Brett Crawford's Hong Kong Stable Aims for Strong Finish

With his successful first campaign in Hong Kong drawing to a close, Brett Crawford has high hopes Public Attention can add to his reputation of striking with stable transfers when he spearheads the trainer’s six-strong team at Sha Tin on Sunday.

The South African handler has been thrilled with his 21 wins so far this season, with 18 of them supplied by stable transfers, including his highlight Group Three Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse (1,800m) victory with Encountered.

“I’m very happy. I think we’ve settled in well, learned the routine and learned what is expected of us in Hong Kong,” Crawford said.

“Obviously winning a Group race in our first season was definitely the pinnacle for us and I think that’s given the stable a good leg-up, 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 gain from this season is going to put us in a good place for next season.”

Set for his second start for the stable in the Class Two Hong Kong Jockey Club Scholarships Handicap (1,200m), Public Attention will have strong claims off the back of an encouraging third to Patch Of Stars, who has since won the Group Three Sha Tin Vase (1,200m).

Public Attention was only beaten half a length in each of his first two Hong Kong starts for David Hayes when placed behind Sky Joy and Aeris Nova.

A Group Three winner in Australia pre-import, the son of Written Tycoon kept on well to be beaten a length in his first start for Crawford and has drawn ideally in barrier three on Sunday.

“I thought his first run for us was a good run. He’s been doing well subsequently, his work’s been really good and I’ve been really happy with him,” Crawford said.

“The nice draw will make life a lot easier. I think he’s definitely a horse that will look for a bit further. I think he can definitely go seven furlongs no problem. He’s a beautiful mover, very light on his feet and he’s got a touch of class about him, so I’m looking forward to running him on the weekend.”

Karis Teetan will again ride Public Attention when he takes on a competitive field that includes the exciting Hot Delight, last-start Class Two winner Victor The Winner and the consistent Rising Force.

Another strong chance for Crawford on Sunday is The Unique Star, who tackles the Class Three HKU Jockey Club Tower Handicap (1,400m) fresh from a solid third to Perfectday last month.

Crawford said the Australian import had minor issues after his encouraging second to City Gold Banner in his Hong Kong debut in January.

“I think he’s knocking on the door. To be fair, after he ran second there were a few things – he went off in his coat and just a couple of things at home just weren’t going well with him,” Crawford said.

“He’s turned the corner and I think he showed that in his last start. I’ve always wanted to step him up in trip, last time I think was a really good effort and on the strength of his work, I think he’s going to be competitive.”

Ninja Derby will also have claims for Crawford in the Class Four HKU Heritage Handicap (1,600m).

The six-year-old, who has won twice for the stable this term, was struck down by a fetlock injury in January but made a solid return when fourth to Run Run Smart last month.

“He’s come on from that, he looks really well and his coat’s come good,” Crawford said.

“He’s a happy horse at the moment. I think stepping back up to a mile will suit him – last time at the seven furlongs, it’s not really his trip.”

Gor Gor will bid to regain his best form in the Class Four HKU Faculties of Law and Medicine Handicap (1,400m) after following a fast-finishing win in February with a string of defeats.

“I’ve always thought he can look to go a little bit further and he’s definitely strengthened up. On the strength of his work at home, he’s capable of better than his form is reading, so he could be a dark horse,” Crawford said.

Celestial Harmony and Bullish Pride are Crawford’s other runners.