KEMPTON PARK 15:05

All 5 ran. Fences: 16. Race Distance Adjustment: +64 yds

Time: 5m 10.3s Closing Sectional: (2.5f): 35.6s (104.8%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 108%, Betfair SP 101.5%

An interesting contest, though one in which it may pay to take a conservative view of the form, all arriving with something to prove to varying degrees, Smad Place - the horse favoured by the weights - making all having set no more than an even tempo.

SMAD PLACE (FR) fourth in Grade 1 company at Aintree on his final outing last season, took advantage of a good opportunity to resume winning ways back in calmer waters, sensibly given a positive ride to offset the drop back in trip; made all, jumped accurately, tackled 2 out, asserted approaching last, kept going well; this will serve as a nice confidence boost as he bids to improve upon his fifth in last year’s Hennessy (his next reported target), though the demands of that particular race will pose an altogether stiffer test.

FINGAL BAY (IRE) took a step back in the right direction after 9 months off, shaping as though he would just tighten up for the run; close up, every chance 2 out, no extra last; a talented individual when on song, it is to be hoped he can build on this.

KINGS LAD (IRE) had something to find on these terms and wasn't disgraced with that in mind, his jumping still an aspect that needs to be addressed however (fell when last seen in April); in touch, mistake eleventh, not fluent 3 out, ridden soon after, beaten between last 2.

HORIZONTAL SPEED (IRE) receiving weight all round, ran poorly on first outing since leaving Philip Hobbs after 6 months off, mistakes a factor, though not the sole reason; in touch, slow fourth, blundered eleventh, weakening when not fluent 4 out.

EASTER DAY (FR) found jumping issues blighting his brief campaign last season and he looks a horse with serious problems at present, bumped after pecking at the first, diving at the second, and being pulled up and dismounted shortly after clambering over the third.