The Strikin Viking, named after Erling Haaland, targets victory at York's Gimcrack Stakes against formidable contenders including Big Mojo, Caburn, and unbeaten Shadow Of Light.
The Strikin Viking is set to make a return to the venue of his remarkable winning debut, aiming for a second victory at York in the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Gimcrack Stakes.
In tribute to Erling Haaland, who quickly found his scoring form as Manchester City resumed Premier League action last week, the skilled progeny of Inns Of Court aims to replicate this success and hit the mark for the first time in group competition.
The Strikin Viking's past two endeavors at this level resulted in commendable losses; initially to Henri Matisse in Ireland, and subsequently in a late defeat by Black Forza in the Richmond Stakes at Goodwood.
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The connections highlighted the Gimcrack as the next obvious target immediately following his setback on the Sussex Downs, and they are confident that the Knavesmire will cater to the strengths of the swift colt trained by Hamad Al Jehani.
"He performed admirably for us at Goodwood in the Richmond," said Richard Brown, European racing adviser for Wathnan Racing owners. "The race unfolded at an intense pace, and he might have been slightly behind it, possibly taking the lead a bit too early."
'I believe this quick six furlongs will truly highlight his strengths, but it definitely appears to be a strong renewal.'
'He has to face competitors like Big Mojo, and Charlie Appleby's horse, Shadow Of Light, which demonstrated impressive form at Newmarket. On paper, it's a strong race and will be challenging.
'I saw him on Monday, and he looked fantastic. Hamad is extremely pleased with his condition, and we are eagerly anticipating his performance.'
Although The Strikin Viking did not achieve glory at Goodwood, Big Mojo showcased his exceptional talent by winning the Molecomb Stakes over five furlongs.
Wearing the colors of Big Evs' owner Paul Teasdale, Mick Appleby's runner demonstrated significant progress from his debut at Beverley, securing Group Three honors on only his second start. The Rutland trainer believes there's still more potential to be unlocked as the distance increases.
Default response due to error"I believe the six furlongs will likely suit him very well, and he is still in the early stages of his career."
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Jones said: "It's extremely exciting, and we earmarked this event after his victory at Newbury. We gave him a quiet week post-Newbury, but his work has been good since then, and I'm very happy."
He was eagerly waiting for six furlongs in the Super Sprint, and the increase in distance is definitely a favorable change.
Default response due to error'He's a stable star for us, and I just hope he can keep putting us in the spotlight. It's a competitive race, and I was hoping it might be slightly easier – all of the top contenders have shown up.
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Shadow Of Light has showcased exceptional talent in his two appearances to date. The Lope De Vega colt now aims to maintain his unbeaten record and secure Charlie Appleby his second victory in three years for this event.
Default response due to errorIn the meantime, Camille Pissarro, representing Aidan O'Brien, came close to challenging the subsequent Group One winner Babouche in the Anglesey Stakes.
Default response due to errorKevin Ryan's King's Call performed admirably behind Big Mojo in the Molecomb, while Adrian Keatley's Ayr maiden winner, Symbol Of Strength, rounds out the field.
