Rasen Spin For National Ace

Clan Royal will complete his public preparations for Aintree with a final spin

over timber in the Sportsman Out March 22 Handicap Hurdle at Market Rasen

tomorrow.

Jonjo O'Neill's 11-year-old will face nine rivals in the three-mile event

after finishing fifth and third on his two outings this term.

The Liverpool specialist, who was carried out in the John Smith's Grand

National last year having finished runner-up in 2004, is the short-priced 6-1

favourite for this April's renewal.

'Everything has been going well and Jonjo is happy with him ? he is in good

form,' said Frank Berry, racing manager to owner JP McManus.

'He ran well at Warwick and came out of the race good and I hope all goes

well this weekend ? I don't think the soft ground will inconvenience him.

'I would say he will have a school over fences at home before Aintree and all

being well he will go straight there after the weekend.'

? PA Sport