Sam Twiston-Davies believes there are more positives than negatives for Rocky Creek ahead of a second tilt at the Crabbie's Grand National at Aintree on Saturday.
Unpenalised for an impressive success in the BetBright Chase at Kempton in February, the Paul Nicholls-trained nine-year-old attempts to improve upon last season's fifth-placed finish in the National.
" I schooled him (on Monday morning), he was in great order and jumped 42 obstacles. He was very good, very fresh, and seems very well," his jockey told At The Races.
"He ran round there last year and was very good. There's a lot of positives and not so many negatives."
After leading the field at one stage in last year's National, Rocky Creek eventually faded, leaving a question mark hanging over his ability to stay the near four-and-a-half-mile trip.
Twiston-Davies is banking on a National-focussed preparation yielding further improvement, saying: " When you look at him, obviously the one question is, 'Will he stay?'
"He jumped the last in front last year, but he was almost trained for the Gold Cup, whereas this year he's been trained for the Grand National.
"H opefully that gives him every chance."
Will Kennedy was pencilled in to ride the Dr Richard Newland-trained Royale Knight and Ian Williams' Super Duty, but has sided with the latter.
Williams said: "Will Kennedy definitely rides and the horse is in good form, so we're looking forward to it.
"This has been the plan since he arrived and while we could have done with slightly easier ground for his last run at Doncaster, we've been happy with his preparation."
In Kennedy's absence, Newland has snapped up the services of Brendan Powell to partner Royale Knight, who is guaranteed a start as the 40th horse on the list.
"Will was offered a few different rides in the race and I know Ian Williams was very keen for him to ride his horse," said Newland.
"Brendan came and sat on Royale Knight (on Tuesday morning). I think he was quite pleased, so the plan is for him to ride on Saturday.
"He has the confidence of youth, and inexperience wouldn't worry me too much.
"He rode Royale Knight very well in last year's Classic Chase at Warwick and he's talented young rider."
