It was the biggest win by a PP on debut in Hong Kong in at least 20 years, but history suggests Solid State will have a tough time backing up his explosive Sha Tin victory on Saturday.

The former Australian galloper made an emphatic statement in his first start for Frankie Lor Fu-chuen, making all to beat the in-form Superb Spirit by five and a quarter lengths in a Class Three sprint.

While Lor had high hopes for a strong Hong Kong debut after Solid State won two of his three lead-up trials, the dominant winning margin – the second biggest of the season, only behind Blazing Wind’s dirt triumph – was completely unexpected.

“My big concern was he hadn’t won in Australia, but in Hong Kong the horse was training well and trialled well. I thought he would run well but I didn’t think he would win by more than five lengths,” Lor said.

Solid State arrived in Hong Kong with far less expectations than those placed on him in Australia, where he was an expensive yearling buy at A$1.75 million (HK$9.51 million) for global breeding giant Coolmore Stud.

Racing as United States, the impeccably bred son of Snitzel managed only a second on debut as a two-year-old at Randwick from seven starts, thwarting Coolmore’s hopes for him to become a stallion prospect.

“When the owner bought the horse he gelded him, so maybe that made a difference. This owner didn’t have a horse in my stable, but his son had a horse with me before, so he gave me a chance to train this horse,” Lor said.

Despite copping a hefty penalty of 12 rating points for Saturday’s victory, Lor is confident Solid State can prove it was no fluke when he returns next season as a four-year-old.

Proving it was not a once-off, however, will be difficult given the trend of PPs (Private Purchases) in Hong Kong.

Longwah Supreme, who boasted the previous best winning margin of a PP on debut in the city in the last 20 years, won his first three starts for Michael Chang Chun-wai in 2011 but failed to record another victory from his next 26 runs.

Regency Legend followed his four-length romp in his first Hong Kong start with another three victories in a row, but then struggled. Enhanced bolted in by three and a half lengths first up but never won another race.

Beauty Legacy is the most infamous case. Arriving with a Group Two victory and Group One second on his record in Australia, he stormed home for a stunning win in his Hong Kong debut for John Size, but went on to fall short of expectations and never won again.

There are exceptions – none more so than Military Attack, who backed up his debut triumph with another nine, including three Group Ones. Werther went on to win the Hong Kong Derby and multiple Group Ones.

It is rare for PPs to win their local debut but this season has produced 11 – the most in the last 20 years, according to data compiled by former SCMP racing editor and HK Winning Factor form analyst Alan Aitken.

It remains to be seen what Solid State and those others can deliver going forward.

Ferraris and Chau join Shergar Cup team

Luke Ferraris will fulfil a lifelong dream when he joins Vincent Ho Chak-yiu and Jerry Chau Chun-lok in Team Hong Kong in next month’s Shergar Cup at Ascot.

Ferraris and Chau were unveiled as Ho’s teammates on the weekend, with the talented trio set to take on some of the world’s premier riders in the annual jockeys’ competition.

“It’s been a dream of mine to ride at Ascot, so I’m really looking forward to it. I’ve been to Royal Ascot and that was amazing, so it’ll be really interesting to actually ride there,” Ferraris said.

“I’m sure the Shergar Cup is going to be just as good and I’m proud to be representing Hong Kong, it’s an honour and a privilege.”

Sir Delius a Vase chance?

Australia’s best galloper, Sir Delius, could be bound for the Group One Hong Kong Vase (2,400m) in December.

Connections of the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained three-time Group One winner have indicated a trip to Hong Kong is a likely option after his Cox Plate campaign.