The Written Tycoon colt, the second elect behind Pallaton ($2.60) in the Rosebud, was an unlucky second in the group 2 Skyline Stakes before earning a Golden Slipper start with a commanding victory in the group 3 Pago Pago. On the one-week back-up, he was seventh in the Slipper, and he resumes on Saturday off one trial where he hit the line well for second.
Training team Sterling Alexiou and Gerald Ryan.Credit: Getty
McEvoy expected Skyhook to benefit from Saturday’s run and pick up over increased distances.
“I think he’s open to a bit more improvement this prep,” McEvoy said.
“The back-up [in the Slipper] didn’t really suit in the end, but he’s come back in good order.
“He probably hasn’t rounded up and strengthened a heap, but he’s grown a bit taller. One thing he’s really got is a big, athletic action and a good attitude to his work.
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“He’s first up and he’s got the penalty [60.5kg]. Then you’ve got a horse like Pallaton [54kg] with no weight. As long as he can go there and run a good race, it will set him up for the rest of the prep.
“He rides like he’ll enjoy 1400, so if he’s good enough, he’ll enjoy the 1400 of the Golden Rose.”
Amreekiyah was battling stablemate Tuileries ($3.30) for favouritism in the fourth, a fillies and mares benchmark 78 handicap (1400m). Unbeaten in three starts, Amreekiyah made up several lengths in the short Canterbury straight to win last time out.
“She’s a really nice mare and Peter’s always had a bit of time for her,” McEvoy said.
“She led and won, and then the other day we got back in a shorter race, but she’s got a nice amount of class on her side. I really think she’s going to keep improving, and Peter’s really happy with her.
“I know it was only a benchmark 64, but given the way it was unfolding that day at Canterbury, it was hard to be back and wide, and she did that with a big weight. She gave me the feel of a really nice filly.
“We’ve drawn 11, which doesn’t look ideal, but with her being versatile, it gives you the option of playing it as it’s unfolding.”