Brett Crawford's Hong Kong campaign is off to a promising start, with the trainer expressing satisfaction with his team's performance. Crawford's stable has already achieved 21 wins this season, a remarkable feat considering 18 of those victories came from stable transfers. This success is particularly notable given the Group Three Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse (1,800m) triumph with Encountered, a highlight for the stable. Crawford attributes his team's success to a combination of factors, including a smooth transition to the Hong Kong racing scene and a well-established routine. He believes that the Group race win has given the stable a strong foundation for the upcoming season, with a talented group of horses ready to take on new challenges.
One of the key horses in Crawford's stable is Public Attention, who is set to make his second start for the team in the Class Two Hong Kong Jockey Club Scholarships Handicap (1,200m). Public Attention has shown promise, finishing third in his first two starts for David Hayes, and is now drawing in an ideal barrier three position. Crawford is optimistic about the horse's potential, suggesting that he may excel at longer distances, such as seven furlongs. The trainer's confidence in Public Attention is further bolstered by the recent success of Patch Of Stars, who won the Group Three Sha Tin Vase (1,200m) after finishing third behind Public Attention.
Another horse to watch is The Unique Star, who is tackling the Class Three HKU Jockey Club Tower Handicap (1,400m) after a solid third-place finish to Perfectday last month. Crawford acknowledges that The Unique Star faced minor issues after his Hong Kong debut but has since turned a corner, displaying improved performance in his last start. The trainer is particularly interested in stepping up the horse's distance, believing it will bring out even better results.
Ninja Derby, a six-year-old with a fetlock injury history, is also part of Crawford's stable and is set to compete in the Class Four HKU Heritage Handicap (1,600m). Crawford is confident that Ninja Derby has made a solid recovery and is ready to perform well, especially at a distance that suits him better than seven furlongs.
Gor Gor, a horse with a history of fast-finishing wins, is now aiming to regain his top form after a series of defeats. Crawford believes Gor Gor has the potential to perform better than his current form suggests, especially at longer distances. Additionally, Crawford's stable has two more runners, Celestial Harmony and Bullish Pride, both of whom are expected to contribute to the team's success.
Crawford's success in Hong Kong is a testament to his ability to adapt to a new racing environment and his strategic approach to stable transfers. His positive outlook for the upcoming season is a result of his team's hard work and the promising performances of his horses. As the season progresses, Crawford's stable is poised to make a significant impact on Hong Kong racing, with a talented group of horses ready to shine.
