Pierre Ng Pang-chi hopes Galaxy Patch can take his place at the top table when his five-year-old lines up in Sunday’s Group One Longines Hong Kong Mile.

A six-time winner from 12 starts last term, Galaxy Patch continued his ascendancy with an authoritative win on seasonal reappearance in October’s Group Two Sha Tin Trophy (1,600m).

But he failed to oblige as the $1.7 favourite in the Group Two Jockey Club Mile, with the son of Wandjina only managing third after a wide trip.

He will bid to reverse the form with Jockey Club Mile winner, Voyage Bubble, and repel a host of overseas challengers when he jumps from barrier 14 in the HK$36 million contest.

“Last time didn’t go perfectly and hopefully we can execute a decent plan on Sunday,” Ng said.

“It was a very good experience for us because we used him early and we just need to think about that in the Hong Kong Mile. If we can preserve him a bit more hopefully he can finish stronger.”

While Galaxy Patch showed a potent turn of foot to surge from the rear of the field in the Group Three Lion Rock Trophy (1,600m), the Group Three Premier Plate (1,800m) and the Sha Tin Trophy, the galloper was unable to reel in Voyage Bubble in the Jockey Club Mile.

Ng’s stable star will need to defy a five-pound swing in the weights, which doesn’t seem a concern to his handler.

“I definitely think he’s going to win a Group One and that he can do it, he just needs a bit of time and experience,” Ng said.

“From gate 14, we’ll just be at the rear and wake him up in the straight.

Aside from the local challenge, which also includes April’s Group One Champions Mile victor Beauty Eternal, Galaxy Patch will have to fend off a strong overseas challenge.

Japanese raiders Jantar Mantar and Soul Rush arrive on the back of Group One wins, while Antino pushed Mr Brightside in the Group One Champions Mile (1,600m) at Flemington last time out.

“I think the internationals are very strong this year,” Ng said. “It will be very good to watch and it’s a bit of an honour to have a runner against them. It’s a big job for Galaxy Patch and hopefully he can handle it.”

Galaxy Patch will be ridden by regular rider Vincent Ho Chak-yiu, who feels his mount has progressed since his latest effort.

“He’s improved and trialled really well so I have more confidence going into Sunday,” Ho said. “I definitely think he’s ready for the Hong Kong Mile.”