David Hall believes Atullibigeal can continue his ascension in Saturday’s Class One Panasonic Cup (1,400m) as the 60-year-old trainer eyes his 600th Hong Kong win.

With the handler requiring just one victory to secure the milestone, Hall hopes last-start winner Atullibigeal will keep progressing on his first step into Class One company.

“If things pan out his way like they did last start, I’m sure he’ll be very competitive again,” Hall said. “We hoped he’d come back a bit better this season, and his win certainly verified that.”

A two-time winner from his 11 outings last season, Atullibigeal could not lay a glove on the leaders when 13th in the Hong Kong Derby (2,000m) and subsequently failed to fire on his final three outings of the campaign.

On resumption, Atullibigeal was sent off an $11 chance in the Class Two Equestrian Handicap (1,440m), with first-season rider Keagan de Melo in the saddle. Settling in midfield, De Melo waited patiently for a gap before flashing home to lead in the closing stages.

“He got the run at the right time and had to quicken up in a short space of time, which was hard to do,” Hall said. “Keagan couldn’t get too busy on him because he didn’t have time.

“He’s been a bit fragile, but hopefully, the horse has more to offer. It’s a handicap, and he’s in the race with a light weight.”

Atullibigeal is aiming to follow in the footsteps of stablemate Beluga, who won last year’s renewal of the Panasonic Cup.

“Beluga won a couple of good races and was very consistent, whereas Atullibigeal had a Derby preparation,” Hall said. “He’s a different style of horse. He’s got a better turn of foot than Beluga.”

Among Atullibigeal’s seven opponents include last season’s Group Three Premier Plate (1,800m) winner Tuchel, and Circuit Stellar, last seen finishing fourth in the Group Two Sha Tin Trophy (1,600m).

Hall saddles seven runners at Sha Tin on Saturday, with stablemates Invincible Sage and Summit Cheers hunting for consecutive wins when they clash in the Class Three Panasonic 4K TV Handicap (1,000m).

“They’re both last-start winners and, unfortunately, they have to clash. The race came up, and it’s suitable for both of them,” Hall said.

Invincible Sage defied gate one to sprint clear of his rivals over this course and distance last month, and Hugh Bowman will hop aboard once again after serving his five-meeting suspension.

“Invincible Sage is going to have to carry a big weight. He’s not a big horse, so that’s a little bit of an impost to him,” Hall said. “Summit Cheers is in good form, and he’s carrying a light weight, so we’ll just see which one has the luck on the day.”

Flying Mojito makes his reappearance after signing off with a win last term, while Sun Of Makfi, Dazzling Fellow and Northern Beast complete Hall’s Saturday squad.