SALISBURY 15:55

All 9 ran.

Time: 2m 12.63s Closing Sectional: (3.25f): 46.75s (93.1%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 115%, Betfair SP 101.1%

A useful handicap, competitive on paper, but it was a race in which there were a couple of disappointments and few landed a blow, the field soon well strung out behind tearaway leader Beach Bar, so it's form that's uncertain to prove solid.

STORM ROCK returned to form from out of the blue to take advantage of a reduced mark, the return to softer ground presumably helping, though he had encountered similar conditions previously this season without coming close to his best; mid-division, switched over 2f out, good headway soon after, stayed on to lead approaching final 1f, kept going well; will remain well treated on past exploits, though this form doesn't appeal as being the most robust.

LANDWADE LAD ran up to best, suited by the way the race developed and having every chance; raced off the pace, headway 3f out, effort over 1f out, kept on, no impression on winner; appears to have little in hand from this mark, but he is at least a reliable sort.

CAPTAIN MORLEY ran respectably after 3 months off over what's probably an inadequate trip nowadays, getting going too late even in a strongly-run affair; raced off the pace, headway under pressure under 2f out, plugged on, never nearer.

BEACH BAR (IRE) claimer ridden, shaped as if still in good form, but paid in the closing stages for going off too hard; soon well clear, took strong hold, closed down over 2f out, headed over 1f out, no extra.

FIDAAWY wasn't disgraced, though again wasn't in the same form as at Doncaster, flattering to deceive somewhat, albeit on the softest ground he's faced; in touch, travelled well, shaken up approaching 2f out, not quicken; front running suited him so well at Doncaster that he'd be worth another chance under such tactics.

MASTER CARPENTER (IRE) back up in trip and claimer ridden, wasn't disgraced running in a handicap for the first time this season, though carried little threat; in touch, not settle fully, every chance over 2f out, one paced.

WINDSHEAR attracted support but failed to build on the slightly better signs shown last time, a shadow of the smart and consistent performer he once was; prominent main group, weakened 2f out.

ZAMPERINI (IRE) ran no sort of race after 13 weeks off, a good to soft winner but possibly unsuited by condions this testing; dwelt, in rear, shaken up over 3f out, eased off; Sandown form looks fairly solid, probably worth another chance on balance.

CAPTAIN CAT (IRE) offered little on first outing since leaving Roger Charlton after 3 months off, possibly amiss; in rear, shaken up over 3f out, always behind and eventually eased off, looking rather awkward.