Pierre Ng Pang-chi is hoping Blake Shinn’s patience and prowess can be a big advantage for Galaxy Patch when the improving galloper steps up to 2,000m in the Hong Kong Derby on March 24.

Galaxy Patch will aim to stretch out from 1,000m to 2,000m in the space of only three weeks when he contests the final leg of the four-year-old series and while he heads into unknown territory over the extended trip, Ng believes Shinn’s skills in the saddle are perfect for the son of Wandjina.

“Blake is a very patient rider and he knows Hong Kong well,” Ng said. “With his hands, I think he’ll be very suitable for Galaxy Patch.”

A four-time winner from his first five starts in the city, Galaxy Patch posted a career-best performance on his first start over 1,400m in last week’s Group One Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup.

While few made any real inroads from the rear of the field, Galaxy Patch flew home to cover the final 400m over a length quicker than anyone else in the field.

“You don’t often see a four-year-old placing in Group Ones so it was very promising, but this will be a big challenge,” Ng said. “It will all have to go perfectly for him. He just needs to be settled and [allowed to] sprint the last 400m.

“I just hope the speed over 2,000m is a bit quicker than the first two legs, but it’s always hard to predict.”

Shinn has notched 78 wins in Hong Kong and boasts an impressive CV in his native Australia, including 23 elite-level victories.

Joining Galaxy Patch in this year’s Derby will be Simple Hedge, who grabbed the final spot, and Star Mac, who was handed a start at the discretion of officials, after the final field of 14 was confirmed on Thursday.

While the 76-rated Simple Hedge has failed to add to his win tally after recording three victories last term, the son of Sebring has been consistently hitting the frame to sneak up the ratings from his mark of 73 at the beginning of the season.

Elliptical, who finished 11th in the Classic Cup (1,800m), and the Jamie Richards-trained Bravehearts, who won a Group One in Argentina but has failed to build on that in his four starts in the city, join Fallon and Green N White on the reserve list.

Star Mac has been this season’s four-year-old series surprise package, flashing home to finish third in the Classic Mile off a rating of 64 before keeping on willingly for fourth in the Classic Cup earlier this month.

The full Derby field is Galaxy Patch, Helios Express, Helene Feeling, Chill Chibi, Ensued, Chancheng Glory, Massive Sovereign, Beauty Crescent, Speed Dragon, Unbelievable, California Voce, Ka Ying Generation, Simple Hedge and Star Mac.