Galaxy Patch’s electrifying turn of foot was once again on full display at Sha Tin on Sunday (23 June) as he strode to a powerful victory in the HK$4.2 million G3 Premier Plate Handicap (1800m) for trainer Pierre Ng.
Handled by a cool Vincent Ho – who praised his mount post-race – Galaxy Patch went from near-last to first in the home straight. The four-year-old clocked 1m 48.64s for the win, sailing over the final 200m in 21.69s as the race's second favourite.
"He's a future star and he's got plenty of potential. He was the best horse in the field, I think, and that's why he can do something like this. From a wide barrier (10), we just wanted him to settle and he was still a little bit keen probably over the first 400 (metres) and then he relaxed just before entering the turn," Ho said.
Galaxy Patch won the HK$4.2 million G3 Lion Rock Trophy Handicap (1600m) earlier this month, adding to a growing record of six wins from 12 starts in Hong Kong, which includes consecutive runner-up finishes in this season's HK$13 million G1 Queen's Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) and HK$26 million BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m).
"I just took my time to let him slowly slide forward and asked him for an effort and he's a very decent horse," Ho said. "Thanks to Pierre's team for their support and trust – to be able to ride good horses like this is everything."
Beauty Joy finished second by a neck with Happy Together filling third. Chancheng Glory was a 2/1 favourite to win, although could only manage fourth position.
"It was probably from an impossible position. He's (Galaxy Patch) been over shorter distances and now to 1800 (metres), he ran second over 2000," Ng said.
"He's pretty much like an all-rounder to me – a typically Australian style of horse, starting from short to long. As you can see behind the gates, he's much more mature today. I hope we can see him more mature next season."
"Definitely we're aiming for big races. Let's see what the schedule comes up with."
Victory capped a treble for Ng, who regained the trainers' championship lead ahead of Francis Lui (65-63). Ng won both feature races today as Mugen and jockey Karis Teetan reeled in California Spangle in the HK$4.2 million G3 Premier Cup Handicap (1400m).
Hong Kong racing continues at Happy Valley on Wednesday (26 June).
