York 2:25 Sky Bet Melrose Handicap Tips – Glory Road Can Upset The Market

Tip: Glory Road — best available price 22/1 at the time of writing

---

Best Bookie Free Bets To Use on this Race

---

The Sky Bet Melrose Handicap is a hugely competitive 1m6f contest, but Glory Road makes plenty of appeal at a double-figure price after an impressive handicap debut.

The Ralph Beckett-trained colt had shown promise in three starts before justifying favouritism at Newcastle four weeks ago, winning over 1m2f on his first attempt in a handicap.

That form has already received a boost through the runner-up, while today's step up to 1m6f looks likely to suit.

He also has proven form on good to soft ground, which is important with conditions at York on the slower side.

The stable has won three of the last six runnings of this race, adding further confidence.

At around 22/1, he looks capable of going very close.

Main Danger: Infraad

Infraad heads the market and is the obvious danger.

He improved for the step up to 1m4f when winning at Glorious Goodwood on his second handicap start, battling well to beat a useful rival with the front two pulling clear.

The move to 1m6f could bring further improvement and his trainer William Haggas has won two of the last seven renewals.

He also showed promise on soft ground on his debut, so today's conditions should not be an issue.

The 3lb rise is fair and he sets a strong standard.

Limestone Has Group-Class Form

Limestone is another major player on his best form.

He completed a four-timer when landing the Group 2 Queen's Vase over this trip at Royal Ascot, beating a strong field on good to firm ground.

His subsequent run in the Grand Prix de Paris was disappointing, but that effort can be forgiven and his previous form suggests his opening handicap mark of 105 could underestimate him.

Ryan Moore takes the ride and his recent strike rate of 29% is particularly encouraging.

The main question is whether he can reproduce his Ascot form after that latest setback, but he has obvious claims if doing so.

Mythical Bay Is A Progressive Stayer

Mythical Bay has been steadily improving and deserves plenty of respect.

He won by four lengths at Newbury over 1m4f on good to soft ground before following up over 1m6f at Newmarket.

That latest victory was narrow, and he has been raised 5lb, but his progression makes it dangerous to assume he has reached his ceiling.

Andrew Balding has won three of the last six runnings of this race and his stable is operating at a 17% strike rate over the last 14 days.

He looks one of the more solid contenders.

Into The Light Could Improve Again

Into The Light is another fascinating contender.

He was only narrowly beaten by the progressive Lost Boys on handicap debut before bouncing back from a disappointing Royal Ascot run to win at Glorious Goodwood.

That victory came over 1m3f in first-time cheekpieces, which are retained here.

His pedigree offers plenty of encouragement for this longer trip, with his dam having won a Listed race over 1m7½f on heavy ground.

William Buick takes over and the Charlie Appleby yard has been in excellent recent form, striking at 38% over the last 14 days.

He could be better than his current mark.

Bay Of Stars Is Interesting At A Price

Bay Of Stars is another who could have more to offer.

He won over 1m4f at Dundalk before finishing a close second on handicap debut at Leopardstown.

He then finished third at Down Royal after failing to settle and encountering trouble, but that form has subsequently been franked by the winner.

A strong gallop should help him settle better and he could improve significantly for this test.

At around 11/1, he is certainly worth considering.

Value Angle: Vantage Code

Vantage Code could be the one for the value seekers.

He finished third at the Galway festival before producing a huge improvement just four days later, destroying a big field over 1m6f when fitted with a first-time hood.

He has been hit with a hefty 15lb rise, which is the obvious concern, but the manner of that victory suggests he may still have more in reserve.

The hood is retained and the return to this trip is a major positive.

At around 14/1, he could be capable of defying the rise.

Verdict

Glory Road is the selection.

His handicap debut win at Newcastle reads well and has already been franked by the runner-up. The step up to 1m6f looks likely to unlock further improvement, while his proven form on good to soft ground is another positive.

The Ralph Beckett stable also has an excellent record in this race, having won three of the last six renewals.

Infraad is the main danger after an impressive Goodwood success, while Limestone brings Group 2-winning form and Into The Light could improve significantly for the longer trip.

Vantage Code is the value option after his spectacular Galway victory.

Today's Selections

🏆 Best Bet: Glory Road — best available price 22/1 at the time of writing

⚔️ Main Danger: Infraad

💰 Value Pick: Vantage Code

Horse Racing Tips Today by AC

---

Best Bookie Free Bets To Use on this Race

---