Skyhook successfully proved his ability to perform at a mile with a commanding victory in the Gunsynd Classic, now positioning himself as a strong contender for the spring’s Golden Eagle.

Co-trainer Sterling Alexiou confirmed the three-year-old colt would now have a well-deserved spell after securing Saturday’s feature race at Eagle Farm. This win served as a consolation after missing a start in the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap, while also providing the connections with a crucial test of his capabilities over 1600 metres.

Previously, Skyhook had not raced beyond 1400 metres. His triumph in Brisbane has opened up the possibility of a campaign targeting the $10 million Golden Eagle (1500m) later in the 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 indicated that he and co-trainer Gerald Ryan would await further developments before finalising Skyhook’s spring program. Given the colt’s status, they are eager to reintroduce him to elite company at some point.

“Possibly the Premiere (Stakes), Silver Eagle, Golden Eagle but nothing in concrete yet,” Alexiou stated regarding their potential spring engagements. “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.”

Skyhook, a Group 3 winner as a two-year-old, had previously finished fourth behind Beiwacht in last year’s Golden Rose (1400m).

However, Alexiou noted that the colt had returned physically stronger this campaign, enabling him to dictate terms from the front. He anticipates the three-year-old will continue to mature.

“I reckon he will make that progression to weight-for-age next campaign,” he stated. “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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