Danbys Gorse reaped the benefit of a change in tactics to secure a double for back-to-form Malcolm Jefferson at Musselburgh yesterday. It was the perfect boost for the trainer, earlier on the mark with Gunner Marc, as he prepares the promising Kings Measure for the £45,000 Tote Sandown Hurdle on Saturday.

Danbys Gorse appeared to be well-suited by the switch to a front-running role carried off with great effect by Tom Siddall in the Kilmany Cup Handicap Chase.

Fears that the ground might prove too lively proved unfounded as he maintained the gallop all the way to the line to defeat Salem Beach by seven lengths.

Gunner Marc, racing for the first time over timber, found the best finishing speed to deny Curriculus in the Dollar Novices' Hurdle (division two).

Gunner Marc's jockey Lorcan Wyer went on to complete a double when Barnburgh Boy took care of Ballad Minstrel in the Spott Novices' Chase. Ballad Minstrel jumped well but quickly threw in the towel when headed by the winner. Peter Beaumont is another trainer back in form after a barren spell and he was on the mark as Niki Dee secured the Haddington Novices' Chase. The 7 to 4 favourite was sticky at several fences but stood on his feet to keep Triggerfish at bay.

The most valuable event of the day, the Ladbroke Novices' Handicap Hurdle, fell to Forty Love.

Brendan Powell damaged his neck in a fall from Persian Fayre. The horse unseated him when he bolted before the start of the race won by Gunner Marc. Powell rode in that race but decided to give up his mounts for the remainder of the meeting. He hopes to return to action tomorrow.