Victorian Superstars On Track For Brisbane Cup

JASON Thompson has confirmed Hooked On Scotch and Black Opium on track for the SKY Racing Brisbane Cup (520m) which gets underway at Albion Park on June 25.

And there's a chance in-form kennelmate Fire Legend will join the group 1 winning duo north for the $85,000 series following his slick 29.95 victory at The Meadows on Saturday night.

"Hooked On Scotch and Black Opium will head up to Tony Brett next week but I'm still 50/50 about whether Fire Legend will go," Thompson said.

Hooked On Scotch's fast approaching Brisbane campaign will continue the two-time group 1 winner's return to racing after spending much of 2020 on the sidelines with injury.

A winner at Warrnambool on return after five months off, the champion son of Barcia Bale was well beaten at Sandown Park last time out where he of course holds the track record at a remarkable 28.94.

"I'm happy with where Hooked On Scotch is at now," Thompson said.

"He came out of that last Sandown run with a few minor issues which we've been working on and got on top of."

While Hooked On Scotch's trip north will be his first venture to the sunshine state, the same can't be said for Black Opium, the daughter of Black Magic Opal finishing a courageous second to Sennachie in last year's Brisbane Cup decider.

Boasting a sizzling personal best time of 29.54 at Albion Park, the recent group 1 Sapphire Crown winner continued her outstanding form with a flying 29.64 romp at The Meadows on Saturday night.

The appearance of Hooked On Scotch and Black Opium in Brisbane for the group 1 showpiece is a huge boost for Queensland racing at a time where COVID-19 restrictions remain in place.

The Queensland government has announced their border closures will remain in place until at least the end of June, meaning interstate greyhounds will need to be transferred to Queensland trainers to contest the time-honoured group 1 event.

And while there's still plenty of water to go under the bridge, the potential clash between Hooked On Scotch, Black Opium and Queensland superstar Oh Mickey is one worth salivating over.