Richard Hughes today talked up his chances of becoming the king of Epsom on Sussex Derby hope Kong.

The 32-year-old Irish jockey has replaced Richard Quinn on the John Dunlop trained colt for the big race on June 4.

Quinn rejected the chance to stay aboard Kong or Unfurled, the other Derby entry from Dunlop's Arundel yard, in favour of David Elsworth's more fancied runner The Geezer.

Kong is a plum spare ride as far as Hughes is concerned. He had a rear view of the colt and Quinn when they landed the Lingfield Derby Trial earlier this month and rates his mount good each-way value.

"I think he has a helluva chance," Hughes said. "He did well to win that day, because they went very slow and he outquickened them.

"He managed Lingfield okay, so I don't see why he won't act around Epsom. His price (25-1) is a lot bigger than it should be. Walk In The Park is lower in the betting, yet he beat him at Lingfield.

"He has shown a bit of speed and he is bred to stay, so I am pretty hopeful. The Derby is wide open this year."

Victory would complete a remarkable couple of months for the Hughes family. Dad Dessie trained Hardy Eustace to win the Champion Hurdle for the second year in a row at Cheltenham in March.

Hughes junior, first jockey to leading owner Khalid Abdullah, is keen to improve on a modest Derby record. Last year's sixth on American Post equalled his best finish in four attempts.

He said: "Last year I was on one of the favourites but he didn't stay. I felt like I was going to win until two out. If I get as close as that I'll be very pleased."