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 strong understanding of the local racing culture.
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 ideally in barrier three. Crawford believes that Public Attention is a versatile horse capable of performing well over longer distances, and he is confident that the horse's recent work has been impressive.
Another horse to watch is The Unique Star, who is fresh off a solid third-place finish in the Class Three HKU Jockey Club Tower Handicap (1,400m). Crawford acknowledges that The Unique Star had some minor issues after his Hong Kong debut but has since turned a corner and is now in top form. He is particularly excited about the horse's potential for longer distances, having always wanted to step up the horse's trip.
Crawford's stable also includes Ninja Derby, who has won twice this term and recently returned from a fetlock injury. Crawford is optimistic about Ninja Derby's performance, especially with the horse stepping back up to a mile, which he believes will suit his abilities better.
Additionally, Gor Gor is a horse that Crawford is keen to see regain his best form. After a fast-finishing win in February, Gor Gor has faced a string of defeats, but Crawford thinks the horse can surprise with his improved strength and work ethic. He believes Gor Gor can handle longer distances and is a potential dark horse in the upcoming races.
In summary, Brett Crawford's Hong Kong campaign is off to a strong start, with a mix of stable transfers and promising horses. Crawford's expertise and understanding of the local racing scene seem to be key factors in his team's success, and he is optimistic about the future, especially with a fresh and talented group of horses.
