KEMPTON PARK 17:30

All 14 ran.

Time: 1m 37.35s Closing Sectional: (3f): 35.55s (102.7%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 125%, Betfair SP 103%

A good-quality handicap for the time of year, but one that placed the emphasis on speed, a couple who often run at shorter trips chasing home the short-priced favourite, who did well to overcome a troubled passage; further back, Fantastic Fox caught the eye from an unpromising position and is another to be interested in.

ROI DE FRANCE (IRE) back under less testing conditions, after 8 weeks off, was strong in the betting and got back on the up, doing well to pull this out of the fire in the circumstances; mid-field, went with enthusiasm, going well when denied a run over 1f out, conceding first run to the second as a result, got gap final 1f, quickened up well to lead dying strides; borderline smart now and there's further progress forthcoming.

POPMASTER (IRE) has been given a chance by the handicapper and ran one of this season's better races, seeming suited by the relative emphasis on speed, having just his second try at this trip; held up, rapid headway over 1f out, led around 1f out, kept on well, edged out dying strides.

FINAL VOYAGE (IRE) back up in trip, after just 7 days off, was ignored in the betting but showed the benefit of a recent run, looking at least as good as ever; waited with, shaken up approaching 2f out, good headway, nearest at the finish, suited by emphasis on speed.

COGITATE (IRE) had run well previous try on all-weather and, after 4 months off, showed improved form to prove this mark isn't quite as stiff as it looked; close up, ridden over 2f out, every chance 1f out, kept on; was better placed than most, but also looked more straightforward than has been the case, the gelding operation since last seen seeming to have done the trick.

FANTASTIC FOX after 5 months off, caught the eye, having ended up with a hopeless task from position; in rear, travelled smoothly, still plenty to do when shaken up over 1f out, good headway final 1f, not given at all a hard time and finished with running left; he enjoyed a good time of it last winter and this tees him up for a similarly productive all-weather campaign this time around.

HAFEET ALAIN (IRE) returned to all-weather and back down to last winning mark, probably remains in form; led, shaken up around 2f out, headed approaching final 1f, faded, had the run of the race.

TEMPUS again ran respectably; prominent, pushed along over 2f out, carried head bit awkwardly, not quicken over 1f out.

VICTORIOUS STREET (USA) looked an interesting contender, a US-bred horse whose previous effort on all-weather is strong form, but he failed to meet expectations after 10 weeks off, looking in need of a stronger gallop and/or longer trip; chased leader, pushed along over 2f out, one paced; may yet do better.

STERLING KNIGHT probably remains in form, this race a bit above his pay grade; mid-field, pushed along 2f out, not quicken; he's now 2 lb below his last winning mark.

LONGLAI (FR) might have needed the run after 11 weeks off, shaping better than the distance beaten suggests; mid-field, raced freely, went prominent around 2f out, upsides over 1f out, no extra final 100 yds; eligible for lesser races, he's not one to write off.

BLESS HIM (IRE) shaped similarly to last time; waited with, effort over 2f out, never landed a blow, left poorly placed.

HARVARD SOUND (IRE) proved to be a disappointment, his response to pressure in stark contrast to his handicap debut, more to it than the 1f longer trip (should stay 1m); in touch, pushed along 2f out, weakened final 1f; it's still early days for him and he's worth another chance.

KINGDOM COME (IRE) was below form after 3 months off; never a threat; on the plus side, he's entitled to strip fitter for this and should be somewhere near his last winning mark when next seen.

NOTRE BELLE BETE without the headgear this time, offered little after 5 months off; raced wide, mid-division, pushed along early in straight, dropped away.