Four stables will be represented by multiple runners in the $5 million Golden Slipper, and co-trainer Sterling Alexiou is thrilled that his stable is among them.

Alexiou, alongside his business partner Gerald Ryan, will send out Black Opal Stakes winner King Of Pop and last weekend’s impressive Pago Pago Stakes victor Skyhook as they chase their first victory in the world’s richest two-year-old race.

Other stables with multiple contenders include Hawkes Racing (Devil Night, West Of Swindon, and emergency Nepotism), Tulloch Lodge (North England, Farcited, Bellzaine), and Godolphin (Beiwacht and Tempted). However, the latter two stables operate on a much larger scale with significantly more horses in their care.

For a smaller stable like Ryan and Alexiou’s, having two runners in the Golden Slipper is a remarkable achievement. “We identified these two early on as Slipper candidates, and for them to make it this far and line up in the race is very satisfying for everyone at home, as well as for Gerald and myself,” Alexiou said.

“We’ve had quite a few runners over the years. Some might say they were just making up the numbers, but this year, we believe we have two genuine chances. In what looks like a very competitive year, I’m really pleased to have both our horses in the mix.”

Skyhook, who has drawn barrier eight, is backing up from his commanding victory last Saturday. He aims to become the fifth horse since 1984 to complete the Pago Pago Stakes-Golden Slipper double, with Shinzo being the most recent to achieve this feat two years ago.

Alexiou reports that the colt has recovered well and believes his adaptability will be a major advantage. “Of our four runners at Rosehill last weekend, he came through it the best, which is a positive sign heading into Saturday,” he said. “Even with a slow tempo, he showed a strong turn of foot, and that’s one of his best qualities. He can settle anywhere in the field and is very versatile. He’s a very smart horse.”

While King Of Pop’s chances have been slightly dampened by his wide draw in barrier 18, Alexiou remains hopeful. If jockey Zac Lloyd can navigate the tricky barrier, Alexiou is confident the colt has the talent to compete at the highest level. “He’s always shown promise from the very beginning. The first time we let him stretch out over a furlong, he demonstrated his ability,” he said. “He has a great temperament and a strong attitude, which are crucial for two-year-olds. The barrier is a challenge, but it’s now up to Zac to work his magic.”

Lloyd is aiming for his first Golden Slipper victory, while Skyhook’s jockey, Kerrin McEvoy, is chasing his second win in the race after triumphing aboard Sepoy in 2011.