John Thompson has early autumn Group One ambitions for Hooked, one of two Patinack Farm gallopers starting campaigns at Rosehill.

Hooked will resume without a barrier trial when he contests the Eskimo Prince Stakes on Saturday and Thompson is hoping the three-year-old can sprint well enough to figure against the speedsters.

"He hasn't had a barrier trial because I've tried to keep him a bit sharp," Thompson said.

Hooked is one of six acceptors for the Listed race in which the highly regarded New Zealand colt El Roca is the favourite.

Although both of Hooked's two wins have been in Brisbane company, Thompson rates him as three-year-old of considerable promise.

"I've always had a fairly good opinion of him," Thompson said.

That assessment was partly confirmed at Group One level last campaign when Hooked when beaten less than two lengths into fourth behind Complacent in the Spring Champion Stakes at Randwick.

With that run as a benchmark, Thompson will set Hooked for next month's $500,000 Group One Randwick Guineas.

Stablemate Pretty Pins has had two barrier trials going into the NSW Thoroughbred Breeders' Classic.

"She will be better once she gets to a mile," Thompson said.

Steps In Time, who races against Pretty Pins, has figured in a late gear change as she tries to win Group Two race for the third year in a row.

The mare will now resume without blinkers at her first start since her transfer to Warwick Farm trainer Joe Pride from John O'Shea.