Melton Race 2 - Hip Pocket Castlemaine Trot
MUSKEE (8) made an impressive return last time out when a convincing winner from this row at Bendigo, getting home by more than 7 metres. Shouldn't spend a penny from this draw and the sprint lane may come in handy. Has won second-up before so can go on with it. CLAUDYS HERO (9) has been racing consistently and turned in another good performance last start when he battled on bravely from this row to place at this venue. Yet to win at this longer distance but he is going well. GEE CEE CALDER (3) galloped from the standing last time but had put together a string of top-four finishes prior. Draws well so is worth another chance. MAC FLICK (4) worked last start but has claims off a win at this circuit and distance prior.

Driver: Leilani Justice
Stats
Comments
Fair run when beaten by 4 m finishing second after a quick start, behind Adelaide Red at Maryborough over 1690m in a NR 55 to 59 on April 20 at $11. Then a handy effort when beaten by 8 m finishing third behind Karbine at Ballarat over 2200m in a NR 50 to 55 on April 23 at $10. Draws the pegs and may feature from there.
Last Starts 9 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/10 | 23/04/2026 | 3 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Ballarat | 2200m | Neutral | Leilani Justice | 1:59.8 | 2 |
| 8.0L | $10.00 |
| 2/8 | 20/04/2026 | 4 | NR 55 to 59 | $6,000.00 | Maryborough | 1690m | Neutral | Leilani Justice | 2:01.7 | 5 |
| 3.9L | $11.00 |
| 10/10 | 16/04/2026 | 6 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Kilmore | 2180m | Neutral | Leilani Justice | 2:01.9 | 5 |
| 18.6L | $8.00 |
| 11/12 | 10/04/2026 | 6 | NR up to 59 | $7,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Leilani Justice | 2:00.6 | 5 |
| 36.3L | $19.00 |
| 4/12 | 04/04/2026 | 2 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Leilani Justice | 2:00.9 | 3 |
| 20.8L | $151.00 |
| 8/11 | 02/04/2026 | 5 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Kilmore | 2180m | Neutral | Leilani Justice | 2:00.6 | 2 |
| 22.9L | $34.00 |
| 99/6 | 29/11/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bacchus Marsh | 1940m | Leilani Justice | 0 |
| 99L | $0.00 | ||
| 6/7 | 25/03/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | Leilani Justice | 0 |
| 34.4L | $0.00 |

Driver: Rebecca Bartley
Stats
Comments
Resuming after nine weeks off the scene. Finished off last campaign when well beaten into ninth after being driven well back, behind Just As I Am at this track over 1720m in a 0W/15 0K stake on February 28 at $26. Market watch fresh.
Last Starts 63 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9/10 | 28/02/2026 | 6 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Rebecca Bartley | 1:55.4 | 7 |
| 43.3L | $26.00 |
| 1/7 | 22/02/2026 | 18 | NR 51 to 56 | $6,000.00 | Cranbourne | 2080m | W | Abby Sanderson | 2:02.3 | 4 |
| 1.6L | $4.60 |
| 1/12 | 04/02/2026 | 7 | NR 52 to 56 | $6,000.00 | Maryborough | 2190m | Neutral | Rebecca Bartley | 2:00.3 | 2 |
| 0.1L | $9.50 |
| 3/10 | 28/01/2026 | 36 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Maryborough | 1690m | Neutral | Rebecca Bartley | 2:00.2 | 1 |
| 2.5L | $10.00 |
| 3/8 | 19/01/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Rebecca Bartley | 0 |
| 11L | $0.00 | ||
| 11/12 | 23/12/2025 | 21 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Shepparton | 2190m | Neutral | Rebecca Bartley | 2:00.1 | 6 |
| 30.1L | $41.00 |
| 6/10 | 02/12/2025 | 7 | NR up to 55 | $6,000.00 | Shepparton | 2190m | Neutral | Abby Sanderson | 2:00.6 | 3 |
| 27.1L | $9.50 |
| 3/3 | 16/10/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Shepparton | 2190m | 0 |
| 5.2L | $0.00 |

Driver: James Herbertson
Stats
Comments
Last start 9th (30m Fr1) over 2230m at Globe Derby Park beaten 23 m by Georgy Girl (2:49.90) in NR 55 or better on April 25 at $5.50. Before that, a good run when 2nd (20m Fr1) over 2190m at Maryborough, at the bell was 2nd-2.4 beaten 3 m by Im Above The Law (2:46.30) in NR 55 or better on April 10 at $12. Draws for a good showing.
Last Starts 7 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9/11 | 25/04/2026 | 15 | NR 55 or better | $11,000.00 | Globe Derby | 2230m | Neutral | Corey Johnson | 2:02.6 | 0 |
| 23.3L | $5.50 |
| 2/9 | 10/04/2026 | 6 | NR 55 or better | $8,000.00 | Maryborough | 2190m | Neutral | Kerryn Manning | 2:02.2 | 0 |
| 3.0L | $12.00 |
| 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 |
| 5/7 | 28/10/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 1720m | Good | John Caldow | 0 |
| 20.3L | $0.00 |

Driver: Josh Duggan
Stats
Comments
Failed to impress last start; 7th (Fr4) over 2150m at Bendigo was 2nd-1.46 at the bell, beaten 6 m by The Priestess (2:41.50) in 0W/15 0K stake on April 18 at $7. Showed ability the run before when she won by 1.5 m (Fr1) at this track (2:46.90) beating Rapid Return in NR 60 to 69 on April 4 at $34. Can play a role in the finish.
Last Starts 14 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7/10 | 18/04/2026 | 14 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Neutral | Josh Duggan | 2:00.9 | 4 |
| 6.1L | $7.00 |
| 1/11 | 04/04/2026 | 7 | NR 60 to 69 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Josh Duggan | 1:59.9 | 1 |
| 1.5L | $34.00 |
| 7/11 | 28/03/2026 | 10 | NR 60 to 69 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Josh Duggan | 1:58.4 | 1 |
| 7.6L | $14.00 |
| 4/10 | 18/03/2026 | 18 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Neutral | Josh Duggan | 2:01.3 | 7 |
| 6.5L | $13.00 |
| 8/8 | 28/02/2026 | 8 | NR 56 to 75 | $20,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Josh Duggan | 1:56.7 | 6 |
| 24.6L | $13.00 |
| 8/10 | 20/02/2026 | 14 | NR 56 to 75 | $8,000.00 | Bendigo | 1650m | Neutral | Josh Duggan | 1:55.3 | 6 |
| 29.6L | $4.00 |
| 4/8 | 20/10/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Josh Duggan | 0 |
| 3L | $0.00 | ||
| 2/6 | 03/06/2024 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | M E Campbell | 0 |
| 1L | $0.00 |

Driver: Jordan Leedham
Stats
Comments
Last start 4th (Sr3) over 2150m at Bendigo, at the bell was 5th-7.07 beaten 11 m by Muskee (2:38.20) in NR 56 to 64 on April 22 at $7. Two runs back won by 3 m (FT Fr2) at Maryborough (2:46.30) beating Gee Cee Calder in NR 55 or better on April 10 at $4.40 at the bell was leading 2.4. Could be there at the business end.
Last Starts 10 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/10 | 22/04/2026 | 12 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Neutral | Jordan Leedham | 1:58.4 | 3 |
| 11.8L | $7.00 |
| 1/9 | 10/04/2026 | 7 | NR 55 or better | $8,000.00 | Maryborough | 2190m | Neutral | Jordan Leedham | 2:02.2 | 2 |
| 3.0L | $4.40 |
| 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 |
| 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: Nathan Jack
Stats
Comments
Didn't do much last start, 5th (Fr1) over 1720m at this track was 4th-6.98 at the bell, beaten 15 m by Heza Gun (2:05.70) in NR 58 to 68 on April 25 at $41. Before that was well back in the run when 8th (Fr7) over 2150m at Bendigo, at the bell was 7th-12.38 beaten 8 m by The Priestess (2:41.50) in 0W/15 0K stake on April 18 at $101. Facing a tough assignment this time around.
Last Starts 7 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/10 | 25/04/2026 | 7 | NR 58 to 68 | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Chris Svanosio | 1:57.6 | 1 |
| 15.0L | $41.00 |
| 8/10 | 18/04/2026 | 8 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Neutral | Chris Svanosio | 2:00.9 | 7 |
| 8.2L | $101.00 |
| 10/12 | 10/04/2026 | 6 | NR up to 59 | $7,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Taylor Youl | 2:00.6 | 5 |
| 35.5L | $23.00 |
| 2/4 | 07/04/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | Chris Svanosio | 0 |
| 0.1L | $0.00 | |
| 8/12 | 04/04/2026 | 14 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Chris Svanosio | 2:00.9 | 4 |
| 33.9L | $41.00 |
| 12/12 | 21/03/2026 | 7 | NR 60 to 69 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Jack Laugher | 1:59.5 | 3 |
| 87.7L | $10.00 |
| 2/8 | 14/03/2026 | 6 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Jack Laugher | 2:01.9 | 1 |
| 2.1L | $9.00 |
| 2/8 | 10/02/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | James Herbertson | 0 |
| 13.8L | $0.00 |

Driver: Ewa Justice
Stats
Comments
Resumed from a 151-day break with a strong win on from midfield and posted a big 7 m win as favourite (Sr2) at Bendigo (2:38.20) beating Watch And Act in NR 56 to 64 on April 22 at $2.60 at the bell was 2nd-2.31. Strips fitter and should pay to follow.
Last Starts 10 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/10 | 22/04/2026 | 151 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Neutral | Ewa Justice | 1:58.4 | 2 |
| 7.4L | $2.60 |
| 1/4 | 07/04/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | Ewa Justice | 0 |
| 0.1L | $0.00 | |
| 1/3 | 31/03/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 1720m | Good | Ewa Justice | 0 |
| 2.2L | $0.00 | |
| 6/12 | 22/11/2025 | 8 | No NR | $60,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Ewa Justice | 1:57.3 | 6 |
| 20.9L | $26.00 |
| 5/11 | 14/11/2025 | 12 | No NR | $10,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Ewa Justice | 2:00.8 | 2 |
| 17.8L | $21.00 |
| 4/12 | 02/11/2025 | 7 | No NR | $60,000.00 | Maryborough | 2690m | Neutral | Ewa Justice | 2:00.9 | 3 |
| 17.9L | $17.00 |
| 6/8 | 26/10/2025 | 7 | No NR | $10,000.00 | Maryborough | 2690m | W | Ewa Justice | 2:01.5 | 4 |
| 25.5L | $8.00 |
| 1/8 | 19/10/2025 | 15 | NR up to 59 | $7,000.00 | Cranbourne | 2080m | Neutral | Ewa Justice | 2:01.0 | 7 |
| 15.2L | $1.22 |

Driver: Kyle Marshall
Stats
Comments
Good run when beaten by 6 m finishing fourth behind Mac Flick at this track over 2240m in a NR 60 to 69 on April 4 at $6. Then a handy effort when beaten by 3.5 m finishing third behind Heza Gun at this track over 1720m in a NR 58 to 68 on April 25 at $8.50. One of the primary contenders.
Last Starts 7 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/10 | 25/04/2026 | 21 | NR 58 to 68 | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Kyle Marshall | 1:57.6 | 1 |
| 3.4L | $8.50 |
| 4/11 | 04/04/2026 | 7 | NR 60 to 69 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Kyle Marshall | 1:59.9 | 4 |
| 5.8L | $6.00 |
| 2/10 | 28/03/2026 | 7 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Kyle Marshall | 1:57.9 | 1 |
| 0.2L | $3.20 |
| 2/12 | 21/03/2026 | 10 | NR 60 to 69 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Kyle Marshall | 1:59.5 | 2 |
| 1.4L | $4.60 |
| 1/9 | 11/03/2026 | 11 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Bendigo | 1650m | Neutral | Kyle Marshall | 1:57.1 | 2 |
| 6.7L | $2.20 |
| 2/10 | 28/02/2026 | 7 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Kyle Marshall | 1:55.4 | 5 |
| 0.2L | $7.00 |
| 1/5 | 13/01/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | James Herbertson | 0 |
| 7.7L | $0.00 | |
| 1/6 | 10/05/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bacchus Marsh | 1940m | Kyle Marshall | 0 |
| 2.5L | $0.00 |

Driver: Chris Alford
Stats
Comments
Last start 5th (Fr6) over 2150m at Bendigo was 4th-6.52 at the bell, beaten 12 m by Muskee (2:38.20) in NR 56 to 64 on April 22 at $11. At the run before 4th (FT Fr3) over 2190m at Maryborough was 3rd-4.5 at the bell, beaten 8 m by Im Above The Law (2:46.30) in NR 55 or better on April 10 at $5.50. Place hope.
Last Starts 10 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/10 | 22/04/2026 | 12 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Neutral | Jodi Quinlan | 1:58.4 | 6 |
| 12.5L | $11.00 |
| 4/9 | 10/04/2026 | 6 | NR 55 or better | $8,000.00 | Maryborough | 2190m | Neutral | Jodi Quinlan | 2:02.2 | 3 |
| 8.1L | $5.50 |
| 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 |
| 3/7 | 08/10/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Menangle | 1609m | Good | Zara Fitzpatrick | 0 |
| 3.2L | $0.00 |

Driver: Jackie Barker
Stats
Comments
Last start 7th (Fr7) over 1720m at this track, beaten 21 m by Heza Gun (2:05.70) in NR 58 to 68 on April 25 at $101. Two runs back won by 3.5 m (40m Fr1) at Hamilton (2:48.40) beating Brown Eyed Kate in No NR on April 13 at $11. Not keen this time.
Last Starts 7 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7/10 | 25/04/2026 | 12 | NR 58 to 68 | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Jackie Barker | 1:57.6 | 7 |
| 21.3L | $101.00 |
| 1/8 | 13/04/2026 | 9 | No NR | $6,000.00 | Hamilton | 2160m | Neutral | Jackie Barker | 2:03.2 | 0 |
| 3.3L | $11.00 |
| 7/12 | 04/04/2026 | 27 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Jackie Barker | 2:00.9 | 1 |
| 32.5L | $101.00 |
| 4/11 | 08/03/2026 | 6 | No NR | $10,000.00 | Birchip | 2550m | Neutral | Jackie Barker | 2:05.4 | 0 |
| 36.4L | $16.00 |
| 1/7 | 02/03/2026 | 3 | No NR | $6,000.00 | Terang | 2180m | Neutral | Rod Barker | 2:05.5 | 0 |
| 1.1L | $3.50 |
| 3/10 | 27/02/2026 | 24 | No NR | $6,000.00 | Ararat | 2165m | Neutral | Jackie Barker | 2:05.5 | 0 |
| 6.1L | $6.50 |
| 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 |