led narrowly to 2nd, pressed leader, reminder after 8th, lost place before 10th, blundered 5 out, soon lost touch, continued tailed off
with leader, led 2nd, clear when hit 11th, joined after 5 out, headed before last, no impression with winner flat
tracked rival pair, blundered and rider lost iron briefly 7th, went 2nd before 10th, challenged after 5 out, slightly outpaced before 2 out, soon ridden, stayed on to lead before last, in command flat
Castletown ran well considering the unfavourable terms when finishing runner-up over these fences to DONNA’S DIAMOND. But Chris Grant’s charge should have no trouble confirming that form and the Grade 2 winner over hurdles is expected to improve further on only his fourth start chasing. Shades Of Midnight is a decent hurdler and has a shout at the weights though will need to step up on his latest outing over fences when well beaten at Ayr back in April.
Donna's Diamond (IRE) 10-11fav (11-1) Led or disputed lead to after 9th, tracked leader, hit 11th, pushed along after 5 out, ridden after next, 4 lengths down 2 out, rallied last, stayed on to lead closing stages, all out, won at Kelso 2m 7f (3) gs in Dec beating Castletown (11-1) by 2 1/4l, 8 ran.
Castletown (FR) 10-1 (11-1) Led or disputed lead until went on after 9th, 4 lengths clear 2 out, reduced advantage last, driven and no extra flat, headed closing stages, 2nd of 8, 2 1/4l behind Donna's Diamond (11-1) at Kelso 2m 7f (3) gs in Dec.
Shades Of Midnight 20-1 (11-2) With leader, led before 3 out, soon strongly challenged, hard ridden after last, headed close home, kept on, 2nd of 7, 1/2l behind Paisley Park (11-12) at Haydock 3m hcp (1) gd in Nov.
