Unraced two-year-old Viking Legend will be on a dual-purpose mission against one-time Golden Slipper favourite Real Saga at Randwick on Saturday.Without the fanfare which preceded stablemate More Joyous' debut last week, Viking Legend steps out for the first time in the Hula Chief Handicap (1000m).Nevertheless, his performance will provide trainer Gai Waterhouse with an early and invaluable insight into the formlines being established around Sydney's Golden Slipper contenders.The colt can also i

Unraced two-year-old Viking Legend will be on a dual-purpose mission against one-time Golden Slipper favourite Real Saga at Randwick on Saturday.

Without the fanfare which preceded stablemate More Joyous' debut last week, Viking Legend steps out for the first time in the Hula Chief Handicap (1000m).

Nevertheless, his performance will provide trainer Gai Waterhouse with an early and invaluable insight into the formlines being established around Sydney's Golden Slipper contenders.

The colt can also improve his own standing within Tulloch Lodge after being grouped in a tier rated below hyped youngsters like More Joyous and the richly bred Manhattan Rain.

Viking Legend finished third to Manhattan Rain and Breeders' Plate winner Real Saga in his most recent trial appearance at Randwick on January 9.

While on paper he gives the impression he is inferior in ability to his stablemate and Real Saga, Waterhouse says the son of first season sire Elvstroem has much to offer.

"I have a lot of time for this horse," she said.

"He's got a really good attitude and I'm sure he can give the Breeders' Plate winner a real run for his money."

Viking Legend cost $165,000 at last year's Melbourne yearling sale and is bred to race over a journey but Waterhouse says he is precocious enough to run well on Saturday.

"Every jockey that has ridden him can't believe how much he keeps improving," Waterhouse said. "He's going the right way."

Nash Rawiller takes the mount on Saturday.

Real Saga will make his return in Sydney after he was also nominated for Monday's Caulfield meeting.

Prepared by the Hawkes family training partnership, Real Saga had the honour of being the opening favourite for the Golden Slipper when markets were first posted earlier this month.

He was dethroned from favouritism after More Joyous' winning debut last week but he remains a clear second pick at $9.

Jockey Glyn Schofield said he was impressed by Real Saga's barrier trial placing.

"I didn't ride him in the trial but he looked sharp to my eye," Schofield said.

"He's got the runs on the board after winning the Breeders' Plate and I'll be disappointed if he is beaten on Saturday."

Real Saga is expected to open as an odds-on chance in on-course betting ahead of Viking Legend, Tuscan Breeze and Sampler.

On breeding, the John O'Shea-trained Tuscan Breeze will command most interest.

An $85,000 Magic Millions purchase, Tuscan Breeze is a half-brother by Not A Single Doubt to O'Shea's lightly-raced Group One placegetter Fist Of Fury.

The Randwick track, which has been watered extensively this week to combat Sydney's heatwave, was rated good on Friday.