No Morando but Atzeni is still favourite at Doncaster

MORANDO, ante-post favourite for tomorrow’s Betway Lincoln Handicap at Doncaster, is out of the race but his intended jockey Andrea Atzeni has been called up for the new market leader. The Italian now partners Yuften, trained by Roger Charlton. Atzeni (below) rode the 4-1 shot to victory in the Balmoral Handicap at Ascot in October and a narrow third three weeks ago at Wolverhampton over seven furlongs, one shorter than the Lincoln. Trainer Roger Varian did not declare Morando yesterday because of injury. John Gosden’s Sacred Act and Richard Fahey’s Nimr were two other absentees. Both had been prominent in the betting but failed to make the cut of 22 starters. The duo will compete instead in the consolation Spring Mile on the same card. Malton trainer Brian Ellison has a feasible shot at the traditional Spring Double with Dream Walker and Top Notch Tonto representing him in the Lincoln ahead of Definitly Red, who is joint favourite for the Grand National at Aintree a week later. Meanwhile, Brian Hughes, enjoying his best season with 135 winners and second to Richard Johnson in the jump jockeys’ championship, will ride Paul Nicholls-trained Vicente in the National. The winner of the 2016 Scottish National has been bought by owner Trevor Hemmings, who is bidding for a fourth National victory. The Injured Jockeys Fund have released an update on George Baker, who suffered a bleed on the brain when his mount fell fatally while running on the frozen lake at St Moritz. Baker remains in London’s Wellington Hospital but wife Nicola said: ‘George has made really good progress in the last week and the doctors are proposing that in two to three weeks’ time he will move to a rehabilitation centre nearer to home.’