Melton Race 5 - Aldebaran Park Trot
IJUSTCALLEDTOSAY (7) overcame a second row draw to find winning form two back then delivered again here last time, leading to score by 8.7m. Has to contend with a very wide draw this time but is going well enough to overcome that and land the hat trick. LITTLE YANKEE (6) did a good job for second behind a handy one last start, beaten 5.7 metres at this circuit and distance. Draws a couple of spots wider but should perform well again. HOWDY MATE (2) took his strike rate at this circuit and distance to 50 per cent by overcoming a back row draw last week. This is stronger but he is well served by this draw. KEAYANG KURKI (5) is ticking along nicely and has won when third-up before so could be ready to peak along with FREIGHT SHAKER (3) who draws better than last week and owns a good third-up record.

Driver: Chris Alford
Stats
Comments
Last start won by 4.5 m (Sr1) at Kilmore (2:03.90) beating Majestic Tooth in on July 8 at $9. Forward performance expected.
Last Starts 9 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/7 | 08/07/2026 | 22 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Kilmore | 1690m | Neutral | Chris Alford | 1:58.0 | 1 |
| 4.3L | $9.00 |
| 2/4 | 30/06/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 1720m | Good | Chris Alford | 0 |
| 4.1L | $0.00 | |
| 9/10 | 16/06/2026 | 70 | NR up to 65 | $10,000.00 | Menangle | 1609m | Fast | Will Rixon | 1:56.9 | 10 |
| 31.4L | $6.00 |
| 3/6 | 10/06/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Menangle | 1609m | Good | Will Rixon | 0 |
| 11.9L | $0.00 | |
| 8/10 | 07/04/2026 | 7 | NR up to 68 | $10,000.00 | Menangle | 1609m | Fast | D Aiken | 1:55.5 | 6 |
| 18.1L | $4.40 |
| 4/10 | 31/03/2026 | 13 | NR up to 72 | $10,000.00 | Menangle | 1609m | Fast | D Aiken | 1:55.5 | 6 |
| 8.1L | $7.00 |
| 2/10 | 18/03/2026 | 18 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Neutral | Chris Alford | 2:01.3 | 1 |
| 1.4L | $7.00 |
| 1/8 | 28/02/2026 | 8 | NR 56 to 75 | $20,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Chris Alford | 1:56.7 | 2 |
| 7.0L | $10.00 |

Driver: Kate Gath
Stats
Comments
Last start won by a head (Sr3) at this track (2:48.20) beating Iron Women in on July 4 at $4.33 at the bell was 3rd-3.46. A good draw could see him take this step up.
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 | 04/07/2026 | 7 | NR 58 to 68 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Glen Craven | 2:00.8 | 3 |
| 0.2L | $4.33 |
| 7/8 | 27/06/2026 | 28 | NR 69 to 79 | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:57.1 | 5 |
| 14.2L | $4.40 |
| 3/11 | 30/05/2026 | 21 | No NR | $125,000.00 | Wagga | 2270m | Fast | James Herbertson | 1:59.7 | 2 |
| 21.6L | $3.30 |
| 7/8 | 26/05/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 1720m | Good | James Herbertson | 0 |
| 19.8L | $0.00 | |
| 8/8 | 09/05/2026 | 14 | No NR | $75,000.00 | Menangle | 2300m | Fast | Blake Fitzpatrick | 1:57.6 | 3 |
| 55.8L | $21.00 |
| 2/10 | 25/04/2026 | 7 | NR 58 to 68 | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:57.6 | 3 |
| 1.6L | $2.00 |
| 6/6 | 18/04/2026 | 14 | No NR | $20,000.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 2:00.5 | 6 |
| 124.5L | $1.70 |
| 2/4 | 10/03/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | Craig Demmler | 0 |
| 2.2L | $0.00 |

Driver: Ross Payne
Stats
Comments
Good performance when beaten by 6 m finishing fourth after showing early speed, behind Hoppy at this track over 2240m on July 4 at $71. Then a handy effort when beaten by 5.5 m finishing third behind Unclad at this track over 1720m on July 11 at $9. Draws well and is in the mix with further improvement to come on the latest run.
Last Starts 6 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/9 | 11/07/2026 | 7 | NR 60 to 69 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | R | Ross Payne | 2:01.4 | 7 |
| 5.7L | $9.00 |
| 4/11 | 04/07/2026 | 147 | NR 69 to 84 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Ross Payne | 2:00.8 | 3 |
| 6.0L | $71.00 |
| 1/4 | 22/06/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Chris Svanosio | 0 |
| 0L | $0.00 | ||
| 2/3 | 16/06/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | Chris Svanosio | 0 |
| 1.4L | $0.00 | |
| 7/11 | 07/02/2026 | 8 | NR 70 to 85 | $17,500.00 | Kilmore | 1690m | Neutral | Ross Payne | 1:58.5 | 5 |
| 10.7L | $21.00 |
| 2/9 | 30/01/2026 | 13 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Chris Svanosio | 1:58.8 | 7 |
| 0.2L | $13.00 |
| 6/8 | 17/01/2026 | 7 | NR 63 to 74 | $15,000.00 | Shepparton | 2190m | Fast | Taylor Youl | 2:00.3 | 1 |
| 6.5L | $13.00 |
| 2/8 | 10/01/2026 | 7 | NR 60 to 75 | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Chris Svanosio | 1:58.2 | 1 |
| 2.1L | $3.30 |

Driver: Jordan Leedham
Stats
Comments
Last start 6th (Fr2) over 1720m at this track, beaten 21 m by Alrighty (2:04.70) on July 11 at $34. Two runs back was driven from back in the field when 7th (Fr4) over 2240m at this track was 9th-12.52 at the bell, beaten 9 m by Hoppy (2:48.20) on July 4 at $51. Not keen.
Last Starts 6 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/10 | 11/07/2026 | 7 | NR 70 to 85 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | R | Jordan Leedham | 1:56.6 | 2 |
| 21.0L | $34.00 |
| 7/11 | 04/07/2026 | 7 | NR 69 to 84 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Jordan Leedham | 2:00.8 | 4 |
| 9.8L | $51.00 |
| 2/8 | 27/06/2026 | 7 | NR 69 to 79 | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Kerryn Manning | 1:57.1 | 4 |
| 6.5L | $61.00 |
| 5/7 | 20/06/2026 | 7 | NR 68 to 80 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 2240m | W | Kerryn Manning | 1:59.2 | 2 |
| 30.1L | $21.00 |
| 6/10 | 13/06/2026 | 7 | NR 70 to 85 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Kerryn Manning | 1:55.3 | 2 |
| 15.0L | $51.00 |
| 1/9 | 06/06/2026 | 6 | NR 58 to 68 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Kerryn Manning | 2:00.4 | 3 |
| 5.3L | $7.00 |
| 1/6 | 04/02/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | Jordan Leedham | 0 |
| 3.3L | $0.00 | |
| 1/7 | 05/05/2024 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Maryborough | 2190m | D Douglas | 0 |
| 8L | $0.00 |

Driver: Ewa Justice
Stats
Comments
Finished fourth at her last two starts since resuming from a spell. Last outing was beaten 16 metres behind Alrighty at this track over 1720m on July 11. Building fitness so could show her best.
Last Starts 6 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/10 | 11/07/2026 | 14 | NR 70 to 85 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | R | Glen Craven | 1:56.6 | 6 |
| 16.4L | $8.50 |
| 4/8 | 27/06/2026 | 63 | NR 69 to 79 | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Jason Lee | 1:57.1 | 7 |
| 10.2L | $4.80 |
| 3/6 | 16/06/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Terang | 2180m | Chelsea O Driscoll | 0 |
| 4L | $0.00 | ||
| 8/8 | 25/04/2026 | 7 | No NR | $60,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Jordan Leedham | 1:57.6 | 1 |
| 35.8L | $71.00 |
| 4/4 | 21/04/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Terang | 2180m | Antti Ruokonen | 0 |
| 3L | $0.00 | ||
| 3/8 | 18/04/2026 | 126 | NR 70 to 85 | $17,500.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Neutral | Jason Lee | 1:59.2 | 2 |
| 1.1L | $2.80 |
| 1/12 | 13/12/2025 | 10 | No NR | $60,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Jason Lee | 1:59.1 | 2 |
| 1.8L | $16.00 |
| 6/7 | 03/12/2025 | 11 | No NR | $10,000.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Neutral | Jason Lee | 1:57.6 | 2 |
| 24.6L | $2.25 |

Driver: Connor Ronan
Stats
Comments
Improved last start with a solid effort despite getting well back, when 2nd (Fr4) over 2240m at this track was 3rd-7.97 at the bell, beaten 5.5 m by Vytis (2:45.90) on June 20 at $8. Leading player.
Last Starts 27 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/7 | 20/06/2026 | 14 | NR 68 to 80 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 2240m | W | Connor Ronan | 1:59.2 | 4 |
| 5.7L | $8.00 |
| 7/10 | 06/06/2026 | 7 | No NR | $22,500.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Connor Ronan | 1:55.9 | 1 |
| 26.7L | $51.00 |
| 7/9 | 30/05/2026 | 14 | No NR | $22,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Michael Bellman | 1:55.2 | 3 |
| 12.4L | $34.00 |
| 2/8 | 16/05/2026 | 14 | NR 72 to 84 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Connor Ronan | 1:59.8 | 5 |
| 4.2L | $4.80 |
| 3/9 | 02/05/2026 | 14 | NR 70 to 85 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Luke Dunne | 1:59.7 | 5 |
| 4.5L | $13.00 |
| 1/8 | 18/04/2026 | 127 | NR 70 to 85 | $17,500.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Neutral | Luke Dunne | 1:59.2 | 1 |
| 0.1L | $19.00 |
| 3/4 | 19/08/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Ballarat | 2200m | Connor Ronan | 0 |
| 7L | $0.00 | ||
| 2/3 | 18/05/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Maryborough | 2190m | T J Mortlock | 0 |
| 8L | $0.00 |

Driver: Mark Pitt
Stats
Comments
Four-year-old entire is racing in fine form. Won his last two outings at this track both over 1720m. Last start won by 8 m as favourite after showing early speed, (Fr1) at this track (2:04.30) beating Carla Pixie in on July 4 at $1.20 at the bell was leading 6.5. Can overcame a wide draw to land the hat trick.
Last Starts 13 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/10 | 04/07/2026 | 7 | 0W/15.0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Mark Pitt | 1:56.3 | 1 |
| 8.7L | $1.20 |
| 1/9 | 27/06/2026 | 21 | NR 58 to 68 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Mark Pitt | 1:57.3 | 2 |
| 2.7L | $5.50 |
| 9/9 | 06/06/2026 | 28 | NR 58 to 68 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Kylie Sugars | 2:00.4 | 7 |
| 18.2L | $21.00 |
| 9/10 | 09/05/2026 | 157 | NR 60 to 69 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Kylie Sugars | 1:57.1 | 3 |
| 39.2L | $15.00 |
| 5/5 | 30/04/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Shepparton | 2190m | Kylie Sugars | 0 |
| 10L | $0.00 | ||
| 3/7 | 23/04/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Shepparton | 2190m | Kylie Sugars | 0 |
| 17L | $0.00 | ||
| 6/7 | 03/12/2025 | 5 | No NR | $10,000.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Neutral | Kylie Sugars | 1:59.0 | 6 |
| 21.1L | $15.00 |
| 3/12 | 28/11/2025 | 14 | No NR | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | W | Kylie Sugars | 2:01.3 | 6 |
| 4.9L | $4.40 |