O´Neill cautious over Clan Jonjo O´Neill, whose stable has been plagued by a virus this winter, admits he is shooting in the dark with leading John Smith´s Grand National hope Clan Royal. The 10-year-old is currently 9-1 joint-favourite with totesport for next Saturday´s Aintree showpiece despite the fact that he has not run since finishing fourth in a handicap hurdle at Bangor in December. Clan Royal was a three-length second to Amberleigh House in last year´s four-and-a-half-mile marathon, but O´Neill is by no means bullish about his chances given the trainer´s distinctly disappointing season. He was forced to close his Jackdaws Castle yard at Christmas and has saddled just one more winner since Specular broke a 73-day barren spell when landing a novice chase on February 24. 'It´s been very slow going,' said O´Neill yesterday. 'They are really taking their time to come back - much longer than we´d have hoped. 'Clan Royal seems all right and he schooled well yesterday, but although I´d like to be confident, how can you be? 'We just don´t know how he´ll do - but touch wood, he looked in good form.' Tony McCoy, who schooled Clan Royal, added 'We popped him over a couple and he jumped great and felt good. 'He did all right and looked fantastic. He´s just about favourite and that is a reflection of his chance.' ? PA Sport
