Ararat Race 4 - Hotondo Homes Trotters Handicap
ATABOY CHARLIE (6) continues to race well having placed in all five starts since a win in a standing start race at St Arnaud. Did some work and finished second behind a mobile at Maryborough at his latest appearance. Big chance to return to the winners' list. FLOATING MOUNTAIN (8) has been close to the placegetters in all four starts since placing at Maryborough last month. Has to overcome a 30m handicap but can make an impact in this line-up. SONARMI JOH (9) must be considered after he continued his consistent form by finishing runner-up from a tougher handicap at Mt Gambier last time. ACOOL INVESTMENT (10) has a big handicap but owns a consistent record at this distance.

Driver: Tina Ridis
Stats
Comments
Didn't do much at the last run, 6th (Sr4) over 2200m at Ballarat was 3rd-4.6 at the bell, beaten 15 m by Charlie Walker (2:47.40) in NR up to 39 on February 19 at $34. Before that 10th (Sr2) over 1690m at Maryborough, beaten 75 m by Dona Amalia (2:06.60) in NR up to 49 on February 11 at $126. Not going well enough.
Last Starts 7 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/11 | 19/02/2026 | 8 | NR up to 39 | $4,000.00 | Ballarat | 2200m | Neutral | Daryl Crone | 2:02.4 | 4 |
| 15.5L | $34.00 |
| 10/11 | 11/02/2026 | 2 | NR up to 49 | $4,000.00 | Maryborough | 1690m | Neutral | Daryl Crone | 2:00.6 | 2 |
| 76.6L | $126.00 |
| 6/9 | 09/02/2026 | 74 | NR up to 45 | $5,000.00 | Stawell | 1785m | Neutral | Daryl Crone | 2:00.6 | 1 |
| 26.9L | $26.00 |
| 7/11 | 27/11/2025 | 10 | NR up to 39 | $4,000.00 | Ballarat | 2200m | Neutral | Mark Hayes | 2:02.8 | 4 |
| 25.6L | $21.00 |
| 5/8 | 17/11/2025 | 22 | NR up to 39 | $4,000.00 | Maryborough | 1690m | Neutral | Mark Hayes | 2:00.4 | 1 |
| 24.2L | $26.00 |
| 2/4 | 09/11/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Maryborough | 2190m | Mark Hayes | 0 |
| 3L | $0.00 | ||
| 10/11 | 26/10/2025 | 10 | NR up to 39 | $4,000.00 | Maryborough | 1690m | W | Mark Hayes | 2:02.3 | 4 |
| 34.0L | $17.00 |
| 2/7 | 22/09/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Maryborough | 2190m | Mark Hayes | 0 |
| 7L | $0.00 |

Driver: Hannah Lewis
Stats
Comments
Last start was driven from back in the field when 4th (Fr4) over 2190m at Mt Gambier beaten 70 m by The Priestess (2:44.50) in NR up to 45 on February 17 at $41. Two runs back 3rd (FT Fr4) over 2190m at Mt Gambier, beaten 3.5 m by Lady Suspicious (2:55.30) in No NR on February 3 at $34. Facing a tricky assignment.
Last Starts 9 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/6 | 17/02/2026 | 14 | NR up to 45 | $5,000.00 | Mount Gambier | 2190m | Neutral | H Lewis | 2:00.9 | 4 |
| 68.3L | $41.00 |
| 3/6 | 03/02/2026 | 8 | No NR | $3,500.00 | Mount Gambier | 2190m | Neutral | H Lewis | 2:08.8 | 4 |
| 3.7L | $34.00 |
| 6/7 | 26/01/2026 | 6 | No NR | $6,000.00 | Terang | 2180m | Fast | H Lewis | 2:01.8 | 1 |
| 68.2L | $81.00 |
| 4/5 | 20/01/2026 | 9 | NR up to 49 | $3,500.00 | Mount Gambier | 2190m | Neutral | H Lewis | 2:05.3 | 4 |
| 18.8L | $8.00 |
| 2/4 | 14/01/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Mount Gambier | 1780m | Jason Glynn | 0 |
| 12L | $0.00 | ||
| 4/7 | 11/01/2026 | 12 | No NR | $6,000.00 | Hamilton | 2160m | Fast | H Lewis | 2:00.1 | 1 |
| 46.3L | $15.00 |
| 3/3 | 04/01/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Mount Gambier | 1780m | Jason Glynn | 0 |
| 18L | $0.00 | ||
| 5/7 | 30/12/2025 | 8 | No NR | $4,500.00 | Mount Gambier | 2190m | Neutral | Jason Glynn | 2:07.6 | 0 |
| 49.1L | $19.00 |

Driver: Ginger Gleeson
Stats
Comments
Last start 3rd (Fr2) over 2200m at Ballarat, at the bell was 2nd-4.21 beaten 8 m by Charlie Walker (2:47.40) in NR up to 39 on February 19 at $61. Two runs back 6th (Fr3) over 1690m at Kilmore, at the bell was 5th-12.3 beaten 5 m by Patnwill (2:09.20) in NR up to 39 on February 12 at $13. Others better.
Last Starts 7 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/11 | 19/02/2026 | 7 | NR up to 39 | $4,000.00 | Ballarat | 2200m | Neutral | R J Gleeson | 2:02.4 | 2 |
| 8.1L | $61.00 |
| 6/9 | 12/02/2026 | 7 | NR up to 39 | $4,000.00 | Kilmore | 1690m | Neutral | R J Gleeson | 2:03.0 | 3 |
| 4.8L | $13.00 |
| 11/12 | 05/02/2026 | 8 | 0-2 WINS | $6,000.00 | Ballarat | 2200m | Neutral | R J Gleeson | 2:03.2 | 4 |
| 33.0L | $101.00 |
| 7/10 | 28/01/2026 | 6 | NR up to 39 | $4,000.00 | Maryborough | 2190m | Neutral | R J Gleeson | 2:06.1 | 5 |
| 6.7L | $34.00 |
| 7/12 | 22/01/2026 | 8 | NR up to 39 | $4,000.00 | Kilmore | 1690m | Neutral | R J Gleeson | 2:02.2 | 1 |
| 15.4L | $34.00 |
| 5/8 | 14/01/2026 | 10 | NR up to 39 | $4,000.00 | Bendigo | 1650m | Neutral | R J Gleeson | 2:00.3 | 4 |
| 13.5L | $12.00 |
| 2/4 | 27/12/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bacchus Marsh | 1940m | Ginger Gleeson | 0 |
| 8L | $0.00 | ||
| 3/4 | 14/06/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bacchus Marsh | 1940m | Ginger Gleeson | 0 |
| 5L | $0.00 |

Driver: Lauren White
Stats
Comments
Didn't do much last time out, was driven from back in the field when 7th (Fr4) over 1690m at Kilmore, at the bell was 7th-18.45 beaten 5 m by Patnwill (2:09.20) in NR up to 39 on February 12 at $10. Before that 6th (Fr2) over 1690m at Maryborough, beaten 24 m by Fling It Rainbow (2:07.10) in NR up to 39 on February 4 at $19. Needs to lift.
Last Starts 14 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7/9 | 12/02/2026 | 8 | NR up to 39 | $4,000.00 | Kilmore | 1690m | Neutral | Lauren White | 2:03.0 | 4 |
| 4.8L | $10.00 |
| 6/9 | 04/02/2026 | 13 | NR up to 39 | $4,000.00 | Maryborough | 1690m | Neutral | Lauren White | 2:01.0 | 2 |
| 24.5L | $19.00 |
| 10/12 | 22/01/2026 | 8 | NR up to 39 | $4,000.00 | Kilmore | 1690m | Neutral | Lauren White | 2:02.2 | 5 |
| 32.9L | $31.00 |
| 4/7 | 14/01/2026 | 10 | NR up to 39 | $4,000.00 | Bendigo | 1650m | Neutral | Lauren White | 2:01.2 | 3 |
| 20.2L | $13.00 |
| 7/10 | 04/01/2026 | 17 | NR up to 45 | $4,000.00 | Maryborough | 1690m | Neutral | Lauren White | 2:01.2 | 4 |
| 18.6L | $26.00 |
| 4/10 | 18/12/2025 | 12 | 0-1 WIN | $6,000.00 | Kilmore | 2180m | Neutral | Ian White | 2:03.3 | 2 |
| 19.4L | $151.00 |
| 4/6 | 20/10/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Brent White | 0 |
| 4L | $0.00 | ||
| 3/4 | 19/08/2024 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Lauren White | 0 |
| 9L | $0.00 |

Driver: Brent Howard
Stats
Comments
Showed a glimmer of form last start 2nd (Fr2) over 2190m after showing early speed at Mt Gambier, beaten 60 m by The Priestess (2:44.50) in NR up to 45 on February 17 at $51. But The run before was well beaten into fifth behind Castles In The Sky at Mt Gambier over 2190m in a NR up to 49 on January 20 at $26. Unlikely to threaten in this tougher assignment.
Last Starts 9 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/6 | 17/02/2026 | 28 | NR up to 45 | $5,000.00 | Mount Gambier | 2190m | Neutral | B M Howard | 2:00.9 | 2 |
| 58.4L | $51.00 |
| 3/4 | 28/01/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Mount Gambier | 1780m | B M Howard | 0 |
| 14L | $0.00 | ||
| 5/5 | 20/01/2026 | 110 | NR up to 49 | $3,500.00 | Mount Gambier | 2190m | Neutral | B M Howard | 2:05.3 | 2 |
| 38.9L | $26.00 |
| 3/4 | 14/01/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Mount Gambier | 1780m | B M Howard | 0 |
| 13L | $0.00 | ||
| 5/8 | 02/10/2025 | 14 | NR up to 39 | $4,000.00 | Ballarat | 2200m | Neutral | Chris Alford | 2:06.1 | 1 |
| 12.6L | $12.00 |
| 10/12 | 18/09/2025 | 8 | NR up to 49 | $4,000.00 | Ballarat | 2200m | Neutral | N A O'connor | 2:01.3 | 2 |
| 83.4L | $151.00 |
| 10/11 | 10/09/2025 | 12 | NR up to 39 | $4,000.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Neutral | Chris Alford | 2:03.1 | 5 |
| 207.1L | $31.00 |
| 4/9 | 29/08/2025 | 50 | NR up to 49 | $4,000.00 | Geelong | 2100m | Neutral | Chris Alford | 2:03.2 | 1 |
| 16.7L | $34.00 |

Driver: Michael Bellman
Stats
Comments
Solid run when beaten by 2.5 m finishing second behind Frosty Girl at Maryborough over 2190m in a No NR on January 12 at $2.80. Then a handy effort when beaten by 5.5 m finishing third behind Dona Amalia at Maryborough over 1690m in a NR up to 49 on February 11 at $5.50. Can break through.
Last Starts 15 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/11 | 11/02/2026 | 30 | NR up to 49 | $4,000.00 | Maryborough | 1690m | Neutral | S J P O'sullivan | 2:00.6 | 5 |
| 5.3L | $5.50 |
| 2/7 | 12/01/2026 | 7 | No NR | $6,000.00 | Maryborough | 2190m | Neutral | Michael Bellman | 2:02.9 | 0 |
| 2.4L | $2.80 |
| 2/8 | 05/01/2026 | 21 | No NR | $6,000.00 | Horsham | 2200m | Neutral | Michael Bellman | 2:02.9 | 0 |
| 3.5L | $2.90 |
| 3/10 | 15/12/2025 | 21 | No NR | $6,000.00 | Maryborough | 2190m | Neutral | Michael Bellman | 2:02.7 | 0 |
| 13.7L | $3.30 |
| 2/10 | 24/11/2025 | 15 | No NR | $4,000.00 | Horsham | 2200m | Neutral | Michael Bellman | 2:02.8 | 0 |
| 18.8L | $2.70 |
| 1/12 | 09/11/2025 | 9 | No NR | $6,000.00 | St Arnaud | 2120m | Neutral | Michael Bellman | 2:04.5 | 4 |
| 10.0L | $2.90 |
| 6/7 | 28/05/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Horsham | 2200m | D A Prosser | 0 |
| 5L | $0.00 | ||
| 6/10 | 30/04/2024 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Taylor Youl | 0 |
| 1.5L | $0.00 |

Driver: Paddy Meade
Stats
Comments
Last start solid effort when 3rd (Fr3) over 2190m after showing early pace at Mt Gambier beaten 60 m by The Priestess (2:44.50) in NR up to 45 on February 17 at $8.50. Two runs back won by 2.75 m (FT Fr3) at Mt Gambier (2:55.30) beating Sonarmi Joh in No NR on February 3 at $7. Racing very well. Could be there at the business end.
Last Starts 2 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/5 | 24/02/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Terang | 2180m | J F Meade | 0 |
| 25L | $0.00 | ||
| 3/6 | 17/02/2026 | 14 | NR up to 45 | $5,000.00 | Mount Gambier | 2190m | Neutral | J F Meade | 2:00.9 | 3 |
| 62.0L | $8.50 |
| 1/6 | 03/02/2026 | 9 | No NR | $3,500.00 | Mount Gambier | 2190m | Neutral | P G Meade | 2:08.8 | 3 |
| 2.8L | $7.00 |
| 2/6 | 25/01/2026 | 14 | NR up to 49 | $4,000.00 | Wedderburn | 2150m | Neutral | J F Meade | 2:02.9 | 4 |
| 44.0L | $9.50 |
| 3/5 | 20/01/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Terang | 2180m | J F Meade | 0 |
| 10.2L | $0.00 | ||
| 7/7 | 11/01/2026 | 13 | No NR | $12,000.00 | Hamilton | 2660m | Fast | J F Meade | 2:00.6 | 1 |
| 73.4L | $81.00 |
| 5/12 | 29/12/2025 | 7 | 0-1 WIN | $6,000.00 | Charlton | 1609m | Neutral | J F Meade | 1:58.3 | 6 |
| 13.8L | $31.00 |
| 5/8 | 22/12/2025 | 7 | No NR | $6,000.00 | Terang | 2180m | Neutral | P G Meade | 2:05.2 | 0 |
| 18.3L | $23.00 |
| 2/7 | 25/11/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Terang | 2180m | B J Beasley | 0 |
| 30L | $0.00 |

Driver: Matthew Whittle
Stats
Comments
Capable of better than we have seen lately. Last start 5th (Fr2) over 1710m at Ballarat, at the bell was 5th-10.02 beaten 10 m by Karakajack Tooth (2:04.60) in NR 50 to 55 on February 19 at $7. The run previous surrendered the lead and finished 5th (Fr3) over 2200m at Ballarat beaten 8 m by Jack Sprat (2:44.60) in NR 50 to 55 on February 5 at $12. Strong contender.
Last Starts 7 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/11 | 19/02/2026 | 14 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Ballarat | 1710m | Neutral | Matthew Whittle | 1:57.3 | 2 |
| 10.2L | $7.00 |
| 5/11 | 05/02/2026 | 14 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Ballarat | 2200m | Neutral | Matthew Whittle | 2:00.4 | 3 |
| 8.3L | $12.00 |
| 4/9 | 22/01/2026 | 8 | NR 52 to 56 | $6,000.00 | Kilmore | 2180m | Neutral | Matthew Whittle | 2:01.2 | 1 |
| 21.9L | $23.00 |
| 4/10 | 14/01/2026 | 10 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Neutral | Matthew Whittle | 1:59.7 | 1 |
| 10.1L | $101.00 |
| 3/10 | 04/01/2026 | 14 | NR 51 to 56 | $6,000.00 | Maryborough | 2190m | Neutral | Matthew Whittle | 2:00.1 | 1 |
| 29.2L | $5.00 |
| 6/8 | 21/12/2025 | 10 | NR up to 59 | $6,000.00 | Cranbourne | 1609m | W | Matthew Whittle | 1:59.5 | 6 |
| 24.6L | $9.00 |
| 2/5 | 26/07/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bacchus Marsh | 1940m | Matthew Whittle | 0 |
| 1L | $0.00 | ||
| 2/4 | 21/07/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Geelong | 2100m | Matthew Whittle | 0 |
| 20L | $0.00 |

Driver: Jackie Barker
Stats
Comments
Two back was well beaten into fourth behind Crusher Clyde at Terang over 2180m in a No NR on January 26 at $18. Then a handy effort when beaten by 2.75 m finishing second behind Lady Suspicious at Mt Gambier over 2190m in a No NR on February 3 at $8.50. Progressing well. Should give a good account again.
Last Starts 23 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/6 | 03/02/2026 | 8 | No NR | $3,500.00 | Mount Gambier | 2190m | Neutral | Rod Barker | 2:08.8 | 0 |
| 2.8L | $8.50 |
| 4/7 | 26/01/2026 | 15 | No NR | $6,000.00 | Terang | 2180m | Fast | Jackie Barker | 2:01.8 | 0 |
| 16.7L | $18.00 |
| 3/7 | 11/01/2026 | 12 | No NR | $6,000.00 | Hamilton | 2160m | Fast | Rod Barker | 2:00.1 | 0 |
| 46.3L | $9.50 |
| 2/7 | 30/12/2025 | 8 | No NR | $4,500.00 | Mount Gambier | 2190m | Neutral | Rod Barker | 2:07.6 | 0 |
| 1.8L | $3.70 |
| 4/8 | 22/12/2025 | 20 | No NR | $6,000.00 | Terang | 2180m | Neutral | Jackie Barker | 2:05.2 | 0 |
| 15.8L | $10.00 |
| 3/6 | 02/12/2025 | 141 | No NR | $3,000.00 | Mount Gambier | 2190m | Neutral | Jackie Barker | 2:06.4 | 0 |
| 16.3L | $3.20 |
| 1/4 | 01/05/2023 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Hamilton | 2160m | Jackie Barker | 0 |
| 4L | $0.00 | ||
| 3/4 | 16/02/2023 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Hamilton | 2160m | Jackie Barker | 0 |
| 0L | $0.00 |

Driver: John Caldow
Stats
Comments
Last start was well back in the run when 6th (Fr6) over 2080m at Cranbourne was 7th-14.4 at the bell, beaten 15 m by Antonov (2:38.10) in NR 51 to 56 on February 22 at $34. At the run before 6th (Sr5) over 2200m at Ballarat was 9th-16.19 at the bell, beaten 13 m by Kyvalley Judge (2:48.50) in 0-2 WINS on February 5 at $5. Can do much better.
Last Starts 4 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/7 | 22/02/2026 | 17 | NR 51 to 56 | $6,000.00 | Cranbourne | 2080m | W | John Caldow | 2:02.3 | 6 |
| 15.4L | $34.00 |
| 6/12 | 05/02/2026 | 11 | 0-2 WINS | $6,000.00 | Ballarat | 2200m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 2:03.2 | 5 |
| 13.5L | $5.00 |
| 5/6 | 25/01/2026 | 11 | No NR | $12,000.00 | Wedderburn | 2955m | Neutral | Michael Bellman | 2:07.1 | 2 |
| 127.8L | $6.50 |
| 5/10 | 14/01/2026 | 16 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Neutral | Josh Duggan | 1:59.7 | 7 |
| 13.0L | $41.00 |
| 3/12 | 29/12/2025 | 854 | 0-1 WIN | $6,000.00 | Charlton | 1609m | Neutral | Anthony Butt | 1:58.3 | 3 |
| 5.6L | $18.00 |
| 2/4 | 22/12/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 1720m | Good | Craig Demmler | 0 |
| 3L | $0.00 | |
| 3/5 | 16/12/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | James Herbertson | 0 |
| 5.4L | $0.00 | |
| 3/12 | 28/08/2023 | 15 | NR 52 | $8,000.00 | Yarra Valley | 2150m | Neutral | C T Demmler | 2:03.9 | 3 |
| 10.2L | $9.00 |