REVIEW
MIDDLETON
WHITWELL-ON-THE-HILL
SUNDAY 6 APRIL 2003

by Dom Bradshaw

The runners returned to the Middleton fixture at Whitwell-on-the-Hill on Sunday after a barren spell the weekend before and Grant Tuer and Son Of Anshan gained some compensation for their tumble in last week’s Aintree Foxhunters, taking the 4m1f Grimthorpe Gold Cup.

The 10-year-old was held up early but Tuer moved him smoothly through the field on the final circuit. Approaching three out, his only serious rival was the outsider Erzadjan (Lee Bates), but he was shrugged off on the final bend and came home a good winner. There’s little doubt than on his day Son Of Anshan is a more than useful performer and he should take more races before the season’s end.
The 13-year-old Erzadjan belied his age and galloped on gamely to fill the runner up spot and looks well suited by an extended trip.
Royal Crimson (Rupert Alers-Hankey) plodded on to take third with Mr Pendleberry (Nicky Tinkler) fourth.

The progressive Little Worsall made it three on the bounce, taking the Confined under a positive ride from Nigel Tutty. The 10-year-old is in a rich vein of form at present and will take some stopping.
Golden Chimes (Grant Tuer) filled the runner up spot, with Brighter Shade (Philip Kinsella) third.
Quango (Jo Foster) made a pleasing seasonal debut in fourth.
The well-fancied Priceless Sam (Lee Bates) was an early casualty.

Scottish Roots (Tom Greenall) put a disappointing run at Dalton Park behind him, running out the clear-cut winner of the Restricted. He’s an improving type and probably hasn’t finished winning just yet.
John Rich (Guy Brewer) made eye-catching progress on the final circuit but was unable to get to the winner and looks a ready-made Restricted winner.
Imp’s Way (Philip Kinsella) was third and Emperor’s Son came home fourth.

Nordic Crest (Gino Carenza) ran out the good winner of the Hunt race, quickening up to beat Legendary Line (Serena Brotherton) and Double Rich (Tom Greenall). 

In Division One of the 2m4f Maiden, David Easterby introduced an interesting recruit in the shape of the 5-year-old Only Wallis, who dug deep to deny Bohemian Spirit (Ben Woodhouse) and Bobby Buttons (Nigel Tutty). Despite looking green, the winner, a big good-looking son of Supreme Leader, knuckled down to his task where it mattered and looks the type to go onto better things.
Both the second and the third showed enough here to suggest that a maiden success isn’t out of the question.
Fast Lane Harry (Steve Charlton) once again pulled too hard for his own good and was a spent force a long way from home.

A mammoth gamble on Banana Ridge went astray in Division Two of the 2m4f Maiden, which was taken by the front running Schoolhouse Walk. This was an impressive performance by the winner, who never looked like being caught once Guy Brewer kicked him clear and he should take a mestricted if reproducing this form.
Mister Bromley (Ben Woodhouse) was twelve lengths back in second and can take a maiden.
Claire’s Nomad (Nigel Tutty) was placed once again, finishing third.
It would be unwise to write off the favourite, Banana Ridge, as Clive Mulhall didn’t knock her about once she was beaten and she should be noted when reappearing.

Outsiders took the both divisions of the 3m Maidens. In Division One, Mighty Willing, completing the course for the first time in four runs, got the better of Mr McDuck (Lee Bates) and the favourite Farlington (Mark Walford), registering a double on the day for Guy Brewer and trainer Mary Sowersby.

Division Two was taken by pointing debutant Bunker Buster (Tina Jackson), who was available in the ring at odds of 50/1 at the off.
Lord Scroop (Michael Morley) stayed on to take second with the one paced Ellis Park (Lee Bates) filling third place for owner Sir Robert Ogden.
The well-supported Woolley (Rupert Abrahams) broke a leg during the race, bringing a sad ending to an otherwise highly enjoyable day.