Rainbow continues to shine

Rainbow Bridge enhanced his already glittering reputation with victory in the Grade 3 Highlands Stud Winter Classic on Saturday at Kenilworth to remain undefeated.

Eric Sands’ gelding had come from last in the Winter Guineas, but was ridden very differently this time, getting over quickly to race up second behind Spring Man after overcoming a wide draw.

He raced very unsettled in the early stages, and Sands admitted he was “seriously worried” halfway through the race.

The heavily backed 8-10 favourite kept on courageously after taking up the running 400m out.

Nearest market rival Rocket Countdown came with a late rattle down the inside, but never seriously looked like overhauling Rainbow Bridge who had a length to spare at the line.

Rainbow Bridge was rated a lowly 84 coming into this race due to restrictions placed on our handicappers. He can only be raised to 94 after this Grade 3 win, despite being undefeated, and having beaten Rocket Countdown (102) comfortably twice now.

Half an hour later Fourie completed a feature double when Fresnaye won the Listed Highlands Stud Stormsvlei Mile for Joey Ramsden. The first of the features also went to Ramsden, when Call To Account confirmed her recovery from a knee fracture suffered exactly a year ago in the Allan Robertson at Scottsville.