Fully Lit’s emphatic win forces Bott into rethink
Trainer Adrian Bott has been handed a pleasant surprise after Fully Lit rediscovered his best form at Rosehill, romping home in the Precise Air Handicap (1400m). The gelding, who announced himself as a star juvenile by winning the 2024 Inglis Millennium, had been battling for consistency this preparation, but Saturday’s 5-1/4 length romp under Adam Hyeronimus has connections reconsidering their plans.
“To be honest, I thought this might have been his last run for the prep,” Bott revealed. “He’s had a few excuses, and the heavy tracks haven’t helped, but today he finally showed us that two-year-old spark again. Maybe he’s only just starting to peak now.”
Racing at $12, Fully Lit surged clear of Anythink Goes ($14) and Puntin ($6) to score in dominant fashion. Bott explained that key adjustments this campaign — including the removal of blinkers two starts back — had played a vital role in settling the gelding and unlocking his ability over longer trips.
While Bott ruled out setting lofty spring goals, he said Saturday’s result ensured Fully Lit would be given more chances to climb the grades, confident that the performance will serve as a turning point in his career.
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