From the start of the 1950 season, Hill Prince was regarded as one of the main contenders for the Triple Crown races, along with Oil Capitol, Middleground, and the Californian colt Your Host. On his seasonal debut he won the Experimental Handicap No. 1 at Jamaica, leading to him being promoted to challenge Oil Capitol as Derby favorite.
Hill Prince was seen as a top contender for the Triple Crown races from the start of the 1950 season, alongside Oil Capitol, Middleground, and Your Host. His victory in the Experimental Handicap No. 1 at Jamaica led to him being favored to challenge Oil Capitol in the Derby.