Birchip Race 3 - O'connors Case Ih Pace Final
OUR ULTIMATE GRACY NZ (8) took charge early on and kept going to salute at her latest appearance over 2100m at Charlton, getting home by 1.5 metres. Gets a soft run on the inside of the second line but may need luck at some point. Steps up a level but she is up to the task. SHOTINTHEDARK (6) was responsible for a good effort at his latest appearance to get home by a narrow margin over 2250m at Boort on March 1. This looks a sterner test than last time but he is capable of another big performance. FAIR CHANCE (3) is in the mix following a respectable third at her most recent appearance over 2100m at Charlton. JAMES GARNER NZ (2) cannot be left out after solid recent performances, the latest a sound fourth at Boort over 2250m.

Driver: Connor Clarke
Stats
Comments
Meets Our Ultimate Gracy again; when 40 metres eighth at Charlton over 2100m in a NR up to 55 race on February 16. Not enthused.
Last Starts 19 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/8 | 16/02/2026 | 14 | NR up to 55 | $6,000.00 | Charlton | 2100m | Neutral | Connor Clarke | 1:57.1 | 2 |
| 40.8L | $101.00 |
| 2/8 | 02/02/2026 | 56 | NR 46 to 50 | $6,000.00 | Charlton | 1609m | Neutral | Luke Dunne | 1:55.2 | 2 |
| 3.2L | $9.00 |
| 9/9 | 08/12/2025 | 6 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Charlton | 1609m | Neutral | Jack Laugher | 1:55.9 | 4 |
| 47.9L | $26.00 |
| 10/11 | 02/12/2025 | 15 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Shepparton | 1690m | Neutral | Jack Laugher | 1:55.6 | 3 |
| 20.1L | $41.00 |
| 3/11 | 17/11/2025 | 17 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Maryborough | 1690m | Neutral | Jack Laugher | 1:55.0 | 1 |
| 6.7L | $34.00 |
| 8/11 | 31/10/2025 | 3 | NR up to 55 | $8,000.00 | Swan Hill | 1750m | Neutral | Jack Laugher | 1:56.2 | 3 |
| 12.7L | $19.00 |
| 4/5 | 04/08/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Shaun O'sullivan | 0 |
| 1L | $0.00 | ||
| 5/5 | 06/11/2023 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Albion Park | 1660m | Good | N M Dawson | 0 |
| 25.7L | $0.00 |

Driver: Michael Bellman
Stats
Comments
Not far away at the last couple starts; Finished 4 m fourth behind Shotinthedark at Boort over 2250m NR up to 55 last start. Before that was beaten 1.5 metres second at Charlton over 2100m same class on February 16. Expected to be competitive again.
Last Starts 6 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/8 | 01/03/2026 | 13 | NR up to 55 | $6,000.00 | Boort | 2250m | W | Michael Bellman | 2:01.0 | 1 |
| 4.1L | $3.30 |
| 2/8 | 16/02/2026 | 7 | NR up to 55 | $6,000.00 | Charlton | 2100m | Neutral | Michael Bellman | 1:57.1 | 3 |
| 1.6L | $7.50 |
| 2/7 | 09/02/2026 | 7 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Stawell | 1785m | Neutral | Michael Bellman | 1:56.8 | 3 |
| 0.3L | $6.50 |
| 4/11 | 02/02/2026 | 14 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Charlton | 2100m | Neutral | Michael Bellman | 1:57.9 | 2 |
| 5.5L | $11.00 |
| 3/7 | 19/01/2026 | 7 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Charlton | 2100m | Neutral | Michael Bellman | 1:56.6 | 2 |
| 17.6L | $8.50 |
| 3/9 | 12/01/2026 | 7 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Maryborough | 2190m | Neutral | Michael Bellman | 1:57.8 | 4 |
| 5.1L | $8.00 |
| 2/4 | 11/06/2023 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Maryborough | 2190m | M W Hayes | 0 |
| 6L | $0.00 |

Driver: Luke Dunne
Stats
Comments
Solid run when beaten by 3 m finishing third behind Chogi at Stawell over 1785m in a NR 50 to 55 on February 9 at $2.10. Then a handy effort when beaten by 2 m finishing third after being driven well back, behind Our Ultimate Gracy at Charlton over 2100m in a NR up to 55 on February 16 at $6.50. Sure to feature.
Last Starts 19 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/8 | 16/02/2026 | 7 | NR up to 55 | $6,000.00 | Charlton | 2100m | Neutral | Luke Dunne | 1:57.1 | 4 |
| 1.9L | $6.50 |
| 3/7 | 09/02/2026 | 7 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Stawell | 1785m | Neutral | Luke Dunne | 1:56.8 | 2 |
| 2.9L | $2.10 |
| 6/11 | 02/02/2026 | 56 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Charlton | 2100m | Neutral | Luke Dunne | 1:57.9 | 6 |
| 11.0L | $6.50 |
| 2/9 | 08/12/2025 | 10 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Charlton | 1609m | Neutral | Ryan Sanderson | 1:55.9 | 3 |
| 0.2L | $7.00 |
| 3/12 | 28/11/2025 | 25 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | W | Luke Dunne | 1:55.5 | 5 |
| 9.2L | $7.50 |
| 4/11 | 03/11/2025 | 12 | NR up to 55 | $6,000.00 | Charlton | 2100m | Neutral | Jordan Leedham | 1:57.8 | 6 |
| 9.9L | $8.50 |
| 1/5 | 15/01/2024 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | R T Sanderson | 0 |
| 1L | $0.00 | ||
| 3/7 | 23/10/2023 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | R T Sanderson | 0 |
| 15L | $0.00 |

Driver: Alex Ashwood
Stats
Comments
Two back was well beaten into eleventh behind Our Ultimate Gracy at Charlton over 2100m in a NR 50 to 55 on February 2 at $21. Then a handy effort when beaten by 1.5 m finishing third behind Shotinthedark at Boort over 2250m in a NR up to 55 on March 1 at $31. A big run would not surprise.
Last Starts 6 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/8 | 01/03/2026 | 27 | NR up to 55 | $6,000.00 | Boort | 2250m | W | Jack Laugher | 2:01.0 | 4 |
| 1.6L | $31.00 |
| 11/11 | 02/02/2026 | 14 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Charlton | 2100m | Neutral | Connor Clarke | 1:57.9 | 1 |
| 45.5L | $21.00 |
| 6/7 | 19/01/2026 | 35 | NR 49 to 54 | $6,000.00 | Charlton | 1609m | Neutral | Luke Dunne | 1:53.5 | 4 |
| 22.8L | $31.00 |
| 4/11 | 15/12/2025 | 7 | NR up to 55 | $6,000.00 | Maryborough | 2190m | Neutral | Luke Dunne | 1:57.2 | 1 |
| 16.6L | $51.00 |
| 8/9 | 08/12/2025 | 14 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Charlton | 1609m | Neutral | Jordan Leedham | 1:55.9 | 3 |
| 14.6L | $15.00 |
| 6/7 | 24/11/2025 | 7 | NR 55 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Horsham | 1700m | Neutral | Luke Dunne | 1:55.1 | 2 |
| 14.1L | $26.00 |
| 9/9 | 22/09/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Maryborough | 1690m | Mark Hayes | 0 |
| 0L | $0.00 | ||
| 2/5 | 15/09/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Stawell | 1785m | Luke Dunne | 0 |
| 3.5L | $0.00 |

Driver: Jackie Barker
Stats
Comments
Last start won by 1.3 m after showing early speed, (Fr5) at Boort (2:49.10) beating Animado in NR up to 55 on March 1 at $5 at the bell was leading 2. Can go back-to-back.
Last Starts 6 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/8 | 01/03/2026 | 7 | NR up to 55 | $6,000.00 | Boort | 2250m | W | Jackie Barker | 2:01.0 | 5 |
| 1.3L | $5.00 |
| 7/9 | 22/02/2026 | 17 | NR 48 to 53 | $6,000.00 | Cranbourne | 2080m | W | D K Mcguigan | 1:57.3 | 4 |
| 44.6L | $2.30 |
| 4/10 | 05/02/2026 | 169 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Ballarat | 2200m | Neutral | D K Mcguigan | 1:58.1 | 6 |
| 7.2L | $23.00 |
| 3/3 | 31/01/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bacchus Marsh | 1940m | T H Mcguigan | 0 |
| 2L | $0.00 | ||
| 4/11 | 20/08/2025 | 12 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Bendigo | 1650m | Neutral | D K Mcguigan | 1:55.8 | 7 |
| 8.7L | $14.00 |
| 5/12 | 08/08/2025 | 7 | NR 49 to 54 | $6,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | D K Mcguigan | 1:58.2 | 1 |
| 9.1L | $7.50 |
| 1/10 | 01/08/2025 | 9 | 0-1 WIN | $6,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | D K Mcguigan | 1:56.4 | 5 |
| 0.2L | $3.40 |
| 1/4 | 31/05/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bacchus Marsh | 1940m | Darby Mcguigan | 0 |
| 10L | $0.00 |

Driver: Glenn Bull
Stats
Comments
Eight-year-old gelding showed improvement last time. 2nd (Sr1) over 2250m at Boort, at the bell was 4th-8.8 beaten 1.3 m by Shotinthedark (2:49.10) in NR up to 55 on March 1 at $11. The run before was not as impressive when well beaten into seventh behind Feel The Reign at Bendigo over 2150m in a NR 50 to 55 on February 20 at $4.80. This looks a far sterner test.
Last Starts 6 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/8 | 01/03/2026 | 9 | NR up to 55 | $6,000.00 | Boort | 2250m | W | Glenn Bull | 2:01.0 | 1 |
| 1.3L | $11.00 |
| 7/11 | 20/02/2026 | 8 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Neutral | Glenn Bull | 1:58.9 | 1 |
| 12.4L | $4.80 |
| 7/9 | 12/02/2026 | 9 | NR up to 55 | $8,000.00 | Kilmore | 2180m | Neutral | Lauren White | 2:02.0 | 1 |
| 14.7L | $2.30 |
| 2/12 | 03/02/2026 | 11 | NR 53 to 58 | $6,000.00 | Shepparton | 2190m | Neutral | Glenn Bull | 1:58.6 | 1 |
| 1.4L | $23.00 |
| 10/11 | 23/01/2026 | 17 | 1W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Glenn Bull | 1:56.3 | 2 |
| 27.8L | $151.00 |
| 3/11 | 06/01/2026 | 9 | NR up to 55 | $6,000.00 | Shepparton | 1690m | Neutral | Glenn Bull | 1:55.6 | 3 |
| 3.1L | $26.00 |
| 2/3 | 04/09/2023 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Stacie Carbone | 0 |
| 6L | $0.00 | ||
| 3/6 | 21/07/2023 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Wagga | 1740m | Good | B T Hogan | 0 |
| 31L | $0.00 |

Driver: Ryan Backhouse
Stats
Comments
Last start 5th (Sr2) over 2250m at Boort was 6th-12.6 at the bell, beaten 5.5 m by Shotinthedark (2:49.10) in NR up to 55 on March 1 at $4.20. Two runs back 10th (Sr1) over 2240m at Melton, beaten 25 m by Captain Perfect (2:38.20) in 3yo G2 No NR CG on December 13 at $151. Can improve sharply.
Last Starts 6 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/8 | 01/03/2026 | 78 | NR up to 55 | $6,000.00 | Boort | 2250m | W | Ryan Backhouse | 2:01.0 | 2 |
| 5.3L | $4.20 |
| 10/12 | 13/12/2025 | 8 | No NR | $100,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Luke Dunne | 1:53.6 | 1 |
| 26.1L | $151.00 |
| 3/8 | 05/12/2025 | 9 | No NR | $10,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:55.2 | 7 |
| 13.7L | $26.00 |
| 6/12 | 26/11/2025 | 11 | No NR | $15,000.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:54.6 | 2 |
| 11.2L | $12.00 |
| 9/12 | 15/11/2025 | 8 | No NR | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:53.9 | 6 |
| 33.5L | $126.00 |
| 6/9 | 07/11/2025 | 17 | No NR | $10,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Fast | James Herbertson | 1:56.8 | 1 |
| 18.3L | $81.00 |
| 5/9 | 22/09/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Maryborough | 1690m | Ryan Backhouse | 0 |
| 0L | $0.00 | ||
| 1/5 | 15/09/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Stawell | 1785m | Ryan Backhouse | 0 |
| 3.5L | $0.00 |