“If I was asked what’s the horse I’m most excited about going forward, it would be New Future Folks. Hopefully he can keep raising the bar for me.”

Searching for more winners to add to his tally of three for the season, Ben Thompson is pinning his hopes on New Future Folks as the potential Classic Mile candidate chases a second straight victory at Sha Tin on Sunday.

The Australian jockey’s faith in the Michael Chang Chun-wai-trained gelding was vindicated last start when he broke through for his first career triumph in dominant style.

After flashing potential with three placings from his first four starts, New Future Folks relished the rise to 1,400m to cruise to a two-and-a-half length win on December 15.

“He’d been knocking on the door before breaking his maiden last time, so it was nice to see him get the first win and hopefully he can make it two in a row,” Thompson said.

“He won really well and he’s always given the indication that he’s got above average ability. Even before breaking through, he finished behind and around some nice horses.”

New Future Folks steps up to Class Three level for the first time in Sunday’s final race, the Broadwood Handicap (1,400m), which features brilliant last-start winner Packing Angel and an array of other Classic Mile hopefuls.

“I’m looking forward to seeing how he acquits himself in Class Three,” Thompson said.

“He needs to keep stepping up, but he’s got a nice draw [barrier five]. He’s had five starts now and I’d like to think that he can keep improving off of what he’s already done.”

Other dangers to New Future Folks include Light Years Charm off an unlucky fifth on his local debut, last-start runner-up Silo, Patch Of Cosmo and intriguing Hong Kong debutant King Of Fighters, who brings strong form from Australia and has trialled brilliantly for Tony Cruz.

Armed with one of his better books of rides for the season, Thompson also has high hopes for Bundle Of Charm in the Class Two Pak Tam Chung Handicap (1,650m) on dirt.

The John Size-trained gelding is a two-time dirt winner, albeit over 1,200m, and ran a solid race at the course and distance late last term when fourth to Adefill.

“Last time I thought his run was honest and it was only 1,000m,” Thompson said of Bundle Of Charm’s sixth behind Stellar Express.

“Obviously John Size’s stable is in great form. It’s a small field, he has no weight and from the outside looking in, there’s no doubting his fitness. He’s more than capable.”

Bundle Of Charm jumps from barrier four with just 116 pounds on his back. Sword Point, Mr Ascendency, Capital Delight, Call Me Glorious, Telecom Fighters, Turin Mascot and Yellowfin are his rivals in the all-weather event.

Thompson is also keen on Aurio’s chances in the Class Three Tai Tong Shan Handicap (1,000m), with the David Hayes-trained gelding backing up from a fast-finishing third down the straight last Sunday.

“He found the line stronger than anything else,” Thompson said.

“He’s on the quick back up – we’ll know he copes after Sunday, but it can be a good thing. He’s drawn the right side of the track in barrier 12. He’s definitely a horse to look forward to.”

Strongest Boy, Von Baer and Cosmo Light are the other Sha Tin rides for Thompson, who is keen to turn recent placings into more winners.

“The support that I’m receiving has been great and the quality seems to keep getting better,” the 27-year-old said.

“I’ve had a few placings in the last week or so, but hopefully the next winner is on Sunday.”