Cleisthenes lands odds for big-hitting partners; BRIGHTON.

Byline: Andrew Deitz

BIG-TIME punters Harry Findlay and Tony Bloom used to gamble their way around Brighton as teenagers and, judging by the extent of the late plunge on their Cleisthenes, impressive winner of the maiden, at least one of them could have been among those who backed the newcomer yesterday.

Although neither part-owner was on the course, some hefty bets were landed as the classy debutant was backed into 1-2 from an early show of 15-8.

"He travelled so well I knew I was going to win," said jockey Liam Jones, who enhanced his 38 per cent strikerate on William Haggas-trained runners at the track.

Jones even had the luxury of easing down his mount close home, which makes the time of 1min 07.61sec, just 0.31sec outside the 5f213y course record, all the more eye-catching, despite the strong tail-wind and fast going.

It was also a profitable day for jumps trainer Neil King, who saddled his first double on the Flat when Chalice Welcome followed the lead set by new recruit Harlequinn Danseur in the closing two handicaps.

At combined odds of 67-1, the rare foray certainly paid off, and King said: "We came to dip our toe in the water, as it's not that often we've had two runners on the Flat - but I'll definitely be coming back." Chalice Welcome may reappear before the handicapper strikes.

Seneschal gave owner Peter Cook the perfect 70th birthday present when proving a class apart in the seller. Cook, clearly relieved after there were no bids for the 11-time winner, said: "He's too good for sellers. If he's sound we may run him again at Salisbury on Thursday. He looked really fit beforehand and is a good horse." There was high drama during the race when Border Artist slipped up and appeared to kick out at 7lb claimer Simon Pearce as the pair crashed to the turf.

Pearce's father, trainer Jeff, a retired jump jockey, said: "He's been taken down the road to Sussex County Hospital and, although he's walking wounded, the early signs are he'll be okay." A well-judged ride by Kirsty Milczarek enabled Orpen's Art to land the 51/2f handicap and went some way to repaying retired trainer Neville Callaghan, who partowns the winner with his son and trainer Simon. Milczarek said: "I was brave going for a run, but it's nice to have a winner for Neville, who I was with in my apprentice days. It's nice to give him one back."

Star performance There was plenty to like about the way Cleisthenes overcame inexperience to post a decent time in the maiden Quote of the day " Brighton were fantastic and really on the ball with both horse and jockey" - Jeff Pearce, after injuries to son and jockey Simon and Border Artist The 6f maiden was modest, but the winner bolted up and is probably capable of even better. Analysis, page 69

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The unique charms of Brighton, where flats, allotments and golden fields provide a backdrop to the action