All-weather Rainbow looks the Dream ticket for King

RAINBOW Dreamer is primed to retain his title in the Betway Conditions Stakes at Wolverhampton.

Alan King’s fine stayer appears to have had the ideal preparation to bag this fast-track qualifier again.

The eight-year-old – so adept on an all-weather surface, be it Polytrack or Tapeta – was beaten just five lengths in the Group Three Sagaro Stakes at Newcastle last summer, before returning to that track three weeks later to run a fine fifth under a big weight in the Northumberland Plate.

After his busy and fruitful winter, then those two quick mid-summer runs, Rainbow Dreamer earned an extended break before reappearing at Newcastle last month with another admirable effort to be beaten under a length into third in a highly competitive fast-track qualifier.

That was over this same trip, of an extended two miles, and there is every reason to anticipate further improvement.

His career record suggests he is always likely to be better for a recent run, and he achieved his first threefigure rating at this track 12 months ago – on his only visit here to date.

Tom Marquand renews the partnership, having previously won and finished second on Rainbow Dreamer – whose month break since his Newcastle return indicates this race has been a long-term plan in King’s diary. It is highly likely to come together.

Highest Mountain can also conquer Dunstall Park again, albeit at a significantly lower level, in the Bombardier British Hopped Amber Beer Claiming Stakes.

Brian Ellison’s gelding is hardly the most reliable, in terms of following one decent run with another.

Nonetheless, he belatedly returned to form with victory here in November.

Two subsequent efforts over that successful course and distance have yielded contrasting results, a wellbeaten eighth of nine and a head defeat in selling company.