Punting pointers to help you find the winner of the Melrose Handicap

Sky Bet Melrose Handicap | 1m6f | 3yo | ITV/RTV

Step up in trip can be key for Kiefer

After two strong finishes without winning over a mile and a half, exciting three-year-old Kiefer tackles 1m6f for the first time as Eve Johnson Houghton continues working towards the long-term goal of the 2021 Melbourne Cup.

The trainer noted after the three-year-old’s Newbury win in May that owners Aston House Stud had given her the simple task of winning the 2021 edition of the race that stops a nation with their colt.

Going up in distance looks another stepping stone towards achieving that dream for the ambitious owners, and having been pointed at the Melrose for a while, Kiefer looks to be on schedule.

"This has been the plan for quite a long time and I’m very pleased with Kiefer," said the trainer. "We’re very hopeful that he’ll run a real good race."

Eve Johnson Houghton: hopeful Kiefer can put in a good performanceCredit: Laura Green

Lightly raced First In Line could be unexposed

John Gosden will be hoping First In Line will cross the line first as the three-year-old makes his handicapping debut after three impressive runs.

Having finished second on debut, when he finished ahead of Goodwood winner Aktau, First In Line has won his next two starts, including a six-length romp at Doncaster three weeks ago.

Now the son of New Approach tackles an extra half-mile from that performance, and although the ground is a slight concern, Gosden suggests First In Line is primed for another high-class run.

“He's an improving type who is learning all the time, although this ground will be the quickest he's raced on,” said the trainer. “He's a galloping type and he should like the track.”

Oz out to land big pot for staying king Prescott

Since his long run without a win at the start of the year, Sir Mark Prescott’s yard has been firing on all cylinders, and Land Of Oz is a true testament to that return to form.

Sir Mark Prescott: runs Land Of Oz in the Melrose HandicapCredit: Edward Whitaker

The three-year-old has won his last four runs and as a result risen 24lb in the handicap in a little over a month. Although this will no doubt be his biggest test so far, assistant trainer William Butler is excited to see what the son of Australia can do.

He said: "It’s a big step up but we’re looking forward to seeing if he’s progressed to that level. We’re just taking things one step at a time. It’s a big day for owner John Brown, who also owns Rochester House, and absolutely loves York."

What they say

Joe Fanning, rider of Rochester House
He ran a nice race last time. He's gone up a little bit in the handicap but continues to run well. It's an open race but I think he has a good chance.

Aidan O'Brien, trainer of Eminence
He has been very consistent and we think this trip will suit him well.

William Haggas, trainer of Hamish
He could do with slower ground and has an inflated mark for what he's achieved, but he's bred to get this trip and is owned by my father, who loves to have a runner at York. We are hopeful.

Andrew Balding, trainer of Lariat
The trip should suit and he's been very consistent, but he wouldn't want the ground to dry up too much and we'll take a view in the morning.

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