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Matisse blunts Strikin Viking

Henri Matisse, the 8/1 outsider of the field, came from last to first to win the GAIN Railway Stakes.

Royal Ascot third Arizona Blaze, racing solo, helped to cut out the running in the Group 2 with The Strikin Viking, named after Erling Haaland, leading the remainder.

The Strikin Viking, who won his debut just 15 days ago, quickened from the front and appeared to have his rivals in trouble but he was flanked by two Aidan O-Brien trained runners and slowly but surely, Henri Matisse wore him down, going on to win by a half a length with the pair pulling over three lengths clear.

The winner was ridden by Wayne Lordan and was also having his second career start having made a winning debut in May.

“The six (furlongs) today we felt might be on the sharp side for him,” said Lordan, “but he finished off the race well and I think he won well at the line.

“We went a good gallop and I was able to just hang onto the back of them and from three out I started to squeeze and I thought the last half furlong was the best part of it.

“I hit the line well and thought he had a look when he got there. He’s by the right stallion (Wootton Bassett), they show pace but I think this fellow is going to stay as well so I think (this race is) a stepping stone for when he goes up in trip.”

Shar delight

Sharinay justified (2/1) favouritism in good style in the Paddy Power “From The Horse’s Mouth Podcast” Handicap.

The Harzand gelding jumped well but Ronan Whelan was content to take him back behind the front-running British raider Arabic Legend.

Arabic Legend made a good fist of making almost all but Whelan got Sharinay off the rail and into space in plenty of time and although he took a little time to master his rival, he extended close home and was good value for his one and three quarter length success.

Arabic Legend held on for second with Thor’s Hammer half a length down in third.

Whelan told Racing TV: “We all thought if things went to plan, he was the best horse in the race and I was going to ride him like that. There was a bit of pace on early so I was happy enough to take him back and it worked out lovely; he had a bit of class to get me out of a hole, I got out, I quickened and then he’s only going through the motions.

“On paper he looked a stakes horse in a handicap, especially looking at his form the last day. I was doing a bit of soul searching that night wondering how I got this lad beat but when I seen what Johnny’s lad (Chicago Critic, third in the Jersey) went and done I didn’t feel so bad.

“He’s a horse on the improve, he’s going to get better as time goes on.”

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