Unbeaten youngster Prince Of Porty does not corner like he is on rails, but what he did in his debut race victory on the straight course and subsequent trial second around a turn leads Zac Purton to believe in David Hall’s inexperienced galloper.

Prince Of Porty overcame his unexpectedly slow start and unfavourable central gate to win a Class Four sprint contest over 1,000m at Sha Tin on January 21, beating Flying High by a nose and delivering one of champion jockey Purton’s four victories on the card.

What Prince Of Porty’s connections witnessed across his six pre-debut trials – one in Australia and five in Hong Kong – convinced them to kick off his race career in a contest in which he would not have to negotiate a bend. He rewarded their smart decision, banking HK$615,600 for his small-margin success.

Buoyed by Prince Of Porty’s latest trial performance, in which he jumped well and galloped adjacent to the fence until Purton steered him away from the inside after he had railed satisfactorily, those in charge of his programme have declared him for Sunday’s Class Four TVB Tung Wah Charity Show Handicap (1,200m) on Sha Tin’s round course.

“We trialled him around a corner recently,” said Purton of Prince Of Porty. “Although he was on the wrong leg, he seemed to trial quite well. He’s drawn a good gate. He’s going to be in the right spot.

“I was a bit surprised first up because he’d shown a lot of speed in his trials. For whatever reason, on race day he took a while to get into his stride and get comfortable. He was a little bit further back off the pace than I’d expected, but when I asked him he continued to lengthen and he got to the line strong.

“We’re hoping over 1,200m he can take a more comfortable position. Hopefully, [Happy Fat Cat] shows his customary speed and gives us something to chase. He’s in good form. He’s a nice horse.”

Purton’s full book of rides on Sunday includes three Jamie Richards-prepared runners, the highest rated of whom is Classic Cup (1,800m) contender Sinba seven days out from the HK$12 million event.

Sinba has made the Classic Cup cut-off – his official mark of 79 is two points higher than that of first reserve Woodfire Bro (77) – but Sunday’s Class Three TVB Midlife, Sing & Shine Handicap (1,600m) is on his agenda after going almost four weeks without a race.

Richards sent Sinba to the Sha Tin trials on February 10 after his Australian import’s third placing in a Class Three mile at the Lunar New Year meeting.

“A bit of a funny run race that,” Richards said. “They went along a bit, but they still made mid-race moves. [Sinba] got caught in a bit of traffic and got knocked off balance at the top of the straight. With 135 pounds, he struggled to regather his momentum. He never would have beaten the winner, but he might have been able to run second if he’d had a fair run.

Another first for HK Classic Mile fourth Cordyceps: ‘maybe 1,400m might be best’

“He’s got a bit of a busy schedule coming up. I wanted to take him back to the trials to make sure he’s fit enough for what’s ahead – running this weekend, and then all things being well, backing up next weekend.

“Whether he’s a true 1,600m, 1,800m, 2,000m horse, we’re not entirely sure. Again, he’s drawn a bit awkward and got a big weight. He’ll have to get the right path in the race. Hopefully, he can run well.”

Classic Mile champion Voyage Bubble warmed up for the Classic Cup during Friday’s trials at Sha Tin, leading all the way to score by three lengths from another Classic Series player, Sword Point.