Skyhook proves mile credentials in Gunsynd Classic success

Skyhook has successfully demonstrated his aptitude for the mile distance with a dominant performance in the Gunsynd Classic, now firmly establishing himself as a contender for the prestigious Golden Eagle in the spring.

Co-trainer Sterling Alexiou confirmed that the promising three-year-old colt would be sent for a spell following his impressive victory in Saturday's feature race at Eagle Farm. While the win was a welcome consolation after being an emergency for the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap, it also provided his connections with a valuable opportunity to assess his capabilities over 1600 metres.

Prior to this race, Skyhook had not competed beyond 1400 metres. His triumph in Brisbane has now paved the way for a potential campaign targeting the lucrative $10 million Golden Eagle (1500m) later this year.

"It's a big carrot to say no to, the Golden Eagle," Alexiou said. "(Doncaster Mile winner) Sheza Alibi is probably going there, but you never run away from one horse, albeit she looks like a very bloody good one."

Alexiou mentioned that he and his training partner, Gerald Ryan, would wait for things to settle before charting a spring course for Skyhook. Keeping in mind that the horse is still an entire, they are keen to test him again at the highest level eventually.

"Possibly the Premiere (Stakes), Silver Eagle, Golden Eagle but nothing in concrete yet," Alexiou commented on their prospective spring options. "We wanted to make our mind up after today and work out where we want to go and then talk to the ownership group. A lot of those races next prep are not Group Ones, but he is an entire. Possibly, down for the C F Orr late spring as well, which could be a nice race for him at Caulfield."

As a two-year-old, Skyhook secured a Group 3 victory and finished fourth to Beiwacht in the Golden Rose (1400m) last year.

Alexiou further elaborated that the colt had returned this season with enhanced physical strength, enabling him to establish his own pace on the speed. He anticipates the three-year-old will continue his development.

"I reckon he will make that progression to weight-for-age next campaign," he said. "A lot of people say, 'you've worked out how to ride him this prep', but back to when we were running him in the Golden Rose, he wasn't strong enough to do it both ends. He would plateau on his runs riding him that close, where this preparation he's a much stronger horse."

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