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

14:25 York Sat 22 Aug 2026 1m5f188y Class 2 Good to Soft 17 runners

Mr Fox’s call

Limestone

SPECULATIVE Advised 4/1 Est. 28%

5TH

Mr Fox says

Limestone (SR 108, 4/1) is the standout on ability in this field, carrying 9-9 which is manageable given a clear SR edge over the next-best Infraad (SR 102). The 14% market shortening is significant — Ryan Moore's booking confirms stable confidence, and the tongue-tie applied here may address the blip-sixth last time out after a sequence of wins. Joseph Patrick O'Brien at 16% strike rate with Moore up is a formidable combination, and dropping a class (ClassMv:↓1) off a mark only 3lb above last win makes conditions favourable. GoingFit:+ is the one confirmed going suitability in the field, which matters enormously on Good to Soft at York over a stamina-testing 1m5f188y. Each-way alternative: Mythical Bay. Main danger: Mythical Bay — Mythical Bay (SR 100, 7/1) has steamed in 25% in the market with Oisin Murphy booked — the most dramatic move in the field — and a last-time-out win on a mark only 5lb above last victory gives Andrew Balding's yard's clear #1 runner every chance of running a big race off a featherweight 8-10.

Verify· #13694

Full result

Winner: Infraad (IRE) at SP 100/30J. Mr Fox’s picks highlighted in gold.