Melton Race 7 - Toc's Takeaways Podcast - Now On Spotify Pace
ROCKELLA (8) was out of the money two runs back at this track then was at his best last start to score by 1.5 metres over 1710m at Ballarat. Can settle just behind them and wait on the sprint lane. It doesn't get any easier but he is capable of another big performance. DRESSED IN GOLD NZ (10) is in good form at present. Finished third at his latest appearance over 2240m at this track, beaten 3.5 metres. Not drawn to best so may need a 10/10 drive. In the mix with luck in running. KATUNGA EXPRESS (7) has been about the mark of late and must be respected, the latest offering a sound fifth at Riverina Paceway over 1740m. Top-three candidate. YARRAMAN JOLT (5) is a last-start winner who shouldn't be underestimated.

Driver: Leilani Justice
Stats
Comments
Last start 9th (Fr2) over 2240m at this track, beaten 24 m by The Last Trip (2:40.40) on August 22 at $101. Two runs back 6th (Fr1) over 2240m at this track, beaten 35 m by The Last Trip (2:39.40) on August 15 at $101. This looks a far sterner task.
Last Starts 6 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9/10 | 22/08/2026 | 7 | 0W/15 0K stake | $20,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Leilani Justice | 1:55.2 | 2 |
| 24.0L | $101.00 |
| 6/8 | 15/08/2026 | 8 | 0W/15 0K stake | $10,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Leilani Justice | 1:54.5 | 1 |
| 37.4L | $101.00 |
| 1/6 | 07/08/2026 | 7 | NR up to 49 | $5,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Leilani Justice | 1:56.1 | 4 |
| 1.2L | $2.80 |
| 3/6 | 31/07/2026 | 7 | NR 48 to 53 | $6,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Leilani Justice | 1:56.3 | 4 |
| 5.6L | $10.00 |
| 2/9 | 24/07/2026 | 118 | NR up to 45 | $5,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Leilani Justice | 1:55.3 | 1 |
| 12.8L | $5.50 |
| 1/3 | 30/05/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bacchus Marsh | 1940m | Leilani Justice | 0 |
| 40L | $0.00 | ||
| 2/4 | 23/05/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bacchus Marsh | 1940m | Leilani Justice | 0 |
| 2.5L | $0.00 | ||
| 9/9 | 28/03/2026 | 9 | 0W/15 0K stake | $10,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Brent Murphy | 1:54.0 | 3 |
| 21.0L | $126.00 |

Driver: Kate Gath
Stats
Comments
Last start was well back in the run when 8th (Fr6) over 2240m after being wide early at this track beaten 11 m by Binalong Mate (2:44.90) on August 12 at $12. Two runs back won by 2.75 m after showing early speed, (Fr5) at Cranbourne (1:57.30) beating Ima Charma in on August 2 at $4.60 at the bell was leading 4.4. Not keen this time.
Last Starts 16 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/9 | 12/08/2026 | 10 | NR 51 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Kate Gath | 1:58.5 | 6 |
| 11.4L | $12.00 |
| 1/8 | 02/08/2026 | 9 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Cranbourne | 1609m | Neutral | Jordan Leedham | 1:57.3 | 5 |
| 2.7L | $4.60 |
| 7/9 | 24/07/2026 | 8 | NR 48 to 52 | $6,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Kate Gath | 1:56.0 | 1 |
| 7.6L | $7.50 |
| 4/8 | 16/07/2026 | 38 | NR 45 to 49 | $5,000.00 | Kilmore | 2180m | Neutral | Riley Mitchell | 2:00.0 | 6 |
| 5.2L | $19.00 |
| 6/9 | 08/06/2026 | 31 | NR up to 55 | $6,000.00 | Warragul | 1790m | Neutral | Jordan Leedham | 1:56.0 | 5 |
| 20.5L | $12.00 |
| 4/8 | 26/05/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 1720m | Good | Kate Gath | 0 |
| 5.6L | $0.00 | |
| 2/3 | 21/04/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | Kate Gath | 0 |
| 2.3L | $0.00 |

Driver: Kerryn Manning
Stats
Comments
Last start 4th (Fr5) over 2240m after showing early pace at this track, beaten 3.5 m by Binalong Mate (2:44.90) on August 12 at $13. Two runs back raced just off the speed and boxed on; won by a head after showing early speed, (Fr2) at this track (2:04.00) beating Baystyle in on July 24 at $9.50 at the bell was 2nd-5. Prefer others on this occasion.
Last Starts 16 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/9 | 12/08/2026 | 19 | NR 51 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Kerryn Manning | 1:58.5 | 5 |
| 3.4L | $13.00 |
| 1/9 | 24/07/2026 | 56 | NR 48 to 52 | $6,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Kerryn Manning | 1:56.0 | 2 |
| 0.2L | $9.50 |
| 2/8 | 29/05/2026 | 6 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Kerryn Manning | 1:58.0 | 2 |
| 1.6L | $6.50 |
| 10/10 | 23/05/2026 | 8 | 0W/15 0K stake | $10,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Kerryn Manning | 1:56.1 | 4 |
| 24.3L | $61.00 |
| 3/10 | 15/05/2026 | 7 | NR 50 to 53 | $6,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Kerryn Manning | 1:58.3 | 5 |
| 1.8L | $5.00 |
| 2/7 | 08/05/2026 | 8 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Geelong | 1609m | Neutral | Jackie Barker | 1:55.4 | 2 |
| 0.3L | $6.50 |
| 1/5 | 15/12/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Maryborough | 2190m | Ewa Justice | 0 |
| 2L | $0.00 | ||
| 3/4 | 22/11/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bacchus Marsh | 1940m | Blake Pace | 0 |
| 10L | $0.00 |

Driver: Jack Laugher
Stats
Comments
Last start tracked on the speed and boxed on steadily; won by 4 m after showing early speed, (Fr3) at Riverina Paceway (2:05.10) beating Ready To Dream in on August 21 at $4 at the bell was 3rd-4. Expected to be competitive again.
Last Starts 7 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/9 | 21/08/2026 | 10 | NR up to 53 | $6,940.00 | Wagga | 1740m | Fast | Abby Sanderson | 1:55.7 | 3 |
| 4.1L | $4.00 |
| 6/7 | 11/08/2026 | 11 | NR 54 to 58 | $7,000.00 | Shepparton | 1690m | Neutral | Jack Laugher | 1:54.9 | 6 |
| 26.2L | $4.00 |
| 1/10 | 31/07/2026 | 10 | NR 51 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Mildura | 1790m | Neutral | Jack Laugher | 1:58.3 | 4 |
| 7.8L | $8.00 |
| 3/10 | 21/07/2026 | 6 | NR 47 to 50 | $6,000.00 | Shepparton | 1690m | Neutral | Liam Older | 2:00.3 | 2 |
| 1.5L | $14.00 |
| 9/9 | 15/07/2026 | 33 | NR 50 to 54 | $6,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Ellen Tormey | 1:58.0 | 7 |
| 26.8L | $21.00 |
| 4/7 | 25/06/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Shepparton | 2190m | Nathan Jack | 0 |
| 0L | $0.00 | ||
| 8/9 | 12/06/2026 | 3 | NR up to 53 | $6,940.00 | Wagga | 1740m | Fast | Tasmyn Potter | 1:52.9 | 5 |
| 17.0L | $7.00 |
| 2/5 | 30/04/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Shepparton | 2190m | Tasmyn Potter | 0 |
| 10L | $0.00 |

Driver: Alex Ashwood
Stats
Comments
Beaten favourite last start when fourth at Riverina Paceway on August 14. Scored the start prior at Mildura on July 31. Will be about the money.
Last Starts 14 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/10 | 14/08/2026 | 14 | NR up to 60 | $9,790.00 | Wagga | 1740m | Neutral | Eli Lepper | 1:53.0 | 4 |
| 4.2L | $3.10 |
| 1/7 | 31/07/2026 | 42 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Mildura | 2190m | Neutral | Alex Ashwood | 1:58.1 | 1 |
| 5.4L | $1.60 |
| 7/9 | 19/06/2026 | 9 | NR 55 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Geelong | 2100m | Neutral | Josh Duggan | 1:57.3 | 4 |
| 13.6L | $41.00 |
| 0/10 | 10/06/2026 | 16 | NR 55 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Neutral | Josh Duggan | 1:55.6 | 4 |
| 99.0L | $41.00 |
| 6/7 | 25/05/2026 | 280 | NR 55 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Horsham | 2200m | Neutral | Josh Duggan | 1:58.9 | 4 |
| 3.4L | $21.00 |
| 2/2 | 18/05/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Geelong | 2100m | C J Slater | 0 |
| 10L | $0.00 | ||
| 3/4 | 09/05/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bacchus Marsh | 1940m | John Caldow | 0 |
| 3L | $0.00 | ||
| 6/10 | 18/08/2025 | 16 | NR up to 70 | $10,000.00 | Menangle | 1609m | Fast | B L Mcdonough | 1:53.1 | 2 |
| 9.0L | $6.00 |

Driver: Ellen Tormey
Stats
Comments
Not far away at the last couple starts; Finished 4 m fifth behind Carlo Gambino at Riverina Paceway over 1740m last start. Before that was beaten 1.75 metres third at this track over 1720m same class on August 12. Sure to be in the mix.
Last Starts 7 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/8 | 21/08/2026 | 9 | NR up to 65 | $9,790.00 | Wagga | 1740m | Fast | Jackson Painting | 1:55.1 | 8 |
| 3.8L | $8.00 |
| 3/8 | 12/08/2026 | 9 | NR 55 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Ellen Tormey | 1:55.7 | 4 |
| 1.8L | $4.60 |
| 3/10 | 03/08/2026 | 11 | NR 56 to 64 | $6,000.00 | Maryborough | 1690m | Neutral | Ellen Tormey | 1:56.5 | 5 |
| 2.6L | $11.00 |
| 3/8 | 23/07/2026 | 5 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Ballarat | 1710m | Neutral | Ellen Tormey | 1:54.4 | 6 |
| 5.1L | $2.60 |
| 3/10 | 18/07/2026 | 14 | NR 58 to 66 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Ellen Tormey | 1:53.5 | 5 |
| 12.6L | $26.00 |
| 7/9 | 04/07/2026 | 9 | 0W/15.0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Ellen Tormey | 1:52.3 | 6 |
| 13.1L | $126.00 |
| 1/5 | 14/04/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Jack Laugher | 0 |
| 2L | $0.00 | ||
| 1/3 | 07/10/2024 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Jack Laugher | 0 |
| 4L | $0.00 |

Driver: James Herbertson
Stats
Comments
Last start came from midfield and won by 1.5 m (Fr4) at Ballarat (2:02.50) beating Binalong Mate in on August 19 at $2.50 at the bell was 2nd-0.56. Big chance with any luck from the draw.
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 | 19/08/2026 | 11 | NR 55 to 59 | $6,000.00 | Ballarat | 1710m | Neutral | Chris Alford | 1:55.3 | 4 |
| 1.5L | $2.50 |
| 8/11 | 08/08/2026 | 16 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Chris Alford | 1:53.7 | 6 |
| 17.0L | $101.00 |
| 4/8 | 23/07/2026 | 11 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Ballarat | 1710m | Neutral | Hannah Lewis | 1:54.4 | 3 |
| 8.3L | $10.00 |
| 5/7 | 12/07/2026 | 12 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Terang | 2180m | Neutral | Hannah Lewis | 2:00.2 | 2 |
| 3.6L | $51.00 |
| 2/9 | 30/06/2026 | 256 | NR 43 to 49 | $5,000.00 | Mount Gambier | 1780m | Neutral | Hannah Lewis | 1:59.3 | 6 |
| 4.2L | $3.20 |
| 8/8 | 17/10/2025 | 7 | NR 60 to 69 | $10,000.00 | Geelong | 1609m | Neutral | Chris Alford | 1:54.2 | 2 |
| 85.8L | $5.00 |
| 5/6 | 12/08/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Terang | 2180m | N A O'connor | 0 |
| 6L | $0.00 | ||
| 2/7 | 23/11/2022 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Hamilton | 2160m | J P Lee | 0 |
| 0L | $0.00 |

Driver: Aaron Dunn
Stats
Comments
Last start was driven from back in the field when 9th (Fr4) over 2240m at this track, beaten 16 m by The Naked Art (2:40.60) on August 15 at $61. Two runs back 2nd (Sr3) over 2190m at Mildura, at the bell was 6th-12.6 beaten 6 m by United (2:43.20) on August 7 at $5.50. Prefer others on this occasion.
Last Starts 13 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9/10 | 15/08/2026 | 8 | 0W/15 0K stake | $10,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Aaron Dunn | 1:55.4 | 4 |
| 16.5L | $61.00 |
| 2/9 | 07/08/2026 | 11 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Mildura | 2190m | Neutral | Connor Clarke | 1:59.9 | 3 |
| 6.3L | $5.50 |
| 5/8 | 27/07/2026 | 121 | NR 55 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Horsham | 2200m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:59.6 | 7 |
| 9.6L | $14.00 |
| 9/11 | 28/03/2026 | 8 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Ryan Backhouse | 1:53.3 | 4 |
| 19.6L | $71.00 |
| 1/9 | 20/03/2026 | 12 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Mildura | 1790m | Neutral | Aaron Dunn | 1:56.3 | 5 |
| 0.3L | $6.00 |
| 7/10 | 08/03/2026 | 7 | NR up to 90 | $15,000.00 | Birchip | 2150m | Neutral | Ryan Backhouse | 1:58.3 | 1 |
| 41.0L | $14.00 |
| 1/6 | 26/08/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Terang | 2180m | Aaron Dunn | 0 |
| 6L | $0.00 | ||
| 4/7 | 28/05/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Horsham | 2200m | Aaron Dunn | 0 |
| 5L | $0.00 |

Driver: Chris Alford
Stats
Comments
Fair performance when beaten by 3.5 m finishing second after a quick start, behind Keayang Payton at this track over 1720m on July 25 at $7.50. Then a handy effort when beaten by 3.5 m finishing third behind Lambro Mach at this track over 2240m on August 7 at $5. Has the ability to take this out.
Last Starts 21 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/6 | 07/08/2026 | 13 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Chris Alford | 1:58.3 | 5 |
| 3.5L | $5.00 |
| 2/7 | 25/07/2026 | 9 | 0W/15 0K stake | $10,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Chris Alford | 1:54.1 | 6 |
| 3.3L | $7.50 |
| 7/8 | 16/07/2026 | 6 | NR up to 75 | $8,000.00 | Kilmore | 2180m | Neutral | Ewa Justice | 2:00.8 | 3 |
| 13.7L | $19.00 |
| 5/7 | 10/07/2026 | 9 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Ewa Justice | 1:55.8 | 2 |
| 16.0L | $7.00 |
| 3/6 | 01/07/2026 | 8 | NR 65 or better | $8,000.00 | Bendigo | 1650m | R | Ewa Justice | 1:53.6 | 1 |
| 15.8L | $31.00 |
| 2/7 | 23/06/2026 | 3 | NR 57 to 67 | $7,000.00 | Shepparton | 2190m | Neutral | Ewa Justice | 1:57.6 | 5 |
| 6.7L | $4.60 |
| 2/5 | 14/10/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | R Mitchell | 0 |
| 8.8L | $0.00 | |
| 2/4 | 11/03/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | John Caldow | 0 |
| 2.3L | $0.00 |