Melton Race 8 - Benstud Standardbreds Pace
I AM THE STORM (1) had enough speed to lead from a wider barrier before cruising home by 11.6m in a dominant fresh victory at Terang. Has won both attempts at this shorter distance, one of them here. Has the speed to take advantage of the ace draw so looks tough to catch. ODIN (9) was impressive in finding winning form here last week, leading before cruising home by close to 18m. Draws on the back row this time but is a player again with even luck. PERUN NZ (8) has been good from this row at his last couple, winning at this circuit and distance then working but sticking on last time. Go well again. KARTIARE (11) came from this barrier for a resuming win at this venue and has won when second-up before so could go on with it.

Driver: Mark Pitt
Stats
Comments
Resumed from a 284-day break with a strong win a big 11 m win as favourite when quickly away, (Fr4) at Terang (2:37.30) beating Keayang Sweetheart in on May 18 at $1.35 at the bell was leading 5.1. Fitter and the ace draw gives him every chance to strike again.
Last Starts 18 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/7 | 18/05/2026 | 284 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Terang | 2180m | Neutral | Ryan Sanderson | 1:56.2 | 4 |
| 11.6L | $1.35 |
| 2/4 | 12/05/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | Ryan Sanderson | 0 |
| 4.7L | $0.00 | |
| 3/4 | 27/04/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Mark Pitt | 0 |
| 23L | $0.00 | ||
| 1/9 | 07/08/2025 | 152 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Ballarat | 1710m | Neutral | Ryan Sanderson | 1:55.2 | 7 |
| 5.6L | $1.14 |
| 9/10 | 08/03/2025 | 7 | No NR | $200,000.00 | Menangle | 2400m | Neutral | Kate Gath | 1:53.9 | 10 |
| 38.1L | $101.00 |
| 2/10 | 01/03/2025 | 8 | No NR | $20,400.00 | Menangle | 2400m | Neutral | Cameron Hart | 1:55.3 | 9 |
| 3.1L | $17.00 |
| 1/10 | 21/02/2025 | 160 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Geelong | 1609m | Neutral | Mark Pitt | 1:54.7 | 3 |
| 8.1L | $1.22 |
| 7/12 | 14/09/2024 | 7 | No NR | $150,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Jodi Quinlan | 1:55.8 | 2 |
| 10.7L | $101.00 |

Driver: Daryl Douglas
Stats
Comments
Seven-year-old gelding showed improvement last time. Was driven from back in the field when 2nd (Fr4) over 2240m at this track was 3rd-8.4 at the bell, beaten 11 m by Seaside Boy (2:42.60) on May 30 at $21. The race before was not as impressive when well beaten into seventh despite hanging in on scoring up, after being driven well back, behind Tooram Magic at this track over 2240m on May 23 at $21. Not likely to threaten this time.
Last Starts 6 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/7 | 30/05/2026 | 7 | NR 60 to 69 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Tasmyn Potter | 1:56.8 | 4 |
| 11.1L | $21.00 |
| 7/10 | 23/05/2026 | 7 | NR 65 to 75 | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | D K Douglas | 1:56.4 | 5 |
| 10.9L | $21.00 |
| 7/11 | 16/05/2026 | 7 | NR 60 to 69 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | D K Douglas | 1:53.2 | 7 |
| 11.1L | $101.00 |
| 9/9 | 09/05/2026 | 7 | NR 65 to 75 | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Jack Laugher | 1:56.3 | 3 |
| 19.2L | $26.00 |
| 2/7 | 02/05/2026 | 7 | NR 60 to 69 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Jack Laugher | 1:56.1 | 1 |
| 1.5L | $3.10 |
| 4/11 | 25/04/2026 | 8 | NR 60 to 71 | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Jack Laugher | 1:56.3 | 1 |
| 6.2L | $41.00 |
| 1/6 | 30/03/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Glen Douglas | 0 |
| 4L | $0.00 | ||
| 1/4 | 29/03/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Echuca | 2160m | Glen Douglas | 0 |
| 20L | $0.00 |

Driver: Aaron Dunn
Stats
Comments
Last start was driven from back in the field when 4th (Fr6) over 2200m after being wide early at Horsham, at the bell was 7th-14.9 beaten 1.75 m by One Golden Deal (2:42.50) on May 25 at $9. Before that, 9th (Fr2) over 1720m after showing early pace at this track, at the bell was 2nd-3.34 beaten 17 m by Repelling (2:03.50) on April 4 at $4. Place chance from a good draw.
Last Starts 11 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/7 | 25/05/2026 | 51 | NR 55 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Horsham | 2200m | Neutral | Aaron Dunn | 1:58.9 | 6 |
| 1.7L | $9.00 |
| 9/11 | 04/04/2026 | 7 | NR 67 to 75 | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Michael Bellman | 1:55.6 | 2 |
| 17.4L | $4.00 |
| 7/11 | 28/03/2026 | 14 | NR 62 to 71 | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Michael Bellman | 1:56.6 | 1 |
| 7.8L | $14.00 |
| 3/8 | 14/03/2026 | 68 | NR up to 80 | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Luke Dunne | 1:57.5 | 6 |
| 2.1L | $13.00 |
| 8/9 | 05/01/2026 | 16 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Horsham | 2200m | Neutral | Aaron Dunn | 1:57.3 | 2 |
| 37.9L | $4.00 |
| 10/12 | 20/12/2025 | 168 | NR up to 85 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Aaron Dunn | 1:53.3 | 4 |
| 24.7L | $10.00 |
| 1/7 | 20/01/2024 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Maryborough | 2190m | A Dunn | 0 |
| 6L | $0.00 |

Driver: Ewa Justice
Stats
Comments
Last start 6th (Fr6) over 2240m after showing early pace at this track, beaten 40 m by Seaside Boy (2:42.60) on May 30 at $34. Two runs back 5th (Sr1) over 1720m at this track was 5th-7.39 at the bell, beaten 5.5 m by Perun (2:01.00) on May 16 at $7. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/7 | 30/05/2026 | 14 | NR 60 to 69 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Lochie Cook | 1:56.8 | 6 |
| 41.8L | $34.00 |
| 5/11 | 16/05/2026 | 7 | NR 60 to 69 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:53.2 | 1 |
| 5.5L | $7.00 |
| 7/10 | 09/05/2026 | 7 | NR 58 to 66 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Ewa Justice | 1:56.7 | 2 |
| 7.5L | $34.00 |
| 6/7 | 02/05/2026 | 7 | NR 60 to 69 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Chris Alford | 1:56.1 | 6 |
| 3.7L | $9.50 |
| 1/9 | 25/04/2026 | 10 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Taylor Youl | 1:56.6 | 2 |
| 5.2L | $9.00 |
| 1/11 | 15/04/2026 | 5 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:54.2 | 5 |
| 4.3L | $2.50 |
| 5/6 | 17/03/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | James Herbertson | 0 |
| 24.8L | $0.00 | |
| 1/4 | 24/01/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bacchus Marsh | 1940m | James Herbertson | 0 |
| 1L | $0.00 |

Driver: Taylor Youl
Stats
Comments
Mixing form recently. Last start was 3rd (Fr2) over 2240m at this track was 6th-16.34 at the bell, beaten 19 m by Odin (2:40.40) on May 29 at $14. Before that beaten 18 metres, tenth at this track over 2240m on May 23. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/8 | 29/05/2026 | 6 | NR up to 80 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Taylor Youl | 1:55.2 | 2 |
| 19.7L | $14.00 |
| 7/7 | 26/05/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 1720m | Good | Taylor Youl | 0 |
| 11.3L | $0.00 | |
| 10/10 | 23/05/2026 | 8 | NR 65 to 75 | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Chris Alford | 1:56.4 | 4 |
| 18.1L | $26.00 |
| 4/9 | 15/05/2026 | 6 | NMWL6M | $8,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Chris Alford | 1:55.8 | 5 |
| 6.3L | $26.00 |
| 7/9 | 09/05/2026 | 15 | NR 65 to 75 | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Chris Alford | 1:56.3 | 6 |
| 11.1L | $126.00 |
| 1/3 | 05/05/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | Ewa Justice | 0 |
| 0.2L | $0.00 | |
| 7/11 | 24/04/2026 | 7 | NR up to 80 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Fast | Taylor Youl | 1:53.4 | 2 |
| 18.5L | $13.00 |
| 4/6 | 17/04/2026 | 7 | No NR | $20,000.00 | Geelong | 1609m | Neutral | Taylor Youl | 1:52.2 | 1 |
| 7.2L | $151.00 |

Driver: Ryan Sanderson
Stats
Comments
Last start 6th (Fr2) over 1720m at this track was 9th-12.1 at the bell, beaten 8 m by Keayang Wasabi (2:03.70) on May 16 at $13. Before that, was driven from back in the field when 6th (Fr4) over 1720m at this track beaten 13 m by Keayang Renegade (2:01.30) on May 2 at $34. Not out of it.
Last Starts 20 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/9 | 16/05/2026 | 14 | NR 70 to 82 | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Abbey Turnbull | 1:55.7 | 2 |
| 8.8L | $13.00 |
| 6/9 | 02/05/2026 | 14 | NR 70 to 85 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Abbey Turnbull | 1:53.5 | 4 |
| 13.6L | $34.00 |
| 8/11 | 18/04/2026 | 14 | NR 67 to 77 | $15,000.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Neutral | Abbey Turnbull | 1:58.1 | 6 |
| 17.2L | $71.00 |
| 7/9 | 04/04/2026 | 21 | NR up to 90 | $20,400.00 | Wagga | 2270m | Fast | Ryan Sanderson | 1:53.0 | 4 |
| 21.2L | $51.00 |
| 1/9 | 14/03/2026 | 56 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Ryan Sanderson | 1:54.9 | 2 |
| 3.9L | $2.10 |
| 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 |
| 1/5 | 09/12/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Shepparton | 2190m | A L Turnbull | 0 |
| 1L | $0.00 |

Driver: Liam Older
Stats
Comments
Beaten favourite last start when fourth at Bendigo on May 27. Proved too good the start prior at this track on May 16. Likely to play a major role.
Last Starts 9 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/9 | 27/05/2026 | 11 | NR 60 to 75 | $8,000.00 | Bendigo | 1650m | W | Liam Older | 1:54.0 | 2 |
| 6.5L | $2.50 |
| 1/11 | 16/05/2026 | 7 | NR 60 to 69 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Liam Older | 1:53.2 | 2 |
| 1.1L | $18.00 |
| 6/9 | 09/05/2026 | 8 | NR 65 to 75 | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Ewa Justice | 1:56.3 | 4 |
| 7.9L | $12.00 |
| 2/10 | 01/05/2026 | 14 | NR up to 80 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Ewa Justice | 1:54.2 | 4 |
| 0.1L | $16.00 |
| 9/10 | 17/04/2026 | 13 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Geelong | 2100m | Neutral | Hannah Lewis | 1:56.8 | 3 |
| 26.7L | $18.00 |
| 7/10 | 04/04/2026 | 7 | NR 75 to 88 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Michael Bellman | 1:57.8 | 1 |
| 9.5L | $9.00 |
| 1/2 | 22/02/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Cranbourne | 2080m | Michael Bellman | 0 |
| 4L | $0.00 | ||
| 4/7 | 08/04/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | Taylor Youl | 0 |
| 8.6L | $0.00 |

Driver: James Herbertson
Stats
Comments
Last start posted a big 17 m win as favourite after showing early speed, (Fr5) at this track (2:40.40) beating Sea Fury in on May 29 at $1.75 at the bell was leading 6.56. Major player with even luck.
Last Starts 7 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/8 | 29/05/2026 | 6 | NR up to 80 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:55.2 | 5 |
| 17.7L | $1.75 |
| 3/10 | 23/05/2026 | 8 | NR 65 to 75 | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:56.4 | 7 |
| 1.2L | $5.00 |
| 6/9 | 15/05/2026 | 14 | NMWL6M | $8,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Lochie Cook | 1:55.8 | 1 |
| 7.4L | $13.00 |
| 7/10 | 01/05/2026 | 27 | NR up to 80 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Kerryn Manning | 1:54.2 | 1 |
| 13.4L | $11.00 |
| 4/11 | 04/04/2026 | 14 | NR 67 to 75 | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:55.6 | 2 |
| 4.2L | $4.00 |
| 2/12 | 21/03/2026 | 19 | NR 70 to 79 | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:55.4 | 5 |
| 1.9L | $3.50 |
| 1/6 | 20/01/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Terang | 2180m | A J Tindale | 0 |
| 2L | $0.00 | ||
| 2/4 | 07/10/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Terang | 2180m | A J Tindale | 0 |
| 2L | $0.00 |

Driver: Michael Bellman
Stats
Comments
Last start 4th (Sr1) over 1720m at this track, at the bell was 4th-5.76 beaten 6 m by Maxnjax (2:02.50) on May 30 at $13. Two runs back raced just off the speed and boxed on; won by a nose when quickly away, (Fr1) at this track (2:02.00) beating Hoorah Philtra in on May 16 at $5 at the bell was 3rd-4.23. Could bounce back.
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 | 30/05/2026 | 14 | NR 70 to 79 | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Michael Bellman | 1:54.6 | 1 |
| 6.5L | $13.00 |
| 1/12 | 16/05/2026 | 18 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Jordan Leedham | 1:54.1 | 1 |
| 0.1L | $5.00 |
| 1/6 | 28/04/2026 | 18 | NR 57 to 67 | $7,000.00 | Shepparton | 2190m | Neutral | Ryan Sanderson | 1:58.0 | 6 |
| 0.1L | $9.00 |
| 7/12 | 10/04/2026 | 13 | NR 60 to 69 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Ryan Sanderson | 1:55.1 | 7 |
| 31.6L | $101.00 |
| 6/11 | 28/03/2026 | 14 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Rebecca Bartley | 1:53.3 | 3 |
| 13.7L | $71.00 |
| 1/8 | 14/03/2026 | 11 | NR 60 to 69 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Ryan Sanderson | 1:58.0 | 1 |
| 0.1L | $9.50 |
| 6/7 | 05/09/2024 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Shepparton | 2190m | R Bartley | 0 |
| 5L | $0.00 | ||
| 1/7 | 29/02/2024 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Shepparton | 2190m | R Bartley | 0 |
| 1L | $0.00 |

Driver: Chris Alford
Stats
Comments
Last preparation only had one start before going for a break. Returned to racing with a handy win to make any headway until the straight; raced back and made ground from the turn; won by a head (Sr4) at this track (2:42.10) beating All Blazing Guns in on May 23 at $15 at the bell was 9th-10.5. Fitter and capable of going well with even luck.
Last Starts 13 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/11 | 23/05/2026 | 168 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Chris Alford | 1:56.4 | 4 |
| 0.2L | $15.00 |
| 99/5 | 28/04/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 1720m | Good | John Caldow | 0 |
| 99L | $0.00 | |
| 2/10 | 06/12/2025 | 95 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Chris Alford | 1:56.7 | 3 |
| 3.3L | $5.00 |
| 7/7 | 02/09/2025 | 349 | NR 63 to 70 | $9,360.00 | Gloucester Park | 2130m | Neutral | Aiden De Campo | 1:58.3 | 5 |
| 16.6L | $3.80 |
| 5/11 | 18/09/2024 | 40 | No NR | $10,000.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Neutral | Chris Alford | 1:56.5 | 3 |
| 17.0L | $2.50 |
| 9/10 | 09/08/2024 | 12 | NR up to 65 | $9,790.00 | Wagga | 1740m | Fast | N R Jack | 1:53.2 | 4 |
| 19.6L | $2.10 |
| 1/11 | 28/07/2024 | 14 | NR up to 65 | $10,000.00 | Cranbourne | 2080m | Neutral | Greg Sugars | 1:58.6 | 4 |
| 0.2L | $1.45 |