A roomier track and a draw away from the fence are expected to produce an improved performance from Public Attention at Caulfield.
The Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr-trained galloper runs in the Group 3 Caulfield Guineas Prelude (1400m) on Saturday, looking to turn around a disappointing showing at Moonee Valley at his most recent outing.
Public Attention was successful at Caulfield over 1200m on debut in July before finishing fifth to Angel Capital, an opponent on Saturday, in the Listed McKenzie Stakes (1200m) on September 7.
Price said an inside draw and the tighter confines at Moonee Valley worked against Public Attention at his second race appearance.
Public Attention drew barrier two and was locked up on the fence with little galloping room.
“He had no luck at Moonee Valley and he’s not the right type of horse for The Valley,” Price said.
“I thought the race would suit him if he drew out and was allowed to finish off, but it didn’t suit him because he drew in and got in traffic and he’s a big, long-striding horse.
“He’ll go to the Caulfield Guineas Prelude on Saturday and then we’ll see whether we press on to the Guineas after that.”
The Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) will be run October 12 and Price and Kent Jnr have been planning an assault on the race since the colt’s debut win.
Price has the utmost respect for Angel Capital, a fellow Cranbourne-trained galloper the trainer sees in trackwork most mornings.
“He’s a very good horse that Angel Capital,” Price said.
“I see him in the mornings and say ‘you have got a motor’.
“I’ve just got to train my own horse and have him as fit as we can, so we’ll turn up on Saturday and do our best to try and beat him.”
