Ellison’s Aussie looks well set for good day

Hike in weight should not stop four-year-old chalking up his hat-trick

G’DAY AUSSIE can bring up a hattrick in the totepool Betting At betfred. com Handicap Hurdle at Musselburgh.

Brian Ellison has clearly been biding his time with this four-year-old, likely hoping to miss the worst of the winter ground given that his two preChristmas wins came on good conditions.

An 11-length winner at Fakenham in December, the handicapper has hiked him 12lb, but that might not be enough to stop this progressive individual.

Lucinda Russell is hoping for more of the same from January course and distance winner PULPITARIAN.

Carrying the colours of Two Black Labs, the gelding faces nine rivals in the totequadpot At betfred.com Handicap Hurdle.

Miss Russell said: “He came from America and won three races over there before he joined us.

“The step up to three miles last time was a big factor and hopefully he will go well again. Good ground is key and he has a touch of class and settles well.”

Among the opposition to Pulpitarian are Philip Kirby’s Fakenham winner Improved and Donald McCain-trained Shantou Tiger, who has been runnerup three times in a row over course and distance at the East Lothian venue.

An interesting contenderin the @totepool Follow Us On Twitter Open Hunters’ Chase is Always Tipsy, the winner of his last three point to points and ridden by Henry Morshead, son of former Perth general manager Sam.

John Leadbetter, the trainer of Scotland’s only Grand National winner – 1979 hero Rubstic – saddles Another Dark Rum in the same race.

TOWN PARKS finally got his head in front last time out so his confidence should be riding high ahead of the Lycetts Farm And Estate Insurance Brokers Handicap Hurdle at Wincanton.

He has made steady progress this term and eventually got his due reward when edging out Beneagles by a short head at Ludlow at the start of February.

While that was only an average heat, Town Parks showed a likeable attitude and this two-mile-five-furlong trip is right up his street.

Sally Alner’s French recruit APPLE’S QUEEN has made quite an impact in the point to point ranks and can gain a first win under rules in the 188Bet “Grassroots” Hunters’ Chase.

Formerly trained by Emmanuel Clayeux, Apple’s Queen showed only limited ability in France but has really hit his stride since moving to Britain, having scored twice, and can keep up the good work here. SELECTIONS: MUSSELBURGH: 2.00 Bridge End, 2.30 Ca Le Ferra, 3.00 Pulpitarian, 3.30 Gin Cobbler, 4.00 G’Day Aussie, 4.30 Always Tipsy, 5.00 Miss Barbossa. WINCANTON: 2.10 Like The Sound, 2.40 Town Parks, 3.10 Orbasa, 3.40 Apple’s Queen, 4.10 Kristal Hart, 4.40 Skylark Lady.

DOUBLE: G’Day Aussie and Town Parks.