John Moore-trained Australian import Savvy Nature has missed out on a place in the 14-horse field for next weekend’s Group One BMW Hong Kong Derby after he was named first reserve today.

Four horses rated 88 were vying for the final three spots in the HK$18 million classic, with Anticipation, Golden Sleep and Obliterator getting in ahead of Savvy Nature.

Obliterator’s inclusion gives billionaire owner Pan Sutong two runners, along with Giant Treasure, and that pair’s trainer Richard Gibson three, with Got Fly also accepting to run.

John Size has three runners with leading hopes Luger, Contentment and Hong Kong Classic Cup winner Thunder Fantasy.

“This year’s BMW Hong Kong Derby will be the richest ever staged and it also looks like being one of the most competitive we have ever had, thanks to an array of high-quality four-year-olds all coming together in an exciting clash,” said William A. Nader, the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s executive director of racing said in a statement.

“This time last year we had two standout candidates in the field, Designs On Rome and Able Friend, both of whom have since proven themselves to be among the best racehorses in the world,” he continued.

“This year the Derby is more open and the top-class potential of several of the runners makes it a particularly enthralling edition. All of the contenders will be battling hard through a gripping and intense two minutes on Sunday week, for that once-in-a-lifetime glory that makes the BMW Hong Kong Derby one of the most coveted events in Hong Kong racing circles.”