KEMPTON PARK 14:55

All 7 ran. Hurdles: 10. Race Distance Adjustment: +15 yds

Time: 5m 2.6s Closing Sectional: (5.35f): 74.2s (103.6%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 113%, Betfair SP 101.8%

An early race in the Pertemps series that leads to the Final at the Cheltenham Festival but this was a high-quality affair in its own right, won by a progressive type, although a bunched finish is indicative of an ordinary gallop and also limits the view taken of the bare form.

BAGS GROOVE (IRE) progressed again to follow up from last time, going about it in a different manner than for previous wins, responding generously to pressure and seeming suited by the 1f longer trip; mid-division, took closer order out wide after 4 out, outpaced between 3 out and 2 out, rallied well, led run-in, ridden out; the Pertemps Final will be an option much later in the season and this performance suggests he's likely to stay 3m (also bred to) but shorter term there'll be other big handicap targets, including the Lanzarote over this C&D perhaps.

THE LAST SAMURI (IRE) hadn't run over hurdles for more than 3 years, since when he's progressed markedly into a high-class chaser, and this was an excellent comeback from 7 months off, running to a very smart level over a trip shorter than ideal; close up, outpaced 2 out, rallied last, kept on well; he was third in last year's Becher Chase and looks primed to give another good account in that race.

WHO DARES WINS (IRE) fit from the Flat, ran close to his best, but having got to the front it was a little surprising and disappointing that he didn't find enough to hold on, perhaps losing some concentration without the cheekpieces he usually wears on the Flat as an aid; tracked pace, travelled well, led when mistake 2 out, headed run-in, one paced; he has plenty of solid form and should remain competitive.

MAESTRO ROYAL ran up to his best after 7 months off and showed more stamina than previously, seeing the extra 1f out really well, shaping on the day as if even more of a test would suit; in rear, took keen hold, ridden after 3 out, best work finish and took fourth close home; he does need to improve to defy this mark over hurdles but chasing could be on the agenda now, surprising it's not been tried before given he's a half-brother to the same yard's very smart chaser Barber's Shop.

LE BREUIL (FR) ran close to form but shaped as if the run will bring him on a bit after 7 months off, tired at the line, having also made a couple of errors; led, went with enthusiasm, mistake third, headed when flattened 2 out, rallied last, no extra run-in; it'd take a career best for him to win from this mark but he remains unexposed and also appeals as the type to take well to chasing when the time comes.

SUMKINDOFKING (IRE) gives the impression that he has more ability than the bare facts suggest but hasn't delivered fully yet and is proving expensive to follow, his attitude perhaps an issue when it comes to the business end of a race; dropped out, typically travelled well, effort when forced wide home turn, hung right approaching 2 out, not run on.

SNEAKY FEELING (IRE) shaped as if amiss; held up, shaken up after 4 out, beaten before 2 out, eased off; he's something to prove now having also disappointed on his return.