Ararat Race 6 - Ararat Advocate Pacing Cup
METEOR MOTH (12) has been good in two starts since a spell, beaten only 6m when resuming in a G3 before pushing topliner Hi Manameisjeff to a head when runner-up at Listed level last start at Melton. Loves this distance with four wins and two placings from six tries and is unbeaten from three third-up attempts so should be peaking. PESCI (10) was solid when fourth in a Listed race last time and came from this barrier when winning three back at Melton. MADIGAN (9) owns a good record at this distance and is a player with even luck from the back row. ATA RANGI (6) was solid after racing parked last start and has claims off the Kilmore win prior.

Driver: Amy Day
Stats
Comments
Last start 3rd (Fr4) over 2240m at Melton, beaten 6 m by My Little Bo (2:41.80) in NR up to 79 M on February 21 at $18. Two runs back won by 2.75 m as favourite when quickly away, (Fr4) at Mt Gambier (2:44.60) beating Ocean Avenue in NR 50 to 59 on February 3 at $2.25. Not keen.
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 | 21/02/2026 | 18 | NR up to 79 | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Amy Day | 1:56.2 | 4 |
| 5.9L | $18.00 |
| 1/5 | 03/02/2026 | 11 | NR 50 to 59 | $5,000.00 | Mount Gambier | 2190m | Neutral | Amy Day | 2:01.0 | 4 |
| 2.8L | $2.25 |
| 7/10 | 23/01/2026 | 83 | NR up to 80 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Amy Day | 1:53.5 | 2 |
| 5.4L | $11.00 |
| 5/6 | 20/01/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Terang | 2180m | Amy Day | 0 |
| 2L | $0.00 | ||
| 6/6 | 06/01/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Terang | 2180m | Matthew Craven | 0 |
| 1L | $0.00 | ||
| 3/10 | 01/11/2025 | 7 | B 5 No NR | $14,500.00 | Albion Park | 1660m | Neutral | Angus Garrard | 1:52.4 | 1 |
| 2.3L | $4.60 |
| 9/10 | 25/10/2025 | 4 | NR up to 75 | $11,500.00 | Albion Park | 1660m | Neutral | Matt Elkins | 1:54.0 | 2 |
| 7.0L | $31.00 |
| 5/6 | 21/10/2025 | 10 | No NR | $9,120.00 | Albion Park | 2138m | Neutral | Nathan Dawson | 1:53.3 | 1 |
| 16.8L | $8.50 |

Driver: Tayla French
Stats
Comments
Ran well last start showing plenty of improvement following February 5 run. Last start won by 2.5 m when quickly away, (Fr2) at Shepparton (2:00.90) beating Le Belle Bijoux in NR 60 to 80 on February 17 at $19 at the bell was 4th-3.91. This race will be harder than that win. This looks too much of a step up.
Last Starts 9 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/10 | 17/02/2026 | 12 | NR 60 to 80 | $8,000.00 | Shepparton | 1690m | Neutral | Tayla French | 1:55.2 | 2 |
| 2.4L | $19.00 |
| 5/12 | 05/02/2026 | 6 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Ballarat | 2200m | Neutral | Tayla French | 1:56.8 | 3 |
| 10.8L | $11.00 |
| 6/9 | 30/01/2026 | 108 | NR 60 to 69 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Ellen Tormey | 1:54.0 | 6 |
| 30.0L | $81.00 |
| 2/3 | 19/01/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Tayla French | 0 |
| 4L | $0.00 | ||
| 9/9 | 14/10/2025 | 7 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Shepparton | 2190m | Neutral | Ellen Tormey | 1:58.0 | 1 |
| 23.2L | $26.00 |
| 5/10 | 07/10/2025 | 10 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Shepparton | 1690m | Neutral | A L Turnbull | 1:57.2 | 1 |
| 7.5L | $23.00 |
| 8/12 | 27/09/2025 | 6 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Kerryn Manning | 1:53.1 | 2 |
| 17.4L | $31.00 |
| 2/3 | 15/09/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Tayla French | 0 |
| 4L | $0.00 |

Driver: Jackie Barker
Stats
Comments
Racing consistently with minor placings at her last two starts. Placed last start was driven from back in the field when 2nd (Fr7) over 2180m at Terang was 6th-7.8 at the bell, beaten 2 m by Keayang Wasabi (2:41.90) in NR 56 to 64 on February 13 at $3.50. Before that was well back in the run when 2nd (Fr7) over 1785m at Stawell was 6th-9.8 at the bell, beaten 1.5 m by Wild Bull (2:07.90) in NR 56 to 64 on February 9 at $7. Unlikely to threaten in this tougher assignment.
Last Starts 13 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/7 | 13/02/2026 | 4 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Terang | 2180m | Neutral | Jackie Barker | 1:59.5 | 7 |
| 2.1L | $3.50 |
| 2/7 | 09/02/2026 | 16 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Stawell | 1785m | Neutral | Jackie Barker | 1:55.3 | 7 |
| 1.5L | $7.00 |
| 5/9 | 24/01/2026 | 13 | NR 60 to 69 | $10,000.00 | Ballarat | 2200m | Neutral | Michael Bellman | 1:56.2 | 6 |
| 9.7L | $34.00 |
| 10/10 | 11/01/2026 | 15 | NR up to 105 | $15,000.00 | Hamilton | 2660m | Fast | Michael Bellman | 1:55.6 | 2 |
| 31.1L | $71.00 |
| 1/10 | 27/12/2025 | 7 | NR 60 to 69 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Michael Bellman | 1:56.4 | 5 |
| 2.7L | $3.10 |
| 2/12 | 20/12/2025 | 13 | NR up to 85 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Michael Bellman | 1:53.3 | 5 |
| 6.3L | $26.00 |
| 3/4 | 02/02/2024 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Hamilton | 2160m | Jackie Barker | 0 |
| 13.5L | $0.00 | ||
| 2/5 | 02/08/2023 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Hamilton | 2160m | M J Bellman | 0 |
| 15L | $0.00 |

Driver: Jordan Leedham
Stats
Comments
Failed to impress last start; 6th (Fr3) over 1720m at Melton, at the bell was 4th-4.94 beaten 6 m by Ghost Of Time (2:01.80) in NR 75 to 90 on February 21 at $6. Showed ability the outing before when he ran on from midfield and won by a nose (Fr2) at Kilmore (2:39.40) beating Major Art in NR 70 to 85 on February 7 at $11 at the bell was 5th-8.8. Capable of featuring.
Last Starts 5 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/9 | 21/02/2026 | 14 | NR 75 to 90 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Jordan Leedham | 1:53.9 | 3 |
| 5.8L | $6.00 |
| 1/8 | 07/02/2026 | 7 | NR 70 to 85 | $25,000.00 | Kilmore | 2180m | Neutral | Jordan Leedham | 1:57.7 | 2 |
| 0.1L | $11.00 |
| 3/8 | 31/01/2026 | 35 | NR 70 to 85 | $17,500.00 | Cranbourne | 2080m | Neutral | Jordan Leedham | 1:56.7 | 2 |
| 4.4L | $12.00 |
| 7/11 | 27/12/2025 | 7 | NR 70 to 79 | $20,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Jordan Leedham | 1:54.3 | 4 |
| 13.9L | $11.00 |
| 4/9 | 20/12/2025 | 16 | NR 70 to 79 | $12,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Jordan Leedham | 1:56.5 | 6 |
| 8.0L | $3.20 |
| 1/9 | 04/12/2025 | 5 | No NR | $15,000.00 | Ballarat | 2200m | Neutral | Jordan Leedham | 1:55.1 | 1 |
| 6.7L | $10.00 |
| 1/7 | 17/11/2024 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Cranbourne | 1609m | Kyle Marshall | 0 |
| 31L | $0.00 | ||
| 5/8 | 02/04/2024 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | C A Alford | 0 |
| 5L | $0.00 |

Driver: Aaron Dunn
Stats
Comments
4th (Sr1) over 2190m at Mildura, at the bell was 7th-13.6 beaten 12 m by Dhaulagiri (2:40.20) in NR 65 or better on February 18 at $10. Before that was well back in the run when 4th (Fr6) over 2180m at Kilmore, at the bell was 6th-11.9 beaten 7 m by Ata Rangi (2:39.40) in NR 70 to 85 on February 7 at $41. Needs easier.
Last Starts 8 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/8 | 18/02/2026 | 11 | NR 65 or better | $8,000.00 | Mildura | 2190m | Neutral | L R Sutherland | 1:57.7 | 1 |
| 12.8L | $10.00 |
| 4/8 | 07/02/2026 | 7 | NR 70 to 85 | $25,000.00 | Kilmore | 2180m | Neutral | Aaron Dunn | 1:57.7 | 6 |
| 7.8L | $41.00 |
| 7/8 | 31/01/2026 | 32 | NR 70 to 85 | $17,500.00 | Cranbourne | 2080m | Neutral | Aaron Dunn | 1:56.7 | 6 |
| 14.0L | $21.00 |
| 6/11 | 30/12/2025 | 23 | NR 65 or better | $10,000.00 | Mildura | 2190m | Neutral | Jack Laugher | 1:57.4 | 2 |
| 9.8L | $3.60 |
| 3/10 | 07/12/2025 | 16 | NR up to 95 | $15,000.00 | Horsham | 2200m | Neutral | Aaron Dunn | 1:56.3 | 1 |
| 2.6L | $7.50 |
| 7/9 | 21/11/2025 | 9 | NR up to 95 | $17,500.00 | Geelong | 2100m | Neutral | Michael Bellman | 1:55.8 | 4 |
| 18.8L | $23.00 |
| 1/4 | 15/09/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Stawell | 2180m | Jackie Barker | 0 |
| 0.2L | $0.00 | ||
| 2/2 | 08/09/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Maryborough | 2190m | Michael Bellman | 0 |
| 0.1L | $0.00 |

Driver: Ryan Backhouse
Stats
Comments
Last start 2nd (Sr2) over 2190m at Mildura, at the bell was 3rd-4.8 beaten 2.5 m by Dhaulagiri (2:40.20) in NR 65 or better on February 18 at $4. Two runs back 5th (Sr1) over 1690m at Kilmore was 5th-8.3 at the bell, beaten 9 m by Golden Tribe (2:02.00) in NR 75 to 85 on February 7 at $23. Looking to others.
Last Starts 8 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/8 | 18/02/2026 | 11 | NR 65 or better | $8,000.00 | Mildura | 2190m | Neutral | Ryan Backhouse | 1:57.7 | 2 |
| 2.6L | $4.00 |
| 5/6 | 07/02/2026 | 15 | NR 75 to 85 | $15,000.00 | Kilmore | 1690m | Neutral | Aaron Dunn | 1:56.2 | 1 |
| 9.4L | $23.00 |
| 1/11 | 23/01/2026 | 13 | NR 65 or better | $8,000.00 | Mildura | 2190m | Neutral | Ryan Backhouse | 1:57.5 | 4 |
| 0.2L | $6.50 |
| 4/8 | 10/01/2026 | 15 | NR up to 80 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Aaron Dunn | 1:54.1 | 5 |
| 8.1L | $4.60 |
| 1/11 | 26/12/2025 | 19 | NR 62 to 75 | $8,000.00 | Mildura | 1790m | Neutral | Jack Laugher | 1:54.9 | 4 |
| 2.3L | $4.40 |
| 9/10 | 07/12/2025 | 8 | NR up to 95 | $15,000.00 | Horsham | 2200m | Neutral | Ryan Backhouse | 1:56.3 | 6 |
| 23.5L | $15.00 |
| 3/5 | 08/01/2023 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Maryborough | 2190m | N Mccallum | 0 |
| 0L | $0.00 | ||
| 4/5 | 19/07/2022 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Shepparton | 2190m | A J Wilson | 0 |
| 0L | $0.00 |

Driver: Leigh Sutton
Stats
Comments
Last start 8th (Fr4) over 2240m after showing early pace at Melton beaten 30 m by Chase A Dream (2:39.40) in No NR on February 14 at $26. At the run before 5th (Fr2) over 1690m at Kilmore was 5th-7.8 at the bell, beaten 6 m by Smoken Ace (1:58.20) in LR No NR on February 7 at $51. Contender.
Last Starts 12 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/8 | 14/02/2026 | 7 | No NR | $22,500.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Leigh Sutton | 1:54.5 | 4 |
| 30.5L | $26.00 |
| 5/8 | 07/02/2026 | 13 | No NR | $30,000.00 | Kilmore | 1690m | Neutral | Leigh Sutton | 1:52.6 | 2 |
| 5.8L | $51.00 |
| 2/6 | 25/01/2026 | 24 | NR 70 to 95 | $12,000.00 | Wedderburn | 2555m | Neutral | Leigh Sutton | 2:00.7 | 4 |
| 3.9L | $10.00 |
| 1/10 | 01/01/2026 | 5 | NR up to 80 | $15,000.00 | Echuca | 2560m | Neutral | Leigh Sutton | 2:02.6 | 4 |
| 0.2L | $3.60 |
| 6/9 | 27/12/2025 | 13 | NR 80 to 89 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Leigh Sutton | 1:51.4 | 5 |
| 10.8L | $19.00 |
| 6/12 | 14/12/2025 | 8 | NR up to 95 | $10,000.00 | Gunbower | 2630m | Neutral | Leigh Sutton | 1:58.3 | 4 |
| 52.2L | $8.50 |
| 4/5 | 02/10/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Shepparton | 2190m | Leigh Sutton | 0 |
| 1L | $0.00 | ||
| 2/3 | 22/09/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Leigh Sutton | 0 |
| 6L | $0.00 |

Driver: Luke Dunne
Stats
Comments
Won three starts back at Melton over 1720m 1W/15 0K stake on January 10. Last time out was well back in the run when 4th (Fr3) over 1200m at Melton beaten 11 m by Hi Manameisjeff (1:21.00) in LR No NR on February 14 at $23. This suits.
Last Starts 12 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/8 | 14/02/2026 | 20 | No NR | $30,000.00 | Melton | 1200m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 3 |
| 11.6L | $23.00 | |
| 6/6 | 25/01/2026 | 15 | NR 70 to 95 | $12,000.00 | Wedderburn | 2555m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 2:00.7 | 2 |
| 12.5L | $2.00 |
| 1/11 | 10/01/2026 | 21 | 1W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:54.5 | 3 |
| 3.9L | $2.40 |
| 7/9 | 20/12/2025 | 14 | NR 80 to 92 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Alex Ashwood | 1:55.6 | 4 |
| 18.7L | $31.00 |
| 2/8 | 06/12/2025 | 8 | NR 80 to 89 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:55.5 | 7 |
| 7.7L | $4.40 |
| 1/10 | 28/11/2025 | 9 | NR up to 80 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | W | James Herbertson | 1:53.6 | 2 |
| 1.1L | $1.70 |
| 6/6 | 09/04/2024 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | A M Butt | 0 |
| 1L | $0.00 | ||
| 3/7 | 29/03/2024 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Stawell | 2180m | R T Conway | 0 |
| 4.2L | $0.00 |

Driver: Mark Pitt
Stats
Comments
Two back was beaten by 6 m finishing fifth after being driven well back, behind War Dan Buddy at Cranbourne over 2080m in a 4-5yo G3 No NR on January 31 at $11. Then a handy effort when a close second after a quick start, behind Hi Manameisjeff at Melton over 1200m in a LR No NR on February 14 at $10. Strong record at this distance and is unbeaten third up so can peak.
Last Starts 12 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/8 | 14/02/2026 | 14 | No NR | $30,000.00 | Melton | 1200m | Neutral | Mark Pitt | 5 |
| 0.2L | $10.00 | |
| 5/10 | 31/01/2026 | 217 | No NR | $50,000.00 | Cranbourne | 2080m | Neutral | Mark Pitt | 1:54.7 | 6 |
| 6.2L | $11.00 |
| 2/4 | 20/01/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Ballarat | 1680m | Russell Maisner | 0 |
| 2L | $0.00 | ||
| 3/8 | 13/01/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | Mark Pitt | 0 |
| 22.4L | $0.00 | |
| 10/11 | 28/06/2025 | 21 | NR 83 to 96 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Mark Pitt | 1:52.2 | 6 |
| 19.8L | $13.00 |
| 6/11 | 07/06/2025 | 14 | NR 75 to 89 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Jordan Leedham | 1:53.1 | 4 |
| 7.0L | $4.80 |
| 1/9 | 24/05/2025 | 21 | NR up to 105 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Mark Pitt | 1:53.6 | 4 |
| 0.1L | $2.40 |
| 1/11 | 03/05/2025 | 21 | NR 73 to 83 | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Mark Pitt | 1:55.7 | 1 |
| 2.2L | $1.12 |