Racing: Ryan seeks firm track for Melito

Brisbane trainer Gerald Ryan is hoping for a firm track at Randwick on Saturday to aid Melito's bid for a second group one victory this autumn.

The filly, who posted a deserved win at the elite level in the TJ Smith Stakes (1200m) on April 10, will line up in Saturday's All-Aged Stakes (1400m) on the final day of the carnival.

Ryan said Melito had done a treat since her last-start victory and her work on the weekend suggested she had improved again.

"She did a bit of work on Saturday morning and she is bright and well," Ryan said yesterday.

"I'd just like to see a fine week."

Melito lined up in the TJ Smith as an afterthought but the belated move proved a lucrative one when she produced a whirlwind finish to overpower Hot Danish. That was on a dead track and her only other wins both came on good ground.

Ryan believes the extra distance of the All-Aged will be more to Melito's liking and the Randwick feature has always been on the agenda.

Hot Danish and Mic Mac filled the placings behind Melito in the TJ Smith and both are among the 16 entries for the All-Aged.

- AAP