A TOTAL of 23 Classic hopefuls were entered for the March 7 running of the Hongkong Derby at the first stage yesterday.
Exciting Irish import Right Way, who scored a thrilling all-the-way win in the San Miguel Silver Tankard at Sha Tin on Sunday is the early favourite for the richest domestic race on the calendar.
Trainer Brian Kan Ping-chee, who has a love affair with the Derby, was still brimming over with confidence last night.
''The horse came out of Sunday's race very well and he is right on course for the Derby,'' Kan said.
''He has a lot of pace but he also has real fighting qualities and I am sure he will get the 1,800 metres.'' Deerfield, whose Derby plans received a severe knock early in the season, is now on the comeback trail but everything will depend on just how he goes in the next three weeks or so.
Regular rider Brent Thomson has no doubts that Right Way at this stage is the one to beat.