Hooked wins 2014 Schweppes Crystal Mile Group 2 $200,000 at Moonee Valley (VIC), 1600m.
Hooked as quickly away from his inside barrier (1) and led early on before easing to track Havana Rey who then set a cracking pace (first 1000m 58.86). He went past that horse approaching the home turn, straightened up well clear and went on to score impressively by almost two lengths in fast time (1:34.98).
Bull Point was ridden quietly by Ryan Moore and settled at the tail of the eight-horse field. He was still conceding the leader about eight lengths nearing the turn, switched deep on turning for home and ran on nicely for a very good second.
Desert Jeuney travelled well in sixth place on the rails, improved well after getting a split at the home turn to be second at the 100m and then fought on for a sound third. The favourite Speediness was back in fifth place and should have been suited by the strong pace but was under pressure coming to the turn. He went a distant second at the 150m but just battled on from that point to finish (3.2 lengths) fourth.
Akavoroun also should have appreciated the solid tempo but was hard ridden in fourth place at the 600m and just fought on from there to finish (7 lengths) fifth while the strong-running leader Havana Rey dropped out to finish (12
lengths) seventh.