Hong Kong racing continues on Saturday (13 January) for a 10-race turf fixture.
Highly-promising sprinter GALAXY PATCH will attract the most attention on day as the Pierre Ng-trained gelding looks set to continue his ascent in the ratings as he steps into Class 2 for the first time.
GALAXY PATCH has been a standout performer among the four-year-olds this season, securing victories in three out of four starts. His only defeat came second-up when, in hindsight, he made an unusual switch to the all-weather track. However, since then, he has claimed two consecutive wins, leaving a strong impression that he is on track to become one of Hong Kong’s top sprinters.
He's talented! Galaxy Patch storms down the centre of the track to collect a third win at just his fourth start, sealing a @KarisTeetan double at Sha Tin… ✌️@LONGINES | #HKIR | #HKracing pic.twitter.com/8U7OafSjEV
— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) December 10, 2023
As a four-year-old, Ng might be under pressure to consider advancing the rising star to longer distances for the Classic Series. But first things first, despite the step up in grade this week, GALAXY PATCH doesn’t face an overly challenging Class 2 field, and he should be asserting his dominance once again.
One race later, a full field of four-year-olds will line up in the age-restricted Class 3 Handicap over 1600m, vying for ratings and a spot in the forthcoming Hong Kong Classic Mile.
Leading the field is CHANCHENG GLORY, who has won his last four starts since moving up to the mile and donning blinkers. His latest victory added another string to his bow, as he was ridden off the pace on that occasion, in contrast to his previous wins when he led from start to finish.
🖐️ Five in a row!? Chancheng Glory is seeking yet another win this Saturday at Sha Tin… @LyleHewitson #4YOSeries | #HKracing pic.twitter.com/EOtjfsX5lV
— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) January 11, 2024
Checking in a length third to CHANCHENG GLORY on that occasion was SIMPLE HEDGE, who could benefit from a 7lb pull in the weights this week.
Look out for second-up improvement from ELLIPTICAL and KA YING GENERATION. Both showed promise on their Hong Kong debuts and should appreciate more ground in time.
Speed Dragon goes right over the top! 🔥 J-Mac and Francis Lui combine with the New Zealand import, who secures a first win in Hong Kong at his third start… @mcacajamez | #HKracing pic.twitter.com/8ZFsiBopRb
— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) December 17, 2023
Meanwhile, SPEED DRAGON and STAR MAC are both coming off solid last-start performances. SPEED DRAGON secured his first local win when blinkers went on for the first time last start, and STAR MAC finished a length behind in third after a slow start.
