John Thompson has continued his strong start to the season, with Melanite’s victory in the Midway Handicap at Randwick marking his third metropolitan win this week.
Following a successful double at Canterbury on Wednesday, Thompson translated that form into a Saturday success at headquarters. Melanite ($6.50) moved smoothly along the rails to secure the 1100-metre race by a neck over Cosy Corner ($19).
Bangkok Hottie ($2.10 favourite) finished a commendable third despite enduring a wide run. Punters looking for the best betting markets for the race would have been treated to another competitive finish at Randwick.
Thompson and Bangkok Hottie’s trainer David Payne watched the race together, each entertaining thoughts of victory at different points.
“We were giving each other commentary,” Thompson quipped.
“When mine sprinted through, he said, ‘I think you’ve got it’ and I said, ‘you’re still coming’.
“He (Melanite) got a dream run. Box seated. The perfect run up the fence and never went around a horse.”
This win is Melanite’s second from 10 starts, and Thompson believes the horse is talented when the conditions are right.
“He just needs everything to fall into place. He’s got more wins in him,” he said.
While Payne did not achieve the desired outcome with Bangkok Hottie, he was pleased with the filly’s return. She went into the race without an official barrier trial after dislodging her jockey at trackwork a day prior to her scheduled heat.
The filly appeared to benefit from the run, and Payne expects her to be significantly fitter for her next assignment in the Silver Shadow Stakes (1200m) at Randwick in a fortnight.
“She goes there. Maybe she will get a draw,” Payne said.
“I was very pleased. It will only bring her on and he (jockey Chad Schofield) didn’t punish her. She didn’t have an easy run.”
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