MUSSELBURGH specialist Danzatrice (3.40) looks right on the money to win her fourth race at the course from just seven attempts.

All sorts of silly things have been said about the brainpower of thoroughbreds, but there's no denying Chris Thornton's mare is in her element once she sets foot on the Scottish track.

Armed with the above-mentioned information, insiders at the Middleham stable didn't make any mistakes when landing a gamble with Danzatrice on her most recent sortie across the border.

Although 4lbs higher as a result of that success, the five-year-old still appears to be on a very favourable weight for the two-mile Bank Of Ireland Handicap

Thornton's principal patron over the past 25 years has been Guy Reed, owner of Dance Sauvage (5.10), who could make it two on the afternoon for the yard.

After just being pipped at Newcastle much earlier this season, Reed's nicely-bred four-year-old has since put in a couple of apparently lacklustre efforts.

Making excuses for losers is arguably the fastest route to the poor house, however I do believe a combination of soft ground and stamina limitations contributed to Dance Sauvage's demise.

Now back to the identical distance over which he ran so encouragingly at Tyneside, plus on a slicker surface, hopefully the gelding can post a first triumph.

Vicky Haigh, on the mark with Musical Beat at Catterick yesterday, heads to the other end of the country with Honey Monster, a leading contender for Lingfield's six-furlong Maiden Stakes.

Although Honey Monster (4.20) proved he handles the polytrack by finishing third on his course-and-distance debut, he then ran a shocker when switched to turf for his second start.

Many decent judges felt that run was too bad to be true, an opinion vindicated by his latest Pontefract third, which was an excellent performance against a decent field.

It's always a warm feeling to back the first winner on the card, and to this end I'm full of enthusiasm for the prospects of Western Roots (2.20) in the Apprentice Handicap.

William Carson's mount shaped as if his turn was just around the corner when sixth in a far stronger event last time out at Leicester.

Gross Prophet (3.30) didn't stay seven furlongs at Lingfield 48 hours ago, a problem trainer Tom Dascombe has addressed with a drop in distance for Wolverhampton's Nursery.