The Rainbow Hunter

The Rainbow Hunter emerges from the Class 3 MC Seafoods Handicap Chase at Newbury last Wednesday with a large amount of credit as he was the only one to get close to the winner Sona Sasta, who was 13lb well-in. The Rainbow Hunter was held up early, disputing last place for the first circuit, while the winner did it all from the front. He started to make some ground up the home straight first time round as his jumping was more accurate than some of those around him. His jumping was good down the back straight as well, he made smooth progress, moved into second place turning out of the back straight a few lengths behind Sona Sasta, really attacking the obstacles. He got caught out a little as the leader quickened the tempo coming to the cross fence five out, but he dug in and was back within three lengths at the next. Sona Sasta just had too much in hand though and The Rainbow Hunter was eventually seen off quite comfortably, but it was a two-horse race from a long, long way out and he was easily the best of the rest of the field, which included Vamizi, a consistent performer who has been in good form of late.

Andy Turnell’s horse would have been a very easy winner of this had the handicap snip not been in the race and a hike of just 4lb seems lenient. He travelled well on this, his first run over three miles and he is fully entitled to go very close in a similar contest next time. We have seen plenty of him over the last season or so, so it shouldn’t be long before he gets the chance. He is clearly well suited to galloping tracks. This run came at a time when his trainer is not the greatest of form – he had only saddled one winner from his 26 runners in December and January – which makes the performance even more meritorious.

19th January 2011