The entry of Burbridge was accepted yesterday following the scratching of his training partner Brandan Galic.

Burbridge will join Josh Ross, Adrian Mott and Aaron Stubbs as winners of the Stawell Gift, recognised as Australia's most prestigious foot race.

``It is the first time four Stawell Gift winners will have run at Burnie on the same day and Burbridge's entry adds further to the depth of quality in the race,'' athletics co-ordinator Rod Walker said.

``It's getting back to the days when they used to run 20 heats.''

Burbridge has indicated that he will run on both nights of the Devonport carnival in the 200m and 400m events and then the Burnie Gift and the 400m handicap at West Park.

Burbridge is trained in Canberra by national coach Matt Beckenham, who is represented at the carnivals for the second time.

Beckenham planned to bring eight runners, including Galic, to the carnivals but had to make a late change when Galic was hospitalised after falling ill.

Galic, who was to have run off 5.25m in the Burnie Gift, treated a rash on his leg and after taking medication the rash spread over his whole body.

Burbridge's late entry was accepted by the Tasmanian Athletic League under its wildcard system, which allows for runners affected by injury or illness to be replaced in the major events.

Walker said the decision by Beckenham to find a late replacement for Galic indicated his commitment to the carnivals.

Beckenham will also be represented by Commonwealth Games representatives Lauren Moden, Brendan Cole, Mellisa Breen, Ollie Wurn, Luke Storta, Michelle French and the coach himself.