Spencer eyeing Easter feature after Lucky Man shows rivals clean pair of heels

Wednesday: Lingfield

Lucky Man showed plenty of verve to stun wayward favourite Kaboo and book a possible return trip to the Surrey track for the new All-Weather Vase day next month.

Richard Spencer's progressive type has not always had the roll of the dice in his short career but took advantage of the market leader running wide off the bend to score decisively under Hayley Turner.

Lucky Man was backing up a recent win at Southwell under the same jockey, who has been riding out for Spencer of late and has a good strike-rate for owners Rebel Racing.

The son of Kodi Bear is at the mercy of the handicapper as to whether he qualifies for the Coral Vase Three-Year-Old Handicap on Good Friday.

Spencer said: "Lucky Man got lucky for a change and we're delighted with that. He's rated 83 and if the handicapper doesn't go mad he'll be able to run back here on Vase day."

Another Vase date

Another candidate for the replacement meeting for finals' day on April 15 is Dembe, who completed a hat-trick in the Class 4 mile handicap for trainer Brett Johnson.

The 11-8 favourite touched 16-1 on Betfair after being slowly away in the six-runner contest behind the trailblazing Prince Rock, but came with a late rattle under Rossa Ryan.

Johnson said: "He looked like he didn't handle the track but he's run here before so I'm not so sure. Perhaps he would be better in some headgear. The plan would be to come back for the mile handicap on Good Friday."

Hammer time

Thore Hammer Hansen has been putting himself about Newmarket on recent work mornings and he rode his first winner for Alice Haynes when Away Wit Da Fairys got up to land the opening 1m2f handicap.

Away Wit Da Fairys after winning the opener at Lingfield

Attached to Richard Hannon, Hansen rode a smart race to deny fellow Newmarket raider Salonica by a nose and end his mount's frustrating run of thirds.

The winner is part-owned by Burton Lodge Racing Club, which also has fellow scorers Smart Connection and Definitive Force with Haynes.

Hansen said: "I've been putting myself about in Newmarket for Alice, Chris Dwyer and Terry Kent. My main backer is Richard Hannon but I have also called in to Mick Channon's."

Old pals act

Darragh Keenan moved one shy of double figures for the year when steering Mabre home for his old mentor David Evans in the mile handicap.

The 5-1 chance foiled a gamble on luckless runner-up Mr Fustic, who was bidding to give Newmarket trainer Andi Brown a first win in many years.

Keenan said: "Dave has been a big supporter of mine over the years and recently I've been riding work for James Fanshawe, Michael Bell and George Scott."

Storm Eunice clean-up

The horses spend more time in the paddock at Lingfield these days as the pre-parade ring is out of action after Storm Eunice blew the roof off the adjacent saddling boxes. The track is hoping to demolish the remaining structures and replace them after the next meeting on Saturday.

Results and analysis

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