Viking Jack showed that he was getting back to the form that earned him the Gold Cup at Monmore last year when he ran out the fastest heat winner in the opening round of the Pinpoint Recruitment Healthcare Stakes at Newcastle on Tuesday.
Jim Hayton’s dog was made favourite, but supporters may have been a little nervy as he was led into the home straight by Pinpoint Finas. There was no need for concern, however, for Viking Jack had enough in reserve to power past the leader and take the verdict by a length in 28.65 for the 480 metres.
Newinn Yolo, a semi-final casualty in the Scottish Derby, was another to produce a stirring finish in heat two, an effort that saw Pat Rosney’s dog home by a length and threequarters from Conna Trigger in 28.74, while the last qualifier went to No But who made all to score by a length and a quarter from Shop Gibbon in 29.02.
Savva Roberts, sponsoring the Jimmy Roberts Memorial Maiden in honour of his father, laid down his marker to keep the competition at home when he sent out Black Pegasus to win the first heat with a late flourish that carried him past Pinpoint Classic and on to a length and a quarter success in 28.88.
Dromoland Dash also arrived late on the scene in the next, claiming the lead off Belesker Pat in the final strides to win by a length in 29.03, while Ulster Idea led from the outset in heat three, holding the run of Vicarage Nipper by a short head in 29.19.
