PROTOCOL can make his previous track experience count in the opening mile-and-a-quarter Apprentice Handicap at Pontefract today.

Sue Lamyman's seven-year-old has tried his luck both over jumps at Fakenham and on the level at Southwell's all-weather track this winter, although neither code offered much in the way of success.

But using the tried and tested theory of "horses for courses" Protocol should on past evidence give his supporters a far better run for their money back at one of his favourite stamping grounds.

The selection gained his last victory over course and distance when edging out Rare Talent by a whisker in August. The prevailing heavy going also suits Protocol, who requires the minimum assistance from the saddle when in the right frame of mind.

After a long spell in the doldrums, David Nicholls has finally begun to build up his customary springtime head of steam.

Sue Me (2.45) was the individual responsible for ending the Nicholls' drought on the fibresand at Southwell three weeks ago. He's equally effective on grass so it would be no surprise for him to complete a double in the six-furlong Bentley Selling Stakes.

Contestants for the closing two-mile-and-one-furlong handicap will need to stay every inch of the marathon distance, an event Charming Admiral bids to win for the second year in succession.

Ann Duffield's stamina-laden eight-year-old looks sure to be thereabouts along with Ptah (5.15), who just gets the vote on the strength of his runaway win at Musselburgh just under a fortnight ago.

A third National seemed to be moving the way of Carl Llewellyn until he and the leader Beau parted company at Aintree's 20th fence.

Maybe a smidgen of compensation awaits Carl in the form of Ballynabragget (3.25), a serious contender for the Percy Browne Challenge Trophy at Exeter. The Nigel Twiston Davies-trained chaser trounced a useful field over three miles at Lingfield in March.

A slow start cost Bishopstone Man (3.05) all conceivable chance on his latest visit to Southwell.

The gelding returns to the scene of that bitter disappointment, where no doubt jockey Chris Rutter will endeavour to stop his mount falling asleep in the stalls when lining up for the St Helda Handicap.

Morgan's Orchard (3.35), certain to pay his way both on the sand and turf this season, will take all the beating in the Stan Mellor Birthday Handicap following a reappearance which confirmed he had lost none of his old ability.

l Rain-lashed Britain could be set for a full day of racing today after Pontefract's first meeting of the new Flat season passed an inspection yesterday.

No problems are anticipated at Exeter and with the day's other card on the all-weather at Southwell, it appears to be all systems go for what is becoming a rare full quota of fixtures.