Charlton Race 7 - Nth West Ag Services Charlton Trotters Cup
AVANT GUARD (9) was in the money at Ararat two runs ago before having his colours lowered at his latest appearance over 2240m at Melton, beaten 120 metres. Meets a comparable field and he can bounce back straight away. THE DARK THUNDER (4) made it three wins on the trot last start, getting home by 2 metres over 2190m at Shepparton. Taking on a better field but he is up to the task. EL CONQUEROR NZ (6) is in the mix following a respectable third at his most recent appearance over 2612m at Boort. NEPHEW OF SONOKO (10) can place top-three following a fourth at his most recent appearance over 2240m at Melton.

Driver: Nick Youngson
Stats
Comments
Last start 10th (FT Fr2) over 2550m at Birchip well beaten by Run Forest Run (3:18.80) in No NR on March 8 at $6.50. Two runs back 4th (10m Fr3) over 2250m at Boort, beaten 30 m by Tension Seeker (2:58.20) in No NR on March 1 at $3.40. Others make more appeal.
Last Starts 6 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10/11 | 08/03/2026 | 7 | No NR | $10,000.00 | Birchip | 2550m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 2:05.4 | 2 |
| 199.8L | $6.50 |
| 4/11 | 01/03/2026 | 10 | No NR | $10,000.00 | Boort | 2250m | W | Michael Bellman | 2:07.4 | 0 |
| 31.2L | $3.40 |
| 9/9 | 19/02/2026 | 8 | NR up to 50 | $6,000.00 | Ballarat | 1710m | Neutral | Michael Bellman | 2:00.0 | 4 |
| 85.8L | $4.40 |
| 1/9 | 11/02/2026 | 7 | NR up to 50 | $6,000.00 | Maryborough | 2190m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 2:05.7 | 2 |
| 3.6L | $1.90 |
| 2/11 | 04/02/2026 | 7 | NR 40 to 45 | $4,000.00 | Maryborough | 2190m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 2:01.1 | 7 |
| 13.4L | $2.50 |
| 2/10 | 28/01/2026 | 7 | NR up to 49 | $4,000.00 | Maryborough | 2190m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 2:02.7 | 1 |
| 1.2L | $2.10 |
| 1/3 | 23/11/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Maryborough | 2190m | Hannah Parish | 0 |
| 20L | $0.00 | ||
| 1/3 | 19/08/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Ballarat | 2200m | C J Slater | 0 |
| 0.3L | $0.00 |

Driver: Ewa Justice
Stats
Comments
Improved last start with a solid effort when 3rd (Fr2) over 2240m after showing early pace at Melton, at the bell was leading 1.88 beaten 6 m by Crusher Clyde (2:47.10) in 0W/15 0K stake on February 21 at $19. Can play a role in the finish again.
Last Starts 21 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/11 | 21/02/2026 | 10 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Emmett Brosnan | 2:00.0 | 2 |
| 6.8L | $19.00 |
| 6/11 | 11/02/2026 | 6 | NR 57 to 66 | $6,000.00 | Maryborough | 2190m | Neutral | Ewa Justice | 2:01.3 | 2 |
| 20.3L | $11.00 |
| 1/11 | 05/02/2026 | 8 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Ballarat | 2200m | Neutral | Ewa Justice | 2:00.4 | 3 |
| 5.8L | $4.00 |
| 4/7 | 28/01/2026 | 47 | No NR | $8,000.00 | Maryborough | 2690m | Neutral | Emmett Brosnan | 2:03.1 | 0 |
| 6.4L | $8.50 |
| 2/4 | 19/01/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Geelong | 2100m | Emmett Brosnan | 0 |
| 1L | $0.00 | ||
| 3/3 | 13/01/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | Emmett Brosnan | 0 |
| 3.9L | $0.00 | |
| 8/9 | 12/12/2025 | 6 | NR 60 to 72 | $15,000.00 | Geelong | 2100m | Neutral | Emmett Brosnan | 2:00.8 | 7 |
| 11.2L | $26.00 |
| 6/12 | 06/12/2025 | 14 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Emmett Brosnan | 1:56.9 | 2 |
| 15.4L | $8.00 |

Driver: Tina Ridis
Stats
Comments
Last start 3rd (20m Fr1) over 2550m at Birchip, beaten 30 m by Run Forest Run (3:18.80) in No NR on March 8 at $26. Two runs back 5th (Sr4) over 2190m at Maryborough was 4th-7 at the bell, beaten 15 m by Charleston Avenue (2:45.00) in NR 57 to 66 on February 11 at $81. Not keen.
Last Starts 6 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/11 | 08/03/2026 | 25 | No NR | $10,000.00 | Birchip | 2550m | Neutral | Tina Ridis | 2:05.4 | 0 |
| 27.8L | $26.00 |
| 5/11 | 11/02/2026 | 7 | NR 57 to 66 | $6,000.00 | Maryborough | 2190m | Neutral | Tina Ridis | 2:01.3 | 4 |
| 15.9L | $81.00 |
| 7/8 | 04/02/2026 | 14 | NR 55 or better | $8,000.00 | Maryborough | 2190m | Neutral | Tina Ridis | 2:02.1 | 0 |
| 30.5L | $21.00 |
| 10/11 | 21/01/2026 | 11 | NR up to 69 | $10,000.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Neutral | Tina Ridis | 2:01.6 | 1 |
| 29.0L | $71.00 |
| 5/8 | 10/01/2026 | 6 | NR 60 to 75 | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Tina Ridis | 1:58.2 | 5 |
| 18.3L | $41.00 |
| 6/9 | 04/01/2026 | 15 | NR 57 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Maryborough | 1690m | Neutral | Tina Ridis | 1:57.3 | 2 |
| 24.6L | $7.00 |
| 1/3 | 14/09/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Maryborough | 1690m | Tina Ridis | 0 |
| 4L | $0.00 | ||
| 4/4 | 02/06/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Graham Mcdermott | 0 |
| 0L | $0.00 |

Driver: Sean O'Sullivan
Stats
Comments
Brings the right form to the table. Won by 2 m as favourite (Sr1) at Shepparton (2:46.60) beating Majestic Tooth in NR up to 65 on March 8 at $2.80. Two runs back won by 1.5 m (FT Fr1) at Boort (3:29.80) beating Maestro in No NR on March 1 at $4.40 at the bell was 2nd-5.2. Sure to prove tough to beat.
Last Starts 6 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/9 | 08/03/2026 | 7 | NR up to 65 | $12,000.00 | Shepparton | 2190m | Neutral | S J P O'sullivan | 2:02.4 | 1 |
| 2.1L | $2.80 |
| 1/5 | 01/03/2026 | 9 | No NR | $12,000.00 | Boort | 2612m | W | S J P O'sullivan | 2:09.3 | 1 |
| 1.6L | $4.40 |
| 1/11 | 20/02/2026 | 69 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Neutral | S J P O'sullivan | 1:59.7 | 3 |
| 0.1L | $10.00 |
| 1/4 | 09/02/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Lauren White | 0 |
| 5L | $0.00 | ||
| 8/12 | 13/12/2025 | 2 | No NR | $60,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Jack Laugher | 1:58.5 | 5 |
| 43.8L | $61.00 |
| 8/12 | 11/12/2025 | 8 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Kilmore | 1690m | Neutral | Jack Laugher | 2:01.7 | 4 |
| 29.4L | $5.00 |
| 7/8 | 03/12/2025 | 5 | No NR | $10,000.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Neutral | John Caldow | 1:57.3 | 1 |
| 39.7L | $41.00 |
| 1/7 | 15/09/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Jack Laugher | 0 |
| 2L | $0.00 |

Driver: Jordan Leedham
Stats
Comments
Last start 5th (Fr2) over 2240m at Melton, beaten 20 m by Crusher Clyde (2:45.30) in NR 65 to 75 on March 7 at $26. At the run before 7th (FT Fr3) over 2570m at Ararat, at the bell was 5th-7.5 beaten 11 m by More Wanted (3:17.90) in No NR on February 27 at $6. Better than last start and can improve sharply.
Last Starts 7 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/7 | 07/03/2026 | 8 | NR 65 to 75 | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Jordan Leedham | 1:58.8 | 2 |
| 20.1L | $26.00 |
| 7/9 | 27/02/2026 | 6 | No NR | $20,000.00 | Ararat | 2570m | Neutral | Kerryn Manning | 2:03.0 | 3 |
| 11.6L | $6.00 |
| 4/8 | 21/02/2026 | 7 | NR 65 to 75 | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Jordan Leedham | 1:56.7 | 1 |
| 13.9L | $15.00 |
| 9/10 | 14/02/2026 | 7 | No NR | $20,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Jordan Leedham | 1:58.2 | 6 |
| 25.3L | $151.00 |
| 10/11 | 07/02/2026 | 7 | NR 70 to 85 | $17,500.00 | Kilmore | 1690m | Neutral | Jordan Leedham | 1:58.5 | 7 |
| 20.0L | $151.00 |
| 7/7 | 31/01/2026 | 7 | NR up to 90 | $17,500.00 | Cranbourne | 1609m | Neutral | Jordan Leedham | 1:55.9 | 3 |
| 34.1L | $61.00 |
| 1/6 | 04/02/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | Jordan Leedham | 0 |
| 3.3L | $0.00 | |
| 1/7 | 05/05/2024 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Maryborough | 2190m | D Douglas | 0 |
| 8L | $0.00 |

Driver: Tristan Larsen
Stats
Comments
Two back was well beaten into sixth behind Im Above The Law at Kilmore over 2660m in a NR 55 or better on February 12 at $7.50. Then a handy effort when well beaten into third behind The Dark Thunder at Boort over 2612m in a No NR on March 1 at $3.10. Hard to beat.
Last Starts 13 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/5 | 01/03/2026 | 17 | No NR | $12,000.00 | Boort | 2612m | W | T K Larsen | 2:09.3 | 4 |
| 17.7L | $3.10 |
| 1/3 | 24/02/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | T K Larsen | 0 |
| 0.2L | $0.00 | |
| 6/8 | 12/02/2026 | 22 | NR 55 or better | $8,000.00 | Kilmore | 2660m | Neutral | T K Larsen | 2:05.1 | 0 |
| 18.7L | $7.50 |
| 8/11 | 21/01/2026 | 10 | NR up to 69 | $10,000.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Neutral | T K Larsen | 2:01.6 | 3 |
| 18.8L | $8.00 |
| 6/7 | 11/01/2026 | 10 | No NR | $12,000.00 | Hamilton | 2660m | Fast | T K Larsen | 2:00.6 | 0 |
| 22.9L | $6.50 |
| 1/6 | 01/01/2026 | 4 | NR up to 70 | $12,000.00 | Echuca | 2560m | Neutral | T K Larsen | 2:07.0 | 4 |
| 7.5L | $2.70 |
| 2/8 | 28/12/2025 | 14 | No NR | $10,000.00 | Cobram | 2678m | Neutral | T K Larsen | 2:03.5 | 0 |
| 3.8L | $3.20 |
| 1/4 | 01/12/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Maryborough | 2190m | Tristan Larsen | 0 |
| 15L | $0.00 |

Driver: Jackie Barker
Stats
Comments
First up. At the last run he 6th (Fr5) over 2190m after showing early pace at Maryborough beaten 35 m by El Resamo (2:40.10) in NR 65 to 79 on November 2 at $12. A big run would not surprise.
Last Starts 132 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/11 | 02/11/2025 | 22 | NR 65 to 79 | $17,500.00 | Maryborough | 2190m | Neutral | Jackie Barker | 1:57.7 | 5 |
| 32.9L | $12.00 |
| 5/9 | 11/10/2025 | 7 | NR up to 90 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Jackie Barker | 1:58.8 | 5 |
| 14.0L | $26.00 |
| 6/10 | 04/10/2025 | 14 | NR 70 to 85 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Jackie Barker | 1:57.4 | 3 |
| 20.3L | $34.00 |
| 9/12 | 20/09/2025 | 7 | NR 63 to 79 | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Jackie Barker | 1:57.1 | 4 |
| 6.2L | $11.00 |
| 4/9 | 13/09/2025 | 14 | NR 70 to 85 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Jackie Barker | 1:59.0 | 6 |
| 10.6L | $41.00 |
| 3/11 | 30/08/2025 | 15 | NR 72 to 87 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Jackie Barker | 1:56.6 | 2 |
| 16.1L | $5.50 |
| 1/4 | 22/03/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Maryborough | 2190m | M Hayes | 0 |
| 5L | $0.00 | ||
| 1/5 | 22/02/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Maryborough | 2190m | A Mcdonough | 0 |
| 8L | $0.00 |

Driver: Chris Alford
Stats
Comments
Solid run when beaten by 1.5 m finishing second behind The Dark Thunder at Boort over 2612m in a No NR on March 1 at $2.90. Then a handy effort when beaten by 1.5 m finishing second behind Run Forest Run at Birchip over 2550m in a No NR on March 8 at $4.20. Rates highly. Solid top-three prospects.
Last Starts 6 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/11 | 08/03/2026 | 7 | No NR | $10,000.00 | Birchip | 2550m | Neutral | T K Larsen | 2:05.4 | 0 |
| 1.6L | $4.20 |
| 2/5 | 01/03/2026 | 18 | No NR | $12,000.00 | Boort | 2612m | W | Chris Alford | 2:09.3 | 2 |
| 1.6L | $2.90 |
| 4/11 | 11/02/2026 | 7 | NR 57 to 66 | $6,000.00 | Maryborough | 2190m | Neutral | Chris Alford | 2:01.3 | 6 |
| 11.9L | $15.00 |
| 2/8 | 04/02/2026 | 31 | NR 55 or better | $8,000.00 | Maryborough | 2190m | Neutral | Chris Alford | 2:02.1 | 0 |
| 0.1L | $14.00 |
| 2/9 | 04/01/2026 | 28 | NR 57 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Maryborough | 1690m | Neutral | Chris Alford | 1:57.3 | 4 |
| 6.8L | $8.00 |
| 9/10 | 07/12/2025 | 6 | No NR | $12,000.00 | Horsham | 2700m | Neutral | O A Kite | 2:05.7 | 3 |
| 52.1L | $11.00 |
| 3/5 | 23/09/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | T K Larsen | 0 |
| 8.8L | $0.00 | |
| 4/5 | 04/03/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | T K Larsen | 0 |
| 35.5L | $0.00 |

Driver: James Herbertson
Stats
Comments
Last start was well beaten into seventh behind Crusher Clyde at Melton over 2240m in a NR 65 to 75 on March 7 at $5. Raced better the start before that with a good run when 2nd (10m Fr1) over 2570m at Ararat, at the bell was 2nd-0.7 beaten a nose by More Wanted (3:17.90) in No NR on February 27 at $5.50. Better than the last run suggests; set to make amends.
Last Starts 7 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7/7 | 07/03/2026 | 8 | NR 65 to 75 | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Ellen Tormey | 1:58.8 | 4 |
| 119.2L | $5.00 |
| 2/9 | 27/02/2026 | 6 | No NR | $20,000.00 | Ararat | 2570m | Neutral | Ellen Tormey | 2:03.0 | 0 |
| 0.1L | $5.50 |
| 6/8 | 21/02/2026 | 14 | NR up to 90 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Ellen Tormey | 1:59.5 | 1 |
| 14.2L | $9.00 |
| 8/12 | 07/02/2026 | 7 | No NR | $75,000.00 | Kilmore | 2180m | Neutral | Ellen Tormey | 1:57.8 | 5 |
| 37.9L | $151.00 |
| 4/7 | 31/01/2026 | 7 | No NR | $75,000.00 | Cranbourne | 2080m | Neutral | Ellen Tormey | 1:58.2 | 1 |
| 33.4L | $101.00 |
| 3/10 | 24/01/2026 | 7 | NR 70 to 85 | $17,500.00 | Ballarat | 2200m | Neutral | Ellen Tormey | 1:58.5 | 3 |
| 9.4L | $51.00 |
| 1/3 | 25/08/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Ross Graham | 0 |
| 2L | $0.00 | ||
| 2/2 | 18/08/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Ross Graham | 0 |
| 20L | $0.00 |

Driver: Jack Laugher
Stats
Comments
Last start 4th (Fr4) over 2240m at Melton was 3rd-5.71 at the bell, beaten 17 m by Quirky Character (2:44.70) in NR up to 90 on March 7 at $14. Before that, was driven from back in the field when 4th (Fr7) over 1720m at Melton was 8th-14.04 at the bell, beaten 9 m by Quirky Character (2:03.70) in NR 70 to 85 on February 28 at $61. Capable of a lot more.
Last Starts 7 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/8 | 07/03/2026 | 7 | NR up to 90 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Jack Laugher | 1:58.3 | 4 |
| 17.4L | $14.00 |
| 4/8 | 28/02/2026 | 7 | NR 70 to 85 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Jordan Leedham | 1:55.8 | 7 |
| 9.3L | $61.00 |
| 8/8 | 21/02/2026 | 14 | NR up to 90 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Ross Graham | 1:59.5 | 7 |
| 18.4L | $151.00 |
| 12/12 | 07/02/2026 | 7 | No NR | $75,000.00 | Kilmore | 2180m | Neutral | Ross Graham | 1:57.8 | 4 |
| 81.1L | $151.00 |
| 6/7 | 31/01/2026 | 42 | NR up to 90 | $17,500.00 | Cranbourne | 1609m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:55.9 | 1 |
| 30.3L | $34.00 |
| 11/12 | 20/12/2025 | 19 | No NR | $17,500.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Ross Graham | 1:58.4 | 0 |
| 203.4L | $151.00 |
| 3/4 | 24/11/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Ross Graham | 0 |
| 6L | $0.00 | ||
| 3/6 | 17/11/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Maryborough | 2190m | Ross Graham | 0 |
| 8.1L | $0.00 |