Melton Race 5 - Logical Staffing Solutions Australasian Trotting Championship (Group 3)
LOVEMETO NZ (3) chased along the sprint lane for third as favourite in the Maryborough Cup last start but should enjoy the return to this circuit having scored a Dullard Cup win and finished second in Group 1 Bill Collins Trotters Sprint in his previous two visits. It's been a while since he has attempted a standing start but he has performed well under those conditions before. HOPPY NZ (4) set a new track record when beating Lovemeto in the Maryborough Cup last start. Has only once missed a place in his last nine starts so he is consistent and is proven at the standing start. CRACKERJACK NZ (11) comes off some strong placings at the Brisbane winter carnival including the Great Square. Won the only time he raced here and has yet to miss a place when fresh. IM BOBBY (6) put the writing on the wall with his last-start second to Hoppy at Maryborough while IMPERIAL MONARCH NZ (7) has been consistent this time in so should be included.

Driver: Jack Laugher
Stats
Comments
Last start 4th (20m) over 2645m at Globe Derby Park was 3rd-5.4 at the bell, beaten 8 m by Maestro (3:24.20) in G2 on October 24 at $4. Before that, a game effort when 2nd (20m) over 2645m at Globe Derby Park, at the bell was 4th-12.2 beaten 4 m by The Vicars Girl (3:23.40) on October 17 at $4.60. Maybe a place.
Last Starts 21 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/12 | 24/10/2026 | 7 | No NR Discretionary Handicap | $40,000.00 | Globe Derby | 2645m | Neutral | Jack Laugher | 2:04.2 | 0 |
| 8.0L | $4.00 |
| 2/8 | 17/10/2026 | 14 | No NR Discretionary Handicap | $8,000.00 | Globe Derby | 2645m | Neutral | Jack Laugher | 2:03.8 | 0 |
| 3.9L | $4.60 |
| 5/7 | 03/10/2026 | 84 | No NR | $20,000.00 | Geelong | 2570m | R | Jack Laugher | 2:02.6 | 0 |
| 12.0L | $15.00 |
| 1/4 | 26/09/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bacchus Marsh | 1940m | Good | Blake Pace | 0 |
| 20L | $0.00 | |
| 4/7 | 15/09/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | James Herbertson | 0 |
| 22.7L | $0.00 | |
| 5/10 | 11/07/2026 | 28 | NR 70 to 85 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | R | Blake Pace | 1:56.6 | 2 |
| 20.8L | $18.00 |
| 4/10 | 13/06/2026 | 14 | NR 70 to 85 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Blake Pace | 1:55.3 | 2 |
| 8.3L | $26.00 |
| 5/9 | 30/05/2026 | 14 | No NR | $22,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Jack Laugher | 1:55.2 | 5 |
| 8.5L | $71.00 |

Driver: Kate Gath
Stats
Comments
Failed to impress last start; 6th (Sr1) over 1609m at Maryborough was 2nd-2.2 at the bell, beaten 18 m by Keayang Kurki (1:55.80) in M on November 1 at $7.50. Showed ability the run before when she ran on from midfield and won by 9 m when quickly away, (Fr1) at this track (2:03.70) beating Maoris Mac in on October 24 at $7.50 at the bell was leading 3.48. Could sneak into the exotics.
Last Starts 13 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/10 | 01/11/2026 | 8 | NR up to 85 | $17,500.00 | Maryborough | 1609m | Neutral | Kate Gath | 1:55.8 | 1 |
| 18.1L | $7.50 |
| 1/8 | 24/10/2026 | 21 | NR 70 to 85 | $11,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Kate Gath | 1:55.7 | 1 |
| 9.1L | $7.50 |
| 1/2 | 13/10/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | Jordan Leedham | 0 |
| 18L | $0.00 | |
| 7/10 | 03/10/2026 | 14 | NR 60 to 69 | $10,000.00 | Geelong | 1609m | R | Kate Gath | 1:57.5 | 2 |
| 12.7L | $7.00 |
| 4/12 | 19/09/2026 | 10 | Mares No NR | $60,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Kate Gath | 1:57.1 | 3 |
| 13.7L | $126.00 |
| 4/11 | 09/09/2026 | 60 | Mares No NR | $10,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Kate Gath | 1:59.2 | 6 |
| 20.5L | $101.00 |
| 2/4 | 01/09/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | Kate Gath | 0 |
| 6.6L | $0.00 | |
| 5/6 | 11/07/2026 | 7 | No NR | $22,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | R | Kate Gath | 1:56.5 | 2 |
| 28.7L | $31.00 |

Driver: Chris Svanosio
Stats
Comments
Not far away at the last couple starts; Finished 2.5 m third behind Hoppy at Maryborough over 2690m G3 last start. Before that was beaten 3.5 metres second at this track over 1720m in G1 on October 17. The form reads well and has strong claims.
Last Starts 13 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/8 | 01/11/2026 | 15 | No NR | $30,000.00 | Maryborough | 2690m | Neutral | Chris Svanosio | 1:58.6 | 4 |
| 2.5L | $1.75 |
| 2/12 | 17/10/2026 | 7 | No NR | $60,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Chris Svanosio | 1:53.0 | 5 |
| 3.5L | $4.60 |
| 1/9 | 10/10/2026 | 14 | No NR | $30,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Chris Svanosio | 1:57.6 | 6 |
| 1.7L | $8.00 |
| 3/6 | 26/09/2026 | 70 | No NR | $22,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Chris Svanosio | 1:55.7 | 6 |
| 9.7L | $2.25 |
| 3/5 | 22/09/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Kilmore | 2180m | Good | Taylor Youl | 0 |
| 23L | $0.00 | |
| 1/3 | 15/09/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | Taylor Youl | 0 |
| 3.9L | $0.00 | |
| 6/13 | 18/07/2026 | 7 | No NR | $500,000.00 | Albion Park | 2680m | Neutral | Kerryn Manning | 1:57.7 | 1 |
| 14.7L | $10.00 |
| 1/10 | 11/07/2026 | 7 | No NR | $30,000.00 | Albion Park | 2138m | Neutral | Kerryn Manning | 1:56.4 | 4 |
| 4.0L | $1.75 |

Driver: Matthew Craven
Stats
Comments
Last start ran on from midfield and won by 2 m (Fr1) at Maryborough (3:18.20) beating Im Bobby in G3 on November 1 at $3.60 at the bell was 4th-5.3. Could strike again.
Last Starts 13 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/8 | 01/11/2026 | 15 | No NR | $30,000.00 | Maryborough | 2690m | Neutral | Matthew Craven | 1:58.6 | 1 |
| 2.1L | $3.60 |
| 7/12 | 17/10/2026 | 7 | No NR | $60,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Matthew Craven | 1:53.0 | 4 |
| 12.9L | $15.00 |
| 2/9 | 10/10/2026 | 14 | No NR | $30,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Matthew Craven | 1:57.6 | 2 |
| 1.7L | $6.50 |
| 1/6 | 26/09/2026 | 7 | No NR | $22,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Matthew Craven | 1:55.7 | 1 |
| 2.9L | $2.30 |
| 2/6 | 19/09/2026 | 70 | No NR | $22,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Matthew Craven | 1:55.0 | 5 |
| 8.7L | $6.00 |
| 2/6 | 25/08/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Terang | 2180m | Good | Matthew Craven | 0 |
| 2L | $0.00 | |
| 2/6 | 11/07/2026 | 7 | No NR | $22,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | R | Matthew Craven | 1:56.5 | 5 |
| 6.2L | $1.90 |
| 1/4 | 26/05/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Terang | 2180m | Matthew Craven | 0 |
| 12L | $0.00 |

Driver: Tasmyn Potter
Stats
Comments
Two back was well beaten into ninth behind I Am Wilma at this track over 1720m in a G1 on October 17 at $51. Then a handy effort when beaten by 2 m finishing second after a quick start, behind Hoppy at Maryborough over 2690m in a G3 on November 1 at $9.50. Better last start and could progress again third-up.
Last Starts 13 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/8 | 01/11/2026 | 15 | No NR | $30,000.00 | Maryborough | 2690m | Neutral | Tasmyn Potter | 1:58.6 | 7 |
| 2.1L | $9.50 |
| 9/12 | 17/10/2026 | 91 | No NR | $60,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Tasmyn Potter | 1:53.0 | 5 |
| 14.0L | $51.00 |
| 5/13 | 18/07/2026 | 7 | No NR | $500,000.00 | Albion Park | 2680m | Neutral | Will Rixon | 1:57.7 | 1 |
| 11.4L | $6.00 |
| 5/10 | 11/07/2026 | 7 | No NR | $30,000.00 | Albion Park | 2138m | Neutral | Will Rixon | 1:56.4 | 5 |
| 12.1L | $41.00 |
| 2/12 | 04/07/2026 | 21 | No NR | $30,000.00 | Albion Park | 2138m | Neutral | Will Rixon | 1:56.2 | 1 |
| 5.6L | $6.50 |
| 4/9 | 13/06/2026 | 7 | No NR | $22,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Tasmyn Potter | 1:55.6 | 1 |
| 8.5L | $4.60 |
| 1/6 | 24/03/2022 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Shepparton | 2190m | E Tappe | 0 |
| 0L | $0.00 | ||
| 8/8 | 15/03/2022 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Shepparton | 2190m | E Tappe | 0 |
| 0L | $0.00 |

Driver: Jason Lee
Stats
Comments
Last start 4th (Fr5) over 2690m at Maryborough, at the bell was 2nd-1.1 beaten 3 m by Hoppy (3:18.20) in G3 on November 1 at $4.20. Before that, a solid effort when 3rd (Fr3) over 1720m after showing early speed at this track was 4th-7.4 at the bell, beaten 9 m by I Am Wilma (2:00.80) in G1 on October 17 at $17. Going well and could be competitive again.
Last Starts 13 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/8 | 01/11/2026 | 15 | No NR | $30,000.00 | Maryborough | 2690m | Neutral | Jason Lee | 1:58.6 | 5 |
| 2.9L | $4.20 |
| 3/12 | 17/10/2026 | 14 | No NR | $60,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Jason Lee | 1:53.0 | 3 |
| 9.6L | $17.00 |
| 1/7 | 03/10/2026 | 7 | No NR | $20,000.00 | Geelong | 2570m | R | Jason Lee | 2:02.6 | 0 |
| 2.7L | $3.40 |
| 2/6 | 26/09/2026 | 140 | No NR | $22,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Jason Lee | 1:55.7 | 2 |
| 2.9L | $4.60 |
| 1/2 | 08/09/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Terang | 2180m | Good | Jason Lee | 0 |
| 14L | $0.00 | |
| 3/12 | 09/05/2026 | 7 | No NR | $25,000.00 | Menangle | 2300m | Fast | Jason Lee | 1:59.6 | 0 |
| 1.3L | $5.50 |
| 3/8 | 02/05/2026 | 7 | No NR | $20,400.00 | Menangle | 2300m | Fast | Lochie Cook | 1:57.5 | 4 |
| 1.1L | $2.70 |
| 2/3 | 11/02/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Terang | 2180m | Jason Lee | 0 |
| 2L | $0.00 |

Driver: Liam Older
Stats
Comments
Last start 5th (FT) over 2520m at St Arnaud, beaten 30 m by Kennywould (3:17.10) on November 8 at $8.50. Two runs back won by 2.5 m (20m) at Maryborough (2:50.30) beating Kennywould in on October 25 at $4 at the bell was 6th-12.8. May find this tough.
Last Starts 6 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/10 | 08/11/2026 | 14 | No NR | $15,000.00 | St Arnaud | 2520m | Neutral | Liam Older | 2:05.9 | 0 |
| 31.2L | $8.50 |
| 1/10 | 25/10/2026 | 7 | NR 55 Discretionary Handicap | $8,000.00 | Maryborough | 2190m | R | James Herbertson | 2:04.0 | 0 |
| 2.5L | $4.00 |
| 3/9 | 18/10/2026 | 6 | NR up to 70 | $8,000.00 | Cranbourne | 2080m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:58.9 | 4 |
| 2.6L | $5.50 |
| 4/10 | 12/10/2026 | 8 | NR 55 Discretionary Handicap | $8,000.00 | Maryborough | 2190m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 2:02.6 | 0 |
| 11.8L | $5.00 |
| 6/9 | 04/10/2026 | 8 | NR 45 | $6,000.00 | Cranbourne | 2575m | Neutral | Liam Older | 2:03.9 | 0 |
| 21.7L | $6.00 |
| 8/10 | 26/09/2026 | 7 | NR up to 84 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Liam Older | 1:59.5 | 2 |
| 20.1L | $41.00 |
| 2/7 | 03/08/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Maryborough | 2190m | Good | James Herbertson | 0 |
| 0.2L | $0.00 | |
| 5/5 | 21/07/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Kilmore | 2180m | Good | Ross Graham | 0 |
| 29.5L | $0.00 |

Driver: Nicholas O'Connor
Stats
Comments
Six-year-old gelding who has been thereabouts in recent starts. Last start 5th (Sr1) over 2240m at this track was 7th-13.68 at the bell, beaten 15 m by Lovemeto (2:43.70) in G3 on October 10 at $151. Must do a lot more.
Last Starts 12 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4 | 02/11/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | Nicholas O'connor | 0 |
| 2.5L | $0.00 | |
| 5/9 | 10/10/2026 | 14 | No NR | $30,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Nicholas O'connor | 1:57.6 | 1 |
| 15.9L | $151.00 |
| 5/6 | 26/09/2026 | 7 | No NR | $22,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Nicholas O'connor | 1:55.7 | 5 |
| 19.8L | $23.00 |
| 5/6 | 19/09/2026 | 21 | No NR | $22,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Nicholas O'connor | 1:55.0 | 4 |
| 26.4L | $12.00 |
| 1/6 | 29/08/2026 | 21 | NR up to 84 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Nicholas O'connor | 1:58.9 | 4 |
| 4.6L | $3.70 |
| 2/9 | 08/08/2026 | 7 | NR up to 85 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Nicholas O'connor | 1:56.3 | 6 |
| 4.1L | $12.00 |
| 2/9 | 01/08/2026 | 7 | NR up to 89 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Nicholas O'connor | 1:56.7 | 4 |
| 25.1L | $19.00 |
| 2/4 | 22/06/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Geelong | 2100m | Nicholas O'connor | 0 |
| 0L | $0.00 |

Driver: Josh Aiken
Stats
Comments
Racing consistently with minor placings at her last two starts. Placed last start 3rd (Sr2) over 1609m at Maryborough, at the bell was 4th-7.4 beaten 7 m by Keayang Kurki (1:55.80) in M on November 1 at $2.50. Before that 2nd (Fr6) over 1720m after showing early speed and racing wide at this track, at the bell was 3rd-7.51 beaten 9 m by Iron Women (2:03.70) on October 24 at $7.50. Prefer in something easier.
Last Starts 13 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/10 | 01/11/2026 | 8 | NR up to 85 | $17,500.00 | Maryborough | 1609m | Neutral | Joshua Aiken | 1:55.8 | 2 |
| 7.9L | $2.50 |
| 2/8 | 24/10/2026 | 28 | NR 70 to 85 | $11,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Joshua Aiken | 1:55.7 | 6 |
| 9.1L | $7.50 |
| 4/5 | 15/10/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Shepparton | 2190m | Good | Joshua Aiken | 0 |
| 33L | $0.00 | |
| 7/10 | 26/09/2026 | 294 | NR up to 84 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Joshua Aiken | 1:59.5 | 2 |
| 18.4L | $9.00 |
| 3/4 | 17/09/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Shepparton | 2190m | Good | Joshua Aiken | 0 |
| 5L | $0.00 | |
| 3/12 | 06/12/2025 | 14 | No NR | $150,000.00 | Albion Park | 2138m | Neutral | Joshua Aiken | 1:56.5 | 4 |
| 11.0L | $18.00 |
| 2/12 | 22/11/2025 | 9 | No NR | $60,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Joshua Aiken | 1:57.8 | 3 |
| 14.2L | $34.00 |
| 2/8 | 13/11/2025 | 11 | No NR | $10,000.00 | Kilmore | 2180m | Neutral | Joshua Aiken | 2:00.5 | 1 |
| 14.3L | $17.00 |

Driver: Nathan Jack
Stats
Comments
Returns from the paddock. Previously first up came from midfield and posted a big 4 m win (Fr7) at this track (2:03.20) beating Iron Women in on June 13 at $4.60. Yet to miss a place when fresh so looks set for a bright return.
Last Starts 16 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/4 | 29/10/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Shepparton | 2190m | Good | Sarah Walsh | 0 |
| 10.5L | $0.00 | |
| 3/11 | 18/07/2026 | 8 | No NR | $30,000.00 | Albion Park | 2680m | Neutral | Nathan Jack | 1:58.2 | 3 |
| 4.4L | $2.60 |
| 2/8 | 10/07/2026 | 6 | 3& No NR | $26,000.00 | Albion Park | 2138m | Neutral | Nathan Jack | 1:55.5 | 7 |
| 0.2L | $7.50 |
| 3/12 | 04/07/2026 | 21 | 3&4YO | $150,000.00 | Albion Park | 2138m | Neutral | Nathan Jack | 1:56.4 | 5 |
| 6.3L | $8.50 |
| 1/4 | 25/06/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Shepparton | 2190m | Nathan Jack | 0 |
| 0L | $0.00 | ||
| 1/10 | 13/06/2026 | 176 | NR 70 to 85 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Nathan Jack | 1:55.3 | 7 |
| 4.2L | $4.60 |
| 2/10 | 19/12/2025 | 7 | R35 TO R76 | $41,670.00 | Alexandra Park | 1609m | Fast | Peter Ferguson | 2:02.8 | 6 |
| 1.9L | $19.20 |
| 5/12 | 12/12/2025 | 21 | R50 | $26,320.00 | Alexandra Park | 2200m | Fast | Peter Ferguson | 2:03.1 | 1 |
| 26.2L | $44.90 |

Driver: David Barbetti
Stats
Comments
Didn't do much last time out, 5th (Sr1) over 1720m at this track was 4th-9.77 at the bell, beaten 5 m by Rapid Return (2:05.00) on November 7 at $34. Before that 7th (Fr6) over 2690m after showing early speed at Maryborough well beaten by Hoppy (3:18.20) in G3 on November 1 at $126. Cannot enthuse.
Last Starts 7 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/10 | 07/11/2026 | 6 | NR 68 to 83 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | David Barbetti | 1:57.0 | 1 |
| 5.2L | $34.00 |
| 7/8 | 01/11/2026 | 8 | No NR | $30,000.00 | Maryborough | 2690m | Neutral | David Barbetti | 1:58.6 | 6 |
| 126.3L | $126.00 |
| 5/8 | 24/10/2026 | 14 | NR 70 to 85 | $11,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | David Barbetti | 1:55.7 | 7 |
| 23.0L | $31.00 |
| 8/9 | 10/10/2026 | 70 | No NR | $30,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Michael Stanley | 1:57.6 | 3 |
| 29.5L | $151.00 |
| 1/3 | 29/09/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 1720m | Good | Michael Stanley | 0 |
| 30.2L | $0.00 | |
| 9/9 | 01/08/2026 | 21 | NR up to 89 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | David Barbetti | 1:56.7 | 1 |
| 91.0L | $61.00 |
| 3/10 | 11/07/2026 | 7 | NR 70 to 85 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | R | David Barbetti | 1:56.6 | 1 |
| 15.4L | $31.00 |
| 1/4 | 12/01/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Maryborough | 2190m | David Barbetti | 0 |
| 13L | $0.00 |