It’s been 31 long winters since Eric Sands saddled Champions Stakes winner Jungle Warrior and the Milnerton trainer is looking to end his season on a high with July runner-up Rainbow Bridge in the Gr1 Champions Cup next Saturday at Hollywoodbets Greyville.
But with his July rider Gavin Lerena’s likely sponsor commitments to Buffalo Bill Cody, who will partner the Ideal World gelding?
Rainbow Bridge (Pic – Chase Liebenberg)
Trainer Eric Sands told Michael Clower on Saturday:
“He was off his manger for a couple of days after the Vodacom Durban July and, although he was trotting sound, he had a little bit of warmth in one joint. He is fine now but I am only going to run him in the Champions Cup if everything is 100%. He is only turning five, he is not an over-raced horse and we want to keep him going as long as possible. But by the same token it is a Grade 1 and we are not going to run away from it if we can go.”
Hollywoodbets currently have Rainbow Bridge at 18-10 second favourite, behind the De Kock runner Buffalo Bill Cody.
The final declarations are due by 11h00 on Thursday 18 July 2019.
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