Melton Race 7 - Irt Graduation Series 3yo & Older Pace Final
THE LAST TRIP (7) took charge early on and kept going to record a commanding 25 metres win last start over 1690m at Kilmore in his first run back from a break. Must overcome a very wide draw. Needs to be at his best to beat this field but he is up to the challenge. DON CRUNCH (2) went back last start then worked home in good style to finish 1.75 metres from the winner in third at Swan Hill over 2240m, that effort following a good second at Maryborough the run prior. Will enjoy a nice run from this favourable starting position. Needs to be at his best to beat this field but he has the ability to mix it with them. MEZZANOTTI (5) is worth some thought after finishing fifth first-up over 1690m at Maryborough last time out. COCOSWORLD (4) is the next elect off a last-start win by 1.3 metres at Maryborough over 1690m.

Driver: Josh Duggan
Stats
Comments
Well beaten last start by The Last Trip, a rival who he faces again; when 35 metres fifth at Kilmore over 1690m in a 3yo+ race on July 22. Not keen.
Last Starts 9 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/7 | 22/07/2026 | 22 | 10 0K | $8,000.00 | Kilmore | 1690m | Neutral | Josh Duggan | 1:54.9 | 3 |
| 34.2L | $41.00 |
| 6/8 | 30/06/2026 | 7 | 0-1 WIN | $6,000.00 | Shepparton | 2190m | W | Leigh Sutton | 1:58.2 | 6 |
| 17.6L | $26.00 |
| 1/11 | 23/06/2026 | 7 | MAIDEN | $6,000.00 | Shepparton | 1690m | Neutral | Leigh Sutton | 1:56.8 | 1 |
| 1.3L | $3.40 |
| 3/10 | 16/06/2026 | 16 | MAIDEN | $6,000.00 | Shepparton | 1690m | Neutral | Leigh Sutton | 1:57.4 | 4 |
| 5.0L | $8.50 |
| 6/9 | 31/05/2026 | 11 | No NR | $14,000.00 | Maryborough | 1690m | Neutral | Kylie Sugars | 1:52.8 | 2 |
| 35.8L | $81.00 |
| 5/7 | 20/05/2026 | 8 | , 100K | $8,000.00 | Bendigo | 1650m | Neutral | Kylie Sugars | 1:55.7 | 5 |
| 22.9L | $31.00 |
| 2/5 | 19/03/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Shepparton | 1690m | Kylie Sugars | 0 |
| 0.2L | $0.00 | ||
| 4/5 | 05/03/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Shepparton | 2190m | Kylie Sugars | 0 |
| 10L | $0.00 |

Driver: Luke Dunne
Stats
Comments
Not far away at the last couple starts; Finished 1.75 m third behind Woodville Flyer at Swan Hill over 2240m last start. Before that was beaten 1.3 metres second at Maryborough over 1690m in 3yo+ on July 13. Sure to go well again.
Last Starts 7 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/9 | 24/07/2026 | 11 | 0-1 WIN | $6,000.00 | Swan Hill | 2240m | Neutral | Luke Dunne | 2:00.9 | 4 |
| 1.8L | $2.00 |
| 2/10 | 13/07/2026 | 7 | 10 0K | $8,000.00 | Maryborough | 1690m | R | Luke Dunne | 2:01.0 | 6 |
| 1.3L | $21.00 |
| 5/8 | 06/07/2026 | 80 | 0-1 WIN | $6,000.00 | Charlton | 2100m | Neutral | Luke Dunne | 2:00.3 | 7 |
| 10.2L | $7.00 |
| 1/7 | 22/06/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Luke Dunne | 0 |
| 0L | $0.00 | ||
| 1/8 | 17/04/2026 | 21 | MAIDEN | $6,000.00 | Mildura | 2190m | Neutral | Luke Dunne | 2:03.1 | 1 |
| 4.0L | $2.60 |
| 3/11 | 27/03/2026 | - | MAIDEN | $6,000.00 | Mildura | 2190m | Neutral | Luke Dunne | 2:00.9 | 4 |
| 30.9L | $2.00 |
| 1/8 | 16/03/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Jordan Leedham | 0 |
| 4L | $0.00 |

Driver: Liam Older
Stats
Comments
Improved last start with a game effort when 2nd (Sr1) over 1690m at Kilmore beaten 25 m by The Last Trip (2:00.70) in 3yo+ on July 22 at $41. Leading player.
Last Starts 9 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/7 | 22/07/2026 | 9 | 10 0K | $8,000.00 | Kilmore | 1690m | Neutral | Liam Older | 1:54.9 | 1 |
| 25.8L | $41.00 |
| 9/10 | 13/07/2026 | 11 | 10 0K | $8,000.00 | Maryborough | 1690m | R | Nathan Jack | 2:01.0 | 1 |
| 23.5L | $6.50 |
| 5/10 | 02/07/2026 | 9 | NR up to 50 | $8,000.00 | Kilmore | 2180m | Neutral | Hannah Parish | 2:01.0 | 7 |
| 21.0L | $4.20 |
| 3/6 | 23/06/2026 | 7 | 0-1 WIN | $6,000.00 | Shepparton | 2190m | Neutral | Leigh Sutton | 1:58.7 | 1 |
| 8.4L | $4.40 |
| 4/9 | 16/06/2026 | 69 | 0-1 WIN | $6,000.00 | Shepparton | 2190m | Neutral | Leigh Sutton | 1:58.6 | 2 |
| 5.6L | $9.00 |
| 3/7 | 11/06/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Shepparton | 2190m | Tasmyn Potter | 0 |
| 1L | $0.00 | ||
| 3/4 | 04/06/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Cobram | 2170m | N Jack | 0 |
| 25L | $0.00 | ||
| 8/9 | 08/04/2026 | 15 | 0W/15 0K stake | $8,000.00 | Bendigo | 1650m | Neutral | Leigh Sutton | 1:54.8 | 2 |
| 13.0L | $61.00 |

Driver: Nathan Jack
Stats
Comments
Last start tracked on the speed and boxed on steadily; won by 1.3 m (Fr5) at Maryborough (2:07.00) beating Don Crunch in 3yo+ on July 13 at $3.20 at the bell was 2nd-0.8. Expected to be in the finish again.
Last Starts 18 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/10 | 13/07/2026 | 19 | 10 0K | $8,000.00 | Maryborough | 1690m | R | Jackie Barker | 2:01.0 | 5 |
| 1.3L | $3.20 |
| 2/10 | 24/06/2026 | 45 | 0-1 WIN | $6,000.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Neutral | Jackie Barker | 1:58.5 | 4 |
| 4.0L | $23.00 |
| 3/5 | 14/06/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Maryborough | 2190m | T F Patching | 0 |
| 5L | $0.00 | ||
| 7/7 | 10/05/2026 | 7 | NR 52 to 56 | $6,000.00 | Ouyen | 2040m | Neutral | Jackie Barker | 1:59.5 | 1 |
| 11.9L | $4.40 |
| 1/12 | 03/05/2026 | 332 | MAIDEN | $6,000.00 | Shepparton | 2190m | Soft | Jackie Barker | 2:00.4 | 2 |
| 1.2L | $34.00 |
| 4/6 | 27/04/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | T F Patching | 0 |
| 4L | $0.00 | ||
| 5/8 | 05/06/2025 | - | MAIDEN | $6,000.00 | Ballarat | 1710m | Neutral | Kerryn Manning | 1:56.7 | 1 |
| 17.0L | $51.00 |

Driver: James Herbertson
Stats
Comments
Resumed when beaten 4 m fifth after showing early speed, behind Cocosworld at Maryborough over 1690m in a 3yo+ on July 13. Better than that; major player.
Last Starts 18 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/10 | 13/07/2026 | 205 | 10 0K | $8,000.00 | Maryborough | 1690m | R | James Herbertson | 2:01.0 | 3 |
| 3.9L | $2.30 |
| 4/7 | 22/06/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Scott Torney | 0 |
| 0L | $0.00 | ||
| 4/9 | 20/12/2025 | 12 | No NR | $35,000.00 | Globe Derby | 1800m | Neutral | Luke Dunne | 1:56.5 | 2 |
| 34.3L | $11.00 |
| 2/5 | 08/12/2025 | 14 | No NR | $8,000.00 | Globe Derby | 1800m | Neutral | Luke Dunne | 1:56.3 | 5 |
| 24.6L | $8.50 |
| 6/7 | 24/11/2025 | 15 | 0-1 WIN | $6,000.00 | Horsham | 2200m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:59.9 | 6 |
| 8.0L | $1.90 |
| 1/8 | 09/11/2025 | 12 | MAIDEN | $6,000.00 | St Arnaud | 1740m | Neutral | Luke Dunne | 1:58.8 | 5 |
| 3.5L | $1.80 |
| 3/10 | 28/10/2025 | 70 | MAIDEN | $6,000.00 | Bendigo | 1650m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:54.3 | 1 |
| 6.8L | $19.00 |
| 4/6 | 10/08/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Maryborough | 1690m | Shaun Mcnaulty | 0 |
| 1L | $0.00 |

Driver: Craig Hoban
Stats
Comments
Last start was well back in the run when 7th (Fr6) over 2080m at Cranbourne was 8th-16.2 at the bell, beaten 10 m by Inexorable (2:31.40) on July 19 at $19. Two runs back was driven from back in the field when 3rd (Fr4) over 1690m at Maryborough, at the bell was 6th-8.9 beaten 2 m by Cocosworld (2:07.00) in 3yo+ on July 13 at $17. Prefer to see some form back on the board.
Last Starts 12 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7/9 | 19/07/2026 | 6 | NR 48 to 53 | $6,000.00 | Cranbourne | 2080m | Neutral | Craig Hoban | 1:57.1 | 6 |
| 10.5L | $19.00 |
| 3/10 | 13/07/2026 | 192 | 10 0K | $8,000.00 | Maryborough | 1690m | R | Craig Hoban | 2:01.0 | 4 |
| 2.1L | $17.00 |
| 3/5 | 11/07/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bacchus Marsh | 1940m | Craig Hoban | 0 |
| 0L | $0.00 | ||
| 2/8 | 07/07/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | Craig Hoban | 0 |
| 2.6L | $0.00 | |
| 10/12 | 02/01/2026 | 13 | NR 52 to 56 | $6,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Craig Hoban | 1:55.1 | 3 |
| 74.8L | $41.00 |
| 11/12 | 20/12/2025 | 43 | 10 0K | $20,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:56.0 | 4 |
| 95.7L | $23.00 |
| 10/10 | 07/11/2025 | 8 | No NR | $10,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Fast | Craig Hoban | 1:55.6 | 4 |
| 57.8L | $151.00 |
| 6/7 | 30/10/2025 | 6 | NR 54 to 62 | $7,000.00 | Ballarat | 2200m | Neutral | Craig Hoban | 1:56.9 | 2 |
| 48.6L | $81.00 |

Driver: Taylor Ford
Stats
Comments
Resumed from a 543-day break with a strong win by 25 m as favourite after showing early speed, (Fr5) at Kilmore (2:00.70) beating Aussie Jay Mac in 3yo+ on July 22 at $1.08 at the bell was leading 6.3. Fitter and expected to feature again.
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 | 22/07/2026 | 543 | 10 0K | $8,000.00 | Kilmore | 1690m | Neutral | Taylor Ford | 1:54.9 | 5 |
| 25.8L | $1.08 |
| 2/7 | 16/06/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | T R Ford | 0 |
| 0.1L | $0.00 | |
| 6/8 | 25/01/2025 | 9 | No NR | $30,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Jack Laugher | 1:50.9 | 3 |
| 28.6L | $71.00 |
| 1/7 | 16/01/2025 | 141 | NR 56 to 62 | $7,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Greg Sugars | 1:57.6 | 1 |
| 1.1L | $1.70 |
| 1/6 | 30/12/2024 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Jack Laugher | 0 |
| 8L | $0.00 | ||
| 5/9 | 28/08/2024 | 12 | No NR | $10,000.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Neutral | Greg Sugars | 1:58.2 | 1 |
| 9.2L | $4.20 |
| 3/7 | 16/08/2024 | 9 | No NR | $7,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Greg Sugars | 1:53.8 | 4 |
| 2.5L | $7.00 |
| 1/8 | 07/08/2024 | - | MAIDEN | $7,000.00 | Bendigo | 1650m | Neutral | Greg Sugars | 1:58.6 | 6 |
| 2.8L | $1.18 |

Driver: John Caldow
Stats
Comments
Last start 4th (Sr2) over 1690m at Maryborough, at the bell was 3rd-1.8 beaten 2.75 m by Cocosworld (2:07.00) in 3yo+ on July 13 at $31. Two runs back posted a big 4 m win as favourite after showing early speed, (Fr2) at Kilmore (2:05.00) beating Misty Always in on July 2 at $1.65 at the bell was leading 4.06. Not keen.
Last Starts 18 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/10 | 13/07/2026 | 11 | 10 0K | $8,000.00 | Maryborough | 1690m | R | John Caldow | 2:01.0 | 2 |
| 2.7L | $31.00 |
| 1/8 | 02/07/2026 | 9 | MAIDEN | $6,000.00 | Kilmore | 1690m | Neutral | John Caldow | 1:59.0 | 2 |
| 4.0L | $1.65 |
| 3/11 | 23/06/2026 | 9 | MAIDEN | $6,000.00 | Shepparton | 1690m | Neutral | John Caldow | 1:56.8 | 4 |
| 6.8L | $3.00 |
| 3/9 | 14/06/2026 | 10 | MAIDEN | $6,000.00 | Cranbourne | 1609m | Neutral | John Caldow | 1:56.5 | 6 |
| 11.6L | $3.30 |
| 2/12 | 04/06/2026 | 71 | MAIDEN | $6,000.00 | Kilmore | 2180m | W | John Caldow | 2:02.3 | 1 |
| 11.1L | $3.20 |
| 3/5 | 26/05/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 1720m | Good | John Caldow | 0 |
| 2.1L | $0.00 | |
| 4/8 | 25/03/2026 | 13 | MAIDEN | $6,000.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Neutral | John Caldow | 1:57.9 | 5 |
| 7.4L | $5.00 |
| 1/5 | 10/02/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | John Caldow | 0 |
| 4.1L | $0.00 |

Driver: Ryan Sanderson
Stats
Comments
Last start 4th (Fr1) over 1690m at Kilmore, beaten 35 m by The Last Trip (2:00.70) in 3yo+ on July 22 at $26. Two runs back won by 1.4 m when driven back in the field, (Fr5) held up early, at Geelong (2:35.50) beating Sweetheart Dior in on July 3 at $3.50 at the bell was 3rd-4.59. Not keen on his chances in this field.
Last Starts 9 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/7 | 22/07/2026 | 19 | 10 0K | $8,000.00 | Kilmore | 1690m | Neutral | Jackie Barker | 1:54.9 | 1 |
| 32.9L | $26.00 |
| 1/6 | 03/07/2026 | 5 | MAIDEN | $6,000.00 | Geelong | 2100m | Neutral | Jackie Barker | 1:59.1 | 5 |
| 1.4L | $3.50 |
| 2/9 | 28/06/2026 | 23 | MAIDEN | $6,000.00 | Cranbourne | 2080m | Neutral | Jackie Barker | 1:59.9 | 5 |
| 2.8L | $7.50 |
| 3/8 | 05/06/2026 | 7 | MAIDEN | $6,000.00 | Geelong | 1609m | Neutral | Jackie Barker | 1:55.0 | 1 |
| 16.7L | $16.00 |
| 4/12 | 29/05/2026 | 8 | MAIDEN | $6,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Jackie Barker | 1:56.8 | 1 |
| 11.5L | $13.00 |
| 8/10 | 21/05/2026 | 13 | MAIDEN | $6,000.00 | Kilmore | 2180m | Neutral | Blake Pace | 2:02.2 | 2 |
| 67.2L | $26.00 |
| 4/8 | 28/04/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 1720m | Good | A Pace | 0 |
| 16.5L | $0.00 | |
| 4/7 | 21/04/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | Ryan Sanderson | 0 |
| 2.4L | $0.00 |

Driver: Ellen Tormey
Stats
Comments
Finding it hard to put a couple of good runs together. Last start was was driven from back in the field when 3rd (Fr6) over 1690m at Kilmore beaten 35 m by The Last Trip (2:00.70) in 3yo+ on July 22 at $51. Before that beaten 8 metres, seventh at Maryborough over 1690m 3yo+ on July 13. Prefer others on this occasion.
Last Starts 9 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/7 | 22/07/2026 | 9 | 10 0K | $8,000.00 | Kilmore | 1690m | Neutral | Jordan Leedham | 1:54.9 | 6 |
| 32.7L | $51.00 |
| 7/10 | 13/07/2026 | 13 | 10 0K | $8,000.00 | Maryborough | 1690m | R | Liam Older | 2:01.0 | 3 |
| 8.8L | $18.00 |
| 4/5 | 30/06/2026 | 2 | 3 LIFETIME WINS | $8,000.00 | Mount Gambier | 1780m | Neutral | Corey Johnson | 1:58.0 | 4 |
| 23.1L | $3.90 |
| 5/7 | 28/06/2026 | 12 | 0-2 WINs | $6,000.00 | Cranbourne | 1609m | Neutral | Jackie Barker | 1:55.4 | 5 |
| 17.1L | $31.00 |
| 1/9 | 16/06/2026 | 11 | 0-1 WIN | $6,000.00 | Shepparton | 2190m | Neutral | Luke Dunne | 1:58.6 | 1 |
| 0.2L | $9.50 |
| 4/11 | 05/06/2026 | 7 | NR 46 to 50 | $6,000.00 | Mildura | 2190m | Neutral | Corey Johnson | 2:00.8 | 5 |
| 10.0L | $21.00 |
| 2/6 | 13/10/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bendigo | 1650m | Luke Dunne | 0 |
| 4L | $0.00 | ||
| 3/4 | 03/07/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Shepparton | 1690m | D I Harris | 0 |
| 3L | $0.00 |