Viking Glory

What makes Viking Glory interesting is the timing of that first win and the trainer's confidence in what comes next. Owen has built a formidable operation at Newmarket—205 winners already this season—and the trainer clearly rates this horse. When Owen took him on a couple of months before that Brighton breakthrough, he saw something worth developing. The yard's assessment was straightforward: this is a horse built for sprinting, ready to shine over distances between six and seven furlongs. That first win at Brighton suggests Owen's reading of the horse is sound. With just one victory from nine races, the win rate sits at 11 per cent, but the recent form shows he's competitive at the right level and capable of finishing in the money regularly. The fact that he raced just a day ago and is already back active suggests Owen sees reason to keep him sharp and moving forward. At three years old, with his temperament seeming to suit race rhythm, there's ground left to cover.