Fully Lit, the runner-up in the 2025 Epsom Handicap, is on a determined path to claim the top prize this year, with his campaign kicking off at Rosehill.

The gelding from Tulloch Lodge was scratched from last Saturday’s Missile Stakes (1200m) to contest the 1400m Racing And Sports Handicap this weekend. Co-trainer Adrian Bott is not expecting a victory upon his return but is keen to see positive signs from Fully Lit in his first race since the spring carnival.

“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 stated. “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.”

Having won the Inglis Millennium (1100m) at two, Fully Lit spent a full year on the sidelines after his midfield effort in the 2024 Golden Slipper (1200m).

He returned in May last year and required six starts to find his way back to the winner’s circle. He then performed admirably in several competitive races, securing placings in the Cameron Handicap at Newcastle and finishing second to Autumn Glow in the Epsom Handicap.

His performance in the Golden Eagle was significantly impacted by an underlying issue, which became apparent shortly thereafter.

“He had a knee chip out after the Golden Eagle. I’d say that explains that run,” Bott confirmed. “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.”

Fully Lit will face a field of 11 rivals at Rosehill, including the 2025 Spring Champion Stakes winner Attica, who is making his first appearance as a gelding.

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