Tawseef relishes Brighton test

Roy Brotherton was one of the few people to still be enjoying the truly abysmal conditions by the fifth race at Brighton.

The trainer saw Tawseef extend his outstanding course record in the Smith And Western Restaurants Handicap.

A track which can be one of the country's most pleasurable on a sunny afternoon was shown in its most unflattering light on Tuesday as relentless rain reduced the grass to something more akin to a freshly-harvested potato field, and several jockeys and officials even took an informal look at it after the second race.

Tawseef produces his very best after the long journey from his stable in Pershore, Worcestershire, as he has never finished worse than fourth and has now won twice from five visits.

There could be one more to come at next week's final meeting, with the 2-1 favourite scoring by a decisive four lengths under Ian Mongan.

"He loves it here. We just didn't want it too soft in case it was off," said Brotherton.

"He likes a trip and will make a lovely hurdler, but if the ground stays soft we might bring him back here next Thursday."

Further evidence as to the demanding nature of the terrain was provided by the victories of two sons of Motivator, who has passed on his own preference for some give to his progeny.

The first came from the potentially progressive Sesentum (10-1), who drew clear of Sublimation in the final stages of the SIS Maiden Stakes.

It was a winner for Patrick Hills, who is now under the wing of trainer Luca Cumani, and the jockey said: "He's just a bit green, especially down at the start. It's hard for two-year-olds to go in that ground, but Motivators do love it.

"Things are going better now, the boss is helping a lot."

Willy Twiston-Davies, aboard the runner-up, was given a two-day whip ban (October 23 and 24).

The other Motivator was the tricky Maccabees (12-1) for the father and son combination of Roger and Ned Curtis.

Ned showed admirable patience to keep the long-standing maiden sweet at the back of the field until the denouement of the Hardings Catering Services Apprentice Handicap but was still handed a four-day ban (October 23-26) for using the whip above the allowed level, as well as another day of remedial training.

"That's a nice family one," said Roger Curtis. "This horse has taken a bit of settling, he gets very revved up and I've been wanting to run him over a trip.

"I was a bit worried about the ground but it has turned it into a test. He's a difficult horse but Ned has given him a magical ride."

Gigawatt (16-1) showed plenty of spark in using the stands rail to beat the even-money favourite Nenge Mboko in the Blakes Butchers Median Auction Maiden Stakes.

"I thought the favourite would be tough to beat and I didn't know if he would go in the ground, but he's come on from his debut," said Boyle.

"He's a nice horse and the main thing is he's tough and genuine."

The Michael Bell-trained Santo Prince (8-1) had shown glimpses of promise in his five previous starts and while his record on the soft was unprepossessing, he revealed more than Mowhoob in the final stages of the hardingscatering.co.uk Nursery Handicap.

Owner Leon Caine said: "He's my first horse and my first winner. I think I'll retire now! I was worried about the ground and he looked beaten, but he kept going."

Hayley Turner followed on from Santo Prince aboard Saint Irene (11-4 favourite) in the Italian Brasserie Brighton Marina Handicap.

Another previous course winner, Mucky Molly (6-1) was an appropriately-named filly to land the concluding Hardings Catering, Brighton Handicap.