Viking Hero is back on track after a setback with pharyngitis and can show it in Saturday's Group Three Frank Packer Plate at Randwick.Trainer Mike Moroney had been aiming the Elvstroem colt at the AJC Australian Derby but the problem was discovered after he failed at his fourth run in when fifth to Precedence, beaten 12 lengths, over 2000m at Flemington six weeks ago."We discovered he had pharyngitis after his last run. He had a bit of junk down his trachea so we've given him a few easy weeks t
Viking Hero is back on track after a setback with pharyngitis and can show it in Saturday's Group Three Frank Packer Plate at Randwick.
Trainer Mike Moroney had been aiming the Elvstroem colt at the AJC Australian Derby but the problem was discovered after he failed at his fourth run in when fifth to Precedence, beaten 12 lengths, over 2000m at Flemington six weeks ago.
"We discovered he had pharyngitis after his last run. He had a bit of junk down his trachea so we've given him a few easy weeks to wait until that cleared," stable manager Anthony Feroce said.
"He hasn't run for a while, but we've taken him up to Sydney hopefully to run well and then he'll go on to the Queensland Derby."
Damien Oliver has been booked to ride Viking Hero for the first time in Saturday's 2000m feature.
Viking Hero has had eight starts for only one win, in a Benalla 1506m maiden at his second start last October.
He was first past the post in the Listed Myer Fashion Stakes (1800m) at Flemington on Oaks day last spring but subsequently relegated to third after a protest against him was upheld.
Viking Hero is stoutly bred being out of the Zabeel mare Gypsy Dollar who is a half-sister to 1993 AJC Australian Derby and Rosehill Guineas winner Innocent King and 1996 Sandown Cup and four-time Moe Cup winner Royal Snack.
Feroce said the colt would run in the Group Three Rough Habit Plate (2020m) at Doomben on May 29 as a lead-up to the Group One Queensland Derby (2400m) at Eagle Farm on June 12.