Smad impresses at Kempton Smad Place dominated from the front in the Weatherbys VAT Services Graduation Chase at Kempton. Alan King's grey may have disappointed when well fancied for last season's Hennessy Gold Cup, but he ran a fine race when chasing home subsequent Grand National hero Many Clouds at Cheltenham in January before failing to land a blow in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Making his first appearance since a decent effort at Aintree in the spring, the 6-4 favourite travelled and jumped with plenty of enthusiasm in the hands of Wayne Hutchinson to put his rivals on the back foot. A thrilling finish looked in prospect when main market rival Fingal Bay closed up and almost drew alongside on the run to the second last, but his effort was short-lived as Smad Place winged the final fence to seal an eight-length success. King said: "That was perfect. "I only just had him ready for this as he did have a hold up six weeks ago as he had an epiglottic entrapment (respiratory issue) and we did a little operation on him. "It is great to have him back. I made a complete mess of him last year as I ran him in the Hennessy first time out without a prep run. He ran well but he finished really tired and never got over it. "He is back showing his old spark and that will set him up for the Hennessy. "The trainer hasn't made the same mistake this year. "It will do his confidence good getting his head back in front again." Connections of Fingal Bay said the nine-year-old, who was having his first start in 267 days, will also head to the Hennessy. Paddy Power have cut the winner from 14's to 10's for the Hennessy at Newbury.
