David Hayes is reaching for blinkers in an effort to sharpen Public Attention ahead of Sunday’s HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Mile, confident the equipment change can unlock another gear as the Four-Year-Old Classic Series gets underway at Sha Tin.
The Hong Kong Classic Mile, run over 1600 metres, marks a pivotal step for emerging four-year-olds, and Hayes believes the talented grey colt is primed to rise to the occasion after three encouraging efforts since arriving from Australia.
Public Attention brings solid international credentials into the race, having finished fifth at Group 1 level before import and placing in the top four in all three Hong Kong appearances. Sunday’s assignment will see him stretch out to a mile for the first time locally, with blinkers applied — a familiar setup that previously delivered success in the 2025 Group 3 Eskimo Prince Stakes at Royal Randwick.
Owned by prominent owner Karen Lo, Public Attention joins a distinguished stable roster that includes 2025 BMW Hong Kong Derby winner Cap Ferrat and multiple Group performer Straight Arron. His pedigree and past form suggest the mile should suit, particularly with added focus.
“I think he’s been crying out for blinkers,” Hayes said. “He’s primed to run well in what is a really competitive race — probably the strongest we’ve seen this season. He wore them in Australia, and we’ve deliberately saved this move for the Hong Kong Classic Mile.”
The Written Tycoon colt’s best Australian performance came when finishing fifth behind Private Life in the 2024 Caulfield Guineas, also over 1600 metres. He later contested New Zealand’s high-profile The Kiwi at Ellerslie, adding further depth to his résumé.
Public Attention previously raced in cheek pieces when finishing second and third in his first two local starts. Brenton Avdulla takes the mount on Sunday, while Luke Ferraris partners Hayes’ other contender, Akashvani.
Akashvani enters the Hong Kong Classic Mile after a commanding last-start victory, stretching clear by three lengths. The Alpine Eagle gelding is already a three-time winner in Hong Kong and brings race fitness and tactical speed to the contest, though he too will be tackling the Sha Tin mile for the first time.
“That win got him into the race,” Hayes said. “He’s bred to get a mile and he’s in form. He’s likely to be the on-pace influence, and he’s a very good young horse who’s taken time to put it together.”
Hayes is no stranger to success in this race, having previously captured the Hong Kong Classic Mile with Resfa in 1999 and Charming City in 2001. His current campaign has also been bolstered by the continued brilliance of Ka Ying Rising, who last weekend matched Silent Witness’ remarkable 17-race unbeaten Hong Kong streak in the Centenary Sprint Cup.
“Ka Ying Rising has come through the run exceptionally well,” Hayes said. “We’ll quietly build him toward the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup with one trial beforehand.”
Sunday’s Hong Kong Classic Mile has drawn a deep and competitive field, including Sagacious Life, Little Paradise, Invincible Ibis, Beauty Bolt, Crimson Flash, Infinite Resolve, Patch Of Cosmo, Winfield, Top Dragon, Circuit Grand Slam, Shanwah and Windlord. Reserves include Pope Cody, Daryl Flash, Aerodynamics, Natural Numbers, Uranus Star, California Waves, Fivefortwo and The Golden Knight.
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