The Golden Slipper Stakes odds on Skyhook to back-up and win next weekend’s Group 1 $5 feature have firmed following the colt’s dominant victory in the 2025 Pago Pago Stakes at Rosehill on Saturday.

The Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou trained son of Written Tycoon went around as the $2.90 top elect in the Group 3 $250,000 Pago Pago Stakes (1200m) on Coolmore Classic Day and didn’t disappoint with Kerrin McEvoy in the saddle.

“He’s a nice colt moving forward and he was athletic out of the gate, so I just thought, right, if nothing’s quicker than me, I’m just going to let him get into a comfortable stride, which is what he did,” McEvoy said after the all-the-way victory.

“He pricked his ears, and I actually asked Jason behind the gates, because he works with Gerald (Ryan) and he said he’s been leading in his work.

“So, I thought, right, if he ends up in front, he’s going to be used to that scenario.

“He’s got to come in a week’s time again, but fingers crossed he can pull up well.”

Given a confident ride by McEvoy, the last start Skyline Stakes runner-up went one better powering home from the front to leave his rivals behind opening up over the final furlong to hit the line over three lengths clear of his 40/1 stablemate Good Hotspur with State Visit ($7) third for Ciaron Maher.

“He’s really bomb-proof. He’s the ultimate professional,” co-trainer Alexiou told Sky Thoroughbred Central post-win.

“Kerrin made his intentions very clear early.

“He thought he was riding the best horse and rode him accordingly. It’s good to see him put a space on the field.”

Punters should get the chance to back the progressive two-year-old again at the Rosehill track in seven days’ time with the stable confirming plans for the Golden Slipper so long as Skyhook pulls up well.

“Hopefully if he pulls up well the winner, you might see him in the (Golden) Slipper on Saturday,” Alexiou confirmed.

“He’s very adaptable. I think you’ve seen him race here, there and everywhere in his settling positions.

“We’ll just get over today, get through the next few days, make sure he has pulled up all right and hopefully we’re on our way (to the Golden Slipper).”

Skyhook will be out to complete the Pago Pago Stakes / Golden Slipper double for the first time since Shinzo (2023).

All-in Golden Slipper 2025 odds online at Ladbrokes.com.au have him into $7 to do so.

2025 Pago Pago Stakes Results

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