JOHN QUINN, whose Aurore d'Estruval looked a star in the making when winning on a tight rein in Listed company at Hexham last Saturday, is fancied to continue his winning run over hurdles at Musselburgh and Hexham this afternoon.

The Norton trainer sends El Beau to Scotland for his jumping debut with Dougie Costello in the saddle, while Zermatt heads to Hexham where he made a winning debut in April of last year.

El Beau showed decent form on the Flat and finished a creditable sixth on his latest outing at York last month in handicap company. The three-year-old's fitness is assured, given that he raced less than a month ago, and it can be safely assumed that, like of Quinn's newcomers to hurdling, he will have been extensively schooled at home.

The Thistle Systems Max The Cube Juvenile Hurdle is the target for El Beau, who is fancied to make a winning debut.

Zermatt goes for the SIS 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle. He is a promising horse, who was restricted to only one outing last season over hurdles when third to the high-class Oscar Rock at Wetherby.

Zermatt had previously won a bumper on this course so Hexham's undulating circuit will not come as too much of a shock to him. He ought to go well under Brian Harding, who won on Quinn's handicap hurdler Fisher at Ayr last Saturday.

Remaining at Hexham, nap selection Wakhan should be hard to beat in the Weatherbys Hamilton Insurance Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Chase.

The Sue Smith-trained gelding has been placed in all his three races over fences and went down by only a nose to Some Lad in a thrilling finish at Kelso last time. He deserves a change of luck and opportunity may come knocking for him this time.

Michael Scudamore has done a good job of placing No Through Road, who has won his last two races at Worcester and Ffos Las.

The seven-year-old is set to go up 11lb in the weights from this weekend, but he has only a 7lb penalty here which gives him a chance of completing his hat-trick before he is reassessed.

North Yorkshire trainer Sharon Watt has a real soft spot for Madame Lilibet, who, although not the easiest to handle, has won for her on the Flat and over hurdles. Indeed, the five-year-old recently scored at Pontefract which more than confirmed her well-being.

Although it is more than eight months since she last ran over jumps, Madame Lilibet is obviously fit for her comeback to the National Hunt scene in the 'Delightfully' Memorial Handicap Hurdle.

She will relish the three miles trip and is not to be underestimated, even if she is not always the easiest to predict.

Back at Musselburgh and all eyes will be on Baileys Concerto in the Max Recycle Rely And Comply Handicap Chase.

A 6,000gns purchase at Doncaster Sales 18 months ago, the gelding has proved a revelation for new trainer Dianne Sayer, who has placed him to win six of his last seven races. Most recently triumphant at Aintree, Baileys Concerto has been raised 8lb since. With his confidence on a high, he should still be a tough nut to crack for regular rider Brian Hughes.

Norton trainer Brian Ellison looks to have a promising horse on his hands in Masirann, who finished second in a big field at Cork on his only previous start. He should go well for Nathan Moscrop in the William Hill Rails Bookmaker At Musselburgh National Hunt Flat Race.

Also worth noting are a trio of John Ferguson-trained runners, who have made the long journey from Newmarket; Tommy O'Dwyer (1.30) Themilanhorse (2.00) and Broughton (3.00). Sam Twiston-Davies makes a rare course visit to ride all three.

Selections

Musselburgh today
1.00 El Beau, 1.30 Tommy O’Dwyer, 2.00 Themilanhorse, 2.30 Waltz Darling, 3.00 Broughton, 3.30 Baileys Concerto, 4.00 Masirann.

Hexham today
12.50 Up The Bees, 1.20 Zermatt, 1.50 Brave Buck, 2.20 Wakhan (NAP), 2.50 Northern Acres, 3.20 No Through Road, 3.50 Madam Lilibet.

Today’s other meetings
Fontwell and Wolverhampton.

Tomorrow’s meetings
Doncaster, Wincanton, Sandown and Kelso.