Tony Cruz believes Five G Patch “could be a different horse” when the Group One placegetter contests the Class Two Yan Chai Trophy (2,000m) at Sha Tin on Saturday.

With two victories and six places under his belt from 17 post-import appearances, Five G Patch has been rising through the ranks without necessarily getting his head in front at the all-important moment.

After giving another good account to finish sixth in the Group One Hong Kong Vase (2,400m) two weeks ago, Five G Patch steps into considerably calmer waters, and Cruz hopes he has found the ideal race for his five-year-old gelding.

“The distance is perfect for him. Last time in the Vase, he didn’t get the type of race he wanted,” Cruz said. “He was wide all the way, and he didn’t settle. Hopefully, this time with Zac [Purton] on, he could be a different horse.”

Jumping widest of all from barrier eight, Five G Patch was unable to obtain cover throughout his Hong Kong International Races meeting assignment, eventually weakening in the closing stages but still finishing one place ahead of his fellow Cruz-trained stayer, La City Blanche, who also lines up in this weekend’s Class Two contest.

“Anything between 2,000m and 2,400m suits Five G Patch, but he didn’t have the run of the race last time, and I’m looking forward to Saturday,” Cruz said.

Unbeaten from two starts in Ireland, Five G Patch arrived in Hong Kong early in the 2021-22 season. Failing to get off the mark in his first four local runs, the son of four-time Group One winner Camelot broke through in the Class Three Exultant Handicap (2,000m) at Sha Tin in May 2022.

Last term, Five G Patch registered his second triumph over the same course and distance when he won January’s Class Three Azalea Handicap, and he recorded his career-best result on his penultimate start, flashing home in May’s Group One Champions & Chater Cup (2,400m) to place third behind two of Hong Kong’s star performers, Russian Emperor and Romantic Warrior.

Purton, who was aboard Romantic Warrior in the stamina-sapping Group One event, teams up with Cruz when Five G Patch opposes potential Classic Series contenders Awesome Fluke and Ensued this weekend.

Cruz saddles eight runners across Saturday’s 10-race programme, with the Hong Kong racing legend’s other good chances featuring another Irish import, Beauty Crescent, in the Class Three Poinsettia Handicap (1,400m).

Beauty Crescent has been hitting the crossbar this season, earning place money for his connections on four of his six outings. James McDonald has steered the son of Acclamation in his past two races, and the Kiwi rider has chosen to stick with the Cruz-prepared three-year-old gelding.

“He’s been knocking on the door,” Cruz said. “This is a great distance for him, and the jockey knows the horse well. He hasn’t had the run of the race on a few occasions. He’s been stuck in traffic and couldn’t get out. He didn’t get a run at all last time, and when he did, it was too late.”

Californiatotality and True Genius will make their debuts on Saturday, while Happydearhappydeer, Lovero and last-start winner All Are Mine complete Cruz’s battalion.