I love the Melrose Handicap as a race, it is
one of my favourite races of the summer. A field full of unexposed stayers go
toe to toe and I have been fortunate enough to back a few winners of this race
in recent years. This year I am firing two darts at the board in the hope I can
keep up my good record. First up is the progressive MAMBO NIGHTS who has racked up a hattrick so far this year. He is
one these horses who only does enough hence why the handicapper hasn't quite
got to the bottom of him just yet and this step up to 1m 6f could just unleash
a bit more improvement. He is a tough horse and providing he stays which I
think he should do, he will certainly give you a run for your money despite top
weight.
I
can't let BODYLINE go unbacked
either as this step up in trip should really suit. He wasn't suited to the
tactics of the race at Newmarket and is better judged by his staying on 6th at
Ascot. Being by Australia, he should really relish the extra couple of furlongs
and I can see him running a good race for his in form trainer.
The
big one itself, the Ebor, is hardly a handicap any more with a lot of group
performers in here. It's anyone's race in all honesty but I do like the claims
of GHOSTWATCH who won the Melrose
two years ago. He missed 2019 through injury but showed all of his old ability
when second to a well handicapped horse at Newmarket. He has since disappointed
in France but that race turned into a sprint and is probably best forgotten
about. Back at a track he clearly likes, I think he could regain the winning
thread.
I
haven't had much luck Ralph Beckett trained horses so far this year as most of
them haven't even entered the stalls when I've tipped them. LUCANDER was one of those as he refused
to enter the stalls at Goodwood recently but I'm keeping the faith as he could
be well handicapped. It's a hot enough race but at a big price I thought he may
give each way backers a run for their money.
York 2.25 – Mambo Nights – 1pt win
- Bodyline – 1pt win
York 3.40 – Ghostwatch – 1pt e/w
York 4.40 Lucander – 0.5pts e/w
