Galaxy Patch will get the chance to secure consecutive victories in Sunday’s (19 October) HK$5.35 million G2 Sha Tin Trophy Handicap (1600m) at Sha Tin, a rare feat achieved only by Beauty Generation (2017 & 2018) and California Spangle (2022 & 2023).

Galaxy Patch was once considered the heir apparent to Golden Sixty’s rule over Hong Kong’s mile ranks, but was superseded by the unrelenting Voyage Bubble, who also dominated the city’s middle-distance and staying divisions with an historic Triple Crown triumph last season – the second in Hong Kong racing history after legend River Verdon (1993/94).

Returning first-up this weekend, Galaxy Patch, who has always displayed elite level qualities worthy of top-line success, including during two runner-up finishes at Group 1 level as well as a second in the 2024 HK$26 million BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m), makes his reappearance after three barrier trials with jockey Jerry Chau for trainer Pierre Ng. Chau credits an enhanced temperament as a potential key to success for the six-year-old by Wandjina.  

“Galaxy Patch is more settled down this year. Hopefully, he has a good finish. In his trials, he’s given me a good finish every time, I have good hopes for him. I am really excited. He’s a very good horse and he’s shown his quality. Hopefully, his first run, and with a middle weight (122lb before declarations), it can help him,” Chau said.

The mercurial gelding’s racing manners have been costly at times, but they have been offset by supreme talent and a devastating closing speed – highlighted by success in this race last year. His near-miss in the 2024 BMW Hong Kong Derby saw him surge home from last position at the 600m mark to finish second behind Massive Sovereign.

“I need to thank Pierre for giving me the support. After three trials he’s got his form back and been fitter and fitter. He picked up really well in the last trial (behind My Wish), and I was really happy with his form,” Chau said. “It’s a very tough race with My Wish – he’s very good and he has a light weight. Voyage Bubble, as well, has the class in the race.”

Entries for Sunday’s first Group 2 contest include Voyage Bubble, Red Lion, Beauty Joy, Straight Arron, My Wish, Copartner Prance, Happy Together, Beauty Eternal, Cap Ferrat, Ensued, Sword Point, Victor The Winner and Moments In Time. Reserves for the race are Sunlight Power, Massive Sovereign, Rubylot and Bundle Award.

Silver Lining (1978 & 1981) and Right Way (1992 & 1996) are the Sha Tin Trophy’s only other dual winners, although neither horse could do so in succession. The race was first staged in 1978 to commemorate the opening of the racecourse.

Frankie Lor – Hong Kong Champion Trainer in 2021/22 – is harbouring modest expectations when he saddles Happy Together and Sword Point this weekend.

“Because Alexis (Badel) is on My Wish, I have asked Karis (Teetan) to ride Happy Together for me – they all have a light weight in the race. I will gallop him on Thursday (16 October) with Karis aboard. I wanted to do it earlier, but Karis went to Conghua,” Lor said. “The horse is healthy and in good form, but he’s always unlucky – placing after placing. He’s very consistent.”

Group 3 winner Happy Together returned in eye-catching fashion first-up when third under top-weight (135lb) to My Wish in the HK$4.2 million G3 Celebration Cup Handicap (1400m) last month.

Lor said: “He can get some prize money for the owners, which is good. His first-up run was really good. Maybe with the light weight it might be different for him.”

Meanwhile, Lor feels Sword Point is better suited to the dirt moving forward. The American Pharoah gelding won twice in Class 2 on Sha Tin’s alternate surface last term.

“Sword Point, it looks like the dirt is better for him. I made a gear change, David (Probert) rode him in the trial, and I used the visor on the horse. He looked better, so maybe the gear woke him up a little bit. David rides him in the race,” Lor said.