Champion Chris Estwanik believes the depth of this year’s field bodes well for the May 24 Half-Marathon Derby as he prepares to defend his title and win four classics on the trot.Estwanik has been relatively unchallenged in his triumphs in the past but believes this year it could be a close race from start to finish.Last year he was more than two minutes ahead of second-placed Tyler Butterfield. But the international triathlete won’t be on the start line next Tuesday.“I think that the depth in this year’s race is unbelievable. A lot of people have stepped their game up and the top of the list would be Lamont (Marshall) who is breaking records and Sean Trott who won a race over the weekend and is looking good at the moment,” said Estwanik.“Jay Donawa is the cross-country champion and you can never count out Kavin Smith who can still compete with the best of them on the day.“Stephen Allen is another one who has dramatically improved over the years. These are just a few of the names that are out there now but there could be others who we don’t know about that are ready to hit the road and challenge.“I don’t think Tyler is coming back but you never know what is going to take place so I have to be ready for anything.“Everything is going well for me in terms of training, I am in the final wind-down stages so everything is falling into place.“Today (yesterday) was the first real hot day so it felt good to go out there and get used to it a bit, it is the time for the winter weather turn into the summer climate so you have to be careful.”Estwanik believes that the X-factor in the race will be the conditions with weather in the past three years serving up different obstacles.In 2008 there were perfect conditions while the following year was hot and humid much different from last year’s wet and windy climate that caused competitors problems in both their strategies as well as footing.Estwanik said he wouldn’t be plotting a strategy that will take him to four successive titles until the morning of the race.“Last year it was windy on the day and given the last three years it is always different. My first year was perfect while the second time out it was hot and humid so you can only train in all the environments.“I think as all runners get ready for the race we would prefer a cool day, especially this time of year, it really isn’t hot so you have to mentally be ready to go out and do battle.“If it was August you would know what to expect but this time of year always throws an obstacle in the way so we are all waiting to see how the conditions are on the day.“The strategy won’t be finalised until the morning of the race. In previous years I have just gone from the gun and whether that happens again I don’t know.“I can only put forth as good of an effort as I can.“Last year the wind played a huge part and I wasn’t going to go out alone in the conditions but the body felt good and went for it.”The champion refused to comment on the debate swirling around regarding the admission of tourists and the cutback in prizes.“I can’t comment on the current debate going on. Bermuda has embraced me as one of their own and there are people out the better than me to comment on this matter.”