John Thompson has extended his impressive start to the season, with Melanite’s victory in the Midway Handicap at Randwick marking his third metropolitan win this week.

Following a successful pair of wins at Canterbury on Wednesday, Thompson continued his winning streak at headquarters on Saturday. Melanite ($6.50) found a clear path along the inside rail to win the 1100-metre race by a neck over Cosy Corner ($19).

Bangkok Hottie ($2.10 favourite) finished a game third after encountering a wide run. Those 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, with both trainers thinking their horse might have won at different stages.

“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.”

The win was Melanite’s second from 10 starts, and Thompson commented that he is a talented horse when the race unfolds ideally for him.

“He just needs everything to fall into place. He’s got more wins in him,” he said.

While Payne did not achieve the desired result with Bangkok Hottie, he was satisfied with the filly’s return. She entered the race without an official barrier trial after dislodging her rider at trackwork the day before her scheduled heat.

The filly had a good blow after the race, and Payne expects her to be significantly fitter for her next start 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.”

For those keen on the main race, check out the latest racing odds at betting sites.