Vincent Ho Chak-yiu anointed Galaxy Patch as the galloper who will replace Golden Sixty as Hong Kong’s top miler after his victorious return in the Group Two Sha Tin Trophy (1,600m) on Sunday.

And in an ominous warning to rivals heading towards the Group One Hong Kong Mile in December, Ho declared Galaxy Patch was “only 70 per cent” fit despite easily dispatching of a quality field in Sunday’s feature.

“He’s a horse that [will] probably replace Golden Sixty at the mile,” a beaming Ho said after Galaxy Patch stormed home to win by a length and a half.

“He’s got great talent and he will be the next future star, I would say. At the moment, he’s only 70 per cent. Based on his form last season, he would have smashed them easier today but it was enough for him to win today by just stretching out by himself.”

Starting the $2.1 favourite, Galaxy Patch settled second last in the field of nine and was eased out three wide at the 800m to latch onto the back of Voyage Bubble.

Ho let the Pierre Ng Pang-chi-trained gelding loose early in the straight and he soared past leading duo, Beauty Eternal and Chancheng Glory, at the 150m.

He drew clear late to comfortably account for Group One winner Voyage Bubble, who was brave in defeat after racing three wide without cover for the entire race.

Chancheng Glory held on for third, while Group One winner Beauty Eternal could only manage sixth after setting the pace.

Ho won his third Sha Tin Trophy following his success on Golden Sixty (2020) and Rise High (2019).

Hong Kong’s top home-grown jockey didn’t have to wait long to fill the void left by Golden Sixty, who he guided to 10 Group One wins and a world record HK$167 million in prize money. The champion galloper was officially retired last month.

“He’s still maturing, of course,” Ho said of Galaxy Patch. “Once he relaxed, he can put the race to sleep and he also had a great turn of foot. It’s early season, the first race for him, and the preparation is [going] very well.”

Crowned Hong Kong’s best four-year-old last season, Galaxy Patch emerged as a rising star with six wins, including June’s Group Three Lion Rock Trophy (1,600m) and Group Three Premier Plate (1,800m).

The son of Wandjina also ran slashing seconds in the Group One Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1,400m) and Hong Kong Derby (2,000m).

Ng said Galaxy Patch has improved since last term as he plots a path towards the Longines Hong Kong International Races and other Group Ones in the future.

“He did grow a little bit taller,” Ng said. “In his trackwork, he just feels like he doesn’t have to use energy at all. With his stride length, he definitely looks improved from last season.

“Racing-wise, he’s more professional, more relaxed and if he can be more relaxed in the parade ring, I’ll be a bit happier.”

Galaxy Patch’s next target will be the Group Two Jockey Club Mile on November 17.

“Definitely he’s got the potential - it’s how we manage to get him up there,” Ng said.

“We’ll just do it by each race and hopefully he can go further and better.

“He’s the right horse that every trainer wants to train and we’re just looking forward to [the Jockey Club Mile] and then December.”