Melton Race 1 - Hygain Edge Pace
BIG BAD OSSIE (9) has had eight weeks off since kicking off his campaign with back-to-back seconds but has been kept up to the mark with a trial win. With even luck from the back row he is up to winning this. ISOLATION (7) led and drew away to score by a big margin at Kilmore two starts ago before a solid second at his latest appearance at this venue, beaten 2.3 metres. Must overcome a very wide draw but is racing well. TORQUE POWER (4) didn't have a lot go his way last start but was tickling along well prior and drops to a distance where he owns a good record. POPCORNFRIDAY (3) draws well and must be considered after back-to-back placings, coming from the second line for third here last week.

Driver: Leilani Justice
Stats
Comments
Didn't do much last time out, was driven from back in the field when 11th (Fr5) over 1710m at Ballarat, at the bell was 7th-13.83 beaten 17 m by Blackindeed (2:01.20) in NR 51 to 56 on March 5 at $81. Before that 6th (Fr5) over 1790m at Ararat beaten 30 m by Ocean Avenue (2:08.40) in NR 50 to 55 on February 27 at $23. Others make more appeal.
Last Starts 8 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11/12 | 05/03/2026 | 6 | NR 51 to 56 | $6,000.00 | Ballarat | 1710m | Neutral | Leilani Justice | 1:54.1 | 5 |
| 17.0L | $81.00 |
| 6/9 | 27/02/2026 | 8 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Ararat | 1790m | Neutral | Leilani Justice | 1:55.4 | 5 |
| 32.3L | $23.00 |
| 7/12 | 19/02/2026 | 8 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Ballarat | 1710m | Neutral | Leilani Justice | 1:54.2 | 2 |
| 8.6L | $21.00 |
| 3/7 | 11/02/2026 | 6 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Maryborough | 1690m | Neutral | Leilani Justice | 1:55.8 | 3 |
| 7.8L | $12.00 |
| 6/10 | 05/02/2026 | 8 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Ballarat | 2200m | Neutral | Leilani Justice | 1:58.1 | 2 |
| 18.5L | $11.00 |
| 5/8 | 28/01/2026 | 5 | NR up to 49 | $4,000.00 | Maryborough | 1690m | Neutral | Leilani Justice | 1:56.3 | 1 |
| 9.0L | $2.00 |
| 1/5 | 29/03/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bacchus Marsh | 1940m | Leilani Justice | 0 |
| 2L | $0.00 | ||
| 2/4 | 08/05/2024 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Newcastle | 1609m | Good | G A Panella | 0 |
| 3.8L | $0.00 |

Driver: Ellen Tormey
Stats
Comments
Last start 6th (Fr2) over 2240m at this track, at the bell was 6th-8.85 beaten 9 m by Followtheace (2:42.00) in 0W/15 0K stake on March 7 at $51. At the start before 6th (Sr2) over 1690m after being wide early at Shepparton was leading by 1.26 at the bell, beaten 15 m by Katunga Express (2:00.60) in NR 50 to 55 on March 3 at $51. Building in fitness and draws well.
Last Starts 6 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/11 | 07/03/2026 | 4 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Luke Dunne | 1:56.4 | 2 |
| 9.9L | $51.00 |
| 6/10 | 03/03/2026 | 13 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Shepparton | 1690m | Neutral | Ellen Tormey | 1:54.9 | 2 |
| 15.0L | $51.00 |
| 9/10 | 18/02/2026 | 148 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Mildura | 1790m | Neutral | Ellen Tormey | 1:56.8 | 4 |
| 26.5L | $7.50 |
| 3/7 | 23/09/2025 | 11 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Mildura | 2190m | Neutral | Ellen Tormey | 1:59.7 | 2 |
| 5.3L | $2.15 |
| 1/8 | 12/09/2025 | 10 | NR 50 to 55 | $8,000.00 | Mildura | 2190m | Neutral | Ellen Tormey | 1:59.7 | 2 |
| 2.3L | $2.25 |
| 4/8 | 02/09/2025 | 7 | 0-3 WINS | $6,000.00 | Swan Hill | 1750m | Neutral | Michael Bellman | 1:55.3 | 7 |
| 8.6L | $1.80 |
| 3/6 | 20/01/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Jack Laugher | 0 |
| 4L | $0.00 | ||
| 5/7 | 29/07/2024 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bendigo | 1650m | Jack Laugher | 0 |
| 8L | $0.00 |

Driver: Paul Grech
Stats
Comments
Two back was well beaten into second behind Isolation at Kilmore over 2180m in a NR 52 to 56 on February 26 at $26. Then a handy effort when well beaten into third behind Ravishing Ruby at this track over 2240m in a NR up to 57 on March 7 at $26. Draws well and looks close to a win.
Last Starts 6 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/6 | 07/03/2026 | 9 | NR up to 57 | $8,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Paul Grech | 1:57.2 | 1 |
| 13.1L | $26.00 |
| 2/8 | 26/02/2026 | 34 | NR 52 to 56 | $6,000.00 | Kilmore | 2180m | Neutral | Paul Grech | 1:58.7 | 5 |
| 18.1L | $26.00 |
| 7/10 | 23/01/2026 | 7 | NR 55 to 62 | $7,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Blake Pace | 1:56.6 | 3 |
| 13.3L | $19.00 |
| 10/10 | 16/01/2026 | 16 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Geelong | 1609m | Neutral | Paul Grech | 1:56.5 | 2 |
| 16.0L | $17.00 |
| 3/8 | 31/12/2025 | 12 | 0W/15 0K stake | $8,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Connor Clarke | 1:56.2 | 6 |
| 16.7L | $26.00 |
| 1/10 | 19/12/2025 | 9 | NR 46 to 52 | $6,000.00 | Geelong | 1609m | Neutral | Blake Pace | 1:56.0 | 1 |
| 3.2L | $9.50 |
| 1/3 | 28/09/2024 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bacchus Marsh | 1940m | Paul Grech | 0 |
| 8L | $0.00 | ||
| 3/6 | 19/10/2022 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Kilmore | 2180m | Annalise Scott | 0 |
| 0L | $0.00 |

Driver: Kerryn Manning
Stats
Comments
Last start 8th (Fr5) over 2240m at this track, at the bell was 10th-13.28 beaten 10 m by Followtheace (2:42.00) in 0W/15 0K stake on March 7 at $71. Before that, a good run when 3rd (Fr5) over 2160m after showing early speed and racing wide at Hamilton, at the bell was 4th-7 beaten 3 m by The Steel Dragon (2:38.00) in NR 56 to 64 on February 23 at $19. Can make amends.
Last Starts 6 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/11 | 07/03/2026 | 12 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Kerryn Manning | 1:56.4 | 5 |
| 10.2L | $71.00 |
| 3/8 | 23/02/2026 | 10 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Hamilton | 2160m | Neutral | Jason Lee | 1:57.7 | 5 |
| 3.2L | $19.00 |
| 6/7 | 13/02/2026 | 4 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Terang | 2180m | Neutral | Kerryn Manning | 1:59.5 | 3 |
| 9.3L | $11.00 |
| 4/7 | 09/02/2026 | 4 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Stawell | 1785m | Neutral | Lochie Cook | 1:55.3 | 3 |
| 4.5L | $8.50 |
| 2/12 | 05/02/2026 | 10 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Ballarat | 2200m | Neutral | Kerryn Manning | 1:56.8 | 2 |
| 3.8L | $12.00 |
| 1/6 | 26/01/2026 | 7 | NR 50 to 55 | $8,000.00 | Terang | 2180m | Fast | Kerryn Manning | 1:59.8 | 1 |
| 2.8L | $4.60 |
| 5/7 | 07/08/2024 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Horsham | 2200m | Kerryn Manning | 0 |
| 0.2L | $0.00 | ||
| 4/7 | 16/03/2024 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Maryborough | 1690m | Brent Murphy | 0 |
| 6L | $0.00 |

Driver: Jordan Leedham
Stats
Comments
Last start was well back in the run when 10th (Fr3) over 2180m after being wide early at Kilmore beaten 45 m by Ronnie The Hammer (2:39.20) in NR 57 to 64 on February 26 at $71. At the start before 8th (Fr3) over 2190m after showing early pace at Mildura, beaten 30 m by Lilstrepo (2:43.10) in NR 56 to 64 on February 18 at $5.50. Better than last start and can improve sharply.
Last Starts 15 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10/11 | 26/02/2026 | 8 | NR 57 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Kilmore | 2180m | Neutral | Ellen Tormey | 1:57.6 | 3 |
| 44.6L | $71.00 |
| 8/8 | 18/02/2026 | 12 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Mildura | 2190m | Neutral | Ellen Tormey | 1:59.8 | 3 |
| 29.3L | $5.50 |
| 8/9 | 06/02/2026 | 7 | NR 55 to 63 | $7,000.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Neutral | Ellen Tormey | 2:00.5 | 5 |
| 6.8L | $12.00 |
| 7/9 | 30/01/2026 | 7 | NR 60 to 69 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Tasmyn Potter | 1:56.0 | 5 |
| 7.1L | $61.00 |
| 11/11 | 23/01/2026 | 98 | 1W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Jordan Leedham | 1:56.3 | 5 |
| 83.0L | $41.00 |
| 7/8 | 17/10/2025 | 7 | NR 60 to 69 | $10,000.00 | Geelong | 1609m | Neutral | D K Douglas | 1:54.2 | 7 |
| 20.1L | $23.00 |

Driver: John Justice
Stats
Comments
Returns after seven months in the paddock. Finished off last campaign when well beaten into seventh behind Dressed In Gold at Launceston over 2200m in a NR 57 to 62 on August 15 at $19. Can make his presence felt.
Last Starts 31 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/8 | 10/02/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | John Justice | 0 |
| 23.9L | $0.00 | |
| 7/11 | 15/08/2025 | 14 | NR 57 to 62 | $8,000.00 | Launceston | 2200m | W | Jordan Chibnall | 2:00.3 | 7 |
| 15.9L | $19.00 |
| 3/9 | 01/08/2025 | 5 | NR 55 to 58 | $8,000.00 | Launceston | 1680m | Neutral | M T Jones | 1:56.9 | 4 |
| 11.8L | $11.00 |
| 4/9 | 27/07/2025 | 16 | NR 56 to 63 | $9,700.00 | Launceston | 2200m | Neutral | M T Jones | 1:57.2 | 1 |
| 12.3L | $19.00 |
| 3/3 | 19/07/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Carrick | 2150m | M T Jones | 0 |
| 4.1L | $0.00 | ||
| 8/12 | 11/07/2025 | 5 | NR 53 to 57 | $8,000.00 | Launceston | 1680m | Neutral | M T Jones | 1:57.0 | 6 |
| 15.4L | $21.00 |
| 8/11 | 06/07/2025 | 14 | NR 60 or better | $9,700.00 | Launceston | 2200m | Neutral | M T Jones | 1:59.5 | 4 |
| 19.9L | $19.00 |
| 5/11 | 22/06/2025 | 28 | NR 56 to 63 | $9,700.00 | Launceston | 2200m | Neutral | M T Jones | 1:59.3 | 4 |
| 7.3L | $31.00 |

Driver: Ewa Justice
Stats
Comments
Beaten favourite last start when second at this track on March 6. Was victorious the start prior at Kilmore on February 26. Capable of playing a major role again.
Last Starts 7 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/10 | 06/03/2026 | 8 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:57.5 | 5 |
| 2.3L | $2.50 |
| 1/8 | 26/02/2026 | 7 | NR 52 to 56 | $6,000.00 | Kilmore | 2180m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:58.7 | 3 |
| 18.1L | $1.50 |
| 5/10 | 19/02/2026 | 14 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Ballarat | 1710m | Neutral | Alex Ashwood | 1:53.4 | 2 |
| 6.9L | $5.50 |
| 4/12 | 05/02/2026 | 7 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Ballarat | 2200m | Neutral | Alex Ashwood | 1:56.8 | 4 |
| 9.4L | $9.00 |
| 5/10 | 29/01/2026 | 27 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Ballarat | 1710m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:54.2 | 1 |
| 7.4L | $4.40 |
| 1/4 | 24/01/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bacchus Marsh | 1940m | James Herbertson | 0 |
| 1L | $0.00 | ||
| 5/5 | 10/01/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bacchus Marsh | 1940m | Patrick Tomkinson | 0 |
| 8L | $0.00 | ||
| 10/11 | 02/01/2026 | 160 | NR 57 to 63 | $7,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Kerryn Manning | 1:55.7 | 2 |
| 87.4L | $31.00 |

Driver: Jack Laugher
Stats
Comments
Didn't do much last time out, 11th (Sr2) over 2240m at this track, at the bell was 7th-8.99 beaten 18 m by Followtheace (2:42.00) in 0W/15 0K stake on March 7 at $81. Before that 9th (Fr2) over 1720m after showing early speed at this track was 6th-8.54 at the bell, beaten 7 m by Rolinginthedeep (2:02.90) in 0W/15 0K stake on February 21 at $18. Prefer others.
Last Starts 6 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11/11 | 07/03/2026 | 14 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Michael Bellman | 1:56.4 | 2 |
| 18.7L | $81.00 |
| 9/12 | 21/02/2026 | 14 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Jack Laugher | 1:55.0 | 2 |
| 7.7L | $18.00 |
| 8/12 | 07/02/2026 | 7 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Kilmore | 1690m | Neutral | Jack Laugher | 1:56.8 | 6 |
| 11.3L | $23.00 |
| 7/8 | 31/01/2026 | 7 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Cranbourne | 1609m | Neutral | Ewa Justice | 1:56.2 | 1 |
| 11.2L | $12.00 |
| 6/9 | 24/01/2026 | 14 | NR 60 to 69 | $10,000.00 | Ballarat | 2200m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:56.2 | 2 |
| 10.6L | $13.00 |
| 6/11 | 10/01/2026 | 10 | 1W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Michael Bellman | 1:54.5 | 4 |
| 8.1L | $19.00 |
| 1/4 | 10/08/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Cranbourne | 1609m | James Herbertson | 0 |
| 0.3L | $0.00 | ||
| 4/4 | 28/07/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Maryborough | 2190m | David Murphy | 0 |
| 21L | $0.00 |

Driver: Ryan Sanderson
Stats
Comments
Two back was well beaten into second after being driven well back, behind Merrywood Paul at Cobram over 2678m in a 0W/15 0K stake on December 28 at $4.60. Then a handy effort when beaten by 4.5 m finishing second behind Franco Novelist at Shepparton over 2190m in a 0W/15 0K stake on January 17 at $3.30. Strong claims.
Last Starts 8 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/3 | 05/03/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Shepparton | 2190m | Rebecca Bartley | 0 |
| 15L | $0.00 | ||
| 2/12 | 17/01/2026 | 20 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Shepparton | 2190m | Fast | Ryan Sanderson | 1:57.4 | 5 |
| 4.6L | $3.30 |
| 2/11 | 28/12/2025 | 164 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Cobram | 2678m | Neutral | Ryan Sanderson | 1:57.6 | 6 |
| 12.1L | $4.60 |
| 1/5 | 09/12/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Shepparton | 2190m | Abbey Turnbull | 0 |
| 1L | $0.00 | ||
| 9/9 | 17/07/2025 | 16 | NR 65 or better | $8,000.00 | Kilmore | 1690m | Neutral | Ryan Sanderson | 1:54.7 | 2 |
| 31.7L | $4.60 |
| 3/8 | 01/07/2025 | 13 | NR 59 to 66 | $8,000.00 | Shepparton | 1690m | Neutral | Corey O'donoghue | 1:56.0 | 5 |
| 3.8L | $4.80 |
| 7/8 | 18/06/2025 | 11 | NR 60 to 80 | $8,000.00 | Bendigo | 1650m | Neutral | Corey O'donoghue | 1:54.0 | 3 |
| 13.8L | $5.50 |
| 4/12 | 07/06/2025 | 14 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Rebecca Bartley | 1:55.2 | 5 |
| 3.4L | $14.00 |