REVIEW
CLEVELAND
STAINTON
SATURDAY 19 APRIL 2003

by Dom Bradshaw

The South Notts were another hunt who watered heavily and were rewarded with good fields for their fixture at Thorpe Lodge on Easter Monday. 

Favourite backers got off to a good start with Fisherman Jack (Matthew Mackley) landing the opening Members race from Anneka Louise (Nick Kent) and Aunty Norma (Tony Woodward).

Just to demonstrate how frustrating this game can be, the favourite in the next (Confined), Springlea Tower (Richard Hunnisett) was beaten out of sight. The race fell to Minella Hotel (Joe Docker) who showed improved form on his previous two starts. He doesn’t appear to have abundant stamina but may be able to follow up on a short track.
Gus Berry (Nick Kent) stayed on to take second from the weakening The Nobleman (Simon Walker), who struggles to see out the three-mile trip.
Deel Quay and Springlea Tower were disappointing in fourth and fifth.

The odds-on favourite Red Rebel comfortably took the Mens Open from Mr Kermit (Sue Sharratt). The flying grey isn’t getting any faster, but will no doubt take more than his fair share of races.
The runner up will be better suited by a staying track.

Patrick Millington comfortably landed the Restricted aboard Rios Lord, who always produces his best form at this time of year. Burly in the paddock, he’ll improve again for the run.
Gentleman Charles (Simon Walker) was held up to get the trip but had no response when the winner kicked for home and will need a short course if he’s to be successful in this company.
Jawrjik (Nick Kent) was back in third.

In the 5, 6 & 7-year-old maiden, a gamble (4-1 to evens) on the unraced Crested Penguin (Simon Walker) went astray when he was pulled up, leaving Joe Docker to record a treble for the day on Fiesty Frosty, who stayed on better than College Superman (Lenny Hicks). The winner, a 5-year-old daughter of Glacial Storm, can go onto better things in time.
College Superman tired quickly in second, but may land a maiden if finding a touch more stamina.
Crested Penguin has obviously shown some ability at home, but ran as green as grass and shouldn’t be written off.

There was a close finish in the final race, the 8-year-old and above Maiden with Office Hours (Simon Walker) repelling the late challenges of Joe Smoke (Eoin Lineham) and Mister Rose (Matthew Mackley).
The winner has taken eight races to land his maiden and will have to show improvement if he’s to trouble the judge in restricted company.
Joe Smoke will need a soft race if he’s to score and Mister Rose looks short of stamina.
Shalabibubbly (Nick Kent) failed to impress on his second run in points, pulling up.
Caroline Bailey’s Cape Horn (Joe Docker) travelled well for a long way before pulling up and will benefit for the experience.