Trainer John Thompson has revealed that Hooked is set to contest the 2015 George Main Stakes that will be held at Royal Randwick on Saturday.
Hooked will have the chance to record a maiden win at Group 1 level in the 2015 George Main Stakes at Royal Randwick this weekend. Photo by: Steve Hart
Hooked was included in the nominations for both the Group 1 George Main Stakes (1600m) and the Group 3 Cameron Handicap (1500m) that will be held at Newcastle on Friday, but Thompson told Sky Racing HQ that he will give the Casino Prince entire the opportunity at Group 1 level after he returned to racing with a brave win in the Group 2 Tramway Stakes (1400m) at Royal Randwick on September 5.
“We will probably accept in both races, but he will more than likely go to Randwick,” Thompson said.
“He is going so well, he is going better than he has ever gone before, and he runs very well at Randwick.
“It seems like a very nice race for him and he won’t get a penalty for the Epsom.”
Another Thompson-trained galloper that will be in action at Royal Randwick this weekend is Honesta, who has been included in the nominations for the Group 2 Tea Rose Stakes (1400m).
Honesta started her campaign back in July with a fourth place finish at the Sunshine Coast, but he earnt an opportunity at Group level after she scored a dominant win in the Coastal Fresh Handicap (1600m) at Doomben on August 1 and was far too good for her rivals in the Brandons Handicap (1640m) at the same venue on August 15.
Thompson revealed that Honesta is set to head towards a race like the Group 2 Wakeful Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on Victoria Derby Day, but he still expects the daughter of Monaco Consul to perform well in the 2015 Tea Rose Stakes this weekend.
“She is a promising staying filly on the way up,” Thompson said.
“She is on route to the Wakeful.
“She has had a little freshen-up and she is coming back to the 1400, but she has been working very good this week.
“She will be competitive.”
The 2015 George Main Stakes field will be released tomorrow and Hooked is set to take on the likes of Royal Descent, Protectionist, Pornichet, Kermadec, Lucia Valentina, Hooked, Moriarty, It’s Somewhat, Kirramosa, Sweynesse and Hauraki.
Hooked is currently available at 2015 George Main Stakes odds of $11 with Ladbrokes and is on the fifth line of betting behind Kermadec ($3.10), Royal Descent ($5.50), Lucia Valentina ($6.50) and Pornichet ($8).
