THERE might be money to be made by making a date with Miss World (4.40) in the Pantry Selling Stakes at Southwell today.

Although the four-year-old filly has not won since December 1999, her most recent effort when chasing home Als Alibi over a mile-and-a-half signalled a return to the winners' enclosure was imminent.

An added incentive for punters contemplating supporting Miss World can be derived from the booking of the leading teenage apprentice jockey Gary Gibbons, whose 5lb claim could prove invaluable when the riders are shovelling on the coal up the home straight.

Not only is Gibbons riding on a crest of a wave at present, his patient style means he is especially effective when competing over distances in excess of a mile.

Sergeant Slipper (1.45) totally blotted his copybook when carrying the nap selection at Wolverhampton last week, throwing away a perfectly reasonable opportunity by hanging violently right throughout the race.

With no bend to run around in this afternoon's division one of the five- furlong Bet Direct Handicap, Sergeant Slipper will find it difficult to repeat those wayward antics, paving the way for victory at potentially extremely rewarding odds.

On all known evidence the finish of the Showcase Handicap should be dominated by Ionian Springs and Robandela (4.05).

After reeling off back-to-back sand wins, the latter has failed to deliver the goods for favourite backers on two successive occasions.

It is often dangerous to make excuses in such situations, none the less Mark Johnston's gelding might have been unsuited by being ridden so close to the pace last time.

In the circumstances Royston French may well opt to ride more of a waiting race, a tactic aimed at bringing about a change of fortune for the Middleham raider.

The closing sprint is a tight-knit affair with Off Hire bidding to complete a hat-trick, while Waterford Spirit and Prime Recreation each attempt to go one better, having both finished runner-up last time out.

The Official Handicapper may have finally got to grips with Off Hire, and as for Waterford Spirit, he's on the sort of long losing streak guaranteed to bring a smile to any self-respecting bookmaker.

That just leaves Prime Recreation (5.15), who ended the 2000 turf season with a couple of cracking efforts at Ayr and Musselbugh.

Paul Felgate's speedster has picked up the thread nicely on the all-weather circuit, edging ever-nearer an inaugural sand success with a brace of excellent comeback runs.