Pierre Ng Pang-chi hopes third time’s a charm for third-up specialist Lucky Patch when last year’s Group Two Premier Bowl (1,200m) winner makes his third appearance since his latest stable swap.

Known as Paleontologist when he raced in Australia for Billy Healey, Lucky Patch arrived in Hong Kong in May 2020. Since then, Lucky Patch has won both of his third-up assignments during Hong Kong seasons, including his scintillating success in the Premier Bowl’s 2021 edition for Francis Lui Kin-wai.

Lucky Patch smashed the clock in winning not only last year’s Premier Bowl but also the following month’s Group Two Jockey Club Sprint (1,200m), registering what were last season’s second- and third-fastest times over Sha Tin’s six furlongs.

Unfortunately, Lucky Patch was one of the four fallers in last term’s unforgettable Group One Hong Kong Sprint (1,200m), the tragic race for which he exited the barriers as the $3.2 favourite.

Lucky Patch had three subsequent starts for Lui – in which he did not finish within two lengths of the winners – before transferring to newly licensed trainer Ng’s yard ahead of the current season.

Fifth in the Class One HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup (1,200m) and fourth in the Group Three National Day Cup (1,000m) on his first two outings for Ng, Lucky Patch is third up in Sunday’s Premier Bowl, which he is declared to contest under Silvestre de Sousa.

No horse has posted back-to-back Premier Bowl wins – Cerise Cherry’s two victories in the event occurred two years apart – and while a history-making triumph may be asking a bit too much of Lucky Patch, Ng is optimistic of his galloper putting a decent defence.

“It took a while for us to get his confidence back. Now we just need to get him fitter and ready for the international races,” Ng said of Lucky Patch.

“It’s a very big challenge, 1,200m suits him better [than 1,000m] and his fitness levels have improved from his last run. I think he’ll run well. He should sprint home well.”

Ng is double handed in the Premier Bowl with Duke Wai named to run in tandem with Harry Bentley.

Premier Bowl history and Chief Executive’s Cup hoodoo against Lucky Sweynesse

“He’s very happy and he’s already had two runs, so he should be fit and ready,” said Ng of Duke Wai, who is seeking his first win at Group level.

“It’s a handicap, so he gets a bit of an advantage with his light weight, and he’s in good form.”

Ng, who has saddled four winners from 61 runners in his freshman campaign, is set to have six starters at Sha Tin on Sunday, with Turquoise Alpha, Marado, United We Stand and Happy Sharing also on duty.