It's the one British race where Ireland have a wretched record - but can Tony Martin stop the rot with the help of Rossa Ryan?

Tony Martin is out to end the Irish curse in the Lincoln with plunge horse Orandi, who has been slashed from 16-1 into 7-1 by Paddy Power over the last week. 

Martin has snapped up Rossa Ryan for the ride in the William Hill-sponsored highlight of the opening day of the British Flat season at Doncaster on Saturday, when the seven-year-old will attempt to become only the second Irish-trained winner of the famous handicap which dates to the middle of the 19th century. Saving Mercy, in 1984, remains the sole Irish winner for Dermot Weld. 

Orandi has already won the Irish Lincolnshire at the Curragh this season, storming home under a perfectly judged ride from Shane Foley to score at 10-1, and is now gunning for the big spring double. The Fozzy Stack-trained Chazzesmee attempted the same feat last year after winning at the Curragh and was sent off 5-2 favourite at Doncaster, but could finish only fourth behind Mr Professor.