Sky Bet Melrose Handicap (Heritage Handicap) (GBBPlus Race)

Won on debut at Lingfield (1m2f, AW) in January and runner-up in 1m2f novices the next twice (good/good to firm); however, mid-division at Royal Ascot (1m4f, good to firm) in his first handicap and fourth of six behind Tarriance at Sandown (1m6f, good) last time, and he needs to find improvement.

Kept on for eighth of 19 on handicap debut in the King George V Stakes at Royal Ascot (1m4f, good to firm), beaten about 7l; fourth of 18 when back to 1m2f at Glorious Goodwood since, albeit no match for the first three; his dam won at up to 2m and this step up in trip could suit; not ruled out.

Beverley maiden winner (1m4f, good) who dug deep to win on handicap debut at Sandown (1m6f, good) last month, drawing clear with a highly progressive Prescott runner; also effective on fast ground; his dam was a Group 3 winner and there can be optimism that he'll have more left in the tank for a trainer who won this in 2020 and 2021; one of two for the yard; major player up 4lb.

Made his debut in May and has improved with each of his six runs, winning three, including 1m6f handicaps on his last two starts (good/soft; also effective on good to firm); clearly progressive and he's one to consider.

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.