Nick Littmoden, who broke a long losing run at Lingfield in the middle of last week, can be on the mark again in the Littlewoods Bet Direct Showcase Handicap over five furlongs with Trinculo at Southwell this afternoon.

The gelding put up one of the best handicap performances of the season over the straight five furlongs at Southwell when beating Quito (with Zarzu back in fifth) when successful here in November.

Although behind Zarzu on his next visit to the course the slower ground and the plethora of other front-runners wouldn't have played to his strengths and, as he's not as effective over six, his last two runs can be ignored.

He's got the foot to get into a central track position from his low draw and, with the eyeshield replacing his usual cheekpieces, should make a bold bid at decent odds to get back to winning ways.

Tony Newcombe has his string in very good form and his Interstice makes plenty of appeal in division one of the Press Interactive To Bet Direct Amateur Riders Handicap over a mile and a half.

The seven-year-old has slipped to a very handy mark and shaped as though a return to winning ways was on the cards at this course last time when a respectable third to Daunted.

That form is already working out fairly well and the gelding, who tends to take a good hold in his races, has struck up a decent rapport with his amateur rider.

Sendintank isn't straightforward but looks to hold outstanding claims after two wins over middle distances on fibresand last week in division two of the same contest an hour later.

Another that won't be much of a price is Mount Hillaby, but she's worth including in multiple bets and will take a world of beating in division two of the betdirect.co.uk Handicap over a mile.

Mick Easterby's filly scored in good style at Wolverhampton last week after a break of nearly three months and, as that was an apprentice event, she escapes a penalty this afternoon.

The likely strong pace and extra furlong at this more galloping course will suit.

At Ludlow, Brassie is taken to follow up an impressive debut win in the Wedding Reception At Ludlow Conditional Jockeys Hands And Heels Intermediate Flat race over two miles.

The five-year-old showed a bright turn of foot to beat a modest bunch on his debut but is open to plenty of further improvement and, although penalised, can put his experience to good use.

River Bann takes a drop in trip and in class and is the interesting runner after a couple of below-par efforts in the Ludlow For Functions Selling Handicap Hurdle over two miles.

At Taunton, Accipiter is taken to follow up his ready Wincanton win in the opening European Breeders Fund National Hunt Novices Hurdle over two miles and three furlongs.

Toby Balding's gelding shouldn't be inconvenienced by the step back in distance and, although he has quicker ground conditions to cope with, he's handled a similar surface in the past.

* Northern raider Telemoss heads to Cheltenham on Saturday to contest the Ladbroke Trophy Chase in a bid to avenge a defeat at the track last month.

The ten-year-old was beaten into third place behind Iris Royal in the Tripleprint Gold Cup, and Cumbrian-based trainer Nicky Richards is expecting an improved performance this weekend.

''He'd been off for a while and I thought he ran a good race last time,'' said Richards.

''The big plus is he jumped very well, which was the most pleasing thing.

"He's come on a good bit since then so, fingers crossed, I think he will put up a bold show.'