Blake Shinn is optimistic Galaxy Patch is poised for a peak performance in the HK$13 million G1 Stewards’ Cup (1600m) at Sha Tin on Sunday (19 January) when the Australian reunites with one of Hong Kong’s most exciting horses.

With three Group 1 victories among his 79 wins in Hong Kong, Shinn is hopeful Pierre Ng-trained Galaxy Patch can return to winning form after a string of luckless runs this season, including a last-start seventh in the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile (1600m) behind Voyage Bubble on 8 December.

“He’s such a talented horse, as we all know. He’s been running well all season. His run in the Hong Kong Mile – despite having no luck at a vital stage from barrier 14 – was phenomenal.

“So, it’s great to be back aboard. Obviously, I ran second on him in the (BMW Hong Kong) Derby and I’ve ridden him a couple of times. He’s trialled nice since his last run, looks to be going well and I’m just grateful to Pierre and the owners for asking me to ride him.”

One of Hong Kong’s most versatile horses with seven wins from 1200m to 1800m, a Group 1 second at 1400m and a neck second in the BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m), Galaxy Patch will jump from barrier three on Sunday, when he reopposes Voyage Bubble, California Spangle, Beauty Eternal, Beauty Joy, Chancheng Glory, Red Lion and Patch Of Theta.

The Stewards’ Cup is the first leg of the Triple Crown series with a HK$10 million bonus on offer to any horse who can also win the HK$13 million G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) on 23 February and HK$13 million G1 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup (2400m) on 25 May.

Shinn will ride Beauty Waves for Ng in the HK$13 million G1 Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m), where the consistent speedster will face track record-holder Ka Ying Rising, Victor The Winner, Helios Express, Howdeepisyourlove, Invincible Sage, Lucky With You and Magic Control.

Beauty Waves followed his sixth to Ka Ying Rising in the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) last month with a third to Howdeepisyourlove in the G3 Bauhinia Sprint Trophy Handicap (1000m) on 1 January, taking his overall record to four wins and eight minor placings from 16 starts in Hong Kong.

“My horse is very honest. You only have to look at his form, he never runs a bad race and his run in the Hong Kong Sprint was really good after drawing a wide barrier – he hit the line really well,” Shinn said.

“I know we’re meeting an absolute superstar in Ka Ying Rising but hopefully we have a nice run and get some prizemoney for the owners.”

The Centenary Sprint Cup marks the start of the three-race Hong Kong Speed Series, which carries a HK$5 million bonus for any horse which wins all three races. The second leg is the HK$13 million G1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) on 23 February, while the HK$22 million G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) on 27 April is the third leg.

Apart from his Group 1 rides on Galaxy Patch and Beauty Waves, Shinn will partner Cambridge, Prestige Always and Divine Moonlight for Ng. The Australian also teams with Caspar Fownes-trained Fantastic Fun, Galvanic and Flying Luck and Jamie Richards’ Storming Dragon and Seasons Wit.

“It’s exciting, it’s good,” Shinn said of his bookings.

Shinn will again return to Hong Kong to partner Divano for Francis Lui in the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m) on 31 January.

New Zealander James McDonald returns to Hong Kong for the first time since December, bidding to add to his 19 wins from only 89 rides for the season. Apart from Voyage Bubble, McDonald partners Howdeepisyourlove, Blazing Wind, Matsu Victor, Leslie, Jolly Ruler, Gracious Express, Bundle Award, Romantic Thor and Lady’s Choice.

Australian Craig Williams, who has 123 Hong Kong wins to his credit, takes the mount on Magic Control for Cody Mo as well as Talents Supremo, Chater Gold, Forerunner, Chain Of Gold, Lost Child, Noble Pursuit and Aurio.

Sunday’s (19 January) 11-race card at Sha Tin starts with the Class 4 Beat The Clock Handicap (1200m) at 12.30pm.