If you want a window into the ambition of first-year trainer Pierre Ng Pang-chi, you do not have to look any further than the fact his recent run of hot form is very much “things going to plan” rather than any exceedance of expectations.

After starting the season slower than expected with only one September success, Ng now sits eighth in the trainers’ premiership with nine victories after five winners from the past four meetings.

“Things are going to plan now, but compared to my expectations, things started a little bit slower than I thought they would,” Ng said.

“The results have come. The process was just a bit slower than what I thought it was going to be. It’s been good to learn from it, though.”

Hong Kong’s newest local trainer, who cut his teeth under John Size, Francis Lui Kin-wai and Paul O’Sullivan before receiving his own licence this term, has 13 seconds and 13 thirds to go with his nine winners and he is pleased with how his young stable is operating.

“I’m definitely happy. Things are working out pretty well, and the stable staff have been working very hard,” Ng said. “Hopefully, we can get more results and keep everyone happy.”

After Ng’s first career winner, Super Commander, notched his second success for the stable at Happy Valley on Wednesday night, the trainer hopes Stunning Impact can also double up on Saturday with his second consecutive victory at Sha Tin.

The seven-year-old received a nine-point ratings hike for his impressive three-length victory under Silvestre de Sousa four weeks ago, and he rises in grade for the Class Three Panasonic Nanoe x Thermo Ventilator Handicap (1,400m).

De Sousa retains the ride and Stunning Impact, who carries just 120 pounds, has drawn nicely in gate four.

“It’s his first time in Class Three and I think he’ll run well,” Ng said. “His last run was outstanding. I think in Class Three, with the light weight, he’ll put in a good performance and run a good race, but the competition is a bit stronger.”

Also among Ng’s six runners this weekend is Marado, whom – like Stunning Impact – he inherited from the Paul O’Sullivan yard.

The six-year-old improved considerably from his first to second starts this season and with a rating of 52, sits on the same mark as his sole victory, which came in June last year.

The in-form De Sousa was in the saddle for Marado’s last-start third and while the Brazilian has committed to ride Tony Millard’s Speed Fay Fay in this contest, Ng has found the best possible replacement in runaway championship leader Zac Purton.

“He’s been performing well. First up he ran fifth and when he ran [third] with De Sousa on him, he was a bit unlucky for the last 200m and didn’t get a clear run,” Ng said.

“This time, I was looking for De Sousa but he had a ride, so I found Zac to get on him. Hopefully, he can be first past the winning post this time.”

Ng also saddles Flaming Eagle, Infinite Power, Billionaire Secret and Reve Parisien.