Skyhook has successfully confirmed his ability to perform at a mile with a decisive victory in the Gunsynd Classic, now placing him firmly in contention for a start in the spring’s Golden Eagle.

Co-trainer Sterling Alexiou confirmed that the three-year-old colt would be sent for a spell after taking out Saturday’s feature race at Eagle Farm. This win provided a valuable consolation after he was unable to secure a start in the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap, and it also offered connections a chance to test his capabilities over 1600 metres.

Prior to this race, Skyhook had not competed beyond 1400 metres. His success in Brisbane has now opened up the possibility of a campaign targeting the $10 million Golden Eagle (1500m) at the end of 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 his training partner, Gerald Ryan, would take time to assess the situation before finalising Skyhook’s spring program. Given that the horse is still an entire, they are keen to see him compete at the highest level again.

“Possibly the Premiere (Stakes), Silver Eagle, Golden Eagle but nothing in concrete yet,” Alexiou stated regarding their potential spring targets. “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 juvenile, had previously finished fourth behind Beiwacht in last year’s running of the Golden Rose (1400m).

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

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