Public Attention, trained by Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr, is set to race in a high-stakes event in New Zealand.

The colt will compete in the Ozzie Kheir slot for The NZB Kiwi (1500m) at Ellerslie on March 8, ruling out an appearance in the Group 1 Randwick Guineas (1600m) on the same day. He will join Evaporate, trained by Ben, Will, and J.D. Hayes.

Although Price initially aimed Public Attention at the Guineas, he ultimately opted for the New Zealand race.

The three-year-old has been racing in Sydney this season, claiming victory in the Group 3 Eskimo Prince Stakes at Randwick on February 8 before finishing fourth behind Broadsiding in the Group 2 Hobartville Stakes (1400m) last Saturday.

Bred in New Zealand, the decision to change course came after discussions with Coolmore Stud’s Tom Magnier.

“Tom Magnier called me and pointed out some key factors that made this race a great opportunity,” Price told RSN.

“He’s got strong New Zealand bloodlines, being a son of Written Tycoon. He’s already a Stakes winner over 1200 metres and has been catching the eye of some Kiwi studs.

“The prize money is excellent, and at 1500 metres, the race should suit him well. He would likely start as one of the top contenders, whereas the Randwick Guineas presents a tougher challenge.

“If he wins, there’s a strong chance a New Zealand stud will step in and secure him.”

Price noted that Public Attention’s wide draw in the Hobartville Stakes saw him use up too much energy early in the race.

“With the blinkers on, he got keen and raced forward. Unfortunately, that early effort left him with little left in the final 100 metres,” Price said.

Public Attention is scheduled to fly to New Zealand on Sunday and will be based at the Cambridge Stud training facility. Wiremu Pinn has been booked for the ride.

“I worked with Wiremu when he was in Australia, and I have a lot of confidence in him,” Price added.