Melton Race 1 - Irt Pace
NUGGET ROGERS (2) has come from this barrier to miss by narrow margins as runner-up in the last two outings, using the sprint lane to finish just a head from the winner in second at Echuca last week. That was a higher-graded race than this and a nice draw on the front line should ensure a cosy run. Could take this out. PISTOL PEARCE (3) should find this easier than when fifth here last start. Led from this barrier and dug deep to win at Geelong prior so may be hard to catch. ANGELS WATCHING (9) is on the radar after a fair effort from this row in a better race last start and a Bendigo win three back. KING SAINT (6) may need luck from a wider draw but won at this circuit and distance earlier in the campaign.

Driver: Sean O'Sullivan
Stats
Comments
Comes here second-up after a week-and-a-half. Lacklustre first-up performance when 10th (Fr3) over 1609m at Cranbourne, beaten 24 m by Lambro Mach (1:55.30) on July 5 at $26. Will need some improvement.
Last Starts 9 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10/10 | 05/07/2026 | 161 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Cranbourne | 1609m | Neutral | S J P O'sullivan | 1:55.3 | 3 |
| 24.3L | $26.00 |
| 1/4 | 28/06/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Cranbourne | 1609m | S J P O'sullivan | 0 |
| 0L | $0.00 | ||
| 3/6 | 25/01/2026 | 10 | NR 55 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Wedderburn | 1750m | Neutral | Chris Alford | 1:56.1 | 1 |
| 2.3L | $1.80 |
| 1/12 | 15/01/2026 | 17 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Kilmore | 1690m | Neutral | Chris Alford | 1:56.6 | 2 |
| 0.2L | $2.20 |
| 4/12 | 29/12/2025 | 8 | NR 53 to 58 | $6,000.00 | Charlton | 1609m | Neutral | Chris Alford | 1:55.2 | 4 |
| 1.1L | $4.80 |
| 4/10 | 21/12/2025 | 11 | NR 53 to 58 | $6,000.00 | Cranbourne | 1609m | W | Ross Payne | 1:57.2 | 3 |
| 12.7L | $11.00 |
| 3/9 | 10/12/2025 | 8 | NR 54 to 59 | $6,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Jordan Leedham | 1:54.9 | 2 |
| 3.1L | $7.00 |
| 1/4 | 18/08/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Geelong | 2100m | L Tabone | 0 |
| 0.2L | $0.00 |

Driver: Michael Bellman
Stats
Comments
Solid run when a close second behind Wipeout at Mildura over 1790m on June 26 at $1.60. Then a handy effort when a close second after showing early speed, behind Im Wesley at Echuca over 2160m on July 7 at $7.50. Draws well again and could break through.
Last Starts 7 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/7 | 07/07/2026 | 11 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Echuca | 2160m | Neutral | Nathan Jack | 1:58.0 | 2 |
| 0.2L | $7.50 |
| 2/7 | 26/06/2026 | 9 | NR 57 to 62 | $7,000.00 | Mildura | 1790m | Neutral | Alex Ashwood | 1:57.6 | 2 |
| 0.1L | $1.60 |
| 6/11 | 17/06/2026 | 15 | NR 55 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Bendigo | 1650m | Neutral | Alex Ashwood | 1:53.6 | 4 |
| 5.8L | $26.00 |
| 6/7 | 02/06/2026 | 7 | NR 57 to 67 | $7,000.00 | Shepparton | 2190m | W | Leigh Sutton | 2:00.4 | 3 |
| 5.3L | $7.00 |
| 3/12 | 26/05/2026 | 7 | NR 55 to 60 | $6,000.00 | Shepparton | 1690m | Neutral | Leigh Sutton | 1:56.0 | 2 |
| 0.2L | $18.00 |
| 6/9 | 19/05/2026 | 9 | NR 57 to 67 | $7,000.00 | Shepparton | 1690m | Neutral | Ryan Sanderson | 1:54.3 | 6 |
| 17.3L | $7.00 |
| 1/6 | 22/12/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Alex Ashwood | 0 |
| 8L | $0.00 | ||
| 2/7 | 16/10/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Shepparton | 2190m | Ryan Sanderson | 0 |
| 1L | $0.00 |

Driver: Kate Gath
Stats
Comments
Last start was well beaten into fifth after a quick start, behind Fairplay at this track over 1720m on July 4 at $21. Performed better the start before where he won by a neck after showing early speed, (Fr3) at Geelong (1:54.50) beating Bella Louise in on June 19 at $2.70 at the bell was leading 3.23. A good draw may see him hard to beat.
Last Starts 10 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/7 | 04/07/2026 | 15 | 0W/15.0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Jodi Quinlan | 1:53.7 | 2 |
| 16.3L | $21.00 |
| 1/12 | 19/06/2026 | 5 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Geelong | 1609m | Neutral | Kate Gath | 1:54.5 | 3 |
| 0.3L | $2.70 |
| 3/9 | 14/06/2026 | 15 | NR 53 to 58 | $7,000.00 | Cranbourne | 1609m | Neutral | Kate Gath | 1:53.9 | 3 |
| 4.5L | $7.50 |
| 7/10 | 30/05/2026 | 7 | 0W/15 0K stake | $10,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Jodi Quinlan | 1:55.8 | 3 |
| 11.9L | $15.00 |
| 9/10 | 23/05/2026 | 38 | 0W/15 0K stake | $10,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Jodi Quinlan | 1:56.1 | 6 |
| 19.6L | $71.00 |
| 4/9 | 15/04/2026 | 17 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Kate Gath | 1:55.6 | 3 |
| 4.7L | $3.00 |
| 6/9 | 28/10/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 1720m | Good | T Taugge | 0 |
| 9.3L | $0.00 | |
| 4/6 | 01/04/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | Kate Gath | 0 |
| 82.1L | $0.00 |

Driver: Chris Alford
Stats
Comments
Didn't do much last time out, 6th (Fr4) over 1609m after showing early pace at Cranbourne was 5th-7.1 at the bell, beaten 19 m by Lambro Mach (1:55.30) on July 5 at $23. Before that 5th (Sr1) over 1720m at this track, beaten 35 m by Bettor Beach (2:00.90) on June 26 at $51. Others read better. Place best.
Last Starts 9 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/10 | 05/07/2026 | 9 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Cranbourne | 1609m | Neutral | Jodi Quinlan | 1:55.3 | 4 |
| 19.3L | $23.00 |
| 5/8 | 26/06/2026 | 7 | NR up to 59 | $6,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Chris Alford | 1:53.1 | 1 |
| 36.2L | $51.00 |
| 4/8 | 19/06/2026 | 10 | NR up to 57 | $9,790.00 | Wagga | 1740m | Fast | Tasmyn Potter | 1:54.6 | 1 |
| 9.5L | $6.00 |
| 5/9 | 09/06/2026 | 14 | NR up to 55 | $9,790.00 | Wagga | 1740m | Neutral | Blake Jones | 1:54.1 | 4 |
| 3.9L | $2.20 |
| 2/12 | 26/05/2026 | 9 | NR 55 to 60 | $6,000.00 | Shepparton | 1690m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:56.0 | 4 |
| 0.1L | $4.40 |
| 5/9 | 17/05/2026 | 11 | NR 53 to 58 | $7,000.00 | Cranbourne | 1609m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:54.2 | 1 |
| 13.5L | $11.00 |
| 1/4 | 14/03/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bacchus Marsh | 1940m | L Tabone | 0 |
| 3L | $0.00 | ||
| 2/6 | 01/07/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | L Tabone | 0 |
| 4.2L | $0.00 |

Driver: Taylor Youl
Stats
Comments
Failed to impress last start; 5th (Fr3) over 2160m after showing early speed at Echuca, at the bell was 4th-8.2 beaten 5 m by Im Wesley (2:38.40) on July 7 at $19. Showed ability the run before when he won by 1.75 m as favourite when quickly away, (Fr3) at Ballarat (2:05.10) beating All Done Tara in on June 25 at $1.18 at the bell was leading 4.65. Capable of playing a role.
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 | 07/07/2026 | 12 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Echuca | 2160m | Neutral | Taylor Youl | 1:58.0 | 3 |
| 5.1L | $19.00 |
| 1/6 | 25/06/2026 | 8 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Ballarat | 1710m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:57.7 | 3 |
| 1.8L | $1.18 |
| 8/11 | 17/06/2026 | 12 | NR 55 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Bendigo | 1650m | Neutral | Taylor Youl | 1:53.6 | 1 |
| 7.2L | $26.00 |
| 2/7 | 05/06/2026 | 9 | NR 51 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Geelong | 2100m | Neutral | Taylor Youl | 1:58.5 | 6 |
| 4.8L | $12.00 |
| 5/12 | 27/05/2026 | 7 | NR 52 to 56 | $6,000.00 | Bendigo | 1650m | W | Taylor Youl | 1:53.4 | 2 |
| 7.1L | $19.00 |
| 5/6 | 20/05/2026 | 45 | $5000 last 4 starts | $8,000.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Neutral | Taylor Youl | 1:55.0 | 1 |
| 56.7L | $51.00 |
| 1/4 | 22/03/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Maryborough | 1690m | James Herbertson | 0 |
| 10L | $0.00 | ||
| 3/7 | 06/10/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Derrick Krafft | 0 |
| 9L | $0.00 |

Driver: Jack Laugher
Stats
Comments
Last start 7th (Fr4) over 1720m after showing early speed and racing wide at this track, beaten 20 m by Fairplay (2:01.50) on July 4 at $11. At his previous start solid effort when 3rd (Fr7) over 2190m after being wide early at Shepparton, at the bell was 2nd-0.96 beaten 2.75 m by Oh Sweet Creature (2:39.90) on June 30 at $34. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7/7 | 04/07/2026 | 4 | 0W/15.0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Ellen Tormey | 1:53.7 | 4 |
| 20.8L | $11.00 |
| 3/10 | 30/06/2026 | 13 | NR up to 59 | $7,000.00 | Shepparton | 2190m | W | Abby Sanderson | 1:57.5 | 7 |
| 2.7L | $34.00 |
| 9/11 | 17/06/2026 | 7 | NR 55 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Bendigo | 1650m | Neutral | Jack Laugher | 1:53.6 | 7 |
| 9.3L | $26.00 |
| 2/9 | 10/06/2026 | 11 | NR up to 75 | $8,000.00 | Bendigo | 1650m | Neutral | Ellen Tormey | 1:54.4 | 2 |
| 3.3L | $14.00 |
| 1/10 | 30/05/2026 | 9 | 0W/15 0K stake | $10,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Jack Laugher | 1:55.8 | 4 |
| 0.2L | $3.10 |
| 1/12 | 21/05/2026 | 9 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Kilmore | 1690m | Neutral | Ellen Tormey | 1:56.8 | 3 |
| 1.8L | $2.20 |
| 1/9 | 13/04/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | G F Douglas | 0 |
| 4L | $0.00 | ||
| 3/6 | 20/01/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Jack Laugher | 0 |
| 4L | $0.00 |

Driver: James Herbertson
Stats
Comments
Two back was well beaten into seventh behind Kiss Me Mini at Ballarat over 1710m on June 25 at $7.50. Then a handy effort when beaten by 6 m finishing second after being driven well back, behind Maas Betting Again at this track over 1720m on July 10 at $15. Can play a role in the finish.
Last Starts 4 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/7 | 10/07/2026 | 15 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:55.8 | 5 |
| 6.0L | $15.00 |
| 7/7 | 25/06/2026 | 8 | NR 55 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Ballarat | 1710m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:55.5 | 5 |
| 16.6L | $7.50 |
| 10/11 | 17/06/2026 | 7 | NR 55 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Bendigo | 1650m | Neutral | Liam Older | 1:53.6 | 6 |
| 9.9L | $71.00 |
| 8/10 | 10/06/2026 | 18 | NR 55 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:55.6 | 7 |
| 17.2L | $34.00 |
| 7/7 | 23/05/2026 | 9 | NR 56 to 64 | $8,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:56.4 | 7 |
| 20.3L | $19.00 |
| 2/8 | 14/05/2026 | 12 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Ballarat | 1710m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:55.6 | 3 |
| 1.5L | $8.00 |
| 4/8 | 02/05/2026 | 8 | 1MW | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:55.9 | 4 |
| 3.2L | $51.00 |
| 3/7 | 29/07/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 1720m | Good | James Herbertson | 0 |
| 15.9L | $0.00 | |
| 3/9 | 01/02/2022 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Albion Park | 1660m | T J Mcmullen | 0 |
| 5.7L | $0.00 |

Driver: Kerryn Manning
Stats
Comments
Brings the right form to the table. Won by 6 m when quickly away, (Fr4) at Horsham (2:03.60) beating Black Opal Jack in on June 22 at $2.60 at the bell was leading 2.4. Two runs back 8th (Fr3) over 2200m at Ballarat, at the bell was 5th-7.97 beaten 14 m by Dance Affair (2:40.10) on June 11 at $51. Might find this beyond him.
Last Starts 22 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/11 | 22/06/2026 | 11 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Horsham | 1700m | Neutral | Kerryn Manning | 1:57.0 | 4 |
| 5.8L | $2.60 |
| 8/9 | 11/06/2026 | 24 | 0W/15 0K stake | $7,000.00 | Ballarat | 2200m | Neutral | Kerryn Manning | 1:57.1 | 3 |
| 14.5L | $51.00 |
| 5/7 | 18/05/2026 | 9 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Terang | 2180m | Neutral | Kerryn Manning | 1:56.2 | 2 |
| 18.3L | $41.00 |
| 4/10 | 09/05/2026 | 14 | 0W/15 0K stake | $10,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Kerryn Manning | 1:56.6 | 1 |
| 8.4L | $61.00 |
| 6/9 | 25/04/2026 | 15 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Kerryn Manning | 1:56.6 | 4 |
| 12.3L | $71.00 |
| 8/12 | 10/04/2026 | 131 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Ada Massa | 1:57.5 | 1 |
| 21.3L | $101.00 |
| 6/7 | 17/09/2024 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 1720m | Riley Mitchell | 0 |
| 8L | $0.00 | ||
| 1/5 | 03/08/2022 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Redcliffe | 1780m | M J Elkins | 0 |
| 17.8L | $0.00 |

Driver: Ewa Justice
Stats
Comments
Won three starts back at Bendigo over 2150m on June 10. Last time out 6th (Sr1) over 1720m at this track was 5th-8.59 at the bell, beaten 13 m by Le Cardinal (2:00.10) on July 4 at $26. Can feature with even luck.
Last Starts 10 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/9 | 04/07/2026 | 14 | 0W/15.0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Ewa Justice | 1:52.3 | 1 |
| 13.0L | $26.00 |
| 5/11 | 20/06/2026 | 10 | NR 58 to 66 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | W | Ewa Justice | 1:52.9 | 3 |
| 27.8L | $34.00 |
| 1/10 | 10/06/2026 | 31 | NR 55 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Neutral | Ewa Justice | 1:55.6 | 2 |
| 0.1L | $19.00 |
| 6/7 | 26/05/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 1720m | Good | Ewa Justice | 0 |
| 4.7L | $0.00 | |
| 7/7 | 10/05/2026 | 165 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Ouyen | 2040m | Neutral | Luke Watson | 1:58.5 | 2 |
| 15.6L | $31.00 |
| 1/3 | 01/05/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Mildura | 1790m | Luke Watson | 0 |
| 18L | $0.00 | ||
| 1/8 | 26/11/2025 | 5 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Mildura | 1790m | Neutral | Wayne Hill | 1:58.9 | 1 |
| 1.8L | $7.50 |
| 0/11 | 21/11/2025 | 9 | NR 50 to 59 | $6,000.00 | Mildura | 2190m | Neutral | Wayne Hill | 1:59.2 | 3 |
| 99.0L | $7.50 |