Trainer Mick Price is eyeing a Randwick Guineas campaign for promising colt Public Attention after his strong victory in the Eskimo Prince Stakes.
The Written Tycoon-sired runner ($5) proved too strong, fending off Linebacker ($4.80) by 1¼ lengths, with race favorite Gatsby’s ($4.20) finishing third.
After placing fifth in the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) last start, this Group 3 first-up victory over 1200m has given Price and co-trainer Michael Kent Jnr confidence in his progression.
“I told the Coolmore team that he’s physically stronger this time around,” Price said. “We were dealing with minor shin soreness after his races last prep, even after the Caulfield Guineas where he had every chance but pulled up like an immature three-year-old.”
“We did our best with him last prep, but he’s a much better horse now, and you could see that today.”
Price also highlighted the quality of the runner-up, saying, “The second horse, now gelded, is close to Group 1 level, and I think this form will hold up well.”
As a New Zealand-bred colt, Price is confident that Public Attention will handle the mile distance based on his pedigree.
“If you look at his breeding, it’s one of Patrick Hogan’s families—a classic 1600m New Zealand bloodline. I think he’s got a mile written all over him,” Price added.
Jockey Chad Schofield was also impressed with the performance. “He wobbled a little around the bend going Sydney way for the first time, but once he gathered himself, he kept lengthening really nicely and gave me a terrific feel,” Schofield said.
Also making his season debut, Linebacker is expected to improve over 1400m, according to jockey Kerrin McEvoy. Meanwhile, Zac Lloyd was pleased with the effort of equal favorite Snow In May ($4.20), suggesting she will benefit from an upcoming race against her own sex.
Public Attention is now expected to contest the Group 2 Hobartville Stakes (1400m) in two weeks before taking on the Group 1 Randwick Guineas (1600m) on March 8, where he is currently rated an $8 chance with gambling companies.
