REVIEW
LINCOLNSHIRE UNITED HUNTS CLUB
MARKET RASEN
SATURDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2003

by Dom Bradshaw

Maitre De Musique, ridden by owner Dr Michael Tate was the star of the show at the Lincolnshire United Hunts Club fixture at Market Rasen on Saturday, taking the PPORA Club Members. The 12yo, now trained by Fiona Needham, looked fit for action before the race and confirmed this, travelling well throughout, collaring the well-fancied Master Jock on the turn for home to run out an impressive winner. In the past he has needed a run before producing his best, so with this win under his belt, he must be banker material next time.
Master Jock (Gary Hamner) had no answer to the winners turn of foot, coming home a one paced second. The lightly raced 9yo has had numerous problems in the past, but hopefully these are behind him and he can go onto win more races.
The ex-Len Lungo trained To-Day To-Day was given an easy time by Richard Tate but still managed to take third place and can score when given a chance to be more competitive.
Mullensgrove (Sarah Phizacklea), who drifted in the ring, was travelling nicely when unseating on the first circuit, and will be winning more races again this season.

Earlier, the improving French-bred 7yo Ababou (Steve Charlton) took the LUHC Club Members race in good style, quickening from the front to come home clear of the fast finishing Big Thyne (Simon Walker) who in turn collared the tiring favourite Via De La Valle (Lucy Coney) to take second. The winner jumps particularly well and this asset will see him win again this season.
Big Thyne didn’t look fully wound up on his seasonal debut (sweated up), running in snatches before staying on to fill the runners up spot and will come on for the run.
Via De La Valle travelled well but was unable to stay with the winner when he quickened the pace, soon weakening and was a tired horse at the finish. Like the runner up, he will come on for this.
Fine Times (Matthew Mackley) was disappointing, pulling up before the last.

Springlea Tower was particularly impressive in the Confined cruising clear of the field to win as he liked under a confident ride from owner Richard Hunnisett, who put up 4lb overweight. He looks a ready-made replacement for Copper Thistle and can win more races.
Winter Gale (Laura Eddery) and Roly Poly (Ed Andrewes) filled second and third places and can win in lesser company.
Major Tom (Richard Tate) failed to impress in the paddock and wasn’t asked any serious questions, pulling up when detached. He’s been given an easy time on both starts this season and may surprise yet.

My Best Buddy (Rowan Cope) took a sub standard looking Restricted with the minimum of fuss finishing well clear of the front running Pharpen (Richard Burton). The winner, only a 7yo, is going the right way and can score again in better company.
Pharpen, returning to points after a stint under rules, attempted to make all but couldn’t go with the winner when he quickened. This wasn’t a bad effort and he can take a small race of this kind.
Lingham Lady (Stephen Swiers) was well back in third and needs a better surface.
The disappointment was Noble Affair (Joe Docker) who jumped poorly and was pulled up.

John Rich (Guy Brewer) took Division 1 of the maiden, quickening clear of Percy Verance (Richard Wakeham). The winner showed some ability in 2002 but this was an improved effort and should go well in Restricteds if improving a little more.
The runner up ran with credit on his pointing debut, finishing clear of the third and should be capable of scoring in this grade.
Briary Ella (Matthew Briggs) ran on late to take third and can take a maiden. Grand Ambition (Clive Mulhall) was held up but didn’t appear to get the trip and struggle unless he finds some extra stamina.
Fast Lane Harry (Noel Wilson) was fancied on his pointing debut, but made far too many mistakes and came home a well beaten fifth and will have to fence a lot smarter if he’s to score.
The well-regarded Troubleshooter (Matthew Mackley) showed very little here, pulling up, and looks to have difficulty in staying the trip in points.

The ex Irish Knock Lord (Richard Burton) carrying the colours of Mike Parr (Lord Harry) took Division Two of the maiden with the minimum of fuss, cantering all over his rivals. Although he beat little here, he looks the type to go through the ranks and a Restricted must be a formality.
Lammoski gave owner Oliver Williams a ride to remember, overcoming many mistakes and miraculous recoveries to fill the runner up position. The partnership will gain experience throughout the season and it wouldn’t be a surprise to eventually see them in the winners enclosure.
Third placed Ice Pack (Noel Wilson) doesn’t totally look in love with the game and fourth placed Bondosan (Matthew Mackley) appears to be short of stamina.
Budle Bay (Rowan Cope) couldn’t live with the winner, but was given an easy time once his opportunity had gone, pulling up before the last. He will be taking a maiden later in the season.