Fully Lit commences Epsom Handicap campaign at Rosehill

Fully Lit, who finished second in the Epsom Handicap, is set to begin his quest to improve on that result in this year's renewal, starting his campaign at Rosehill.

The gelding trained by Tulloch Lodge was a late withdrawal from last Saturday's Missile Stakes (1200m), with connections opting for the 1400m Racing And Sports Handicap this weekend. Co-trainer Adrian Bott anticipates a solid showing rather than a victory first-up, but is eager to observe positive indicators from Fully Lit in his initial outing since the spring.

"We held him over from last week. We just felt the 1200 first-up in that grade was going to be a bit sharp for him off the long layoff," Bott explained. "He'd had a decent build up to that point with three trials, and probably lost a bit of that sharpness, so 1400 should suit him better.

"In saying that, he should still need racing. It wasn't until deep into his 'prep' last time that we saw him hit a bit of form.

"He's here of a long layoff so he's going to need a bit of racing to get him up and going again."

After winning the Inglis Millennium (1100m) as a two-year-old, Fully Lit endured a year-long absence following his unplaced run in the 2024 Golden Slipper (1200m).

He returned in May of the previous year, and it took him six starts to recapture winning form. He then performed commendably in several high-calibre races, including a placing in the Cameron Handicap at Newcastle and a second-place finish behind Autumn Glow in the Epsom Handicap.

His performance in the Golden Eagle was not reflective of his ability, and it was later understood he had a valid reason for the subpar run.

"He had a knee chip out after the Golden Eagle. I'd say that explains that run," Bott commented. "We want to see him back to form over these next three runs or so heading towards an Epsom, and if things are going well, we can head towards that."

At Rosehill, Fully Lit will face eleven other contenders, notably the 2025 Spring Champion Stakes winner Attica, who is debuting as a gelding.

Consider the available betting markets for the Epsom Handicap at leading Australian betting sites.