CONSTRUCT 3.30 Pontefract at 11/8. 2pts win advised

Wayne Conway Memorial Handicap (1m4f)

Pedigree: First foal; dam unraced sister to US 1m Grade 2/GB 10.2f Group 3 winner Aviate and French 7f 2yo Group 3 winner Early March out of 1m winner, is granddaughter of Cheshire Oaks winner Peplum

Optimum Ground: Good (10)
Optimum Distance: 1m4f (10)
Jockey Booking: Silvestre De Sousa (10)
Trainer Form: 6-30 FOR 20% (Last 14 days) (10)
OR & RPR: 70 & 81 (10)
The Racing Horse Composite: 50/50

Main danger: French Resistance

Improving and ready to score

Construct was making his handicap debut in a Class 5 at Newbury following three qualifying runs and really improved for getting some fast turf. He travelled well but he bumped into a fast-improving rival with the remainder well beaten. This Maxios colt promised a win in a similar grade next time out and today Silvestre De Sousa has been booked and that is significant! He looks the type to make into a decent handicapper in time.

Trainer form

Ralph Beckett has his horses in really good form and it must be a pain for him in that five of his last 8 runners have finished second and three of those were favourites. Before those runners he scored 5 winners from 13 runners for 38% so averaging 5-21 for 25%. The trainer has booked Silvestre to ride the colt this time and they combine to record 19-80 for 24%. We are not sure why the trainer has not sought the services of the jockey more this year showing 0-3.

Of his rivals

French Resistance was well backed and justified the support when off the mark in a 9f handicap at Carlisle a month ago but in a Class 6 Handicap. He carries a 7 lb rise for a race that didn't work out, he is now up in trip. He looks the main danger to the Pacafi. Contrebasse shaped better than bare result when tenth on handicap debut at Redcar over 1m2f on good to firm when reappearing in May, but he failed to build on that at Beverley looking as though he did not stay the trip. Burn Some Dust was well served by the emphasis on stamina over 1m when making a successful handicap debut at Ayr in October. Not unduly punished on April's reappearance here but big step forward needed up in distance.

Timeform View

CONSTRUCT is a rangy colt with the potential to rate quite a bit higher this season, and this appears to be a handicap that is there for the taking. The Carlisle contest French Resistance won last time hasn't worked out, but he may have more to offer over this longer trip.

Value

We are certain we have perceived value and another chance to trade to reduce liability if our members wish. We have bits of 11/8 but most at 5/4 and certain the colt will start closer to 4/5.