He rode him like the best horse in the race and Galaxy Patch left jockey Vincent Ho Chak-yiu in no doubt the electric four-year-old is a “future star” after exploding late to claim Sunday’s Group Three Premier Plate (1,800m).

Second last straightening for home in a sluggishly run Premier Plate, Galaxy Patch reeled off a 21.69-second final 400m to swamp his rivals late and bank a second Group Three victory from as many starts.

“He’s a future star and he’s got plenty of potential. He was the best horse in the field, I think, and that’s why he can do something like this,” Ho said after settling Galaxy Patch near the back of the field after a moderate getaway from gate 10.

“From a wide barrier, we just wanted him to settle and he was still a little bit keen probably the first 400m and then he relaxed just before entering the turn.

“I just took my time to let him slowly slide forward and asked him for an effort and he’s a very decent horse.”

Galaxy Patch’s booming finish wasn’t too dissimilar to some of the great Golden Sixty’s victories and it’s not impossible Ho will have to forego the ride on Galaxy Patch to partner Golden Sixty in December’s Group One Hong Kong Mile.

Golden Sixty’s connections have left the door ajar for a Hong Kong International Races swansong, while Galaxy Patch’s trainer, Pierre Ng Pang-chi, must now work out which distance he thinks is best for a galloper who boasts Group Three wins at 1,600m and 1,800m, a Group One second at 1,400m and a Hong Kong Derby second at 2,000m.

“He’s been over shorter distances and now to 1,800m. He’s pretty much like an all-rounder to me. Definitely we’re aiming for big races. Let’s see what the schedule comes up with,” Ng said when asked what next season could look like for Galaxy Patch.

While Ho finished the day with a double after his earlier win aboard Joy Of Spring and Andrea Atzeni (Greenwich and Awesome Fluke) also landed a brace, it was Jerry Chau Chun-lok who took the riding honours with his first treble since 2021.

Chau opened his account with victory aboard Dennis Yip Chor-hong’s $34 chance Young Brilliant before striking twice for Benno Yung Tin-pang, first with Top Peak and then James Tak.

“At the beginning of the season, he was a bit immature and difficult to settle,” Chau said after Top Peak made it consecutive victories. “Now, he’s getting better and this race was perfect for him. He travelled well and at the 600m he felt great. He did a very good job and I think he will improve again next season.”

Chau’s haul moved him to 33 victories for the campaign and lifted him into the top 10 in the jockeys’ premiership, while Yung ticked over to 28 successes with six meetings remaining in the season.