Public Attention NZ bound for the The NZB Kiwi

Public Attention, trained by Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr, is heading to New Zealand to contest a prestigious slot race.

The talented colt will take part in the Ozzie Kheir slot for The NZB Kiwi (1500m) at Ellerslie on March 8, meaning he will not line up for the Group 1 Randwick Guineas (1600m) on the same day. He joins Evaporate from the Lindsay Park stable.

Price had initially targeted the Guineas but ultimately decided to change direction.

Public Attention’s Sydney campaign has been promising, with a first-up win in the Group 3 Eskimo Prince Stakes at Randwick on February 8, followed by a fourth-place finish behind Broadsiding in the Group 2 Hobartville Stakes (1400m) last Saturday.

Bred in New Zealand, the switch to Ellerslie was made after discussions with Tom Magnier from Coolmore Stud.

“Tom Magnier reached out and highlighted a few compelling reasons for making the change,” Price told RSN.

“He’s got a strong New Zealand pedigree, he’s by Written Tycoon, and he’s already a Stakes winner. He’s a great-looking colt, and there’s been a lot of interest from New Zealand studs.

“The NZB Kiwi is a lucrative race, and at 1500 metres, it’s a good fit. He’d be among the top contenders, while the Randwick Guineas would be a tougher challenge.

“If he wins, there’s a strong chance a New Zealand stud will look to secure him.”

Price noted that Public Attention’s wide barrier in the Hobartville Stakes forced him to use too much energy early on.

“The blinkers made him a little too eager, and he raced up on the speed. Unfortunately, that left him vulnerable in the final 100 metres,” Price said.

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

“I had a good working relationship with Wiremu when he was in Australia, and I trust him with the ride,” Price said.