Royal Patronage is set to join Mr Brightside in representing Australia in Hong Kong’s Group 1 Champions Mile (1600m) at Sha Tin.
Tim Clark will continue his partnership with the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained import in the prestigious Group 1 event on April 27.
They will face tough competition from local standout Voyage Bubble, who aims for a fourth Group 1 victory in Hong Kong this season.
“It’s very exciting,” Clark expressed to Racing.com.
“It will be Adrian’s first international runner, and obviously Gai has had international runners before.
“To ride for them, whom I ride for quite often, is a thrill, and it will be even better if we can pull it off.”
Royal Patronage has showcased solid form this campaign, starting with a victory in the Group 1 Canterbury Stakes (1300m).
Most recently, he finished a close second behind Stefi Magnetica in the Group 1 Doncaster Mile (1600m).
“I think that a mile is probably a nice trip for him,” Clark commented, “and he seems to be racing very consistently this preparation. Winning the Group 1 first-up, he wasn’t beaten far in the (George) Ryder, and then narrowly going down in the Doncaster, so his form is rock solid.”
“It’s definitely another test for him to go up to Hong Kong,” Clark added, “but he likes quick ground, and if he gets a bit of tempo and can stalk the speed, it seems to be when he races best.”
Royal Patronage is currently a $15 chance with horse racing bookmakers for the Group 1 Champions Mile.
Horse racing news
