Vincent Ho Chak-yu has named Galaxy Patch as the galloper to replace Golden Sixty, who won the Group 2 Sha Tin Trophy (1,600m) on Sunday, as Hong Kong’s top miler.
And in an ominous warning to rivals heading into December’s Group 1 Hong Kong Mile, Mr Ho said that despite dispatching quality Baba with ease in Sunday’s feature, the Galaxy patch was “70 per cent He declared that he was not fit.
“He’s that kind of horse.” [will] I’ll probably replace Golden Sixty in the mile,” said a beaming Ho after Galaxy Patch charged home to win by a length and a half.
“I think he’s a great talent and will be the next future star. At the moment he’s only at 70%. Based on his form last season, I think he’ll be able to break through opponents more easily today. He could have done it, but just his stretch today was enough to win.”
Galaxy Patch, who started as the $2.1 favorite, was second to last in a nine-horse field and was three lengths out at the 800-meter mark, slotting in behind Voyage Bubble.
Ho let the Pierre N’ Punchy-trained gelding escape early in the straight, jumping over the leading pair of Beauty Eternal and Changcheng Glory by 150 metres.
He drew comfortably late on Group 1 winner Voyage Bubble and bravely lost after racing three wide without cover for the entire race.
Changcheng Glory held on to third place, while Group 1 winner Beauty Eternal could only maintain sixth place after setting the pace.
It was Ho’s third Sha Tin Trophy, following his success with Golden Sixty (2020) and Rise High (2019).
Hong Kong’s top jockey didn’t have to wait long to fill the void left by Golden Sixty, who led him to 10 Group 1 wins and a world record prize money of HK$167 million. The champion galloper officially retired last month.
“Obviously, he’s still growing,” Ho said of Galaxy Patch. “Once he relaxed, he was able to take a break from racing and his foot rotation was great. It’s early in the season, it’s his first race, and it’s hard to prepare. [going] very well. “
Galaxy Patch, who was crowned Hong Kong’s best 4-year-old horse last season, has emerged as a rising star with six wins, including the Group 3 Lion Rock Trophy (1,600m) and Group 3 Premier Plate (1,800m) in June. .
Wandjina’s son also ran well by seconds in the Group 1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1,400m turf) and the Hong Kong Derby (2,000m turf).
Ng said Galaxy Patch has improved since last term and is planning a path to the Longines Hong Kong International Race and other Group 1 races in the future.
“He has grown a little taller,” Ng said. “I feel like he doesn’t have to use any energy with his track work, his stride length is longer and he definitely seems to have improved from last season.
“When it comes to racing, he’s more professional and more relaxed. If he could be more relaxed in the parade ring, I’d be a little bit happier.”
Galaxy Patch’s next goal will be the Group 2 Jockey Club Mile on November 17th.
“He definitely has potential and that’s how we get him there,” Ng said.
“We’ll just take it race by race and hopefully he can get even better.
“He’s the perfect horse that every trainer wants to train and we’re just looking forward to it.” [the Jockey Club Mile] And December. ”
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