By: Jason Adams

Hooked On Scotch is the punters’ fancy to etch his name on the TAB Melbourne Cup honour roll on Friday night at Sandown Park.

It comes as no surprise after his stunning track record performance in his heat.

“I just wanted to see him put on the show I knew he could,” said trainer Jason Thompson.

“The dog is a freak. I’ve said it for a long time that he’s a freak. I had faith that he could break the record and he’s done it, and on a night where it really counts, on Cup heats night. I couldn’t be prouder of the dog.”

From just 15 career starts Hooked On Scotch already has 10 wins – including seven in best of the night time. You can also add in four Group race titles and over $205,000 in prizemoney.

“I had faith that he could break the record and he’s done it, and on a night where it really counts, on Cup heats night” – JASON THOMPSON

Still a month shy of his second birthday, if successful, Hooked On Scotch will become the youngest winner of the TAB Melbourne Cup since Kantarn Bale claimed the 1999 edition of the race.

He is owned and bred by the father and son combination of Mick and Darren Puleio.

The Puleios were engaged in last year’s Cup with Hooked On Scotch’s older brother, Poke The Bear however, they seem better placed this time around after Hooked On Scotch drew perfectly in box 8 for the final.

“I just want to do a somersault,” said Darren Puleio after the box draw which aired on 7Mate’s Thrill Of The Chase.

The Cup is held in the highest esteem by all participants in the sport and the Puleio team is no exception. To share the ‘Melbourne Cup experience’ with each other is something they never will never forget.

“I have to pinch myself and wonder when it’s all going to stop. I’ve been in the sport all of my life and dad has for decades, and to share it all with him is a dream come true.”

WATCH: Hooked On Scotch (8) breaks the track record at Sandown Park in Melbourne Cup.