Former Bart Cummings protege John Thompson says Tramway Stakes winner Hooked is a perfect example of how his old boss could get could the best out of a racehorse.
After the scratching of stablemate First Seal, five-year-old Hooked was backed from $18 to $9 to win the Group Two race over 1400m.
Hooked was among four leaders to win at Randwick on Saturday, swatting away late challenges from Ecuador and Rudy.
On a day when the racing industry paid tribute to Cummings who died last Sunday, Thompson said he was thrilled to commemorate his former mentor with a victory on home turf.
“There’s plenty of Bart in that horse, I’ll tell you,” Thompson said.
“Have a look at him. He’s got that Cummings glow, what more can I say?”
Despite the betting ring support, Thompson said he was surprised to see Hooked win in his first run back from a winter spell.
“I thought he would run a cheeky race. I didn’t think he’d win,” he said.
“He’s come here and run out of his skin.
“He’s back to his old self.”
Thompson said a tilt at the Epsom Handicap in October was on the cards.
“He ran third in it last year, and he’s going better this time, so there’s no reason not to give it a crack,” he said.
Jockey Tye Angland said he was impressed by Hooked’s speed and kick.
“He travelled like the winner the whole way,” he said.
“He was getting a little bit tired late but he was entitled to.
“It was a super effort.”
