Hooked wins 2014 Strathayr Cameron Hcp Group 3 $150,000 at Newcastle (NSW), 1500m.
The favourite Hooked was smartly away, soon crossed to the lead and was then allowed to set a very moderate early tempo before picking up the pace from the 600m. He then fought back gamely when challenged at the 300m and drew clear over the final 100m to score decisively by a length and a half.
Rugged Crossraced outside the leader until into the straight. He was under pressure when the tempo increased but kept fighting on soundly in the sprint home for a good second.
Mighty Lucky was about sixth, but caught three wide without cover. He moved up (still three deep) at the 600m and continued to battle on well in the straight for a good third.
Billy Aucash was fourth on the rails until the 200m point and battled on to hold that position at the post, beaten two and a quarter lengths.
Slow Pace was sixth, three wide with cover to the turn and he kept fighting on quite well in the straight for (2.7 lengths) fifth being unsuited by the slow early pace.
Mr Chard was second last on the rails to the 600m and just battled on along the rails in the sprint home to finish (3.3 lengths) sixth.
Second favourite Spy Decoder was last to the turn and did not look a threat at any stage before finishing seventh while Vilanova (eighth) was also near the rear most of the way, both being disadvantaged by the lack of early pace.
