With his successful debut campaign in Hong Kong coming to an end, Brett Crawford is hoping Public Attention can add to his impressive reputation and solid transfer when he leads Sha Tin’s six-man squad on Sunday.
The South African has been delighted with her 21 wins so far this season, with 18 of them coming from solid transfers, including her wins in the Group Three Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse (1,800m) and Encountered.
“I’m very happy. I think we’ve settled in well, we’ve learned the routine and learned what’s expected of us in Hong Kong,” Crawford said.
“Obviously winning the Group race in our first season was definitely a highlight for us and I think that has given the team a good chance to play, so I’m looking forward to the new season. We’ve got a lot of fresh legs, so it’s going to be exciting and the more knowledge we get from this season will put us in a good place for next season.”
Set to make his second major league start in the Grade Two Hong Kong Jockey Club Scholarships Handicap (1,200m), Public Attention will have strong claims from Patch Of Stars, who has won the Group Three Sha Tin Vase (1,200m).
Public Attention was beaten just half a length in each of his two Hong Kong debuts for David Hayes when he was placed behind Sky Joy and Aeris Nova.
A Group Three winner in Australia before import, the son of Written Tycoon continued well and was beaten a long way in his first Crawford start and has drawn at barrier three on Sunday.
“I thought his first run for us was a good run. He’s been doing well since then, his work has been really good and I’ve been happy with him,” Crawford said.
“A good draw will make life a lot easier. I think he’s definitely a horse that’s going to be looking for a bit more. I think he can definitely go seven kilometers without a problem. He’s a good walker, very light on his feet and has a touch of class about him, so I’m looking forward to running him at the weekend.”
Karis Teetan will once again step into the public eye when she enters a competitive field that includes the sensational Hot Delight, the Grade Two finalist Victor The Winner and the stable Rising Force.
Another good chance for Crawford on Sunday is The Unique Star, who will tackle the Grade Three HKU Jockey Club Tower Handicap (1,400m) from a perfect third to Perfectday last month.
Crawford said the Australian import had little to worry about after inspiring a second City Gold Banner on his debut in Hong Kong in January.
“I think he’s knocking on the door. To be honest, after he finished second there were a few things – he came out with his jacket on and just a few things at home that weren’t going well for him,” Crawford said.
“He’s turned the corner and I think he showed that in his last start. I’ve always wanted to lift him in trip, last time I think it was a good effort and with the strength of his work, I think he’ll be competitive.”
The Ninja Derby will also feature Crawford’s claim in the Grade Four HKU Heritage Handicap (1,600m).
The six-year-old, who has won twice in the league this season, was hit with a leg injury in January but made a strong comeback when fourth in the Run Run Smart last month.
“He’s come out of it, he’s looking really good and his coat has come on well,” Crawford said.
“He’s a happy horse at the moment. I think going back to a mile will suit him – last time at seven furlongs, not his trip.”
Gor Gor will aim to regain his best form in the Grade IV HKU Faculty of Law and Medicine (1,400m) after a quick win in February in consecutive defeats.
“I’ve always thought that he can look a little bit further forward and he’s definitely strengthened. With the strength of his work at home, he has the ability to do better than his form reads, so he could be a dark horse,” Crawford said.
Celestial Harmony and Bullish Pride are Crawford’s other runners.
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