Gerald Ryan has lauded Skyhook as “poetry in motion” after the four-year-old gelding delivered a commanding performance to win the Group 2 Shannon Stakes at Rosehill. The horse led throughout the race.
However, the experienced trainer has ruled out a start in next weekend’s Epsom Handicap for the gelding. Ryan’s plan remains to keep him fresh for the Silver Eagle (1300m) in three weeks, with the ultimate aim being the $10 million Golden Eagle (1500m) on October 31.
“I’ve tested him now two weeks apart and no, he’s not going to the Epsom,” Ryan stated.
“I’ll probably freshen him up a little bit, get the freshness in his legs for the Silver Eagle. The Golden Eagle is a different kettle of fish, but it’s a $10 million race, 1500 metres at Randwick. He’s in form, we’ll have a crack.”
Already a winner of the Theo Marks Stakes (1300m) first-up, Skyhook ($1.50 favourite) was arguably even better in the Shannon Stakes (1500m). Guided by Kerrin McEvoy, he set the pace and resisted all challengers.
He crossed the line with a comfortable three-length margin over Estadio Mestalla ($10). Joe Pride’s runner, Private Eye ($4.80), finished in third place, a neck behind the runner-up.
Ryan feels Skyhook has significantly improved this season and points to his versatility as a major advantage.
“Dry tracks, wet tracks. Lead, sit back. Pretty bloody handy,” he quipped.
“Beautiful ride. I thought the topweight (Private Eye) would probably lead and we’d take the sit, but Kerrin was more, let’s put it to him and make him chase us because we’re still on our way up. My query today was 1300 to 1500 second-up, but he’s coped. He’s done it well.”
Jockey Kerrin McEvoy, who has partnered Skyhook in his last three victorious starts, confirmed the horse felt excellent heading to the barriers.
“He was lovely and fresh and bouncy going to the start, which I was pleased to see because I hadn’t been on him since his last run,” McEvoy commented. “He is handling himself really well. He takes bad luck out of the equation. That’s half the battle sometimes.”
Skyhook’s impressive win has firmly established him as a major contender for the upcoming feature races. Explore the best betting sites for all your racing needs.