Gerald Ryan has lauded Skyhook as “poetry in motion” following his commanding performance in the Group 2 Shannon Stakes at Rosehill. The four-year-old made it a one-horse race, leading from start to finish.
Despite the impressive win, the seasoned trainer has ruled out a start for the four-year-old in the upcoming Epsom Handicap next weekend. Ryan is adhering to his original strategy, opting to keep Skyhook fresh for the Silver Eagle (1300m) in three weeks, with the ultimate goal 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 confirmed.
“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.”
Having previously won the Theo Marks Stakes (1300m) first-up, Skyhook ($1.50 fav) delivered another stellar performance in the Shannon Stakes (1500m). Partnered by Kerrin McEvoy, he dictated terms throughout the race, leaving his rivals chasing.
He crossed the line three lengths ahead of Estadio Mestalla ($10), with Private Eye ($4.80), trained by Joe Pride, finishing a further neck back in third.
Ryan believes Skyhook has elevated his game this season as a four-year-old, highlighting his adaptability as a key asset.
“Dry tracks, wet tracks. Lead, sit back. Pretty bloody handy,” he remarked.
“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.”
McEvoy, who has guided Skyhook to victory in his last three starts, noted the horse’s readiness heading into the race.
“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 stated. “He is handling himself really well. He takes bad luck out of the equation. That’s half the battle sometimes.”
Skyhook’s dominant win has positioned him as a strong contender for the upcoming major races. You can find the latest racing odds for upcoming feature races at Australian betting sites.