Ellison hopes Tonto can put him in reach of spring double

Betway Lincoln | 1m | 4yo+ | ITV4/ATR

He has the new favourite for the Randox Health Grand National and a week ahead of his trip to Aintree with Definitly Red, Brian Ellison tries to clinch the first leg of what was popularly known as the Spring Double.

It is feat more likely to be achieved by punters than trainers but with Top Notch Tonto and Dream Walker, the Malton trainer has a sporting tilt at a challenge Dermot Weld came close to pulling off in 1984 when Greasepaint finished second in the National after Saving Mercy had landed the Lincoln.

The distinctively white-socked Top Notch Tonto, off whom Ben Robinson claims 7lb, represents the main hope of Ellison. The seven-year-old is without a win for nearly two years, a period during which he has been competing at Group level.

Any more rain would be to Top Notch Tonto's advantage too, but the Lincoln has attracted a traditionally competitive field. Yuften is favourite to repeat his winning end to last season when he captured the equally challenging Balmoral Handicap at Ascot.

Yuften, drawn 14 in the 22-runner field, will have the assistance of jockey Andrea Atzeni, a proven Doncaster specialist.

Where will the winner of the Lincoln be drawn?

Paddy Power: 5-4 stalls 9-15, 13-8 stalls 1-8, 5-2 stalls 16-22

Dubai form

Three of the last six winners have competed in Dubai before winning the Lincoln, a route Gabrial and the Ryan Moore-ridden Oh This Is Us have taken.

Fahey factor

Richard Fahey has won two of the last five runnings, the latest in 2015 with Gabrial. He saddles five this time including Heaven's Guest, who will be ridden by Sammy Jo Bell. Bell missed most of last season through injury and her Lincoln mount is set to be just her fourth since she returned to action.

Notable switch

Bravery finished fourth in the Irish 2,000 Guineas for Aidan O'Brien last year and here makes his debut for David O'Meara.

Kirby grip

John Ryan has booked Adam Kirby for Battle Of Marathon, hoping the jockey can deliver the same result he managed with the stable's Ocean Tempest three years ago.

What they say

Richard Fahey, trainer of Gabrial, Third Time Lucky, Heaven's Guest, Dolphin Vista, Withernsea
When Gabrial won two years ago he ran off 100 and is now rated 108, which is a big ask for an eight-year-old. Third Time Lucky runs off 106 when he's due to drop to 101, but the owners were keen to run and we're taking 7lb off. It felt like Heaven's Guest was badly handicapped last year and is still a bit high. Dolphin Vista has been gelded and is working well. He could run a big race and more rain would suit. Withernsea likes the track and soft ground but may have a stiff task off 97.

Karl Burke, trainer of You're Fired
He's well in himself but is probably at the top end of his handicap mark. I'd be more hopeful than confident.

Roger Charlton, trainer of Yuften
I think he has a favourite's chance. The Balmoral Handicap was very competitive. A lot of them take him on again, which puts them slightly better off at the weights. He travelled well that day. He has a tendency to lean left when he hits the front; apart from that I thought he won pretty nicely. His prep race was promising so we're hopeful.

Richard Hannon, trainer of Oh This Is Us and Emell
Oh This Is Us seems to run a good race most times. I'm not sure which is the best side to be on, but he's a pretty talented horse. Emell ran well in the Lincoln last year, finishing sixth.

Brian Ellison, trainer of Top Notch Tonto and Dream Walker
They're both in good form and this race has been the plan for both. I think Tonto has a big chance. A bit more rain would help them but I'm not sure they'll get it. I've got to be hopeful.

Amanda Perrett, trainer of Zhui Feng
He went up 5lb for being beaten half a length in the Winter Derby but does run off 102 here, so he has to run. He's in great form and wasn't beaten far in the Cambridgeshire and Balmoral. I wouldn't want much more rain but I like his draw.

Robert Eddery, trainer of Donncha
He's in good form. He's at the same stage as he was last year when he was second in the Spring Mile. His work is good and he has a major shout.

Ed de Giles, trainer of Lucy The Painter
She's in cracking form. I'd love to have given her a prep race and we had one planned but she had a minor setback. It's a very tough race but we have black type with her now so we're going to have a bit of fun.

Andrew Balding, trainer of Highland Colori
He's not getting any younger but will like the ground and always runs well in these big-field races.

Rod Millman, trainer of Master Carpenter
He's been a good horse over the years, goes there in good form and we've booked useful claimer Lulu Stanford. The only problem could be his draw in 19, but a high number won it last year.