Rollo The Viking takes no prisoners

THE switch from turf to poly favoured some, not others but Rollo The Viking was in his element on the synthetic surface as apprentice Dezahn Louw powered home on Nathan Kotzen's charge to land the Middle Stakes over 1400m that headed the card at Hollywoodbets Greyville yesterday.

- ANDREW HARRISON

It was not all plain sailing for the winner as Sean Veale aboard Isivivane hung him out to dry, keeping the apprentice three wide for much of the race. But Louw is one of the more promising apprentices and currently full value for his 4kg claim. Wide into the straight he kept Rollo The Viking on a straight and clear course for the line and the gelding responded readily, putting the race to bed a good furlong out with Queue Wing finishing best of the rest.