Public Attention seeks limelight in Hong Kong Reunification Cup
Hong Kong is brimming with exciting young horses and first-season trainer Brett Crawford is hoping Public Attention (NZ) (Written Tycoon) can confirm some of his own early promise in the Class 2 Hong Kong Reunification Cup Handicap (1400m) at Sha Tin on Wednesday (1 July).
As a four-year-old, Australian Group Three winner Public Attention is young by Hong Kong’s standard and, after four placings from seven appearances, the in-form grey son of Written Tycoon meets nine rivals as he seeks a breakthrough win at the 11-race public holiday fixture.
Crawford said: “I’ve been very happy with his two runs in the yard so far. I think he’s going to be much better and I’m looking forward to seeing him run over the 1400 (metres).”
Karis Teetan, who won several Group Ones for Crawford in South Africa before his full-time move to Hong Kong, partners Public Attention from gate five when he steps up to 1400m for the first time under Crawford’s care.
“Stepping up in distance will help him. He comes here with a beautiful weight on his back and a nice draw. I think he has a good opportunity,” Teetan said. “His progression has been good, and we are happy with him.”
Rated 82, Public Attention meets Packing Hermod (135lb), Invincible Shield (133lb), Storm Rider (130lb), Gorgeous Win (121lb), Emblazon (119lb), Top Dragon (119lb), Beauty Bolt (117lb), Regal Gem (116lb) and Ka Ying Attack (115lb).
David Hayes is pleased with Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Sweynesse) as the superstar begins preparations for the opening day of the 2026/27 season before returning to Sydney, Australia.
“He’s in great shape. He’s doing strong canters at the moment. He’ll start doing three-quarter pace at the end of the week and gradually build up to The Everest (Gr.1, 1200m). It’ll be copy and paste – he’ll run at Sha Tin and then in Australia.
“He’ll have two trials before Sha Tin – the turf trial and then the one dirt trial. He’s had a nice spell in the paddocks and he’s putting on weight – he’s the heaviest he’s ever been, he’s out to 1,170 pounds. I think it’s a positive not a negative.”
