Norton trainer Brian Ellison reached a milestone at Southwell on Saturday when recording his 50th Flat winner of the year in Britain – and he may not be finished yet.

Today at Wolverhampton, Ellison bids to add to his notable half-century with a twin-pronged assault on the opening amateur riders’ handicap with two horses with leading chances.

Lakeman finished second to Diggeratt at Southwell last week, while Nicholas Pocock was beaten only a head on this course last Friday evening.

There should be precious little to choose between the pair, but Nicholas Pocock, who has a track victory to his name, may just have the edge over his stable-mate and the rest of the field.

Ellison’s 50th winner, incidentally, was posted by Camps Bay, who won by no less than 21 lengths. He added his name to a flowing scoreboard in 2010 for the Spring Cottage trainer, who has also sent out a Flat winner in Ireland, not to mention 16 winners over jumps.

Also worth noting at this afternoon’s fixture are This Ones For Eddy (3.35), who shaped well to finish second on his first run since September at Southwell recently, and nap selection Private Joke (5.35), who got off the mark over this course and distance earlier in the month.

Trained by John Gosden, Private Joke, who has had only two outings, is open to further improvement and looks capable of following up on his handicap debut off a mark of 75. Nicky Mackay has the mount.

At Southwell tomorrow, Norton trainer Ollie Pears brings Rosewin (3.05) out under a penalty following her convincing success on the same course last Thursday.

Having run consistently well throughout the autumn on turf, albeit without managing to get her head in front, Rosewin made no mistake on her Fibresand debut, scoring by nearly four lengths in the hands of James Sullivan.

The 3lb claimer takes the mount again tomorrow and, although Rosewin has more on her plate under a 6lb penalty, she merits the utmost respect.

Tomorrow’s nap vote goes to Eastern Hills (2.35), a recent course winner, trained near the track by Alan McCabe, who has booked the accomplished Neil Farley to take the mount.

Kieren Fallon is due to make a rare visit to Southwell tomorrow to ride for North Yorkshire trainer Mark Johnston.

The pair join forces with Elusive Love (1.35), who finished second at this venue last time out over six furlongs.

The step up to seven furlongs is expected to work the oracle for this maiden colt, who is fancied to go one better.


Racing selections

Wolverhampton (today)
1.50 Nicholas Pocock, 2.25 Traphalgar, 3.00 Spin Again, 3.35 This Ones For Eddy, 4.05 Clerical, 4.35 Copper Canyon, 5.05 d’Artagnan, 5.35 Private Joke (NAP).

Today’s other meetings:
Ffos Las and Taunton – abandoned.

Southwell (tomorrow)
12.35 Residency, 1.05 Kheley, 1.35 Elusive Love, 2.05 Nazreef, 2.35 Eastern Hills (NAP), 3.05 Rosewin, 3.35 Abulharith.

Tomorrow’s other meetings:
Kempton and Sedgefield (8am inspection today).