EL BEAU, who suffered his first defeat over hurdles in three races at Musselburgh on his latest start, returns to the East Lothian course today with good prospects of returning to the winning trail.

Trained at Norton by John Quinn, the four-year-old won here and at Sedgefield on his first two outings before coming unstuck behind Superb Story at this venue on New Year’s Day.

Quinn now switches El Beau to handicap company. He might lack the experience of some of his rivals, but he remains a horse with a bright future as a hurdler. He is napped to get back on top in the hands of Dougie Costello.

Honourable Gent seeks compensation in the Bet With Your Racing UK App Handicap Hurdle.

The Ruth Dobbin-trained gelding was made favourite to make a winning reappearance after a lengthy absence on this course last month, but, alas, he came to grief at the penultimate flight when in front.

Provided he is none the worse for that experience, Honourable Gent makes plenty of appeal with Craig Nicol on board.

Mick Easterby sends Classinaglass to Scotland for the New Racing UK IPad Handicap Chase.

The gelding ran a decent race at Wetherby on his latest outing and may be ready to run into form. He won seven of his 11 races in point-to-points and is a talented horse on his day. He is selected to make a big impression today.

Also worth considering are Starplex (2.10), a good third in a warm bumper at Newcastle latterly and now set to make his hurdling bow, and Virnon (4.55), a dual winner who was far from disgraced at Cheltenham last time.

At Chepstow, Her Majesty the Queen is represented by Special Agent in the second division of the Truvape Maiden Hurdle.

Nicky Henderson’s charge won well in a bumper at Worcester on his second start and looks the type to develop into an above-average hurdler.

Venetia Williams is fancied to record a double at the Welsh course. She saddles Moujik Borget in the Truvape Novices’ Chase and a chance should be taken on the seven-year-old, who finished sixth on his reappearance at Haydock in November.

Perhaps significantly, he was backed down to 11-4 that day, so plenty was clearly expected of him. He merits consideration on his return to action this afternoon.

In the Get Bookmakers Offer At thebookiesoffers.co.uk Mares’ Handicap Hurdle, Williams will be represented by Bobble Boru.

Although without a run this season, the seven-year-old recorded three wins last term and looked a progressive performer.

She deserves respect under Aidan Coleman.

Also worth noting at Chepstow is Sebastian Beach, a mid- 80s handicapper on the Flat, who has been placed in his two runs over timber at Exeter and Ludlow.

The Jonjo O’Neill-trained gelding will be a popular choice in the opening Best Free Bets At thebookiesoffers.co.uk Juvenile Maiden Hurdle, not least because he will have the assistance of Tony McCoy, who, having ridden at Ayr yesterday, will be back in Scotland, at Kelso tomorrow.

Clearly, the 19-times champion jockey is set to maintain his relentless pursuit of winners right to the end of his extraordinary career after announcing his pending retirement on Saturday.

Musselburgh today: 1.40 Beau Dandy, 2.10 Starplex, 2.45 Classinaglass, 3.20 Honourable Gent, 3.55 El Beau (NAP), 4.25 Dreamy George, 4.55 Virnon.

Chepstow today: 1.40 Sebastian Beach, 2.20 King’s Odyssey, 2.55 Special Agent, 3.30 Moujik Borget, 4.05 Bobble Boru, 4.35 Nordic Nymph, 5.05 Buckhorn Tom.

Today’s other meetings: Lingfield and Kempton.