Chelsea Lad all the rage to land Lincoln glory for Meade

Chelsea Lad was cut into 9-1 third favourite (from 12) by the race sponsor of the Betway Lincoln on Tuesday, when he was a market mover across the board.

The lightly raced four-year-old was being aimed at Royal Ascot’s Britannia Handicap last summer when he sustained a setback which kept him off for the rest of the year.

"He got a terrible run when winning at Newmarket in May - he was barged and bumped - and sustained a chip in his knee," said trainer Martyn Meade.

"We had it removed and he's come back and done nothing wrong. He's had only three runs in his life and looks progressive. Softish ground at Doncaster would suit."

Brian Ellison is looking forward to running Top Notch Tonto and Dream Walker, both of whom warmed up for the prestigious mile handicap at Wolverhampton this month.

"Both horses worked well this morning," Ellison said on Tuesday. "All-weather racing doesn't really suit them, and nor did the track at Wolverhampton.

"They both needed that run and have come out of it great. If the ground is on the soft side it would suit Top Notch Tonto, and Dream Walker should still be competitive despite going up a lot in the weights last season."

Ed de Giles intends to run Lucy The Painter, a prolific scorer last year, including over course and distance.

"I planned to run her in a conditions race at Lingfield but she had a minor setback," said the trainer. "She's very well now but I'd have loved to have got a prep race into her.

"She's got that all-valuable black type now, so we're planning to have a bit of fun with her this season, with races like the Royal Hunt Cup on the agenda. It's a fierce race to be starting off in but she's worth her place in it."

Tullius, winner of the Doncaster Mile two years ago, is again likely to contest the Betway-sponsored Listed event on Town Moor in preference to Kempton's Betfred Mobile Magnolia Stakes.

"If the ground stays as it is he will go for the Mile," reported trainer Andrew Balding. "He's in great form. You wouldn't know he was nine years old."

Balding intends to be represented by Absolutely So in the Listed Betway Cammidge Trophy.

"He had a bit of a stop-start season last year but should be very competitive in a race like this," he said.

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