Maryborough Race 2 - Benstud Standardbreds Trotters Handicap
DISTANT SUN (3) looks close to a win after seconds in two of three starts so far this campaign, the latest at Melton behind an in-form rival. Switches to a standing start but should be nearing peak fitness now. RUN FOREST RUN NZ (4) has been competitive of late, placing in both starts since a Birchip win. Kept the ball rolling last time when he came from the back row to be 4 metres into second at Kilmore. Leading hope. OUR MARVELLA NZ (8) led and faded in the Geelong Cup four weeks ago but had placed in the Ararat and Goulburn cups prior so is worth another chance. SEBASTIANS BOY (9) is building in fitness. Drops in grade and will relish the return to a circuit and distance where he has won three of four attempts.

Driver: Matthew Whittle
Stats
Comments
Last start 5th (40m Fr1) over 2180m at Stawell beaten 35 m by Kamaran (2:51.00) in No NR on April 3 at $19. Two runs back 4th (40m Fr1) over 2570m at Ararat beaten 35 m by Kamaran (3:23.50) in No NR on March 23 at $3.80. Others read better. Must do a lot more.
Last Starts 6 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/12 | 03/04/2026 | 11 | No NR | $6,000.00 | Stawell | 2180m | Neutral | Matthew Whittle | 2:05.7 | 0 |
| 34.6L | $19.00 |
| 4/11 | 23/03/2026 | 10 | No NR | $6,000.00 | Ararat | 2570m | Neutral | Matthew Whittle | 2:06.9 | 0 |
| 35.6L | $3.80 |
| 8/9 | 13/03/2026 | 14 | No NR | $15,000.00 | Geelong | 2570m | Neutral | Matthew Whittle | 2:02.5 | 2 |
| 53.0L | $81.00 |
| 1/10 | 27/02/2026 | 8 | No NR | $6,000.00 | Ararat | 2165m | Neutral | Matthew Whittle | 2:05.5 | 0 |
| 1.2L | $3.90 |
| 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 |
| 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: Jordan Leedham
Stats
Comments
Two back was well beaten into sixth after showing early speed, behind Kyvalley Jetstream at Melton over 1720m in a 0W/15 0K stake on March 28 at $41. Then a handy effort when well beaten into third behind Kamaran at Stawell over 2180m in a No NR on April 3 at $9. Expected to go well again.
Last Starts 6 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/12 | 03/04/2026 | 6 | No NR | $6,000.00 | Stawell | 2180m | Neutral | P A Warnock | 2:05.7 | 0 |
| 23.1L | $9.00 |
| 6/10 | 28/03/2026 | 20 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | P A Warnock | 1:57.9 | 1 |
| 13.4L | $41.00 |
| 6/9 | 08/03/2026 | 9 | NR up to 65 | $12,000.00 | Shepparton | 2190m | Neutral | P A Warnock | 2:02.4 | 4 |
| 10.4L | $13.00 |
| 5/9 | 27/02/2026 | 6 | No NR | $20,000.00 | Ararat | 2570m | Neutral | P A Warnock | 2:03.0 | 1 |
| 3.0L | $18.00 |
| 10/11 | 21/02/2026 | 9 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Kerryn Manning | 2:00.0 | 7 |
| 16.3L | $41.00 |
| 1/8 | 12/02/2026 | 7 | NR 55 or better | $8,000.00 | Kilmore | 2660m | Neutral | P A Warnock | 2:05.1 | 1 |
| 2.3L | $26.00 |
| 5/6 | 11/11/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Terang | 2180m | H Lewis | 0 |
| 0.2L | $0.00 | ||
| 1/3 | 25/05/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Maryborough | 2190m | P A Warnock | 0 |
| 3L | $0.00 |

Driver: Jodi Quinlan
Stats
Comments
Two back was well beaten into eighth after a quick start, behind Kyvalley Jetstream at Melton over 1720m in a 0W/15 0K stake on March 28 at $16. Then a handy effort when well beaten into second after being driven well back, behind Bennie And The Jets at Melton over 2240m in a 0W/15 0K stake on April 4 at $41. Rates highly. Peaking now and has winning prospects.
Last Starts 5 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/12 | 04/04/2026 | 7 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Jodi Quinlan | 2:00.9 | 6 |
| 15.5L | $41.00 |
| 8/10 | 28/03/2026 | 16 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Jodi Quinlan | 1:57.9 | 5 |
| 18.5L | $16.00 |
| 3/4 | 23/03/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Geelong | 2100m | Tyrone Abela | 0 |
| 6.2L | $0.00 | ||
| 2/9 | 12/03/2026 | 87 | NR 51 to 56 | $6,000.00 | Kilmore | 2180m | Neutral | A Pace | 2:01.9 | 6 |
| 18.7L | $26.00 |
| 2/9 | 15/12/2025 | 9 | NR 54 to 59 | $6,000.00 | Maryborough | 1690m | Neutral | Tasmyn Potter | 1:59.7 | 1 |
| 6.3L | $8.50 |
| 5/12 | 06/12/2025 | 8 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Jodi Quinlan | 1:56.9 | 5 |
| 14.9L | $19.00 |
| 3/10 | 28/11/2025 | 7 | No NR | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | W | Jodi Quinlan | 1:59.2 | 4 |
| 3.6L | $9.00 |
| 3/7 | 08/10/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Menangle | 1609m | Good | Zara Fitzpatrick | 0 |
| 3.2L | $0.00 |

Driver: Alex Ashwood
Stats
Comments
Not far away at the last couple starts; Finished 4 m second behind Kyvalley Judge at Kilmore over 2180m NR 56 to 64 last start. Before that was beaten 1.5 metres third at Bendigo over 2150m in No NR on March 25. Strong claims.
Last Starts 7 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/11 | 02/04/2026 | 8 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Kilmore | 2180m | Neutral | Alex Ashwood | 2:00.6 | 3 |
| 4.0L | $6.00 |
| 3/12 | 25/03/2026 | 17 | No NR | $8,000.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Neutral | Alex Ashwood | 2:01.5 | 0 |
| 1.5L | $2.25 |
| 1/11 | 08/03/2026 | 8 | No NR | $10,000.00 | Birchip | 2550m | Neutral | Alex Ashwood | 2:05.4 | 6 |
| 1.6L | $2.25 |
| 9/9 | 28/02/2026 | 36 | NR up to 54 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Tayla French | 1:58.3 | 4 |
| 59.1L | $1.50 |
| 1/6 | 23/02/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Tayla French | 0 |
| 1L | $0.00 | ||
| 7/10 | 23/01/2026 | 97 | NR 50 to 70 | $6,500.00 | Albion Park | 2138m | Neutral | Shane Graham | 2:00.4 | 0 |
| 32.2L | $34.00 |
| 8/9 | 16/01/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Albion Park | 2138m | Good | Nathan Dawson | 0 |
| 149.2L | $0.00 | |
| 9/9 | 18/10/2025 | 14 | No NR | $20,400.00 | Menangle | 2300m | Fast | B L Mcdonough | 2:01.0 | 1 |
| 172.5L | $19.00 |

Driver: James Herbertson
Stats
Comments
Looks well placed in this tougher race, but he was impressive winning two starts back [-+] won by a head (10m Fr3) at Bendigo (2:43.10) beating Straight To Thetop in No NR on March 25 at $17. Could be there at the business end.
Last Starts 7 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/11 | 02/04/2026 | 8 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Kilmore | 2180m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 2:00.6 | 7 |
| 13.4L | $13.00 |
| 1/12 | 25/03/2026 | 7 | No NR | $8,000.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 2:01.5 | 0 |
| 0.2L | $17.00 |
| 5/10 | 18/03/2026 | 10 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 2:01.3 | 2 |
| 6.9L | $13.00 |
| 9/9 | 08/03/2026 | 11 | NR up to 65 | $12,000.00 | Shepparton | 2190m | Neutral | Jack Laugher | 2:02.4 | 2 |
| 21.8L | $19.00 |
| 1/11 | 25/02/2026 | 5 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Maryborough | 1690m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 2:00.0 | 7 |
| 2.0L | $4.20 |
| 6/11 | 20/02/2026 | 8 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Neutral | Jack Laugher | 1:59.7 | 6 |
| 27.8L | $21.00 |
| 1/6 | 02/10/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Shepparton | 2190m | Rita Burnette | 0 |
| 0.2L | $0.00 | ||
| 3/4 | 21/07/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Rita Burnett | 0 |
| 7L | $0.00 |

Driver: Kerryn Manning
Stats
Comments
Two back was beaten by 7 m finishing fourth behind Kyvalley Jetstream at Melton over 1720m in a 0W/15 0K stake on March 28 at $16. Then a handy effort when well beaten into third after a quick start, behind Bennie And The Jets at Melton over 2240m in a 0W/15 0K stake on April 4 at $3.80. Ticking along well and is likely to be in the finish.
Last Starts 5 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/12 | 04/04/2026 | 7 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 2:00.9 | 3 |
| 16.0L | $3.80 |
| 4/10 | 28/03/2026 | 14 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Kerryn Manning | 1:57.9 | 3 |
| 7.9L | $16.00 |
| 4/8 | 14/03/2026 | 92 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Kerryn Manning | 2:01.9 | 1 |
| 6.8L | $14.00 |
| 1/4 | 28/02/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bacchus Marsh | 1940m | Chris Alford | 0 |
| 3L | $0.00 | ||
| 9/10 | 12/12/2025 | 6 | NR 73 to 87 | $17,500.00 | Geelong | 1609m | Neutral | John Caldow | 1:56.9 | 2 |
| 26.5L | $61.00 |
| 2/12 | 06/12/2025 | 7 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:56.9 | 5 |
| 1.9L | $23.00 |
| 8/8 | 29/11/2025 | 8 | 1W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | John Caldow | 1:59.4 | 2 |
| 27.7L | $31.00 |
| 5/7 | 28/10/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 1720m | Good | John Caldow | 0 |
| 20.3L | $0.00 |

Driver: Tristan Larsen
Stats
Comments
Last start surrendered the lead and finished 4th (FT Fr3) over 2570m at Geelong, beaten 22 m by Imperial Monarch (3:16.40) in No NR on March 13 at $15. At the start before 6th (20m Fr1) over 2570m at Ararat, at the bell was 6th-10.9 beaten 11 m by More Wanted (3:17.90) in No NR on February 27 at $12. Has claims.
Last Starts 27 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/9 | 13/03/2026 | 14 | No NR | $15,000.00 | Geelong | 2570m | Neutral | T K Larsen | 2:02.5 | 3 |
| 22.6L | $15.00 |
| 6/9 | 27/02/2026 | 15 | No NR | $20,000.00 | Ararat | 2570m | Neutral | T K Larsen | 2:03.0 | 0 |
| 11.3L | $12.00 |
| 3/8 | 12/02/2026 | 18 | NR 55 or better | $8,000.00 | Kilmore | 2660m | Neutral | Chris Alford | 2:05.1 | 0 |
| 6.7L | $6.50 |
| 1/6 | 25/01/2026 | 9 | No NR | $12,000.00 | Wedderburn | 2955m | Neutral | T K Larsen | 2:07.1 | 0 |
| 2.9L | $4.60 |
| 6/9 | 16/01/2026 | 41 | 1W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Geelong | 2100m | Neutral | T K Larsen | 2:01.8 | 3 |
| 14.7L | $7.00 |
| 9/12 | 06/12/2025 | 6 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | T K Larsen | 1:56.9 | 4 |
| 17.7L | $15.00 |
| 1/5 | 07/10/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | Anthony Butt | 0 |
| 3.1L | $0.00 | |
| 1/3 | 08/05/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Kilmore | 2180m | Tristan Larsen | 0 |
| 2L | $0.00 |

Driver: John Caldow
Stats
Comments
Last start was well beaten into seventh behind Imperial Monarch at Geelong over 2570m in a No NR on March 13 at $7.50. Performed better the start before with a good run when 3rd (20m Fr3) over 2570m at Ararat was 7th-12 at the bell, beaten 1.1 m by More Wanted (3:17.90) in No NR on February 27 at $12. Can measure up with her A-game.
Last Starts 27 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7/9 | 13/03/2026 | 14 | No NR | $15,000.00 | Geelong | 2570m | Neutral | John Caldow | 2:02.5 | 5 |
| 29.2L | $7.50 |
| 3/9 | 27/02/2026 | 26 | No NR | $20,000.00 | Ararat | 2570m | Neutral | John Caldow | 2:03.0 | 0 |
| 1.1L | $12.00 |
| 3/8 | 01/02/2026 | 22 | NR up to 80 | $15,300.00 | Goulburn | 2240m | Fast | Brad Hewitt | 2:03.4 | 4 |
| 5.9L | $1.90 |
| 7/11 | 10/01/2026 | 7 | No NR | $30,000.00 | Melton | 2760m | Neutral | John Caldow | 2:01.1 | 1 |
| 25.1L | $51.00 |
| 3/8 | 03/01/2026 | 14 | No NR | $22,500.00 | Cranbourne | 2080m | Neutral | John Caldow | 1:57.8 | 1 |
| 21.8L | $31.00 |
| 10/12 | 20/12/2025 | 14 | No NR | $17,500.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | John Caldow | 1:58.4 | 3 |
| 188.3L | $18.00 |
| 1/6 | 17/11/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Geelong | 2100m | Anthony Butt | 0 |
| 1L | $0.00 | ||
| 2/2 | 10/11/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Tristan Larsen | 0 |
| 4L | $0.00 |

Driver: Nathan Jack
Stats
Comments
Last start 6th (Sr1) over 1720m at Melton was 6th-12.82 at the bell, beaten 19 m by Pinnie (2:04.80) in NR 70 to 85 on March 28 at $7. Before that, broke in score up and was out of position at the start 8th (Fr4) over 2240m at Melton, beaten 55 m by El Resamo (2:44.50) in NR 70 to 85 on March 21 at $23. Fitter again and owns a strong record at this circuit and distance.
Last Starts 12 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/8 | 28/03/2026 | 7 | NR 70 to 85 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Brent Thomson | 1:56.8 | 1 |
| 19.8L | $7.00 |
| 8/8 | 21/03/2026 | 203 | NR 70 to 85 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Brent Thomson | 1:58.2 | 4 |
| 56.9L | $23.00 |
| 9/11 | 30/08/2025 | 7 | NR 72 to 87 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Brent Thomson | 1:56.6 | 5 |
| 23.8L | $13.00 |
| 7/7 | 23/08/2025 | 14 | No NR | $22,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Brent Thomson | 1:54.8 | 1 |
| 21.6L | $151.00 |
| 5/8 | 09/08/2025 | 7 | NR 80 to 105 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Brent Thomson | 1:56.3 | 3 |
| 11.5L | $15.00 |
| 4/7 | 02/08/2025 | 21 | NR 71 to 87 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Brent Thomson | 1:56.7 | 1 |
| 4.2L | $101.00 |
| 2/5 | 06/02/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Shepparton | 2190m | Brent Thomson | 0 |
| 5L | $0.00 | ||
| 2/4 | 30/01/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Cobram | 2170m | B Thomson | 0 |
| 5L | $0.00 |