Fully Lit, the runner-up in the Epsom Handicap, is aiming to secure victory in this year’s edition, commencing his campaign at Rosehill.

The Tulloch Lodge gelding was withdrawn from last Saturday’s Missile Stakes (1200m) in favour of the 1400m Racing And Sports Handicap this weekend. Co-trainer Adrian Bott is not expecting a win on his return but hopes for encouraging signs from Fully Lit’s first start 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 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.”

A winner of the Inglis Millennium (1100m) at his two-year-old season, Fully Lit endured a year off the track following his moderate performance in the 2024 Golden Slipper (1200m).

Upon his return in May last year, it took him six starts to find the winner’s enclosure again. He subsequently performed creditably in several strong races, including a placing in the Cameron Handicap at Newcastle and a second to Autumn Glow in the Epsom Handicap.

Although he did not feature in the Golden Eagle, it was later revealed he had a significant issue.

“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 faces 11 competitors at Rosehill, including the 2025 Spring Champion Stakes winner Attica, who is making his debut as a gelding.

For those keen to back Fully Lit’s comeback, check out the latest racing odds at online bookmakers.