KEMPTON PARK 19:10 172h4f

All 9 ran.

Time: 1m 37.56s Closing Sectional: (3f): 34.95s (104.7%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 117%, Betfair SP 98.6%

A good renewal of this listed race and a result that makes plenty of sense into the bargain, the winner boasting plenty of form at a higher level whilst the runner-up is low mileage and still going the right way.

POKER FACE (IRE) dipped below group level for the first time since Pontefract in the summer of 2023 and merely needed to match the pick of his efforts this season to capitalise on that drop in grade, taking his record on all-weather to 2 wins from as many starts in the process; waited with, shaken up early in straight, took a while to hit top stride but stayed on well to lead final 100 yds; did this readily in the end despite conceding first run and will remain a big contender for all the top races at this trip this winter.

ROI DE (IRE) again ran well stepped up in grade, beaten only by one who was taking a drop in class; handy, went with zest, shuffled back a bit before halfway, smooth headway over 2f out, produced to lead over 1f out, headed final 100 yds, no match for winner; he's well suited to racing on all-weather and will continue to give a good .

POPMASTER (IRE) confirmed his return to form, losing no caste in defeat against one who is a bit too good for this level and a younger rival on the upgrade; mid-field, shaken up under 2f out, kept on.

DEAR MY FRIEND was one of the stars of the all-weather scene last winter and, following a turf campaign that was more miss than hit, revived on his return to a synthetic surface after 12 weeks off; steadied at the start, in rear, shaken up around 2f out, headway soon after, kept on.

FLIGHT PLAN back on all-weather for the first time since early in his career, might have needed the run after 12 weeks off; led, shaken up over 2f out, headed over 1f out, no extra final 1f.

HOLLOWAY BOY who carried a penalty for Haydock win, has the run style of one that should take to this surface but wasn't seen to best effect after 7 weeks off, getting no cover 3-wide and too free as a result; mid-field, went prominent before halfway, pushed along 2f out, effort flattened out.

WHITCOMBE ROCKSTAR has been a revelation working his way through the handicapping ranks this year, but was flying too high in this grade; close up, ridden over 2f out, weakened.

ALSHINFARAH (IRE) offered little after 15 months off; mid-field, ridden over 2f out, not quicken, not persevered with once held; next run should reveal more.

SAMUEL COLT (IRE) was well held on first outing for 7 months/since leaving Aidan O'Brien (sold for 60,000 gns); chased leader, dropped away from 2f out.