SANDOWN PARK 15:05 3l18

All 10 ran.

Time: 1m 43.65s Closing Sectional: (3f): 38s (102.3%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 115%, Betfair SP 100.6%

A substandard and messy listed race, the gallop on the steady side and a few not seen to best effect, notably Laidback Romeo, the winner barely needing to improve to defy a penalty.

KHAFOO SHEMEMI (IRE) after 3 months off, got back on the up as he gained his second listed success over this C&D, worth crediting with a smart display as he overcame a 3-lb penalty; chased leaders, raced keenly, ridden over 2f out, stayed on to lead final 1f, kept on; had little in hand against a fully-exposed rival and more will be required if he's to gain a pattern race success.

HORS DE COMBAT after 11 weeks off and out of handicap company for the first time since 5-y-o reappearance, ran creditably, but in the process went a long way to explaining his losing run, getting into contention early enough on this occasion but not finishing the job; in rear, travelled well on outer, headway under 3f out, effort 2f out, lugged right, every chance final 1f but not quite go through with effort close home.

LARCHMONT LAD (IRE) on first outing since leaving Richard Hannon after 6 weeks off, ran one of better races to confirm his stamina for this trip; close up, ridden over 2f out, every chance 1f out, kept on; this is his level and he should continue to give a good provided his sights aren't set too high.

NAVAL WARFARE (IRE) after 6 weeks off, confirmed the improvement shown when winning last time, running as well as could be expected upped in grade; led, ridden over 2f out, headed final 1f, no extra; clearly back on track now after mid-season lull and tactically straightforward, so should continue in form.

LAIDBACK ROMEO (IRE) showed benefit of recent Ripon run, running up to previous best but leaving the firm impression he would have been right in the shake up had things fallen right (rated equal winner); stumbled leaving stall, in rear, caught behind wall of horses under 3f out, gradually angled towards outer, eventually in the clear entering final 1f and finishing with a flourish; worth persevering with at this level and one to be interested in next time.

D'BAI (IRE) didn't enjoy the clearest of runs, but wouldn't have matched Ascot form (solid form) even if the splits had come, and it could just be that either the positive effect of the blinkers is already wearing off, or that he's better suited by a high-end handicap environment, where end-to-end gallops are more common; mid-field, short of room from 2f out until 1f out but failed to pick up when getting some room.

ESCOBAR (IRE) ran creditably with first-time hood and tongue strap added to cheekpieces, likely to have been a bit closer with a clear age; mid-field, settled better than has been the case, effort 2f out, denied a run, not unduly punished; isn't straightforward though, and is a hostage to fortune the way he's ridden, too.

MURAD KHAN (FR) after 5 weeks off, again ran below form and has been more miss than hit this year; raced wide, mid-division, ridden under 3f out, dropped away.

RICHARD PANKHURST fared no better in first-time visor, and looks a shadow of his former self; in rear, raced freely, effort under 3f out, not quicken.

KOOL KOMPANY (IRE) had no easy task under a penalty but ran no sort of race; chased leaders, pushed along 3f out, folded.