Matthew Poon Ming-fai is looking forward to partnering with a “more tough, more strong and more focused” Mapogo in the Class Four Promoting Health For All Handicap (1000m) at Sha Tin on Sunday.

The promising Manfred Man Ka-leung-trained galloper jumped as the $1.8 favourite at his debut run last month and finished fourth, one and three-quarter lengths behind Run Run Sunrise.

The three-year-old had shown plenty of ability in trials but his lack of experience was evident on race day when placed under pressure and becoming unbalanced at the 200m mark.

The son of Anders has since won a trial at Sha Tin impressively by two and three-quarter lengths with Hugh Bowman aboard and is ready to fire with the addition of a tongue tie.

“After that first start he will be more tough, more strong and more focused. He had only had some soft trials before and race day pressure is different,” Poon said.

“It was his first start, he was on his own in front, he was working hard and got tired that last bit. I think after one start he should be fitter and know more about the racing speed, and he probably will improve. Even [Man’s] assistant trainer told me he has better control as well, so he’ll keep improving.”

Poon’s book of Sha Tin rides also includes the consistent Ka Ying Attack who will step out in the Class Three Enabling Professionals To Flourish For Their Charge Handicap (1,200m).

Poon has developed a good association with the David Hall-trained gelding, who ran a strong second to Circuit Campion last start with a drop back to 1,200m.

“He’s been unlucky the last few starts, beaten by a short margin, but he is so consistent. In this class and last start over 1,200m, he ran really well and Mr Hall said ‘maybe keep him fresh and run at 1,200m again’,” Poon said.

“Recently I have trialled on him – he trialled well – happy, sound and fresh. I think he is ready for this race.”

The Too Darn Hot galloper will jump from gate four, with Poon looking to settle towards the speed.

“I think he can go forward, or even first four, no problem,” Poon said.

“As a four-year-old he’s more mature and knows more about racing, so I think he could be in the first four no problem.”

Flying Boom has found breakthrough-winning form since stepping up to 1,600m, and will be looking for his second career win when he lines up at the same distance in the Class Four Hong Kong Jockey Club Community Trophy.

“He’s a lovely boy, I’ve liked him since day one. He keeps improving and he’s fitter – a mile is probably better for him. I think later he can go even further, but for now he knows the game and keeps improving each start,” Poon said.

Although the son of Saxon Warrior will break from barrier 12, Poon is confident he can overcome the challenge with his racing style.

“He loves to find his rhythm and run on, I know barrier twelve will probably be a little bit hard, but it won’t change much. I think we’ll just let him find his feet and click in at the right time,” Poon said.

Poon will take the reins for the first time on One Man Show when he chases a breakthrough victory in the Class Four Enabling A Sustainable Future Handicap (1,200m) on the dirt.

“It’ll be good to jump on him. I think he is quite competitive in Class Four. Hopefully I can get a good result. I’ve watched his racing – pretty simple, pretty forward. He will probably take a forward position,” Poon said.

The All Rounder has continued to show improvement despite a series of wide draws and Poon will partner him for the fourth time in the Class Four Embracing Success In Its Many Ways Handicap (1,400m).

“He’s so unlucky, always gets an outside draw. Two starts ago he got an inside draw and he ran much better. Even last start with a wide draw he still ran well, so he just needs a draw and a suitable race. I think he’ll be competitive in Class Four,” Poon said.

Viva Taste, Sonic Boom, Glorious St Paul’s and Sword Point complete Poon’s book of Sha Tin rides.