CLEVER COOKIE should have conditions in his favour as he bids to build on a fabulous 2015 when making his seasonal reappearance in today's totepool EBF Stallions Barry Hills Further Flight Stakes at Nottingham.

Peter Niven's mud-loving stayer had a pretty good year in 2014 and made even greater strides in the last campaign when very much looked on as an underdog for some of the long-staying prizes.

He struck first time out with a game display in the Group Three Ormonde Stakes at Chester in May, before winning the Listed Stowe Family Law LLP Grand Cup for the second successive year at York at the end of the month.

Fast ground forced Niven to scrap plans to run the eight-year-old in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot – but the going was considered suitable enough for him to take on the cream of middle-distance horses in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes there in July, when he was a respectable fifth over an inadequate mile and a half.

It was two miles for his last run of the year, in the Qipco British Champions Long Distance Cup, back at Ascot in October, when he was only beaten a length by Flying Officer.

Granted soft ground, Clever Cookie should take top order when stamina is at a premium and this contest looks a good starting point for today's nap selection under Graham Lee.

LONGSHADOW has performed with credit in better company, so he should be up to defying joint-top weight in the 2016 Catterick Twelve Furlong Series Handicap at the North Yorkshire track.

Trainer Brian Ellison will leg up his 5lb claiming apprentice Callum Shepherd, which should ensure the combination have the edge.

NORTH CREEK can continue his affinity for Lingfield by completing a hat-trick at the Surrey venue in the Oyster Handicap.

Chris Wall's inmate has already won two seven-furlong handicaps at the venue and there is no reason why he cannot make it three, despite being raised 14lb from his first win on New Year's Eve. Ted Durcan has today's ride.

PRINCE OF ARRAN was a frustrating customer as a juvenile, finishing three times in his first five starts, until wearing a visor for the first time worked the oracle at Kempton.

Trainer Charlie Fellowes sticks with the same headgear as the Shirocco colt returns to the Sunbury course for his three-year-old debut. He looks well worth sticking with in the 32Red Handicap when she steps up from a mile to 11 furlongs with Tom Queally at the helm.