Pierre Ng is confident that seven-time Hong Kong champion jockey Zac Purton can bring out the best in GALAXY PATCH when the talented gelding contests the HK$5.35 million G2 Chairman’s Trophy (1600m) at Sha Tin on Sunday, 30 March. Purton, returning from a foot injury sustained on 9 February, has a strong book of nine rides, including Ka Ying Rising in the HK$5.35 million G2 Sprint Cup (1200m) and GALAXY PATCH.
Despite four consecutive defeats since his explosive winning return over 1600m on 13 October under Vincent Ho, GALAXY PATCH retains Ng’s strong faith. With Blake Shinn aboard for the past two outings, the gelding finished eighth behind Voyage Bubble in the HK$13 million G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) on 23 February. However, Ng believes Purton holds the key after a promising 1200m dirt trial at Sha Tin on 21 March, where the gelding appeared more composed than ever.
“Zac trialled him really well. I’ve never seen the horse so relaxed early in a trial, so I think we’ve found the right person for him. Hopefully, he can win the Group 2, and we can look forward to the Group 1 next month,” Ng said, referencing the HK$24 million G1 FWD Champions Mile (1600m) at Sha Tin on 27 April.
Currently rated 124, GALAXY PATCH is the fifth-highest-rated horse in Hong Kong. Ng remains optimistic about his progress, highlighting the gelding’s maturity and professionalism as key factors for continued improvement. Drawn in barrier nine, he will compete against 11 rivals, including Beauty Eternal, Beauty Joy, Chancheng Glory, Ensued, Happy Together, Red Lion, Straight Arron, La City Blanche, Moments In Time, Nimble Nimbus, and Sunlight Power.
Meanwhile, Cody Mo is preparing Magic Control for a competitive run in the Sprint Cup against Ka Ying Rising, with Harry Bentley tasked with extracting the best from the Sioux Nation gelding. Magic Control has excelled over 1000m at Sha Tin with three wins and two seconds from five attempts, though his three 1200m outings have produced a third and two sixth-place finishes.
