Trainer Gerald Ryan believes exciting colt Skyhook could be on a similar path to former stable star Menari after a gritty first-up success in the Listed Rosebud at Rosehill. Carrying the same 60.5kg impost Menari did seven years ago, Skyhook produced a determined finish to defeat Grand Prairie by half a length, with race favourite Pallaton two lengths away in third.

Ryan drew a direct comparison to Menari, who parlayed his Rosebud win into victory in the 2017 The Run To The Rose (1200m) before finishing third in the Golden Rose (1400m). “Jason, who’s been riding work for me over ten years, said Skyhook is the best horse we’ve had since Menari,” Ryan revealed.

Skyhook had already proven his ability as a juvenile, winning the Pago Pago Stakes (1200m) before contesting the Golden Slipper (1200m). Still, Saturday’s heavy 9 track was an unknown. “Written Tycoons don’t usually love the wet, but he’s had a faultless preparation and has the attitude we want,” Ryan said.

The Written Tycoon colt will now follow Menari’s same program, heading to The Run To The Rose on September 13 before lining up in the Golden Rose a fortnight later. “He’s a horse that needs his races spaced, so this timing suits perfectly,” Ryan explained. “We bought him at the sales because we loved him, and he’s showing he was worth it.”

Meanwhile, trainer Michael Freedman felt Pallaton’s third-place finish was better than it looked, noting Tommy Berry was forced onto the worst part of the track. “It was a mix of freshness and tempo, then having to go back inside,” Freedman said. Options ahead include the San Domenico Stakes in two weeks or a tilt at the Moir Stakes, where Pallaton would enjoy a light weight and fast tempo to suit his racing pattern.