There’s a sense of excitement in Hugh Bowman’s voice when he speaks about Classic Series prospect Mickley.

“He’s an exciting horse,” the Australian ace beamed. “He was excellent first up and he’ll be much better for that. He’ll improve significantly I would have thought and there’s a lot to look forward to.”

After an eye-catching fourth on his Hong Kong debut, Mickley will continue his path to the four-year-old series when he tackles Sunday’s Class Three Lukfook Jewellery Dear Q Handicap (1,600m) at Sha Tin.

The son of Soldier’s Call won three in a row in the United Kingdom, including the Britannia Stakes (1,600m) at Royal Ascot in June, before joining John Size.

Despite labouring in several dirt trials leading up to his first start in the city, Mickley made an impression when charging from near last with an inside run to finish fourth to Charming Legend over 1,400m.

“I was really happy with his first trial but after that, being on the all-weather track, I wasn’t getting a true guide,” Bowman said.

“We got to the turf and rode him conservatively and his performance was excellent. He’s a really nice, young horse.”

Bowman expects the step up to the mile to suit Mickley as he continues his build-up to the first leg of the four-year-old series, the Classic Mile on January 31.

“I’m sure the distance won’t hurt him and I think he can get further,” Bowman said.

“You would imagine the Derby would be his target. It’s still early days, but I’d be surprised if he wasn’t capable of getting the Derby distance.”

Size, who combined with Bowman to win last season’s Classic Mile with Helios Express, has applied a tongue tie for Mickley’s second-up assignment after noting he raced with his tongue out last month.

Mickley clashes with plenty of other Classic Mile hopefuls on Sunday.

Sky Trust is in top form for Caspar Fownes with two impressive wins this season, Cap Ferrat makes his Hong Kong debut for Francis Lui Kin-wai after two Group One placings in Australia and New Zealand Group Three victor Lupo Solitario is coming off a fast-finishing seventh on his Hong Kong debut for Frankie Lor Fu-chuen.

Second in the jockeys’ premiership with 24 wins this term, Bowman will also ride Family Fortune, The Khan, Elegant Life, Polaris, Devas Twelve, Amazing Run and Aeris Nova on Sunday.

“Devas Twelve has drawn beautifully and Amazing Run’s going well,” Bowman said.

Wide draws have plagued Devas Twelve on his past two starts, but the Chris So Wai-yin-trained gelding looks well placed from gate two in the Class Four Lukfook Jewellery Goldstyle Handicap (1,600m).

Amazing Run didn’t fare so well ahead of the Class Four Lukfook Jewellery Heirloom Fortune Collection Handicap (1,400m), drawing wide in barrier 13.