Brett Crawford's Hong Kong campaign is off to a promising start, with his stable's recent success in stable transfers. Crawford, a South African trainer, has been impressed with his team's performance, especially with 21 wins so far this season, 18 of which came from stable transfers. The highlight of their achievements was the Group Three Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse (1,800m) victory with Encountered, a testament to Crawford's ability to strike with stable transfers.
Crawford's positive outlook is evident in his words: "I’m very happy. I think we’ve settled in well, learned the routine and learned what is expected of us in Hong Kong." This sentiment reflects his satisfaction with the team's integration and adaptation to the Hong Kong racing scene.
One of the key horses in Crawford's stable is Public Attention, who is set for his second start for the stable in the Class Two Hong Kong Jockey Club Scholarships Handicap (1,200m). Public Attention has shown promise, placing behind Sky Joy and Aeris Nova in his first two Hong Kong starts for David Hayes. Crawford's confidence in Public Attention is evident: "I thought his first run for us was a good run. He’s been doing well subsequently, his work’s been really good and I’ve been really happy with him."
The Unique Star, another Crawford-trained horse, is also in contention. After a solid third-place finish to Perfectday last month, The Unique Star is set to tackle the Class Three HKU Jockey Club Tower Handicap (1,400m). Crawford's assessment of The Unique Star is optimistic: "I think he’s knocking on the door. To be fair, after he ran second there were a few things – he went off in his coat and just a couple of things at home just weren’t going well with him. He’s turned the corner and I think he showed that in his last start."
Ninja Derby, a six-year-old, is also part of Crawford's stable and has shown potential. Despite a fetlock injury in January, Ninja Derby made a solid return when finishing fourth to Run Run Smart last month. Crawford's perspective on Ninja Derby is positive: "He’s come on from that, he looks really well and his coat’s come good. He’s a happy horse at the moment."
Gor Gor, another Crawford-trained horse, is also in the running. After a fast-finishing win in February, Gor Gor has faced a string of defeats. Crawford's view on Gor Gor is encouraging: "I’ve always thought he can look to go a little bit further and he’s definitely strengthened up. On the strength of his work at home, he’s capable of better than his form is reading."
Crawford's stable also includes Celestial Harmony and Bullish Pride, both of whom are expected to perform well. Crawford's overall outlook is positive, with a focus on stable transfers and a strong team. His ability to adapt and learn in Hong Kong has been impressive, and his horses' performances suggest a bright future for his stable.
