Racing preview for Thursday, February 4

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, beaten two and three-quarter lengths by Gang Warfare.

That was still a decent run and while a marginal drop in his rating would be appreciated, he is highly capable of competing off a mark of 80.

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, 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.

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 prove useful 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.

* Selections -

Chelmsford: 5.10 Pendo, 5.40 Comanche Chieftain, 6.10 Welease Bwian, 6.40 Scarlet Minstrel, 7.10 Semra, 7.40 Rialto Magic, 8.10 Espoir.

Southwell: 1.50 Sir Geoffrey, 2.20 Peeps, 2.50 Blades Lad, 3.25 THE LOCK MASTER (NAP), 4.00 Nosey Barker, 4.35 Afkar.

Towcester: 1.10 Duc De Seville, 1.40 Brise Vendeenne, 2.10 Nalim, 2.40 Suit Yourself, 3.15 Sean Ban, 3.50 Very Live, 4.25 Compadre.

Wincanton: 1.30 Kentford Myth, 2.00 Stilletto, 2.30 Crin Au Vent, 3.05 Sir Ivan, 3.40 Saint Raph, 4.15 Otto The Great, 4.50 Steel Express.

Clonmel: 1.25 Automated, 1.55 Black Franks Angel, 2.25 Dont Tell No One, 2.55 Cerca Trova, 3.30 Mozoltov, 4.05 Westerner Point, 4.40 Taboo.

Double: The Lock Master and Stilletto.