chased front pair from 2nd, lost touch 13th, reminders after next, pulled up before 5 out
mistake 1st, tracked leaders, dropped to last when blundered and unseated rider 3rd
tracked winner throughout, challenged after 5 out, driven and outpaced when mistake next, well held before 3 out
made all, joined after 5 out, drew clear when hit 3 out, pushed out flat, comfortably
ROYAL VACATION was second behind a decent novice at Fontwell on his chasing debut. He's always looked likely to make a better chaser than hurdler and can go one better today. Donna's Diamond has won three times over hurdles and stay well. He's the likely danger if taking to the larger obstacles as Zeroeshadesofgrey jumped poorly and was beaten 20 lengths when second in this last year and hasn't been seen over fences since. Clancy's Cross hasn't raced in more than a year and is probably best watched making his chasing debut on going that will be plenty quick enough.
Clancy's Cross (IRE) 12-1 (11-7) Prominent, pushed along 4 out, weakened after next, 7th of 12, dist behind Crazy Jack (11-0) at Worcester 2m 4f (4) gd in Sep.
Donna's Diamond (IRE) 13-2 (10-9) Tarcked leader, driven to lead after 3 out, headed next, soon ridden and one pace, no impression in 4th from last, 4th of 7, 7 1/2l behind Silsol (11-12) at Kelso 3m 2f hcp (2) gs in Apr.
Royal Vacation (IRE) 9-2 (11-3) Tracked leaders, mistake 9th, dropped off front pair next, closed to take 2nd 3 out, no impression on winner, 2nd of 6, 8l behind As De Mee (11-3) at Fontwell 2m 3f (4) gs in Oct.
Zeroeshadesofgrey (IRE) 10-1 (11-5) Tracked leader, mistake 5 out, weakened before 2 out, 9th of 11, dist behind Two Taffs (10-5) at Ayr 2m 5f hcp (2) gs in Apr.