Sha Tin will welcome a promising group of young horses on Wednesday as Hong Kong’s next generation of racing talent continues to emerge. The 11-race public holiday fixture features several exciting three-year-olds and progressive performers, with trainers looking to see their charges take another step forward.
Sha Tin Summer Series Meeting
Among those attracting attention is four-year-old grey Public Attention, who lines up for the Class 2 Hong Kong Reunification Cup Handicap (1400m) as trainer Brett Crawford hopes the Australian Group 3 winner can build on his encouraging early efforts in Hong Kong.
Sha Tin horse racing Wednesday 1 July brings together a competitive card featuring rising stars, established performers and several horses aiming to make a lasting impression.
Public Attention arrived in Hong Kong with a strong reputation and has already shown promise, recording four placings from seven starts. The son of Written Tycoon has settled well into Crawford’s stable and will meet nine rivals as he searches for his first victory in the city.
Crawford said he has been pleased with the horse’s preparation and believes the step up to 1400 metres can bring further improvement.
“I’ve been very happy with his two runs in the yard so far. I think he’s going to be much better and I’m looking forward to seeing him run over the 1400,” Crawford said.
The grey gelding will be partnered by Karis Teetan, who previously enjoyed major success with Crawford in South Africa before becoming a leading rider in Hong Kong. Public Attention starts from gate five with a favourable weight of 115lb.
Teetan believes the extra distance should suit the horse and expects further progress from the improving galloper.
“Stepping up in distance will help him. He comes here with a beautiful weight on his back and a nice draw,” Teetan said.
Public Attention faces a strong field including Packing Hermod, Invincible Shield, Storm Rider, Gorgeous Win, Emblazon, Top Dragon, Beauty Bolt, Regal Gem and Ka Ying Attack.
Top Dragon, trained by Chris So, also returns after a short break and has pleased connections during his preparation. So said the horse’s trials have been encouraging as he returns to competition.
Crawford will also have several other runners on the card, including debutant Handsome Hero in the Class 4 Uncompromising Integrity Handicap (1000m). The newcomer has impressed during his preparation, although the trainer expects the horse to improve with racing experience.
“He’s had a good preparation, and I’ve been very happy with his trials. He’s a good-looking horse,” Crawford said.
Another major talking point on the programme is Tycoon Resources, who aims to continue an unbeaten start to his career in the Class 3 Better Future Handicap (1200m). The three-year-old is chasing a fourth consecutive victory this season, a milestone reached by only a select group of talented horses.
Tycoon Resources makes his first appearance at Sha Tin after beginning his career at Happy Valley. Angus Chung retains the ride on the young horse, having partnered him in each of his previous starts.
Chung praised the horse’s determination, highlighting his ability to perform in different racing situations.
“He tries hard for me. In his second start, he put himself in an impossible position and he still won,” Chung said.
The unbeaten runner meets another young contender in Effortless Win, trained by Frankie Lor, who will wear cheekpieces for the first time.
Meanwhile, champion sprinter Ka Ying Rising continues preparations for the new season. Trainer David Hayes reported that the star performer is thriving during his build-up ahead of future targets in Hong Kong and Australia.
“He’s in great shape. He’s doing strong canters at the moment,” Hayes said.
Wednesday’s Sha Tin meeting begins at 4pm with the Class 5 Racing Goes On Handicap (1600m), opening an afternoon that highlights the depth of Hong Kong’s emerging talent and the continued development of its young horses.
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