Jockey Sam Twiston-Davies feels Rocky Creek's victory at Kempton proves that he has a real chance in the Grand National.
The nine-year-old was carrying 11st 11lb in the BetBright Chase but stormed home by six lengths to beat Le Reve and land the spoils at Sunbury-on-Thames.
Paul Nicholl's charge kicked off his season with a second-place finish at Down Royal in November last year while he was pulled up at Newbury later that month.
But the manner in which he defied the handicapper to repel all-comers on Saturday suggests to Twiston-Davies that he will be in terrific shape for a crack at the world's greatest steeplechase.
“To jump and travel the way he did on Saturday was great to see,” he told At The Races. “He's got his National weight and luckily it can't be changed.
“He ran a blinder in the race last year. He jumped really well that day and what was nice was he nearly jumped the last in front.
“This year he's been trained for the race whereas last year the Gold Cup was a bit more his aim. He seems in great form and has come out of it well.”
