KEMPTON PARK 15:45

Non Runners: WHAT A WARRIOR (IRE), LOST LEGEND (IRE). Fences: 18.

Time: 6m 26.4s Closing Sectional: (2.5f): 41.2s (97.1%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 119%, Betfair SP 103%

The early departure of 3 of the 6 at single-figure odds took a bit of intrigue away from this valuable handicap, though it was still a high-class effort from the winner to take it with such authority under a big weight, and that the next 2 home comprised a thriving sort and last year's winner suggests there's some strength to the form; Renard forced a sound gallop, soon stringing the field out, and it was a good test for a 3m chase at this track.

ROCKY CREEK (IRE) proved better than ever to win for the first time since his novice days, freshened up by a 12-week break and going without the tongue tie he'd seemed to resent in the Hennessy; prominent, jumped well, travelled powerfully, upsides twelfth, went on after 4 out, in command straight, won readily, much stronger in the finish than last season; the Grand National is next on the agenda and on this form he's close to the pick of the weights, no surprise to see him improving on last year's sound-jumping fifth this time around, especially if this signals the end of his weak finishing (lack of stamina possibly not solely to blame for his late wilting at Aintree last season).

LE REVE (IRE) has come of age this season and ran another cracker in a top handicap, even though shaping as if in need of a stiffer test; in touch, challenged from twelfth, pushed along 4 out, stuck to task; remains worth a try at long distances and a race like the bet365 Gold Cup could suit ideally, having won at Sandown twice already in 2014/15.

BALLY LEGEND who won this race from 2 lb lower last year, returned to form with tongue strap left off back over fences after 12 weeks off, probably running at least as well as in 2014, not that he ever threatened to win; patiently ridden, pushed along tenth, headway 5 out, chased leaders straight, plugged on.

ARDKILLY WITNESS (IRE) in first-time cheekpieces, didn't quite last out but shaped as if still in good form, having been among the first to commit for home; in touch, upsides twelfth, went on before next, headed after 4 out, weakened between last 2.

GODSMEJUDGE (IRE) possibly still needed this run and took a step back in the right direction, never in the race as a win threat but sticking at it; in touch early, outpaced early final circuit, lost place, rallied 4 out, plugged on, needs emphasis more on stamina; the Grand National is presumably his main spring target.

TENOR NIVERNAIS (FR) didn't obviously fail for stamina back up in trip but was below form, unable to land a telling blow from off the pace; held up, headway 5 out, ridden when mistake next, no further impression.

RAJDHANI EXPRESS in first-time hood, either failed to stay upped in trip or needed run after 10 weeks off, either way shaping better than the bare result, looking back in the sort of form that saw him finish third in last season's Ryanair, possible he'll head back there next month, though a bid for another Festival handicap win would be interesting, especially if dropped a little further in the weights after this; mid-field, travelled fluently, in touch early final circuit, shaken up before 3 out, weakened between last 2.

BALLINVARRIG (IRE) back up in trip, failed to meet expectations; held up, headway thirteenth, pushed along 4 out, weakened; type to bounce back quickly.

TAP NIGHT (USA) in first-time cheekpieces, failed to complete, out of the race way before the effect of headgear could be judged; in rear, unseated rider third.

FOX APPEAL (IRE) upped in trip, looks on a fair mark but didn't get very far; slowly into stride, in rear, unseated rider sixth; worth another chance.

CHARTREUX (FR) failed to come on for recent run; raced wide, behind from fifth, labouring badly early final circuit.

RENARD (FR) wasn't seen to best effect; raced clear, reduced advantage early final circuit, ridden when headed twelfth, folded, went off too hard.

EASTER DAY (FR) strong in the betting, shaped as if amiss, maybe hurting himself when making a bad mistake at the second, losing his place soon after and pulled up before the fifth.

THE RAINBOW HUNTER probably needed run after 11 months off; in rear, typically made mistakes, went with little fluency, beaten long way out.