KEMPTON PARK 15:45

All 9 ran. Fences: 16. Race Distance Adjustment: +64 yds

Time: 5m 21.6s Closing Sectional: (2.5f): 40.7s (95%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 111%, Betfair SP 100.1%

A useful handicap, though form that appeals as being solid as opposed to strong, particularly as the duo at the head of the market flopped badly; it was a well-run affair.

ROC D'APSIS (FR) was right back on song following an abject display at Newbury in November, producing a career-best effort in fact, a more fluent round of jumping at the heart of the matter, first-time cheekpieces clearly having the desired effect; mid-division, headway approaching 5 out, chased leader approaching 3 out, switched to challenge next, led before last, kept going well.

GALWAY JACK (IRE) consistency is hard to knock, making another bold bid reverted to his traditional front-running tactics, allowed an uncontested lead but in no sense flattered; led at sound tempo, joined 2 out, headed approaching last, kept on; should continue to give a good account, though reliability ensures he receives no respite from the handicapper.

BARRAKILLA (IRE) ran creditably, though couldn't find the necessary change of gear despite the fact he was stepping back up in trip, an ill-timed error at the third last admittedly not helping his cause; prominent, mistake tenth, ridden when blundered 3 out, kept on.

GALLERY EXHIBITION (IRE) wasted no time getting back on track, though whether he can defy a mark in the high-130s remains to be seen; soon in mid-division, headway approaching 5 out, ridden before 3 out, one paced.

ERICHT (IRE) ran respectably after 9 weeks off, though it was a typical performance in many ways; in rear, clouted second and jumping took a while to recover, crept closer approaching 5 out, driven approaching 3 out, carried head awkwardly, held when untidy last; generally opposable.

FOR TWO (FR) an underachiever for Paul Nicholls (also wore cheekpieces final outing), offered little on his debut for Chris Gordon; held up, jumped none too fluently, left behind 4 out.

STELLAR NOTION (IRE) after 9 weeks off, again fell a long way short of expectations and is fast becoming a bitter disappointment (has shaped as if amiss more than once); in touch, slow fourth, untidy tenth, weakened 5 out.

ATLANTIC ROLLER (IRE) refitted with blinkers/tongue tie, fared no better, pulled up for the third time in as many starts for current connections; chased leader, lost place eleventh, folded tamely.

OPENING BATSMAN (IRE) back down in trip, ran poorly, stopping quickly once more, though on this occasion hadn’t travelled particularly well to that point; waited with, went in snatches, dropped to rear when blundered eighth, tailed off soon after.