Seeing out a strong 1200-metres and with the precedent of the family line reaching the mile, Mick Price has Randwick Guineas intentions with colt Public Attention after his win in the Eskimo Prince Stakes.
A son of Written Tycoon, Public Attention ($5) held off the challenge from topweight Linebacker ($4.80) by 1¼-lengths with race favourite Gatsby’s ($4.20) in third.
Finishing fifth in the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) last start, this Group 3 first-up win over 1200-metres has the Price and Michael Kent Jnr training combination eyeing wins at the highest level early in their Sydney stable’s existence in the near future.
“I’ve said to the Coolmore boys that he’s a better physical horse this time in,” Price said.
“We were nursing a little bit of shin soreness after each run last time in, even after the Caulfield Guineas where he did have every chance, he still pulled up like an immature three-year-old.
“We did our best with him last preparation, but he’s a better horse this time in and you saw the benefit of that.
“I think the second horse, now gelded, is nearly a group one horse and I think it is going to be good form.”
A New Zealand-bred galloper, Price has confidence in the bloodline history to reach 1600-metre trips.
If you have a look at his family, he’s one of Patrick Hogan’s families and it’s a beautiful 1600m New Zealand family, and I think he’s got 1600 written all over him,” Price added.
“He wobbled a little bit around the corner the first time Sydney way, but I just waited for him to gather himself, and then he just kept lengthening really nicely, and he gave me a terrific feel,” jockey Chad Schofield said.
Also first-up, Kerrin McEvoy said Linebacker would take improvement out of the run with 1400-metres being more suitable while Zac Lloyd praised $4.20 equal favourite Snow In May’s effort.
“Very nice run by her,” Lloyd said of the filly.
“A race in three weeks’ time is going to suit her a lot better against her own sex.”
Public Attention is likely to have his next start in the Group 2 Hobartville Stakes (1400m) in a fortnight before the Group 1 Randwick Guineas (1600m) on March 8 where he is rated a an $8 chance.
