Hugh Bowman is looking forward to a string of strong chances at Sha Tin on Sunday, including smart debut winner Papaya Brose in section two of the Class Four Lung Kong Handicap (1,400m).

The Caspar Fownes-trained three-year-old was sent off an unconsidered $21.5 chance for his debut last month, but he belied his big odds with a devastating performance under Bowman to win by one and a half lengths.

Settled towards the rear, the Zousain galloper copped a check when fanning out into the clear in the straight and then lugged out when asked for his effort. Once straightened up, however, he surged down the middle of the track to record an eye-catching win.

He carries 8lb more on this occasion and joint top weight alongside Endeared, but a good draw in stall six only enhances his chances, and Bowman thinks he has improved since that debut victory.

“It wasn’t that much of a surprise [that he won first up], I did trial him prior to that run on the all-weather and he didn’t enjoy the kickback in his face, but I asked him for a bit of effort and he showed me he was going to run well,” said Bowman.

“I didn’t really expect him to let down like he did but that was a lovely surprise. Saying that, he did have a smooth run in transit. I had a bit of a wide-ish draw but with the way the race unfolded, he found himself in a nice position without having to work too hard for it. He got into a lovely rhythm and that allowed him to let down the way he did.

“When a horse does that on their first outing, it’s always very encouraging. I thought he trialled better last time than he did before his first run but that comes with experience; I think we can go to the races this time with a bit more confidence of knowing what he’s capable of doing.”

Bowman also likes the chances of Dragon Air Force, who bids for a fifth win on Sha Tin’s all-weather surface in the Class Three Junction Handicap (1,650m).

The Ricky Yiu Poon-fai-trained gelding ran a pair of big races under Bowman earlier this campaign before he was forced to give up the ride due to illness, with Dylan Browne McMonagle being the beneficiary and riding him to victory two starts ago.

Bowman was back on board when he endured a nightmare trip over track and trip on his most recent outing, and he is looking for a smooth run on this occasion, though stall nine is no help to his chances.

“He had a dreadful run in transit and the race wasn’t run to suit, and that was the case in the race prior to the one he won as well,” said Bowman.

“I actually missed his win when I fell ill, but the horse is in great order. He’s probably on a rating now where he needs a bit of luck in running, but he’s in good form and is capable of winning.”

Nyx Gluck is another with a big chance for Bowman on Sunday’s card, with the son of Redwood looking for a second career win in the second section of the Class Four Nga Tsin Wai Handicap (1,200m).

A cosy winner of his fourth start for trainer Cody Mo Wai-kit, he has run a trio of good races in defeat since over the 1,400m distance, most recently when ridden by Bowman for the first time.

The 45-year-old learned plenty from that first sit on him, however, and is hoping a drop in trip can work the oracle.

“I really like this horse. He’s a bit tricky and he’s not straightforward, but what he does have is a big engine. I recommended we just try 1,200m because I just felt he was a bit too keen at the 1,400m trip, but he’s going really well,” said Bowman.

“He just needs a bit of luck in running, like every horse running here does.”