IMPROVING Toy Top (2.20) could prove a cut above her rivals in the opening Racing UK Handicap at Musselburgh.

Trainer Michael Dods is currently enjoying a real purple patch, Toy Top contributing to the stable's winning spree with a runaway victory in a Catterick sprint nine days ago.

The three-year-old filly has speed to burn and, although she's incurred a 6lb penalty for that victory, it might not be sufficient to stop her in her tracks just yet.

The Denton, near Darlington, handler also has live chances in the next two races on the card via Joseph Locke (2.50) and Major Magpie (3.20).

Joseph Locke, who lines up for the Rectangle Maiden Stakes, probably came up against an above-average filly in the guise of Kerry's Dream when the pair fought out a tight finish at Ripon in April.

Today's quicker ground, together with the fact Musselburgh is one of the sharpest five-furlong courses in the land, provides the perfect opportunity for Dods' colt to break his duck at the third time of asking.

Rider Paul Fessey produced a magic act Houdini would have been proud of by extricating Major Magpie from an extremely unpromising position at Pontefract last time out.

Fessey and partner were trapped against the far rail with nowhere to go, but Paul didn't panic and deftly switched Major Magpie right-handed and out into the clear.

The three-year-old gelding still had a few lengths to make up, but he quickened in fine fashion to mow down Topatoo for a dramatic last- gasp triumph.

Otelcaliforni (4.50) should make the long journey up from Newmarket worthwhile by capturing the £5,000 Newhalles Maiden Stakes.

Although it's not much of a prize, I can see Jeremy Noseda's logic because he simply wants to get a win on the board to improve her value when eventually packed off to the paddocks for broodmare duties.

Surprisingly Otelcaliforni was sent off at 33-1 on her Windsor reappearance, but she ran nothing like a total rag when runner-up to a Sir Michael Stoute hot-pot, Heaven Sent.

With Robert Winston and Jamie Spencer locked in a riveting head-to-head duel for the jockeys' championship, Robert will be keen to make the most of Obe One's apparent superiority in the finale.

Now housed at David Nicholls' yard after a spell with Howard Johnson, Obe One (5.20) has slipped down to the sort of rating which is simply below expectations.

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