14.25
Good To FirmSky Bet Melrose Handicap (Heritage Handicap) (GBBPlus Race)
- Prize money: £87618
- 1m 5f 188y
- Class 2
- 12 runners
Runners: 12 runners
Type: Flat Turf
Surface: Turf
Weather: Mostly cloudy
16/1
Form: 12274
Last run: 30 days
W: 9st 9lb
3 yo Gelding
OR: 93
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
6th 7 (8) |
13th Sep 2026 Good 1m 6f 115y Class 2 |
9st 1lb |
0-9 on turf; that's despite some good form last year but his best two runs this season were on AW, latterly when winning at Southwell in July on his step up to 2m; that came by 13l in a five-runner race but he failed to fire in anything like that manner when back on turf at York (2m, good). |
9/1 |
|
8th 10 (11) |
19th Aug 2026 Good 2m 0f 56y Class 2 |
9st 2lb |
0-8 on turf; that's despite some good form last year but his best two runs this season were on AW, latterly when winning at Southwell early last month on his step up to 2m; that came by 13l in a five-runner race; has a 6lb higher mark in this very different contest but he's unexposed at the trip. |
20/1 |
|
1st 4 (1) |
5th Jul 2026 Standard 2m 0f 102y Class 3 |
9st 7lb |
Has some good form on turf but latest defeat took his record in that sphere to 0-8; two attempts on AW comprise a win at Lingfield (1m2f) on debut and keeping-on third at Kempton (1m4f) in May; unexposed on artificial surfaces and looks interesting assuming he stays the new trip. |
11/4 |
7/1
Form: 3-1284
Last run: 23 days
W: 9st 9lb
3 yo Colt
OR: 93
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
9th 3 (9) |
17th Oct 2026 Good 1m 7f 209y Class 1 |
9st 9lb |
Unbeaten in 2026, having led in the closing stages at the Newmarket Guineas meeting (1m4f), Royal Ascot (1m6f, again good to firm) and in the Ebor at York (1m6f, good to soft); scored by a head in last two of those handicaps but his form now entitles him to a crack at a good Group race such as this; he's not crying out for 2m but his dam managed to win over this far; fascinating candidate for the trainer who won this three times with Trueshan. |
10/1 |
|
1st 8 (1) |
22nd Aug 2026 Good To Soft 1m 5f 188y Class 2 |
9st 7lb |
2m Group 1 entry for Ascot in October, along with several others in this; unraced on good to soft and below form in a soft-ground run last term; unbeaten in 2026, having led in the closing stages on good to firm at the Newmarket Guineas meeting (1m4f) and Royal Ascot (1m6f; by a head); raised another 5lb but progressive and plenty to like if the ground proves suitable. |
10/1 |
|
1st 4 (12) |
16th Jun 2026 Good To Firm 1m 6f 34y Class 2 |
9st 12lb |
After just the solitary run as 2yo he made steady progress last season and delivered a clear personal best when reeling in the front-running Gamrai in a 1m4f Newmarket handicap at the Guineas meeting (good to firm; first run since gelded) on reappearance; up just 4lb and this return to a longer trip won't bother him; hard to knock. |
6/1 |
4/1
Form: 3121 D
Last run: 30 days
W: 9st 9lb
3 yo Colt
OR: 93
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
9th 6 (12) |
22nd Aug 2026 Good To Soft 1m 5f 188y Class 2 |
9st 7lb |
Won the Melrose on this card last year before a creditable last of seven in the soft-ground St Leger (sole run on softer than good); returned to a handicap off this mark at Glorious Goodwood (again 1m6f on good to firm) three weeks ago for a good fourth of 13 to Hopewell Rock, challenging smoothly over 2f out; that was after 11 weeks off and much more encouraging again. |
7/1 |
|
4th 1 (12) |
1st Aug 2026 Good To Firm 1m 6f 0y Class 2 |
9st 12lb |
The future looked bright when he won the Melrose at York (1m6f, good to firm) last August but he's not built on that significantly; well held back in Britain for two Group races this May when last seen; off 12lb higher than in the Melrose, this return to a handicap may also be tough. |
12/1 |
|
5th 7 (7) |
15th May 2026 Good 1m 5f 188y Class 1 |
9st 3lb |
Won the C&D Melrose Handicap (good to firm) last August, before the St Leger proved too tough; gelded soon after and creditable third in Saudi Arabia (1m7f) in February, but he needs to bounce back with a big career best after his heavy defeat in 2m Ascot Group 3 (9-1) two weeks ago. |
25/1 |
15/2
Form: 421611 D
Last run: 30 days
W: 9st 6lb
3 yo Colt
OR: 90
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1st 8 (4) |
12th Sep 2026 Good To Soft 1m 7f 196y Class 2 |
8st 9lb |
Unraced here except in a maiden (fourth of six); three wins in last year's 3yo campaign (good/soft) but none this season; his form has gone the wrong way and, even though a reduced mark has helped him to some minor honours lately, others have more pressing claims. |
12/1 |
|
3rd 10 (12) |
5th Sep 2026 Soft 1m 6f 0y Class 2 |
8st 10lb |
Three wins in last year's 3yo campaign (good/soft), two of them here (1m4f/1m6f); his form has gone the wrong way this season but he hasn't run badly off a reduced mark on his last two outings and perhaps the first-time cheekpieces and/or the return to Haydock will elicit a bigger effort today. |
12/1 |
|
3rd 1 (2) |
16th Aug 2026 Good To Firm 2m 1f 27y Class 3 |
10st 2lb |
Two disappointing runs before a much more competitive show, still below form, when fifth of ten off this reduced mark in 2m Shergar Cup race at Ascot eight days ago; still needs to perk up somewhat but this is a drop back in class. |
9/2 |
14/1
Form: 1-2614
Last run: 24 days
W: 9st 5lb
3 yo Colt
OR: 89
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4 (1) |
21st Oct 2025 Standard 1m 4f 98y Class 2 |
8st 11lb |
Made all when easily beating four rivals at Salisbury (1m4f, good to firm) in June and ran well to finish fourth of nine at Glorious Goodwood (1m4f, good), but appeared not to stay in the Melrose at York (1m6f, good to firm); 1-1 on the AW (Polytrack); dangerous if enjoying an uncontested lead. |
9/2 |
|
5 (9) |
23rd Aug 2025 Good To Firm 1m 5f 188y Class 2 |
9st 5lb |
Easily made all in small-field handicap at Salisbury (1m4f, good to firm) in June and not beaten far when fourth of nine at Glorious Goodwood (1m4f, good); with a leading trainer and further improvement can't be discounted now up in trip, but it's necessary and others have more pressing claims. |
14/1 |
|
4 (6) |
30th Jul 2025 Good 1m 3f 218y Class 2 |
9st 5lb |
Usually a warm order and he's delivered twice; given a forcing ride up front at Salisbury (1m4f, good to firm) on latest start and drew well clear, albeit from only three opponents; up 7lb and more to prove in this stronger race, but he's only once (penultimate start) failed to show improved form. |
9/1 |
11/1
Form: 153181
Last run: 29 days
W: 9st 4lb
3 yo Gelding
OR: 88
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
6th 4 (5) |
3rd May 2026 Good To Firm 1m 6f 0y Class 2 |
9st 6lb |
Excellent progress last term included three handicap wins (1m2f, 1m6f and 2m) in March-July and an agonisingly close call in the Melrose at York in August; close fourth in 1m6f Listed race at Ascot on final outing; well below that form on 2026 reappearance but that may have put him right. |
6/1 |
|
4th 2 (6) |
4th Apr 2026 Good 1m 5f 216y Class 1 |
9st 2lb |
Excellent progress included three handicap wins (1m2f, 1m6f and 2m) last March-July and an agonisingly close call in the Melrose at York in August; close fourth in 1m6f Listed race at Ascot on final outing; better still is required but his record of improvement demands respect. |
7/1 |
|
5 (2) |
3rd Oct 2025 Good 1m 6f 34y Class 1 |
9st 3lb |
Progressing well, including three handicap wins (1m2f, 1m6f and 2m) this season and he went agonisingly close in the 1m6f Melrose at York on latest outing; all 2025 races have been on good or firmer but he won on soft as 2yo; respected for that improvement but plenty more is needed at this level. |
6/1 |
10/1
Form: 7-3311
Last run: 30 days
W: 9st 4lb
3 yo Colt
OR: 88
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
7th 4 (5) |
22nd Aug 2026 Good To Soft 1m 6f 87y Class 1 |
9st 8lb |
Sold for 600,000gns after winning a 1m6f Ascot Listed race (good to soft) for Andrew Balding last autumn; didn't make the expected impact over hurdles for Nicky Henderson earlier this year (pulled up in Triumph at Cheltenham when last seen) but resumes his Flat career back with a yard which is in tremendous form. |
6/1 |
5/1
Form: 9211
Last run: 36 days
W: 9st 4lb
3 yo Gelding
OR: 88
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1st 4 |
23rd Sep 2026 Good 2m 0f 0y |
11st 5lb |
Dual Flat winner on good-to-firm in Britain; likely to have finished second behind Columbus but for unseating at the last at Galway on hurdles debut; made amends when winning readily at Killarney. |
8/1 |
|
1st 5 |
22nd Aug 2026 Good 2m 0f 100y |
11st 9lb |
Dual Flat winner on good-to-firm in Britain; likely to have finished second but for unseating at the last at Galway on hurdles debut 21 days ago; that rates strong form so a similar effort could be good enough. |
7/4 |
|
11 |
1st Aug 2026 Good 2m 0f 175y |
11st 9lb |
Two wins up to 1m4f when trained by William Haggas before being sold for 30,000gns; makes hurdling debut after an absence and could run well; the market can help. |
12/1 |
50/1
Form: -39432
Last run: 6 days
W: 9st 1lb
3 yo Filly
OR: 85
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
10 (5) |
6th Sep 2025 Good 1m 6f 1y Class 2 |
8st 5lb |
Filly who has been campaigned over a variety of distances this season; didn't run badly when ninth of 12 at 80-1 in the Melrose at York (1m6f, good to firm) a fortnight ago but others make greater appeal. |
33/1 |
|
9 (5) |
23rd Aug 2025 Good To Firm 1m 5f 188y Class 2 |
9st 1lb |
Filly who has run over various trips this year, posting respectable efforts in 7f Listed race and 1m4f Group 3 before 7l second of three in Pontefract handicap (1m2f, good to firm) last Sunday; it's possible she'll be suited by this new distance but others have a lot more substance to their claims. |
50/1 |
|
2nd 2 (1) |
17th Aug 2025 Good 1m 2f 5y Class 4 |
9st 8lb |
Won valuable 2yo fillies' series final at Goodwood (7f, heavy) last September and returned to form with Listed fourth at Carlisle (soft) in June when dropped back to 7f; didn't run badly when well-beaten third of four in 1m4f Group 2 at Haydock (good) last time; has more to prove than her two rivals but she's not ruled out now back in a handicap. |
3/1 |
10/1
Form: 34-11
Last run: 42 days
W: 9st 1lb
3 yo Colt
OR: 85
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4th 2 (5) |
26th Sep 2026 Good 2m 0f 0y Class 4 |
10st 1lb |
Dual 1m3f/1m5f scorer at Hamilton last summer; lightly raced since and came in a well-held fourth of six in 1m6f handicap at Carlisle last month; needs to bounce back. |
5/2 |
|
4th 1 (2) |
11th Aug 2026 Good To Firm 1m 6f 32y Class 4 |
10st 2lb |
Dual 1m3f/1m5f winner at Hamilton last summer; lightly raced since but back on track of late and posted a solid fifth of 13 in 2m York handicap 18 days ago; enters calculations eased 1lb. |
5/1 |
11/2
Form: 2325
Last run: 22 days
W: 8st 13lb
3 yo Colt
OR: 83
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
8th 13 (11) |
31st Jul 2026 Good To Firm 2m 4f 137y Class 2 |
8st 6lb |
Seven-race maiden, with four seconds including at Doncaster (1m4f; odds-on) and Pontefract (2m1f; made most in first-time cheekpieces) on his two starts this season; reverts to just a tongue-tie and relatively unexposed as a stayer but others have to be more persuasive. |
16/1 |
|
2nd 1 (7) |
22nd May 2026 Good To Soft 2m 1f 27y Class 4 |
9st 9lb |
0-6 but he has recorded an RPR of 84 or more in each of his last five starts; beaten at odds-on at Doncaster on his reappearance (1m4f, good to firm) four weeks ago; stepping up to a marathon trip could prompt further progress, as could the new cheekpieces; shortlisted. |
2/1 |
|
2nd 5 (7) |
25th Apr 2026 Good To Firm 1m 3f 197y Class 4 |
9st 7lb |
Shaped well without getting his head in front last season, signing off with a good fourth in the Melrose at York in August; this brother to the Irish Oaks winner Sea Of Class has since been gelded and looks a good prospect for 2026; player. |
6/4 |
16/1
Form: 3-6224
Last run: 24 days
W: 8st 13lb
3 yo Colt
OR: 83
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2nd 5 |
6th Sep 2026 Good 2m 3f 29y Class 4 |
11st 1lb |
Useful stayer on the Flat for Charlie Johnston; made low-key stable/hurdle debut on soft ground in January but ran well from the front when clear second to useful rival at Southwell (2m, good) in April; ran poorly on the Flat the following month but ought to be suited by this step up in trip and can make his presence felt if back in good nick. |
3/1 |
|
7th 2 (1) |
2nd May 2026 Good 2m 0f 0y Class 4 |
9st 10lb |
Acts on good and heavy ground; won off 2lb lower over C&D for Charlie Johnston last autumn and he ran well over hurdles last month, on his second run for current yard; seems tactically versatile and he's in the mix off a workable mark back on the Flat. |
9/2 |
|
2nd 7 |
1st Apr 2026 Good 1m 7f 182y Class 4 |
10st 11lb |
Useful on the Flat for Charlie Johnston, proving reliable and winning 2m handicap at Goodwood (heavy) last autumn (sold for 165,000gns soon after); 9-2, weakened to finish a well-held sixth of ten in Ascot juvenile (2m, soft) on hurdle debut in January; should be capable of a lot better in this sphere. |
2/1 |
+o+e Accumulators
| Payout | |
|---|---|
| Exacta | £33.40 |
| Straight Forecast | £28.71 |
| Tricast | £183.20 |
| Trifecta | £280.00 |
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