Trainer Gerald Ryan is optimistic about the future of Skyhook as the horse prepares for the prestigious Group 1 Golden Rose after a strong performance in the listed Rosebud at Rosehill. On Saturday, Skyhook showcased his potential by carrying 60.5 kilograms to victory over 1100 meters, emulating the success of his predecessor, Menari, who won this race in 2017.
In a six-horse field, Skyhook, ridden by Kerrin McEvoy, made a late charge from the back to secure a half-length victory over Grand Prairie. The race, which took place on a heavy track rated as a heavy 9, marks an impressive season opener for three-year-olds. The favourite, Pallaton, finished third, leaving the door open for Skyhook’s rise in the upcoming races.
Ryan, who trains in partnership with Sterling Alexiou, confirmed that Skyhook would next compete in the Group 2 Run To The Rose in four weeks, ahead of the Group 1 Golden Rose scheduled for September 27, 2024.
“He worked here on a Wednesday a week ago on the course proper, and Jason, who’s ridden work for me for 10 or 12 years, said this is the best horse we’ve had since Menari,” Ryan stated. “He’s such a fluent-actioned horse; he’s an athletic horse.”
Skyhook, a son of the stallion Written Tycoon, was purchased for $575,000 as a yearling. Ryan believes that the colt will perform better over longer distances, a sentiment echoed by his pedigree. “I think he will be, and his pedigree says it,” he added. “We’ve been going to the sales since Written Tycoon went to stud, and he’s the only Written Tycoon we’ve bought.”
Ryan and Alexiou have received multiple horses from the Written Tycoon lineage but had not previously acquired one directly. The decision to purchase Skyhook came after a visit to Arrowfield, where his potential was apparent from a young age. “Dean Macaskill kept a share in him; he works there, and he loved him from the time he was a foal,” Ryan noted.
With a solid foundation established through recent performances, Skyhook now stands at the threshold of major races, with trainers and fans alike eager to see how he will fare in the competitive landscape of Australian racing. The upcoming weeks will be crucial as Skyhook transitions from promising newcomer to a contender for one of the sport’s most coveted titles.
