But after the 4yr-old's win in yesterday's $14,999 Roxburgh Cup, plenty of others will sit up and take notice of the exceptionally well-mannered entire.
Chin, a Mosgiel pharmacist, began breeding in 2000, and has enjoyed the racing game over the years with horses such as Virgin Venture (3 wins), Fast Lane Daisy, and Simply Scrumlicious.
He also bred and has a share in 10›win mare BetterTo Be Bad (out of Simply Scrumlicious), who loomed as a genuine chance with 400m to go in yesterday's cup before running fifth.
Chin has had many of his horses withtrainer David Mitchell, formerly of Kerrytown, near Timaru, and now in West Melton, and all reports from the early part of Provocative Prince's preparation suggested some ability was starting to come through.
‘‘He broke in well and I always had an opinion of him,'' Chin said.
‘‘When he first went to the trials he went 1.58 at Ashburton so that just confirmed what the trainer thought but you never knew until trials.''
The son of Grin from ear to ear ran second in that qualifying trial in April 2013, and has been a model of consistency over his 24 starts.
Yesterday's half-length win over Phoenix Warrior was Provocative Prince's fifth from 24 starts to go along with 12 minor placings.
‘‘It wasa good field today, too,'' Chin said.
‘‘He's definitely a good stayer. He has got anall round game as well, because he's gota bit of a sprint.''
Chin started his breeding interest when hehad Box Office Hit for a year and mated her with Perfect Art.
While the subsequent colt was never registered, Chin had the bug and is now breeding from five mares, including Provocative Prince's dam, Catherine Zeta.
His half-brother, The Lion's Roar (by Safari), is a promising 3yr old and ran fourth in a maiden race at Roxburgh yesterday.
