ALAMEIN HAS been promoted to the head of the list for Saturday's Worthington Lincoln Handicap, for which a total of 63 horses stood their ground at yesterday's declaration stage. The safety limit is 24.

The William Haggas trained four year old is now 8 to 1 market leader with the firm, who have also cut Hawksley Hill from 12 to 1 to 10 to 1.

"The Lincoln market has really perked up today with interest in a number of horses," said Ladbrokes' spokesman Ian Wassell. "Alamein is certainly the gamble of the race so far, having been supported from an opening 25 to 1 right down to 8 to 1 favouritism."

In the Martell Grand National, Edward O'Grady's Cheltenham runner up Time For A Run has been cut to 16 to 1 from 20 to 1.

Kayvee was the only surprise withdrawal from the Lincoln. Last year's Tote Festival Handicap runner up, trained by Amanda Perrett and quoted at 25 to 1 for the race by William Hill, was one of just eight horses taken out of the first big contest of the Flat season. Also removed was World Premier, whom Clive Brittain is to aim at Kempton's Easter meeting.

Those unable to get a run in the main race are eligible for the consolation Spring Mile on Friday. Market leaders Alamein and New Century are guaranteed a run in the main race but the 1993 winner High Premium needs two horses to be withdrawn to gain a place in the line up.