The talented Written Tycoon colt Skyhook left nothing to chance, dominating from start to finish with an arrogant victory in the G3 Pago Pago Stakes at Rosehill on Saturday.
A win was crucial for Skyhook to cement his place in the G1 Golden Slipper Stakes field, and he delivered in style. He defeated his stablemate Good Hotspur (Calyx {GB}) by a dominant 3.24l, with State Visit (Wootton Bassett {GB}) making impressive ground out wide to finish third. Meanwhile, United States (Snitzel) weaved along the inside to claim fourth.
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Heading into the Pago Pago, Skyhook was still a maiden, but he was a deserving favourite based on his strong form. He had finished third on debut behind Shaggy (Sandbar) on February 15, before running a brilliant second to the highly talented Rivellino (Too Darn Hot {GB}) in the G2 Skyline Stakes at Randwick on March 1.
Co-trainer Sterling Alexiou reflected on the performance, saying:
“I probably didn’t expect him to lead, but Kerrin thought he was on the best horse and decided to ride him accordingly.
“He got out in front and relaxed well, found a nice rhythm, and he’s got a really nice turn of foot. When Kerrin asked, he produced it and put a margin on the rest of them.”
As for whether Skyhook will handle a seven-day back-up into the Golden Slipper, Alexiou remained optimistic:
“I think we will get through today, it’s been a hot, humid day. But we’ll give him every chance to line up next Saturday.”
Skyhook also holds significant stallion appeal, obviously he is a cracking type judging by him being a $575,000 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale purchase. He is now a Group 3 winner and Group 2-placed juvenile and he boasts an impressive pedigree.
He is the second foal from Madame Pauline (Redoute’s Choice), a two-time winner and a three-quarter-sister to G3 San Domenico Stakes winner Anders, a speed machine now standing at Widden Stud. Ostraka (Snitzel) is another three-quarter-sibling, and he was a Listed winner in the Queensland Day Stakes.
