Morando features in Betway Lincoln entries

ANTE-POST favourite Morando features in the Betway Lincoln at Doncaster on Saturday following the confirmation stage.

Roger Varian’s four-year-old is guaranteed a place in the maximum 22-strong field for the first big-race of the new Flat turf season.

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“We’ve left him in the race and we’ll see how he works later in the week. We’re happy with him at home, so we’ll see what happens,” said Varian.

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However, connections of other fancied horses are left sweating with John Gosden’s Sacred Act and the Richard Fahey-trained Nimr among those who need a few withdrawals at the 48-hour final declaration stage on Thursday.

There is though a consolation race, the Betway Spring Mile, to the next 22 horses in the handicap.

The weights are headed on 9st 10lb by Battle Of Marathon, trained by John Ryan who won the race with Ocean Tempest in 2014.

The five-year-old is followed by Richard Fahey's Gabrial (9st 9lb) and You're Fired (9st 8lb).

Trainer Martyn Meade is aiming Chelsea Lad at the Town Moor showpiece but he is not yet in the top 22.

The son of Clodovil has not been seen in competitive action since winning at Newmarket last May, but is being primed for a comeback at Doncaster.

"Chelsea Lad is hopefully going for the Lincoln. He had a knee problem last year, which is why he hasn't run for a while, but he seems to have progressed well," said Meade.

"He's rated 96 and he could potentially be throw in off that mark."

Blair House, Keystroke and Tiercel were among the fancied horses withdrawn at the five-day stage.