Casino Prince stallion Hooked is on track for a Group 1 and a stud career after a first-up victory in the G2 Tramway Hcp (1400m) at Randwick.
The John Thompson trained front-runner was backed in from $18 to $9 and was always travelling like a winner under jockey Tye Angland to score by a half-length. “He’s run out of his skin,” Thompson said. “He was glowing before the race and is back to his old self.”
Hooked (5h Casino Prince – Absolute Lure by Lure) was beaten no more than a length when an unlucky third in last year’s G1 Epsom Hcp and is being set for another shot at the Big Mile. “He’s better this time in and we’re going to have a crack,” Thompson said. “He can take the next step and is up to that class.”
Initially a homebred for Nathan Tinkler, he was purchased by Ultra Thoroughbreds at the Patinack Farm dispersal in October 2014. The Tramway was his third strike at Group level following the G3 Cameron Hcp at Newcastle and G2 Crystal Mile at Moonee Valley.
His sire Casino Prince stands at Vinery Stud for a $13,200 (inc GST) service fee alongside his four time Group 1 winning son All Too Hard.
Hooked’s own value as a stallion prospect would soar with a Group 1 victory at Randwick.
