FAIRYHOUSE 14:35

Non Runners: CAUSE OF CAUSES (USA), POLIDAM (FR), TELL US MORE (IRE). Fences: 12.

Time: 4m 27s Closing Sectional: (3.85f): 58.1s (104.1%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 121%, Betfair SP 99.4%

A valuable and soundly-run handicap chase in which most - if not all - had a question or 2 to answer beforehand and it doesn't appeal as particularly strong form with the odds-on favourite Acapella Bourgeois bursting a blood vessel and the first 5 home all at least 10-y-o, though that shouldn't detract from the performance of the winner, who is clearly an improved performer this season.

DOCTOR PHOENIX (IRE) didn't make any mistakes this time and got back on the up, suited by the way the race developed; patiently ridden, crept closer from 4 out, went third 2 out, produced to lead before last, edged right, forged clear; an entry for the Queen Mother Champion Chase may prove fanciful but he's moved into the ranks of very smart handicappers with this effort and will continue to give a good account.

KILCARRY BRIDGE (IRE) after 7 weeks off, returned to form; forced pace, shaken up home turn, headed between last 2, no match for winner.

DYSIOS (IRE) 3 lb out of the handicap, bettered recent efforts; handy, went second home turn, edged right between last 2, not quicken.

ROCK THE WORLD (IRE) after 6 months off, remains yet to fire this season though shaped with some encouragement this time, no surprise if connections are working backwards from the Grand Annual; raced wide in mid-division, awkward first, went handy 4 out, pushed along after next, one paced.

MALLOWNEY (IRE) was back over fences after a recent pipe-opener and shaped better than the distance beaten suggests bidding to repeat his win in this race 3 years earlier; travelled as well as any in mid-division, closing when mistake 2 out, effort flattened out; isn't the force of old but looks favourably handicapped now, one to bear in mind.

DON'T TOUCH IT (IRE) continues below form though might have needed this after 5 months off; raced off the pace, jumped sketchily, some headway approaching 3 out, no further impression.

THE GAME CHANGER (IRE) back over fences, continues out of sorts; close up, pushed along after 3 out, weakened between last 2.

ELUSIVE IVY (IRE) had plenty on from 7 lb out of the handicap; raced off the pace, untidy first, stumbled between 5 out and 4 out, weakening when untidy 3 out.

TOWNSHEND (GER) failed to complete making his handicap debut after 6 weeks off, looking held at the time of his departure; waited with, not always fluent, ridden home turn, unseated rider 2 out.

ACAPELLA BOURGEOIS (FR) without the hood this time, is proving most expensive to follow though seemingly had an excuse here (reportedly bled); chased leaders, lost place from 4 out, behind when pulled up soon after 2 out.