me Tsui Yu-sak’s import will sneak under the radar heading into the Derby, but he was finishing powerfully when a good sixth in the Classic Cup and is capable of surprising on March 22.