The 4yo son of Casino Prince was making the first run for his new connections when a luckless third in the Group 1 Epsom at Randwick on October 4.
With Craig Williams in the saddle Hooked tracked the front running Havana Rey through blistering sectionals. Surged to the lead coming into the home straight, Hooked held the luckless, fast finisher Bull Point by one and three-quarter lengths with Desert Jeuney back in third. (photo Darryl Sherer).
Winning trainer John Thompson said he was thankful to be allowed to keep training the 4yo entire.
"I'm very grateful they've allowed me to keep training him and hopefully this is some reward," Thomson said.
"It makes a difference when you can get some cover. Today he was able to get a drag off Havana Rey and then pounce on the lead.
"It's hard to beat Sydney form when you bring horses down here."
Third behind Criterion and Tupac Amaru in last season's Group 1 ATC Australian Derby and winner of the Group III Cameron Handicap at Newcastle,, Hooked takes his overall record to 4 wins and 2 third from 20 starts for earnings of $623,750
A brother to the stakes-placed Casino Card, Hooked is the sixth live foal of the Sydney winning Lue mare Absolute Lure who was reported sold in 2012 to Shadwell Farm for $2,500.
A half-sister to the Group III Coongy Handicap winner Fire In The Night (Danewin), Absolute Lure has a 2yo colt by Monaco Consul and foaled a brother to Hooked on September 4.
