HONG KONG Derby hope Polar Star is out of next month's $5.5 million Classic and is unlikely to race until next season. But definitely in the Derby is former British champion jockey Pat Eddery. He was booked yesterday by trainer Brian Kan Ping-chee to ride quality English import Victory And Glory, seen in many quarters as a top chance in the February 26 showdown. The potentially-brilliant Polar Star, from the stable of trainer Wong Tang-ping, has a slightly bowed tendon and the Jockey Club's veterinary department have recommended six months rest. 'Basically, we are talking about next season for him. That is the recommendation but the only good news is that I have seen much more serious tendons than this one,' senior vet Keith Watkins said of the stricken horse. Polar Star ran third to current Derby second favourite Electric Flash at his last start on January 15 and the damage was almost certainly done during that race. Owner Richard Sun, who has been racing in Hong Kong for years, said: 'It's unfortunate but these things happen. They have told me that he will be out for six months. It is a pity about the Derby because you do not get many chances for a race like that. But he is a good horse and I am sure he will win other races.' Polar Star's disappearance from the Derby picture now centres attention firmly on Makarpura Star, trained by John Moore, and Electric Flash who has sprung into Classic prominence over the past six weeks. But the engagement of Eddery, who won the Hong Kong Derby twice in the 1970s, for Victory And Glory adds greatly to the most important domestic event on a rich racing calendar. Victory And Glory has run twice and trainer Kan, who relishes Derby success above all else, expects to have him absolutely ready for the Classic. He runs in Sunday's Classic Trial with Eddery aboard. The horse won the highly competitive Golden Mile in England and Eddery is delighted to get the ride. He said: 'I knew the horse in England and he looks to have the right sort of credentials. I have told Brian that I am delighted to be on him and I will work him in the morning. 'Obviously we should know more about his chances after the Classic Trial. 'But if he comes through that all right, you never know - it might be the third one.' Eddery won the Derby on Breathing Exercise for the late John Brown and Grand Duke for trainer Chu Po-ming. Kan has had the Derby as Victory And Glory's target since he bought the horse in England last summer. He raced there as Cragganmore and was rated 113. 'He is a good horse and I want to have him just right for the Derby. I have been happy with his two runs and he has come out of them very well. 'The Derby is the race that really matters and I am pleased to have Eddery for the horse. He has ridden many times for me before and he is ideal for Victory And Glory,' said Kan. Irishman Eddery is expected to have the pick of rides from the Kan stable during his four-week stint. 'I have him on several horses for Sunday and he will be riding a lot more in the stable. If he wants the rides, I will put him on anything that I think has a real chance of winning. 'With a bit of luck we might get a few winners together,' said the former champion trainer.