There might only be four weeks until the Classic Mile but the race for the top seed, a coveted spot in the final field and even Zac Purton’s services remain open.

The build-up to the much-anticipated first leg of the four-year-old series ramped up on Sunday, with Brazilian import Sagacious Life staking his claim again with a defiant Class Two success under top weight and Purton.

Pierre Ng Pang-chi’s progressive galloper currently boasts the highest rating of the Classic Mile contenders on a mark of 97, with his impressive start to his Hong Kong career catching the attention of Purton.

Much of the focus in the lead-up to February 1 will centre around Purton’s call, with the eight-time Hong Kong champion holding the whip hand in choosing between several leading fancies.

While Sagacious Life’s form is hard to ignore, Mark Newnham’s excitement machine Invincible Ibis looms large for Purton after three consecutive victories.

He will aim to extend his winning streak in a Class Three 1,600m race restricted to four-year-olds – which will serve as a Classic Mile preview – on Sunday but in a twist, Purton will not be aboard.

An early commitment to ride Beauty Bolt for the Kwok family in Sunday’s race forced Purton to give up the prized ride, with fellow Australian Hugh Bowman taking over on Invincible Ibis.

“You expect that when you have Zac, you’re not going to get him all the time,” Newnham said.

“He wasn’t available but he sticks to his word when he takes a ride, so when he told me he was committed to Beauty Bolt, I went down the list to Hugh Bowman – which wasn’t very far.

“The horse has held his form well, I had a ride on him last week and he feels good. I’ll give Hugh a ride on him this week leading into the race. He’ll probably be disadvantaged by the handicap but that’ll only stand him in good stead for the Classic Mile.”

While Ng revealed Purton’s choice was down to two – Sagacious Life and Invincible Ibis – that could easily change after Sunday’s crucial meeting.

Jimmy Ting Koon-ho’s Little Paradise, who Purton rides in a Class Two 1,400m contest on Sunday, Beauty Bolt and Top Dragon are just a few of his other regular rides that would not be out of place towards the top of the Classic Mile market.

Another plot twist could take place around Dazzling Fit and the services of another in-demand jockey, James McDonald.

With a rating of 75, trainer David Eustace doubts whether his three-time winner will sneak into the field of 14.

“We’ve decided he’s not going to run in the lead-up to the Classic Mile. We’ve decided to freshen him up to run him back during that period of time,” Eustace said.

“There’s a very slim chance he gets into the Classic Mile, which we’re well aware of, but we think he’s at his best when he’s fresh. We’re focusing on the second half of that series as we know the Classic Mile is unlikely.

“James McDonald would be the logical booking going forward – though him not being available before the Classic Mile isn’t why we’re not running, of course. He’s better with time between runs and he wouldn’t get that now if he runs again.”

Markwin was the lowest-rated runner in last year’s Classic Mile on a mark of 76 but with a host of prospects chasing more ratings points over the next few weeks, Dazzling Fit could find himself outside the top 14.

McDonald guided him to a tough 1,600m victory in November and the Kiwi superstar also won on Eustace’s other Classic Series prospect, Helene Supafeeling, last month.

The former British galloper, a two-time 1,600m winner pre-import, boasts a rating of 79 and could add to that figure when he runs in a Class Three 1,400m race on Sunday.

“He should improve for a step up in trip and we’ve put in a lot of work to help him relax and switch off. He did that over 1,200m but he’s going to need to continue to do that as he goes up in distance,” Eustace said.

“The tempo of the race will be slower next time so the way he settles is going to be the biggest test for him. Hopefully he performs well and we can work towards the Classic Mile from there.

“Hugh Bowman is booked to ride him on the 11th, so we will see where we are after that.”