Day hopes for no fun and games from Rainbow Jester

NSW trainer-driver Dennis Day has the knowledge that even if his charge Rainbow Jester breaks gait, he is still in with a fighting chance in tomorrow night’s Haras Des Trotteurs Nutrien Equine Classic Final for two-year-old trotting colts and geldings.

An excited Rainbow Jester found himself galloping within 100m of the start in last Wednesday week’s second heat at Bendigo, but produced a Herculean performance to rein in the field and win by almost two-and-a-half meters.

“It would be better if he never galloped,” Day said. “He’s a young trotter, that's what happens.

“When he galloped, I thought he has only got to beat a couple home to qualify for the final. I just let him gradually work up to them and I just tacked on at the bell.

“I just let my bloke work up beside the Geoff Webster one (Aldebaran Abel). When Nathan (Jack) was in front (Aldebaran Zane), I thought I was going to run second which isn’t that bad, but when I caught him via the sprint lane, I just thought I’d aim him up … and he got to the line nice and strong.”

Day is optimistic that the unbeaten colt out of Miss Maori Rainbow will remain disciplined in the $75,000 final at Melton.

“I hope he doesn’t gallop,” he laughed. “With trotters you never know what might happen.”

The travel from New South Wales to Victoria hasn’t affected the squaregaiter, according to Day.

“He has travelled really good. I stayed at Shepparton, he settled in and drank well. He came home and he has eaten and drunk well,” Day said. “It’s a good experience for him, and as he goes up the classes there’s a bit of travel involved.

“To know that he has coped well is good to see…”

Rainbow Jester has drawn barrier 10 for tomorrow night’s final, with the Anton Golino-prepared Enchauffour in seven after winning the other of the series heats.