14.25
Good To FirmSky Bet Melrose Handicap (Heritage Handicap)
- Prize money: £87618
- 1m 5f 188y
- Class 2
- 16 runners
Runners: 16 runners
Type: Flat Turf
Surface: Turf
Weather: Partly cloudy
16/1 (Won)
- Win: £17.40
- Place: £3.30
Form: 3-103
Last run: 29 days
W: 9st 3lb
3 yo Colt
OR: 95
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5th 7 (1) |
1st May 2026 Good To Firm 1m 7f 209y Class 1 |
9st 4lb |
No win since Melrose Handicap at York (1m6f, good to firm) in 2024 but he ran very well in 1m4f Group races on first three starts last season and returned to that form when a close second in Saudi Arabia (1m7f) 11 weeks ago; that puts him back in the picture even though he's unraced over this far. |
5/1 |
|
4 (7) |
30th Aug 2025 Good 1m 6f 87y Class 1 |
9st 8lb |
First run here; 1m6f Melrose Handicap winner at York last August who's raised his game again in defeat in Group races this year; leading player provided the first-time headgear does not have an adverse effect; below form both starts when the ground was softer than good. |
7/4 |
|
3rd 6 (3) |
12th Jul 2025 Good 1m 5f 188y Class 1 |
9st 0lb |
Won the Melrose 3yo Handicap over C&D (good to firm) last August and kicked off this campaign with two very creditable second placings in Group 3 races at Newbury (1m4f, good/good to firm); respectable sixth in Group 2 Hardwicke at Royal Ascot (1m4f, good to firm) last time and the drop back in grade and step back up in trip could both be positive moves; strong contender. |
9/4 |
13/2
- Place: £2.70
Form: 4-1452 BF
Last run: 42 days
W: 9st 9lb
3 yo Colt
OR: 101
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2nd 1 (12) |
24th Aug 2024 Good To Firm 1m 5f 188y Class 2 |
9st 9lb |
Heavy-ground maiden winner in April who raced rather freely in rear when fifth of 11 in Group 2 Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot (good to firm) on penultimate start; evens but not discredited, considering 1m2f, when his sights were lowered on latest; blinkers are turned to, however, for this handicap debut and he needs improvement. |
13/2 |
|
2nd 4 (3) |
13th Jul 2024 Good 1m 2f 40y |
9st 10lb |
Leopardstown maiden win in April came over this trip on heavy; highly-tried since, never landing a blow when slow-starting fourth in Gallinule at the Curragh and again when 61/2l off stablemate Illinois in 1m6f Queen's Vase at Ascot on fast ground; big-race entries remain over further so drop in trip here may not suit although clearly the one to beat on RPR's. |
6/4 |
|
5th 12 (10) |
19th Jun 2024 Good To Firm 1m 6f 34y Class 1 |
9st 2lb |
raced wide, took keen hold, in rear |
12/1 |
20/1
- Place: £3.10
Form: 215
Last run: 45 days
W: 8st 7lb
3 yo Gelding
OR: 85
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1st 2 (6) |
13th May 2026 Good 1m 3f 188y Class 4 |
9st 9lb |
Last seen floundering on heavy going in the November Handicap at Doncaster; the clear highpoint of that campaign was his second at Epsom (1m4f, good; stays 1m6f) in April, which came first time out and points up his chance given that he is now 11lb lower; needs a second look. |
6/1 |
|
9 (13) |
20th Sep 2025 Good To Soft 1m 5f 61y Class 2 |
9st 0lb |
Progressive last year so his mixed form this season has been a little disappointing, albeit his latest sixth (Dramatic Star second, Stressfree third) in the Old Borough Cup at Haydock (1m6f, good) was respectable. |
10/1 |
|
6th 11 (17) |
6th Sep 2025 Good 1m 6f 1y Class 2 |
8st 13lb |
Mixed form this season and disappointing at Goodwood last month; however, he won over C&D last September (good; also effective on soft) and is on a handy mark for his in-form stable; not discounted now back here. |
11/1 |
7/1
- Place: £2.00
Form: 4-5110
Last run: 49 days
W: 9st 0lb
3 yo Colt
OR: 92
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2 (10) |
9th Aug 2025 Good To Firm 1m 7f 209y Class 2 |
10st 2lb |
Progressive handicapper last season who ended up in the St Leger, perhaps a little flattered by that bare result as the form has not been repeated; third in the 2m5f Queen Alexandra at Royal Ascot on penultimate outing was clearly his most competitive show this season and gives hope, but he flopped at Newbury on latest. |
5/1 |
|
3 (4) |
19th Jul 2025 Good To Firm 2m 0f 110y Class 2 |
9st 3lb |
Progressive handicapper last season and ended up in the St Leger; perhaps a little flattered by that bare result, as the form has not been repeated, but third in the 2m5f Queen Alexandra at Royal Ascot on latest outing was clearly his most competitive show this season and gives hope; more to prove on softer than good but overall he looks of renewed interest. |
4/1 |
|
11 (11) |
21st Jun 2025 Good To Firm 2m 5f 143y Class 2 |
9st 3lb |
Regularly hooded and goes on all ground; progressive 1m4f/1m6f handicapper last season and ended up in the St Leger (wasn't disgraced, beaten 7l); hasn't really got anything going this year since gelded, last time finishing last of four runners in an Italian Listed race (1m4f); every chance on the figures if rediscovering his mojo and seeing out the trip, but there are doubts on both counts. |
9/2 |
20/1
Form: 41-245
Last run: 22 days
W: 8st 4lb
3 yo Colt
OR: 82
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1st 14 (2) |
11th Oct 2024 Good 1m 4f 0y Class 2 |
8st 7lb |
held up in rear, headway from 5f out, waiting for room from over 3f out, in the clear under 2f out, went second over 1f out, soon led and went clear, comfortably |
7/1 |
|
5th 14 (3) |
24th Aug 2024 Good To Firm 1m 5f 188y Class 2 |
8st 4lb |
On the premises this season in his two handicaps at Newmarket (1m2f, good) and one at Glorious Goodwood (1m3f, good to firm); half-brother to smart Sumo Sam, who flourished over 1m6f last season, and there are notable stayers in the family, which boosts his interest substantially. |
20/1 |
|
5th 7 (4) |
2nd Aug 2024 Good To Firm 1m 3f 44y Class 3 |
9st 2lb |
Unraced on firmer than good; much better since upped to 1m2f, including when second and fourth in handicaps at Newmarket in his two runs this season; gelded in between; place claims. |
9/1 |
7/1
Form: 55121 D
Last run: 29 days
W: 8st 13lb
3 yo Colt
OR: 91
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
6th 10 (9) |
21st Sep 2024 Good 2m 2f 0y Class 2 |
8st 6lb |
in rear on outer, in touch with leaders after 8f |
6/4 |
|
6th 8 (8) |
24th Aug 2024 Good To Firm 1m 5f 188y Class 2 |
8st 13lb |
Won maiden at Goodwood in June, went close at Ascot (again 1m6f) next time and got up in the final strides for another Ascot handicap (2m) on latest outing, all on good; up another 5lb and drops back in trip, which may not suit, but he is firmly on an upward curve; trainer won two recent Melroses. |
7/1 |
|
1st 9 (6) |
26th Jul 2024 Good To Firm 1m 7f 209y Class 3 |
8st 11lb |
Made his debut in May and improved for a clearcut maiden win when upped in trip at Goodwood in June; hot favourite for handicap debut here (again 1m6f on good) 13 days ago and launched a strong challenge from well off the pace but was held off by a head; up 3lb but he's an appealing candidate for 2m and further improvement. |
6/5 |
14/1
Form: 221401
Last run: 14 days
W: 9st 5lb
3 yo Colt
OR: 97
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
7th 3 (9) |
24th Aug 2024 Good To Firm 1m 5f 188y Class 2 |
9st 5lb |
Tailed off on soft (sole run in blinkers); off the mark in the Ulster Derby at Down Royal (1m5f handicap, good) in June and added a Shergar Cup race in a good scrap at Ascot (1m4f, good to firm; Champagne Prince closing fast in second) two weeks ago; 5lb higher than last time but shapes as if he will stay 1m6f and enters calculations. |
14/1 |
|
1st 1 (7) |
10th Aug 2024 Good 1m 3f 211y Class 3 |
10st 2lb |
Off the mark in the Ulster Derby at Down Royal (1m5f handicap, good) in June; there's some concern about today's mark, though, as his apparent best form came when playing a minor role in a non-handicap (penultimate start); soft ground and blinkers (usual cheekpieces return today) may help to excuse his Galway run eight days ago but others are preferred. |
14/1 |
|
16th 18 (10) |
2nd Aug 2024 Yielding 1m 4f 0y |
8st 7lb |
midfield, raced wide and dropped to rear 5f out |
9/1 |
11/1
Form: 8-3132
Last run: 49 days
W: 8st 11lb
3 yo Colt
OR: 89
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
6th 7 (7) |
3rd Jun 2026 Good 1m 6f 0y |
8st 12lb |
Useful on the Flat, although sole win came back in 2024, narrowly beaten here over 2m last summer; equally talented hurdler, but some stiff tasks of late; market likely informative back on the Flat. |
8/1 |
|
6th 9 |
28th Apr 2026 Yielding 2m 0f 132y |
11st 12lb |
One of three for yard; Useful on the Flat; off the mark over hurdles in a C&D maiden in February (sft-hvy); beaten 11.5l when midfield in the Supreme at Cheltenham (when Townend rode) and raced keenly before pulled up in the Fairyhouse Grade 2 won by Koktail Brut latest; overlooked by Townend here. |
20/1 |
|
8 |
5th Apr 2026 Yielding To Soft 2m 0f 0y |
11st 4lb |
Useful Flat handicapper; finished in mid-field in the 2025 Triumph on hurdling debut; easy winner of a Punchestown maiden in January; second-best of a disappointing Irish contingent when sixth in the Supreme Novices; giving him a slight edge over Koktail Brut. |
11/2 |
10/1
Form: 1-266
Last run: 66 days
W: 9st 6lb
3 yo Colt
OR: 98
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
6th 5 (8) |
30th May 2026 Good To Soft 1m 7f 196y Class 4 |
9st 12lb |
Sole win (19 races) was a novice in 2023; running respectably this term, drawn wide when never able to challenge in the Chester Plate last time; competitively handicapped but probably not the percentage call. |
7/1 |
|
7th 11 (15) |
8th May 2026 Good 2m 2f 140y Class 2 |
9st 5lb |
Sole win (18 races) was a novice in 2023; ended 2025 bang there in two AW handicaps (2m/1m6f) and ran respectably on both starts this term, back on good ground latest, but drawn wide and others are preferred. |
16/1 |
|
3rd 4 (4) |
26th Apr 2026 Good 1m 6f 0y Class 4 |
9st 5lb |
Sole win (17 races) was a novice event in 2023; ended 2025 when bang there in two AW handicaps (2m/1m6f) and he wasn't disgraced behind Rock N Roll Pinkie on recent return, but not the percentage call. |
13/2 |
50/1
Form: 7-7154
Last run: 35 days
W: 8st 2lb
3 yo Gelding
OR: 74
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
13th 12 (6) |
8th May 2026 Good 1m 4f 63y Class 4 |
9st 5lb |
Ended last season in poor form and, despite a subsequent wind op, also looked out of sorts when back in action last month; needs to get career back on track and is probably better suited by longer trips than this now. |
20/1 |
|
13th 7 (9) |
12th Apr 2026 Good 1m 4f 104y Class 4 |
9st 4lb |
Won a novice hurdle last May and convincingly at York (2m, good to firm; 4lb higher today) in July; however, comfortably held twice off his revised mark, before a heavy defeat in October when last seen; had wind surgery last month and perhaps best watched this time. |
25/1 |
25/1
Form: -52162
Last run: 28 days
W: 8st 2lb
3 yo Colt
OR: 80
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
7th 5 |
14th May 2026 Good 1m 6f 44y Class 3 |
9st 1lb |
Three-time winner whose sole success on turf came over C&D (good to firm) just under one year ago; also scored off this mark on AW (1m6f) in September but has been very in and out on last four starts, including when tried in a hood (removed) and beaten 32l in valuable AW event last time; drops back down in grade from lower turf mark and can make presence felt if on a going day. |
12/1 |
|
11th 11 (4) |
3rd Apr 2026 Standard 2m 0f 56y Class 2 |
8st 10lb |
Inconsistent since finishing second in the Northumberland Vase over C&D last June and well beaten over C&D in January, but back on song when second at Chelmsford (1m6f) in February; capable of a bold show in a first-time hood. |
11/1 |
|
2nd 1 (5) |
12th Feb 2026 Standard 1m 6f 0y Class 4 |
10st 0lb |
Comfortably won at Southwell (1m6f, AW) in September off a 5lb lower mark than today's; respectable effort there over 1m4f following a short break but he was disappointing at Newcastle (2m, AW) 27 days ago; drops in grade and could bounce back. |
3/1 |
6/1
Form: 3210 BF
Last run: 49 days
W: 8st 9lb
3 yo Colt
OR: 87
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
11th 7 (4) |
3rd May 2026 Good To Firm 1m 6f 0y Class 2 |
8st 12lb |
Improved last year without quite winning; each-way claims if back to best with first-time headgear after two rather disappointing runs in 2026. |
9/2 |
|
7th 5 (9) |
3rd Apr 2026 Standard 2m 0f 56y Class 2 |
9st 3lb |
Not quite at his best at Kempton last month but that came after 94 days off and he could improve for it; held up in slowly run race at Kempton in October when 2l fourth on his sole previous crack at 2m, and he may yet be capable of better at this sort of trip; has won here and could be involved. |
11/2 |
|
6th 2 (6) |
2nd Mar 2026 Standard To Slow 1m 3f 219y Class 3 |
9st 11lb |
Won twice in 2024, including over 1m4f on Tapeta; had only five runs last year but he went close on two occasions, including in a Class 2 at Southwell (1m4f) in November; 2lb higher on his return but he hit a personal best last time and he's a key player on this drop back in grade. |
3/1 |
9/1
Form: 11-702
Last run: 14 days
W: 8st 8lb
3 yo Colt
OR: 86
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
7 (4) |
11th Oct 2025 Good 1m 2f 56y Class 2 |
8st 13lb |
Superior on AW but handicapped accordingly and he was a promising fifth over 1m4f here (good to firm) in August, when he raced wide early and was in the lead at the furlong pole; again faded when last of five in Listed race at Chester last time (1m4f, good to soft; tough task at weights) and this drop back in trip could prove ideal; drawn low and one to consider seriously. |
9/1 |
|
2 (3) |
13th Sep 2025 Good 1m 4f 63y Class 1 |
9st 5lb |
Best form on AW, on which he's 5-7 (including a 1m4f Listed win from the front last December) whereas 0-8 on turf; has shown easily his best turf form in two of his last three starts (gelded before latest) but much better is seemingly required today. |
33/1 |
|
5th 6 (10) |
22nd Aug 2025 Good To Firm 1m 3f 188y Class 2 |
9st 2lb |
Best form on AW, on which he's 5-7 (including a Listed win from the front) whereas 0-7 on turf; he now has a 10lb lower turf mark and managed sixth of 16 at Royal Ascot (1m6f, good to firm) on penultimate start, but that's easily his best turf form; gelded since a poor show on latest outing. |
9/1 |
12/1
Form: -71241 D
Last run: 30 days
W: 9st 0lb
3 yo Colt
OR: 92
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
9th 3 (1) |
20th Apr 2026 Standard 1m 2f 0y Class 5 |
9st 8lb |
Scored twice (at 1m4f/1m6f) for William Muir and Chris Grassick in summer of 2024; very lightly raced and has shown little since for his current yard though, hooded when last of seven in 8.5f Wolverhampton handicap 27 days ago; Polytrack debutant. |
20/1 |
|
7th 2 (6) |
24th Mar 2026 Standard 1m 0f 142y Class 4 |
9st 9lb |
Won turf handicaps over 1m4f and 1m6f for William Muir/Chris Grassick in 2024; only seen twice for this stable and finished tailed off on both occasions (hurdles last February/1m4f here last month); hooded and dropped in trip today; risky despite a tumbling handicap mark. |
25/1 |
|
8th 3 (2) |
6th Feb 2026 Standard 1m 4f 51y Class 3 |
9st 9lb |
Absent and had wind surgery since a heavy defeat last February on stable/hurdles debut; now goes in tongue-tie; all of his Flat form is on turf; the betting may help to ascertain expectations. |
14/1 |
13/2
Form: -62321 D
Last run: 23 days
W: 9st 0lb
3 yo Colt
OR: 92
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
9th 15 (1) |
17th Jun 2025 Good 2m 3f 210y Class 2 |
9st 5lb |
Dam is Ascot Gold Cup winner Estimate; inconsistent for Sir Michael Stoute last term, best efforts when second on good to firm in June and drubbing his opponents over 1m6f on AW in August; tailed off in the Melrose at York (6-1) final 3yo outing but made a bright start for new yard when beaten on the nod at Leopardstown (1m4f) last month; needs improvement but there is a great deal to suggest he arrives here with major potential as a stayer. |
7/2 |
|
1 (1) |
16th May 2025 Good 1m 4f 0y |
10st 12lb |
Wide margin AW winner at Wolverhampton (1m6f) off 81 for Michael Stoute last August and 11lb higher now; best turf effort a 0.5l second of 6 at Windsor (11.5f, gd-fm); lacks a run but respected on debut for Willie Mullins. |
11/2 |
|
1 (1) |
16th May 2025 Good 1m 4f 0y |
10st 12lb |
Wide margin AW winner at Wolverhampton (1m6f) off 81 for Michael Stoute last August and 11lb higher now; best turf effort a 0.5l second of 6 at Windsor (11.5f, gd-fm); lacks a run but respected on debut for Willie Mullins. |
11/2 |
20/1
Form: 366171
Last run: 39 days
W: 8st 12lb
3 yo Filly
OR: 90
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
7th 1 |
1st Jun 2026 Yielding 2m 0f 0y |
11st 12lb |
Latest of three Flat wins for Jessica Harrington was off 84 last summer; improved of late over hurdles; mild promise when sixth at Bellewstown and then 22-1, dropped in grade to beat geldings at Wexford; needs proper good ground and trainer admits she's unpredictable. |
3/1 |
|
1st 3 |
16th May 2026 Good To Yielding 2m 1f 0y |
12st 0lb |
One of two for trainer; three-time Flat winner for Jessica Harrington on good/good to firm; moderate hurdles form for new yard, but her sixth of ten at Bellewstown last time was not her worst effort; in this lower grade for first time. |
18/1 |
|
6th 8 |
18th Apr 2026 Yielding 2m 1f 30y |
10st 9lb |
Three-time Flat winner for Jessica Harrington on good/good to firm with latest win coming in July last year; tailed off finishes sandwich a 5.75l sixth of nine at Punchestown (2m, soft to heavy) in three runs for this yard. |
12/1 |
+o+e Accumulators
| Payout | |
|---|---|
| Exacta | £213.10 |
| Straight Forecast | £130.29 |
| Tricast | £1514.39 |
| Trifecta | £2686.90 |
Selections
Daily Mirror:
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Spaceport