PJ Towey Construction Handicap

Off time: 16:13 | Winning time: 2m 11.88s

(5)

Symbol Of Light⁷⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-9| J: Rossa Ryan| T: Miss J A Camacho| OR: 97

7/1

Progressive sort for Charlie Appleby, completing an AW hat-trick when making a winning handicap debut at Southwell (1m) in January 2022. Close fourth back from a lengthy absence (had a wind op) for new yard at Newcastle (1m) in June and he's a major player upped in trip.

Form: 311/1-4

(4)

La Yakel³⁵

Age: 4| Weight: 9-7| J: Tom Marquand| T: W J Haggas| OR: 95| BF

13/8

Progressive at 3 yrs, winning twice including handicap at Ascot (12f) in September. Has run at the same C&D both starts this year, looking as good as ever after 9 months off when runner-up in July, before failing to meet expectations on drying ground last time. Respected.

Form: 3114-25

(2)

Simply Sondheim¹²⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 9-3| J: R L Moore| T: G Boughey| OR: 91| BF| D

10/3

Enjoyed a most productive campaign sent handicapping in 2022, completing a six-timer with success at Newmarket (10f) in August. Added to his tally at Kempton (11f) on his return, but below-par effort (had been well backed) at Newmarket last time. No surprise to see him bounce back.

Form: 110-126

(1)

Masekela^p²¹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: Oisin Murphy| T: A M Balding| OR: 90

5/1

Successful twice as a 2-y-o, including in listed company, and was a fine fourth in last year's Epsom Derby. However, he hasn't shown much spark so far this year, faring no better in first-time cheekpieces (also following a wind op) at York on his latest outing.

Form: 2-69960

(3)

Lightening Company²¹

Age: 5| Weight: 8-13| J: C Lee| T: B Haslam| OR: 87| D

9/2

Winner at Pontefract (10f) in April and, after 2 runs over hurdles, ran well when fourth at Hamilton last month, despite having been very slowly away. Produced his best effort over hurdles when third in a Carlisle maiden 3 weeks ago, but more needed back on the level.

Form: 349-104

Non-Runners

(6)

Akhu Najla²³

Weight: 9-8| Age: 4

T: R Varian J: James Doyle

Forecasts

La Yakel (13/8), Simply Sondheim (10/3), Lightening Company (9/2), Masekela (5/1), Akhu Najla (5/1), Symbol Of Light (7/1)

After 17 months off (had a wind op), SYMBOL OF LIGHT showed improved form on his stable debut when a close fourth at Newcastle and he could still have more to offer upped in trip. He is taken to get the better of Akhu Najla, who also may yet do better over this longer distance with blinkers applied. La Yakel is another who enters calculations.