Accustomed to success in the BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m), Joao Moreira and Tony Millard both contend this year’s Classic is likely to be contested at a leisurely tempo, paving the way for a sit-sprint finale at Sha Tin on Sunday (21 March).
Millard, who will chase a third Derby triumph with Panfield and Maximus, and Moreira, who will partner Sky Darci in search of a second Derby victory, expect a moderate speed for much of the contest.
“Fundamentally, I think it could be the slowest Derby in history because you’ve got a whole lot of milers there,” said Millard, who previously savoured glory in the prestige event with Keen Winner (2000) and Ambitious Dragon (2011).
“I think it’s just going to be a walk and sprint home and all of the speed horses have drawn well, so it’s going to be tough.
“Maximus is going to be in the right spot – we’re going to be sitting right up there – and if they walk and come into the straight, Maximus will take four lengths off them, for sure.
“I can’t see the race being run any other way – it’s a whole lot of milers trying to stretch to 2000m.
“Panfield is drawn in the bush (gate 12) and he hasn’t got early speed so it’s going to be really tough, I’m hoping for a miracle.”