Lay And Wheeler Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

No win in 2024 but second off a reduced mark on return last month and scored off it at Ripon (1m4f, good) by a head last Saturday; back up 3lb (peak mark was another 4lb higher) but best 2024 form still reads well.

Won AW novice last January, three months before he was put firmly in his place in 1m1f Newmarket Listed race; not seen again until second in two Meydan handicaps (1m2f/1m4f) on turf early this year, showing improved form in both; after just five races, it's very hard to rule out further improvement.

2024 Flat form for previous yard does not suggest this is a great mark and he failed to live up to early expectations in juvenile hurdles for current stable; this is still a much more realistic task, however, than 1m1f Group 3 here on return to Flat 18 days ago and he is unexposed at 1m4f.

Disappointing on debut (1m2f, good to soft) last June, but he then scored in 1m4f novice events at Doncaster (good) in July and Kempton (AW; by 6l at 8-13) in October; makes his handicap debut and he needs improvement but he could be a very useful prospect.

Two wins and a close second from his first three races last term, all at about 1m4f on good, before disappointing at the York Ebor meeting and in the November Handicap at Doncaster; that earlier promise cannot be forgotten.