"The Strikin Viking Eyes Revenge at Gimcrack Stakes; Faces Stiff Competition from Big Mojo and Shadow Of Light in High-Stakes York Race"
The Strikin Viking makes his return to the site of his remarkable debut victory, aiming for a second triumph at York in the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Gimcrack Stakes.
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Following his setback on the Sussex Downs, connections identified the Gimcrack as the ideal next target and are confident that the Knavesmire's course will suit the fast Hamad Al Jehani-trained colt exceptionally well.
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'He has to compete against Big Mojo, and Charlie Appleby's runner, Shadow Of Light, who performed impressively at Newmarket. It's a highly competitive race on paper and will present a significant challenge.
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Although The Strikin Viking missed out on achieving glory at Goodwood, Big Mojo showcased his exceptional talent by triumphing over five furlongs in the Molecomb Stakes.
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'He performed exceptionally well at Goodwood, and I believe he has made further progress. Therefore, he has a very strong chance,' said Appleby.
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Jones said: 'It's incredibly exciting, and we earmarked this race following his win at Newbury. We gave him a restful week post-Newbury, but his training has been excellent since, and I am very pleased.'
'He was desperately in need of six furlongs in the Super Sprint, so moving back up in distance is definitely a positive change.'
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'He's our standout performer, and I really hope he can keep shining a spotlight on us. It's a tough competition, and I was kind of hoping it would be a bit easier – all the major contenders are here.
'But we head into the race undefeated, and what endears me most to him are his fighting qualities. He lowers his ears, thrusts his head forward, and exhibits a strong determination to win. This tenacity should serve him well if he's in contention in the closing stages.'
Shadow Of Light has shown exceptional talent in his two starts to date, and the Lope De Vega colt now aims to maintain his unbeaten record while securing a second win in three years for Charlie Appleby in this race.
Karl Burke's Andesite has been absent from the track since an impressive debut win over this course and distance in May. The form of that victory has been boosted by runner-up Yah Mo Be There, who has subsequently secured a win at Listed level.
Meanwhile, Camille Pissarro, representing Aidan O'Brien, came close to defeating subsequent Group One winner Babouche in the Anglesey Stakes.
Eve Johnson Houghton's Billboard Star, who finished fourth in the Richmond Stakes, is a model of consistency and is capable of a strong performance. Meanwhile, Andrew Balding's Cool Hand Luke, after securing a fourth-place finish in the Coventry Stakes and a third place in the Vintage Stakes, now aims to hit the target.
Kevin Ryan's King's Call delivered a respectable performance behind Big Mojo in the Molecomb, while Adrian Keatley's Ayr maiden winner Symbol Of Strength rounds out the field.
