Rosehill trainer Gerald Ryan is hoping for a good barrier and clear running for Skyhook in Saturday’s Golden Rose, but he doesn’t see it as the grand final.
The Pago Pago Stakes and Rosebud winner has always looked like 1400m would suit him as he has a lovely racing style of relaxing in a good position and charging home.
Golden Rose favourite Tempted took all the attention in the Run To The Rose, but Skyhook probably should have finished closer after running into traffic problems halfway down the straight before he ripped home, running a faster final 200m than the winner.
“I think if he doesn’t get held up he runs a clear second but the filly [Tempted] was very good,” Ryan said.
“I would take the same sort of run in the Golden Rose, so we want to draw a gate, and he just needs to get a clear run at them to be right in it.”
“He settled fifth or sixth in the race the other day and that would be perfect. He doesn’t need to be any closer because it would take away from his finish.”
“He is a strong horse, and the 1400m has always looked a trip he would enjoy. He has had the right preparation and this would be his preliminary final.”
Ryan has an eye to Melbourne and it’s surprising he does not want to extend the son of Written Tycoon to the mile of the Caulfield Guineas.
Ryan is mindful Skyhook is a colt and believes the Coolmore Stud Stakes would attract more attention from studs than the Guineas.
“I will freshen him up for the Coolmore. The plan has been to have these runs and not stretch out to the mile until to the autumn,” Ryan said.
“They are a good group of three-year-olds, and I think he can show he is right up there at his next two runs.”
