Royal Vacation has been taking on classy opposition over both hurdles and fences this season and is now dropped dramatically in grade. He handles the ground well and may prove too stylish for his rivals but the concession of over a stone to BEAU BAY sways us in favour of the Newland inmate. The selection has proved a paragon of consistency since joining the yard last summer and is taken to land this valuable prize after just failing to repel Ashoka at Ascot last month. Casse Tete is another to have been contesting hot handicaps and has to be short-listed whereas Bishops Court has been pulled up the last twice and Dusky Lark looks in need of respite from the handicapper.
Royal Vacation (IRE) 22-1 (11-1) Tracked leaders on outside, lost place after 3 out, weakened from next, 18th of 26, 25l behind Bleu Berry (11-2) at Cheltenham 2m 5f hcp (1) sft in Mar.
Casse Tete (FR) 16-1 (10-9) Held up towards rear, headway on inside 16th, driven to chase leaders 3 out, outpaced when hit next, weakened last, 8th of 18, 26 1/2l behind Coo Star Sivola (10-13) at Cheltenham 3m 1f hcp (1) hvy in Mar.
Bishops Court 16-1 (11-12) Chased leaders on inside, pushed along and weakened before 3 out, pulled up before next, at Hereford 2m hcp (3) sft in Mar.
Dusky Lark 14-1 (10-12) Chased leaders, tracked leader 2nd, led 4th, hit 10th, headed 4 out, lost 2nd next, weakened 2 out, 4th of 7, 20 1/2l behind Tiquer (10-0) at Newbury 2m 4f hcp (2) sft in Mar.
Beau Bay (FR) 9-2 (10-13) Led until 5th, led again after 7th, joined when left clear 3 out, 2 lengths ahead last, ridden run-in, no extra and headed near finish, 2nd of 6, nk behind Ashoka (10-4) at Ascot 2m 1f hcp (2) sft in Mar.
