Galaxy Patch could next take on the might of Golden Sixty or Romantic Warrior on FWD Champions Day (Sunday, April 28) at Sha Tin.
After his slashing second in Sunday's HK$26 million Hong Kong Derby (2000m) behind Massive Sovereign, Galaxy Patch will be set for the HK$22 million Group 1 Champions Mile (1600m) or HK$28 million Group 1 QEII Cup (2000m) – holding entries for both contests.
Golden Sixty chases a fourth consecutive FWD Champions Mile, while Romantic Warrior is aiming for a hat-trick of FWD QEII Cup wins, leaving trainer Pierre Ng eager to halt either of the star galloper's famed streaks with his rapidly improving four-year-old.
“I will talk with Blake (Shinn) but we'll either go to the Mile or FWD QEII Cup. I don't think he will go back to sprinting. I think he can do a mile or further – we'll see how he pulls up,” Ng said.
Galaxy Patch is one of Hong Kong's hottest talents. He is a four-time winner from nine starts in the city, having placed at Group 1 level two runs back in the HK$13 million Group 1 Queen's Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) behind California Spangle.
“Galaxy Patch tried 2000 metres for the first time and he did it in the Derby. It was a very promising run. No one could have predicted what he could do but Blake has shown us what he is capable of doing,” Ng said.
Galaxy Patch had previously only ever raced as far as 1400m before his bold Hong Kong Derby tilt for Ng, which nearly came through with success. By Wandjina, Galaxy Patch has earnt HK$16.66 million for his owner.
“He was a bit unlucky over the last 200 metres, but he got a clear run from there and finished close. I know we can't have a second crack at the Derby, but we have a potential Group horse for later on,” Ng said.
Stablemate Ka Ying Generation finished a brave third for Ng in the Hong Kong Derby.
Aiming to return following a setback, Golden Sixty's preparation ramped up on Tuesday morning ahead of Champions Day – his planned final start – with a grass gallop for trainer Francis Lui at Sha Tin, clocking 31.9s, 27.2s, 24.8s (1:23.9s).