GUAVA RIPE FOR LEVEY

Sean Levey's opportunity at Richard Hannon's stable continued to bear fruit as Guava took division one of the Ann Whelbourne 20th Anniversary Nursery at Nottingham.

The Irish apprentice made the major decision to leave his position with Aidan O'Brien at the start of this season and after some time as a freelance, he was noticed by Britain's champion trainer.

Middleham Park Racing's Guava (10-1) is undoubtedly one of the yard's lesser lights but after six losing starts, she shed her maiden tag by a length and a quarter from Mount McLeod.

"I think that's my 31st winner since I moved from Ireland, so I can't complain," said Levey.

"Things have slowed down a bit because of the time of year, but I'm really appreciative of the chances I've been given and just want to ride some more winners.

"She was at the top of the handicap and I thought she had a chance."

Harry Bentley, who is in the shake-up for the apprentice title, suffered a blow when given a two-day ban (October 19-20) for careless riding on Elegant Flight in the opener.

Division two's winner Fifteentwo (6-1) had more obvious recent form as he had caught the eye when staying on to finish fourth on his nursery debut at Carlisle.

The Piccolo colt, trained by Dandy Nicholls and ridden by his son, Adrian, stretched clear on the Colwick Park turf to beat the 100-30 favourite Class Monitor hands-down by three and a quarter lengths.

"He had really improved for his last run and definitely enjoyed the step up in trip," said the trainer's wife, Alex Greaves.

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