Melton Race 1 - Renown Silverware Pace
KATUNGA EXPRESS (2) had to work from a back row draw so did well to stick on and go under by 4m last start at Maryborough. Recorded back-to-back placings prior so has been going well. Has the benefit of a good draw. Big chance. SECRET SERVICE AGENT NZ (4) took on a Victoria Derby heat last start and tackled the Vicbred Super Series prior. This is the easiest race he has encountered since a Geelong win back in August so he is much better placed. POPCORNFRIDAY (1) was runner-up fresh then beaten only 2.4m here last start, both from back row barriers. Proven third-up so should be race fit and is better served by the ace draw. DONMARO NZ (10) will strip fitter second-up and is on the list of contenders if he has some luck from a tough draw.

Driver: Blake Pace
Stats
Comments
Last start 7th (Sr1) over 1720m at this track, at the bell was 6th-9.59 beaten 2.5 m by Bringsusjoy (2:03.80) on October 9 at $7.50. Before that, a game effort when 2nd (Sr1) over 2180m at Kilmore was 4th-16.65 at the bell, beaten 7 m by Soho Playgirl (2:38.40) on September 30 at $6.50. Race fit now and draws to advantage.
Last Starts 14 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7/10 | 09/10/2026 | 9 | NR up to 59 | $6,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Blake Pace | 1:55.8 | 1 |
| 2.4L | $7.50 |
| 2/8 | 30/09/2026 | 168 | NR up to 59 | $6,000.00 | Kilmore | 2180m | Neutral | Chris Alford | 1:57.0 | 1 |
| 7.4L | $6.50 |
| 3/11 | 15/04/2026 | 18 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Jackie Barker | 1:54.2 | 7 |
| 5.7L | $8.50 |
| 1/9 | 28/03/2026 | 14 | 0W/15 0K stake | $10,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Jackie Barker | 1:54.0 | 2 |
| 4.1L | $5.50 |
| 6/9 | 14/03/2026 | 7 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Paul Grech | 1:54.9 | 3 |
| 10.7L | $15.00 |
| 3/6 | 07/03/2026 | 9 | NR up to 57 | $8,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Paul Grech | 1:57.2 | 1 |
| 13.1L | $26.00 |
| 1/3 | 28/09/2024 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bacchus Marsh | 1940m | Paul Grech | 0 |
| 8L | $0.00 | ||
| 3/6 | 19/10/2022 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Kilmore | 2180m | Annalise Scott | 0 |
| 0L | $0.00 |

Driver: Ellen Tormey
Stats
Comments
Not far away at the last couple starts; Finished 4 m sixth behind El Boston at Maryborough over 1690m last start. Before that was beaten 2.25 metres third at Ballarat over 1710m same class on October 7. Winning claims 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/9 | 12/10/2026 | 5 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Maryborough | 1690m | Neutral | Ellen Tormey | 1:56.1 | 1 |
| 4.1L | $4.60 |
| 3/8 | 07/10/2026 | 16 | $5000 last 4 starts | $8,000.00 | Ballarat | 1710m | Neutral | Ellen Tormey | 1:54.3 | 2 |
| 2.3L | $14.00 |
| 3/10 | 21/09/2026 | 13 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Charlton | 1609m | Neutral | Ellen Tormey | 1:55.8 | 1 |
| 1.5L | $14.00 |
| 6/8 | 08/09/2026 | 10 | NR 57 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Swan Hill | 1750m | Neutral | Ellen Tormey | 1:56.5 | 7 |
| 9.7L | $10.00 |
| 2/9 | 29/08/2026 | 8 | 0W/15 0K stake | $10,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Ellen Tormey | 1:53.2 | 6 |
| 16.4L | $15.00 |
| 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 |
| 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: Jack Laugher
Stats
Comments
Failed to impress last start; surrendered the lead and finished 7th (Fr1) over 2240m after showing early pace at this track, beaten 25 m by Hitch To His Star (2:42.30) on October 17 at $23. Showed ability the run before when she ran on from midfield and won by a nose (Fr2) at this track (2:03.80) beating Just As Well in on October 9 at $5 at the bell was 5th-8.34. Draws for a good showing.
Last Starts 6 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7/9 | 17/10/2026 | 8 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Ryan Sanderson | 1:56.6 | 1 |
| 25.3L | $23.00 |
| 1/10 | 09/10/2026 | 6 | NR up to 59 | $6,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Jack Laugher | 1:55.8 | 2 |
| 0.1L | $5.00 |
| 4/8 | 03/10/2026 | 9 | NR 58 to 66 | $10,000.00 | Geelong | 2100m | R | Jack Laugher | 1:55.3 | 2 |
| 22.3L | $34.00 |
| 2/8 | 24/09/2026 | 14 | Mares No NR | $15,000.00 | Kilmore | 2180m | Neutral | Jack Laugher | 1:57.1 | 6 |
| 1.5L | $126.00 |
| 10/11 | 10/09/2026 | 12 | Mares No NR | $10,000.00 | Kilmore | 2180m | Neutral | Ryan Sanderson | 1:57.8 | 3 |
| 25.6L | $101.00 |
| 6/10 | 29/08/2026 | 168 | NR 57 to 66 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Ryan Sanderson | 1:55.3 | 2 |
| 6.9L | $51.00 |
| 3/4 | 22/08/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bacchus Marsh | 1940m | Good | Brendan Barnes | 0 |
| 7L | $0.00 | |
| 2/7 | 17/08/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Geelong | 2100m | Good | S J P O'sullivan | 0 |
| 25L | $0.00 |

Driver: Jordan Leedham
Stats
Comments
Capable of better than we have seen lately. Last start 7th (Fr2) over 2760m at this track, at the bell was 2nd-3.56 beaten 18 m by Palladium (3:21.30) in 3yo on October 10 at $126. The run previous was well back in the run when 9th (Fr6) over 2240m at this track was 8th-13.55 at the bell, beaten 18 m by Enjoy Life (2:38.70) in 3yo G1 on September 12 at $151. Will enjoy a class drop.
Last Starts 13 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7/9 | 10/10/2026 | 28 | Colts Geldings No NR | $20,000.00 | Melton | 2760m | Neutral | Jordan Leedham | 1:57.4 | 2 |
| 18.1L | $126.00 |
| 9/12 | 12/09/2026 | 7 | Colts Geldings No NR | $150,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Jordan Leedham | 1:54.0 | 6 |
| 18.5L | $151.00 |
| 6/12 | 05/09/2026 | 9 | Colts Geldings No NR | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Jordan Leedham | 1:54.5 | 3 |
| 21.3L | $151.00 |
| 4/11 | 27/08/2026 | 13 | Colts Geldings No NR | $10,000.00 | Kilmore | 2180m | Neutral | Kerryn Manning | 1:57.2 | 6 |
| 7.3L | $26.00 |
| 1/7 | 14/08/2026 | 11 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Geelong | 1609m | Neutral | Jordan Leedham | 1:54.6 | 1 |
| 4.4L | $1.15 |
| 2/9 | 03/08/2026 | 10 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Maryborough | 2190m | Neutral | Jordan Leedham | 1:57.3 | 2 |
| 0.1L | $1.25 |
| 2/5 | 12/05/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | Jordan Leedham | 0 |
| 0.1L | $0.00 | |
| 1/5 | 05/05/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | Jordan Leedham | 0 |
| 0.2L | $0.00 |

Driver: Daryl Douglas
Stats
Comments
Won three starts back at Charlton over 1609m on September 21. Last time out 8th (Sr4) over 1720m at this track, at the bell was 8th-13.48 beaten 5.5 m by Bringsusjoy (2:03.80) on October 9 at $41. May do better returning to the front row.
Last Starts 14 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/10 | 09/10/2026 | 10 | NR up to 59 | $6,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Ellen Tormey | 1:55.8 | 4 |
| 5.6L | $41.00 |
| 9/10 | 29/09/2026 | 8 | NR 57 to 67 | $7,000.00 | Shepparton | 1690m | Neutral | Jack Laugher | 1:55.6 | 5 |
| 11.2L | $15.00 |
| 1/10 | 21/09/2026 | 4 | NR 51 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Charlton | 1609m | Neutral | Jack Laugher | 1:56.4 | 2 |
| 0.1L | $2.60 |
| 3/10 | 17/09/2026 | 9 | NR up to 55 | $6,000.00 | Kilmore | 1690m | Neutral | Jack Laugher | 1:58.1 | 1 |
| 9.4L | $9.50 |
| 2/8 | 08/09/2026 | 5 | NR 51 to 56 | $6,000.00 | Swan Hill | 1750m | Neutral | Jack Laugher | 1:55.1 | 1 |
| 4.1L | $2.50 |
| 1/9 | 03/09/2026 | 10 | NR 50 to 55 | $7,000.00 | Kilmore | 1690m | Neutral | Jack Laugher | 1:56.7 | 2 |
| 0.2L | $9.50 |
| 2/7 | 04/05/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | G F Douglas | 0 |
| 1L | $0.00 | ||
| 1/6 | 20/01/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Ellen Tormey | 0 |
| 4L | $0.00 |

Driver: David Barbetti
Stats
Comments
Last start 8th (Sr1) over 2240m at this track beaten 35 m by Sandelton (2:44.30) in 3yo on October 9 at $51. Two runs back failed to finish when he ran at Stawell on September 14 over 1785m. Wait until the form picks up.
Last Starts 14 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/8 | 09/10/2026 | 25 | 0-2 WINs | $6,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | David Barbetti | 1:58.0 | 1 |
| 35.9L | $51.00 |
| 1/5 | 04/10/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Maryborough | 2190m | Good | David Barbetti | 0 |
| 1L | $0.00 | |
| 99/10 | 14/09/2026 | 7 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Stawell | 1785m | Neutral | Rod Barker | 1:56.2 | 1 |
| 0.0L | $41.00 |
| 1/8 | 07/09/2026 | 11 | 1-3 WINs | $6,000.00 | Maryborough | 2190m | Neutral | David Barbetti | 2:02.4 | 4 |
| 0.2L | $8.50 |
| 8/11 | 27/08/2026 | 21 | Colts Geldings No NR | $10,000.00 | Kilmore | 2180m | Neutral | David Barbetti | 1:57.2 | 2 |
| 30.0L | $126.00 |
| 3/5 | 24/08/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Maryborough | 1690m | Good | David Barbetti | 0 |
| 4L | $0.00 | |
| 1/10 | 06/08/2026 | 8 | MAIDEN | $6,000.00 | Kilmore | 2180m | Neutral | David Barbetti | 2:03.6 | 3 |
| 3.1L | $4.00 |
| 4/9 | 29/07/2026 | 7 | MAIDEN | $6,000.00 | Ballarat | 2200m | Good | David Barbetti | 2:00.7 | 2 |
| 16.5L | $6.00 |

Driver: Ewa Justice
Stats
Comments
Two back was well beaten into tenth after a quick start, behind Schwarz at Geelong over 2100m on October 3 at $19. Then a handy effort when beaten by 8 m finishing third after showing early speed, behind River Storm at Cranbourne over 2080m on October 18 at $23. Draws for a trail and can play a role.
Last Starts 5 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/8 | 18/10/2026 | 15 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Cranbourne | 2080m | Neutral | Ewa Justice | 1:56.8 | 3 |
| 8.7L | $23.00 |
| 10/10 | 03/10/2026 | 11 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Geelong | 2100m | R | Ewa Justice | 1:56.3 | 2 |
| 67.7L | $19.00 |
| 9/9 | 22/09/2026 | 11 | NR 55 to 60 | $7,000.00 | Echuca | 1755m | Neutral | Liam Older | 1:57.3 | 5 |
| 22.0L | $11.00 |
| 6/9 | 11/09/2026 | 5 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Geelong | 2100m | Neutral | Ewa Justice | 1:56.8 | 7 |
| 6.2L | $19.00 |
| 1/7 | 06/09/2026 | 5 | NR up to 59 | $6,000.00 | Cranbourne | 2080m | Neutral | Ewa Justice | 1:58.9 | 3 |
| 0.1L | $1.90 |
| 3/10 | 01/09/2026 | 11 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Shepparton | 2190m | Neutral | Ewa Justice | 1:57.1 | 6 |
| 0.3L | $1.90 |
| 4/6 | 09/06/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | Ewa Justice | 0 |
| 22.5L | $0.00 | |
| 3/6 | 06/01/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | Ewa Justice | 0 |
| 3.9L | $0.00 |

Driver: John Caldow
Stats
Comments
10-year-old gelding showed improvement last start. Won by a nose when driven back in the field, (Fr4) held up early, at Maryborough (2:02.00) beating Steel The Moment in on October 12 at $14 at the bell was 6th-9.9. The run before was not as impressive when beaten by 7 m finishing sixth behind Angels Watching at Echuca over 1755m on September 22 at $34. Not likely to threaten this time.
Last Starts 11 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/9 | 12/10/2026 | 20 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Maryborough | 1690m | Neutral | Jack Laugher | 1:56.1 | 4 |
| 0.1L | $14.00 |
| 6/9 | 22/09/2026 | 9 | NR 55 to 60 | $7,000.00 | Echuca | 1755m | Neutral | Chris Alford | 1:57.3 | 2 |
| 7.6L | $34.00 |
| 6/9 | 13/09/2026 | 7 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Cranbourne | 2080m | Neutral | John Caldow | 1:56.6 | 2 |
| 11.7L | $51.00 |
| 4/7 | 06/09/2026 | 25 | NR up to 59 | $6,000.00 | Cranbourne | 2080m | Neutral | Blake Pace | 1:58.9 | 6 |
| 3.6L | $71.00 |
| 2/3 | 29/08/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bacchus Marsh | 1940m | Good | K L Tippet | 0 |
| 8L | $0.00 | |
| 7/8 | 12/08/2026 | 33 | NR 55 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Chris Alford | 1:55.7 | 5 |
| 46.9L | $51.00 |
| 6/7 | 10/07/2026 | 5 | $5000 last 4 starts | $8,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | D K Douglas | 1:53.9 | 3 |
| 36.2L | $151.00 |
| 3/3 | 27/06/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bacchus Marsh | 1940m | Good | Chris Alford | 0 |
| 0L | $0.00 |

Driver: Kate Gath
Stats
Comments
Lacklustre performance first-up beaten 30 m eighth but did show some early speed, behind Ultimate Vinnie at Ballarat over 1710m in a on October 7. Can improve enough to make an impact.
Last Starts 16 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/8 | 07/10/2026 | 137 | $5000 last 4 starts | $8,000.00 | Ballarat | 1710m | Neutral | Kate Gath | 1:54.3 | 5 |
| 29.4L | $3.10 |
| 1/5 | 29/09/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 1720m | Good | Talia Taugge | 0 |
| 2.1L | $0.00 | |
| 8/10 | 23/05/2026 | 8 | NR 65 to 75 | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Kate Gath | 1:56.4 | 2 |
| 12.1L | $4.60 |
| 3/9 | 15/05/2026 | 21 | NMWL6M | $8,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Kate Gath | 1:55.8 | 3 |
| 3.5L | $7.50 |
| 6/11 | 24/04/2026 | 27 | NR up to 80 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Fast | Kate Gath | 1:53.4 | 6 |
| 16.7L | $11.00 |
| 4/4 | 31/03/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 1720m | Good | Kate Gath | 0 |
| 4L | $0.00 | |
| 11/12 | 28/03/2026 | 22 | NR80 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Kate Gath | 1:53.2 | 2 |
| 67.6L | $4.40 |
| 9/9 | 06/03/2026 | 133 | Up to 80 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Kate Gath | 1:55.8 | 6 |
| 82.8L | $2.25 |

Driver: Chris Alford
Stats
Comments
Last start was well back in the run when 7th (Fr6) over 2080m at Cranbourne, beaten 20 m by River Storm (2:31.00) on October 18 at $41. Two runs back 3rd (Fr5) over 1710m after showing early pace at Ballarat, at the bell was leading 2.34 beaten 4 m by Topsies Bling (2:04.10) on September 2 at $8.50. Not easy from this draw.
Last Starts 5 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7/8 | 18/10/2026 | 46 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Cranbourne | 2080m | Neutral | Chris Alford | 1:56.8 | 6 |
| 20.4L | $41.00 |
| 3/7 | 02/09/2026 | 7 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Ballarat | 1710m | Neutral | Chris Alford | 1:56.8 | 5 |
| 4.0L | $8.50 |
| 3/8 | 26/08/2026 | 5 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Ballarat | 1710m | Neutral | Chris Alford | 1:56.6 | 4 |
| 4.4L | $4.60 |
| 6/10 | 21/08/2026 | 8 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Josh Duggan | 1:53.3 | 4 |
| 13.7L | $71.00 |
| 1/10 | 13/08/2026 | 15 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Kilmore | 1690m | Neutral | Chris Alford | 1:57.2 | 2 |
| 2.5L | $6.50 |
| 1/6 | 29/07/2026 | 21 | NR 52 to 56 | $6,000.00 | Ballarat | 1710m | Good | Chris Alford | 1:56.5 | 5 |
| 1.6L | $2.15 |
| 1/5 | 07/04/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Chris Alford | 0 |
| 3L | $0.00 | ||
| 2/7 | 30/04/2024 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 1720m | Crystal Hackett | 0 |
| 2.5L | $0.00 |