Boxing Day Storm at Caulfield

There was no easier winner on Boxing Day than Rainbow Storm who created quite an impression racing away to a very easy six length victory in the Ken Sturt Hcp (2000m) at Caulfield.

The Desert King gelding dictated throughout and gave a mighty kick early in the straight at just his sixth career start.  He has always shown staying potential and broke his maiden over a mile at Moonee Valley in November.

Trainer Darren Weir is looking ahead to the LR Tasmanian Derby (2200m) at Elwick on Sunday, February 2.  “It’s a race we have had in mind all along,” Weir said.  “We had been confident leading into Caulfield – his work had been terrific.”

Rainbow Storm (3g Desert King – She’s Timid by Almaarad) is typical of the breed and worked twice in one day recently.  “He had two trials up our hill track at Ballarat,” Weir explained.  “One early in the morning and then one late in the day just to toughen him up a bit.”

Jockey Brad Rawiller is certain of a bold showing in The Tasmanian Derby.  “He ran a pretty solid final 600m at Caulfield and pulled up pretty well.  I’m not worried about the Derby trip – he will go over there as one of the leading chances.”

Rainbow Storm was bred by Horsham horseman Worrall Dunn who died in November.  The gelding is out of a sister to the dam of South Australian Oaks winner Melbourne Cup runner-up She’s Archie.

Desert King (Danehill) transferred to Lauriston Park at Creighton’s Creek last year and stopped a strong book with a high fertility rating.