THE LOCK MASTER can bring up his eighth career success at Southwell in the Coral Handicap today.

Michael Appleby's charge appears to relish the challenge at the Nottinghamshire venue, running some decent races in defeat as well as winning in the past.

The nine-year-old was a cosy four-length winner at Southwell on New Year's Day but could not follow up back at the track last time out.

Racing off a 5lb higher market, he just could not replicate the fine finish he produced previously, having to settle for third when beaten two and three-quarter lengths by Gang Warfare.

That was still a decent run and while a marginal drop in his rating would surely be appreciated, he is highly capable of competing off a mark of 80. Alistair Rawlinson has the ride on today's nap choice.

NOSEY BARKER signed off 2015 with a victory at Lingfield and he can pick up where he left off in the Ladbrokes Handicap.

Richard Hannon must have been a touch frustrated as Nosey Barker lined up on the penultimate day of the old year as a maiden, despite placing on six occasions.

However, that barren sun came to an end with a length victory in maiden company, although he was made to work hard for his slice of glory.

Back in handicap company, and with Kieran O'Neill on board, that win can serve as an excellent confidence boost.

WELEASE BWIAN can shrug off a 4lb rise in the Play Scoop6Soccer This Saturday Handicap at Chelmsford this evening.

The seven-year-old has been running consistently well of late and gained his just reward when triumphing over five furlongs at this track last month.

Milly Naseb produced him with a perfectly-timed run to claim a length-and-a-quarter victory and her 7lb claim could well prove useful once again here.

SCARLET MINSTREL has hit the bar a couple of times of late but can get his head back in front in the Win A Football Fortune With Scoop6Soccer Handicap.

A winner at this track in November, he has since claimed minor honours at Kempton and again at this venue in two subsequent starts.

The two-mile trip possibly caught him out on the latter occasion so a minor drop back to a mile and six furlongs could be a positive. Oisin Murphy has the ride.

SEMRA put up a good performance on her racecourse bow and can build on that with Daniel Muscutt on board for the Bet Scoop6Soccer At betfred.com Maiden Fillies' Stakes.

STILLETTO did himself few favours when taking a keen hold last time out but if he can settle better, he is a force to be reckoned with in the Dick Hunt Handicap Chase at Wincanton.

The seven-year-old, who cost £130,000 back in 2014, won one of his three starts over hurdles but shaped with plenty of promise when winning at Catterick on his chasing bow in December.

He was very keen that day but had enough in reserve when push came to shove and ran out a length-and-a-quarter winner.

However, Stilletto paid for his early enthusiasm when pitted against Violet Dancer at Newbury, running out of gas in the closing stages to be second of just two finishers.

Paul Nicholls has given him a bit of a break since then and he is sure to have been working on getting him to relax, which could be the key to fulfilling his evident potential.

SIR IVAN had to settle for third place at Wincanton on Boxing Day but can improve on that in the LatestFreeBetOffers.com Handicap Hurdle.

Lining up in a Pertemps qualifier, he might well have claimed second had he not drifted across the track a bit as the line neared, with his jockey also having stopped riding briefly before the finish.

A 3lb rise for that result is perhaps a bit harsh but Sir Ivan can rise to the challenge.

BRISE VENDEENNE has shown glimpses of promise in four British outings but her time can finally come in the Carling European Breeders' Fund Mares' "National Hunt" Novices' Hurdle.

The five-year-old changed hands for £100,000 last January after running well on a couple of occasions in France before taking a third place for Nick Williams in an Aintree Listed hurdle in December 2014.

Now with Philip Hobbs, Brise Vendeenne is already a valuable commodity – in that she is a half-sister to Vroum Vroum Mag – but she has also placed three times this term.

While her future appears likely to lie over fences, she could be good enough for an event such as this.

SUIT YOURSELF impressed in winning at Carlisle in December and should be followed in the Haygain Hay Steamers Clean Healthy Forage "National Hunt" Novices' Hurdle at Towcester.

Jonjo O'Neill's yard has been going through a quiet spell but Suit Yourself looks a runner of real potential.