Viking Legend showed his versatility and underlined his credentials for next week's Group One Spring Champion Stakes with a thrilling victory in the Listed Dulcify Quality at a very windy Randwick.The Elvstroem colt is expected to take over as favourite for Saturday's Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) from Hus Der Lieften who was a disappointing sixth in the Dulcify (1800m).Trainer Gai Waterhouse was concerned about the strong wind at the eastern suburbs track and instructed Viking Legend's jockey

Viking Legend showed his versatility and underlined his credentials for next week's Group One Spring Champion Stakes with a thrilling victory in the Listed Dulcify Quality at a very windy Randwick.

The Elvstroem colt is expected to take over as favourite for Saturday's Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) from Hus Der Lieften who was a disappointing sixth in the Dulcify (1800m).

Trainer Gai Waterhouse was concerned about the strong wind at the eastern suburbs track and instructed Viking Legend's jockey Blake Shinn to stay away from the leading pack, and the plan worked a treat.

Viking Legend, who started the $2.90 favourite, settled around midfield and was near the back of the field approaching the turn while Hus Der Lieften ($3.70) and Well Handled ($5.50) battled for the lead.

On straightening, Shinn moved Viking Legend along the inside before popping out three wide and going on to defeat Saint Encosta ($21) by a neck with Smart Lady ($26) two lengths away third.

"I've been thinking long and hard about this blasted wind out here today and I said to Blake that everybody is going to expect us to lead but I said I don't think it's the right thing to do with 25 kilometre winds here today," Waterhouse said.

"The horse settled and he settled so well that on the turn he was back near last.

"Every time I ask him to improve he's done it, he'll go to the Spring Champion Stakes and there's every chance he'll go to Melbourne after that."

Viking Legend is nominated for the Victoria Derby (2500m) at Flemington on October 31.

Hus Der Lieften's trainer Gerald Ryan was straight to the point when asked about the colt's performance.

"Disappointing, very," Ryan said.