Hamilton Race 8 - Matthews Petroleum Hamilton Pacing Cup
FORTY LOVE (6) finished third at Melton two starts back then was competitive again at his latest appearance over 2240m at at the same circuit, beaten only a nose into second after being close to the pace throughout. Finds a nice race and can bounce back to winning form. DHAULAGIRI NZ (5) has been a model of consistency of late and deserved his victory last start, scoring by a head over 2230m at Globe Derby Park. Big chance in a similar assignment. OPERATIVE LINE (10) comes right into contention after scoring last start by 7 metres at Melton over 1720m. ISTHISJUSTFANTASY (11) is in the mix following a fifth at her most recent appearance over 1609m at Cranbourne. She has won her only previous start at this track.

Driver: Jordan Leedham
Stats
Comments
Two back was beaten by 9 m finishing sixth behind He's No Romeo at Melton over 2240m in a NR 70 to 79 on December 20 at $6. Then a handy effort when well beaten into third behind Triple Rock Saint at Melton over 2240m in a NR 70 to 79 on December 27 at $6.50. Drawn to advantage and among the chances again.
Last Starts 27 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/11 | 27/12/2025 | 7 | NR 70 to 79 | $20,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:54.3 | 2 |
| 10.5L | $6.50 |
| 6/9 | 20/12/2025 | 14 | NR 70 to 79 | $12,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Jackie Barker | 1:56.5 | 1 |
| 9.9L | $6.00 |
| 1/9 | 06/12/2025 | 47 | NR 60 to 69 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Jackie Barker | 1:56.3 | 5 |
| 1.7L | $9.50 |
| 3/5 | 25/11/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Terang | 2180m | Lochie Cook | 0 |
| 10L | $0.00 | ||
| 2/8 | 20/10/2025 | 10 | NR 57 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Terang | 1680m | Neutral | Lochie Cook | 1:55.4 | 5 |
| 0.2L | $2.25 |
| 5/9 | 10/10/2025 | 13 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Jackie Barker | 1:54.3 | 5 |
| 1.3L | $11.00 |
| 2/10 | 27/09/2025 | 9 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Lochie Cook | 1:56.7 | 1 |
| 6.7L | $19.00 |
| 4/4 | 03/06/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Terang | 2180m | Lochie Cook | 0 |
| 0.2L | $0.00 |

Driver: Michael Bellman
Stats
Comments
Brings the right form to the table. Won by 2.75 m as favourite after showing early speed, (Fr5) at Melton (2:42.00) beating Hugo Rocks in NR 60 to 69 on December 27 at $3.10 at the bell was leading 3.04. Two runs back was driven from back in the field when 2nd (Fr5) over 1720m at Melton, at the bell was 3rd-2.13 beaten 6 m by The Bride (2:01.10) in NR up to 85 M on December 20 at $26. Not keen against this field.
Last Starts 27 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 3/11 | 07/12/2025 | 13 | NR 56 to 64 | $8,000.00 | Horsham | 1700m | Neutral | Michael Bellman | 1:55.5 | 6 |
| 14.7L | $41.00 |
| 4/7 | 24/11/2025 | 35 | NR 55 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Horsham | 1700m | Neutral | Michael Bellman | 1:55.1 | 1 |
| 8.3L | $12.00 |
| 5/8 | 20/10/2025 | 14 | NR 57 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Terang | 1680m | Neutral | Michael Bellman | 1:55.4 | 6 |
| 2.3L | $19.00 |
| 9/10 | 06/10/2025 | 9 | NR 55 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Horsham | 2200m | Neutral | Lochie Cook | 1:58.1 | 5 |
| 13.4L | $21.00 |
| 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: Amy Day
Stats
Comments
Last start solid effort when 3rd (Sr1) over 2582m at Leeton, at the bell was 3rd-9.6 beaten 8 m by Catchafire (3:06.40) in NR up to 100 on January 1 at $6. Two runs back came from midfield and won by 1.3 m (Fr2) at Gunbower (3:13.30) beating Diamond Eclipse in NR up to 95 on December 14 at $13 at the bell was 2nd-0.6. Sure to be prominent.
Last Starts 22 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/10 | 01/01/2026 | 18 | NR up to 100 | $18,360.00 | Leeton | 2582m | Fast | Matthew Craven | 1:56.2 | 1 |
| 8.9L | $6.00 |
| 1/12 | 14/12/2025 | 7 | NR up to 95 | $10,000.00 | Gunbower | 2630m | Neutral | H Lewis | 1:58.3 | 2 |
| 1.3L | $13.00 |
| 7/10 | 07/12/2025 | 8 | NR up to 95 | $15,000.00 | Horsham | 2200m | Neutral | H Lewis | 1:56.3 | 4 |
| 9.2L | $12.00 |
| 5/9 | 29/11/2025 | 8 | NR 67 to 75 | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Matthew Craven | 1:56.7 | 3 |
| 9.2L | $3.60 |
| 5/10 | 21/11/2025 | 5 | NR 60 to 75 | $15,000.00 | Geelong | 1609m | Neutral | Matthew Craven | 1:53.6 | 6 |
| 6.4L | $15.00 |
| 9/10 | 16/11/2025 | 8 | NR 60 to 66 | $9,000.00 | Cranbourne | 1609m | W | H Lewis | 1:56.1 | 7 |
| 11.8L | $14.00 |
| 4/6 | 10/05/2022 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | M J Craven | 0 |
| 0L | $0.00 | ||
| 6/7 | 03/05/2022 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Rory Coverdale | 0 |
| 0L | $0.00 |

Driver: Kerryn Manning
Stats
Comments
Going well. Last start won by a head (Sr1) at Globe Derby Park (2:41.40) beating Lord Zarias in NR 75 or better on December 27 at $3.70. In form now and can go on with it.
Last Starts 27 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/10 | 27/12/2025 | 13 | NR 75 or better | $15,000.00 | Globe Derby | 2230m | Neutral | Lochie Cook | 1:56.5 | 1 |
| 0.2L | $3.70 |
| 4/12 | 14/12/2025 | 7 | NR up to 95 | $10,000.00 | Gunbower | 2630m | Neutral | Lochie Cook | 1:58.3 | 3 |
| 28.4L | $5.00 |
| 4/10 | 07/12/2025 | 8 | NR up to 95 | $15,000.00 | Horsham | 2200m | Neutral | Lochie Cook | 1:56.3 | 2 |
| 4.4L | $3.90 |
| 4/11 | 29/11/2025 | 8 | NR 75 to 88 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Lochie Cook | 1:53.3 | 4 |
| 4.5L | $10.00 |
| 1/5 | 25/11/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Terang | 2180m | Jason Lee | 0 |
| 8L | $0.00 | ||
| 8/9 | 21/11/2025 | 12 | NR up to 95 | $17,500.00 | Geelong | 2100m | Neutral | Lochie Cook | 1:55.8 | 6 |
| 20.1L | $26.00 |
| 1/11 | 09/11/2025 | 15 | NR 70 to 95 | $15,000.00 | St Arnaud | 2150m | Neutral | Lochie Cook | 1:58.7 | 1 |
| 7.8L | $5.50 |
| 2/5 | 22/07/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Terang | 2180m | Lochie Cook | 0 |
| 2L | $0.00 |

Driver: Aaron Dunn
Stats
Comments
Solid performance when beaten by 3 m finishing third behind New Shuffle at Melton over 2240m in a 3yo No NR CG on November 15 at $7.50. Then a handy effort when a close second after showing early speed, behind Its Confidential at Melton over 2240m in a 3yo G2 No NR CG on November 22 at $10. One of the main contenders.
Last Starts 18 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4 | 05/01/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Horsham | 2200m | Aaron Dunn | 0 |
| 4L | $0.00 | ||
| 2/12 | 22/11/2025 | 7 | No NR | $100,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Aaron Dunn | 1:52.8 | 6 |
| 0.1L | $10.00 |
| 3/12 | 15/11/2025 | 8 | No NR | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Aaron Dunn | 1:54.8 | 3 |
| 2.9L | $7.50 |
| 2/9 | 07/11/2025 | 13 | No NR | $10,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Fast | Aaron Dunn | 1:56.8 | 2 |
| 4.5L | $15.00 |
| 1/10 | 25/10/2025 | 7 | No NR | $30,000.00 | Globe Derby | 2230m | Neutral | Aaron Dunn | 1:57.5 | 4 |
| 0.1L | $2.90 |
| 1/7 | 18/10/2025 | 7 | No NR | $8,500.00 | Globe Derby | 2230m | Neutral | Aaron Dunn | 1:58.3 | 4 |
| 5.0L | $1.12 |
| 7/9 | 11/10/2025 | 7 | No NR | $20,000.00 | Melton | 2760m | Neutral | Aaron Dunn | 1:55.9 | 3 |
| 13.2L | $13.00 |
| 1/3 | 21/07/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Stawell | 1785m | Aaron Dunn | 0 |
| 20.5L | $0.00 | ||
| 2/4 | 28/05/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Horsham | 2200m | Aaron Dunn | 0 |
| 1L | $0.00 |

Driver: Matthew Craven
Stats
Comments
Well-beaten 9 days ago at Goulburn over 2240m, and two back 7th (Fr3) over 2240m after showing early speed at Melton beaten 23 m by Bulletproof Boy (2:37.00) in No NR on December 20 at $15. Not keen on his chances in this line-up.
Last Starts 21 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/12 | 02/01/2026 | 13 | No NR | $40,000.00 | Goulburn | 2240m | Fast | Amy Day | 1:53.6 | 1 |
| 46.5L | $61.00 |
| 7/10 | 20/12/2025 | 7 | No NR | $22,500.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Matthew Craven | 1:52.8 | 3 |
| 23.1L | $15.00 |
| 5/9 | 13/12/2025 | 7 | No NR | $22,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Matthew Craven | 1:50.5 | 2 |
| 14.9L | $34.00 |
| 3/8 | 06/12/2025 | 7 | NR up to 105 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Matthew Craven | 1:52.1 | 5 |
| 3.7L | $10.00 |
| 5/9 | 29/11/2025 | 14 | No NR | $22,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Matthew Craven | 1:51.8 | 3 |
| 12.2L | $26.00 |
| 5/11 | 15/11/2025 | 14 | No NR | $22,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Matthew Craven | 1:51.2 | 1 |
| 3.9L | $19.00 |
| 2/5 | 24/09/2024 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Terang | 2180m | Matthew Craven | 0 |
| 3L | $0.00 | ||
| 4/3 | 20/08/2024 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Terang | 2180m | M J Craven | 0 |
| 6L | $0.00 |

Driver: Lochie Cook
Stats
Comments
Returns after five months in the paddock. Finished off last campaign when well beaten into tenth despite hanging in on scoring up, after showing early speed, behind War Dan Buddy at Melton over 1720m in a NR up to 105 on August 16 at $23. Capable of more than he has shown recently. Looks all set for a bright return.
Last Starts 32 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/3 | 22/12/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Terang | 2180m | Glen Craven | 0 |
| 9.5L | $0.00 | ||
| 10/10 | 16/08/2025 | 12 | NR up to 105 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Lochie Cook | 1:52.0 | 7 |
| 25.7L | $23.00 |
| 2/6 | 04/08/2025 | 2 | NR 65 or better | $8,000.00 | Terang | 1680m | Neutral | Lochie Cook | 1:54.1 | 6 |
| 3.1L | $3.20 |
| 3/7 | 02/08/2025 | 14 | No NR | $22,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Lochie Cook | 1:51.2 | 4 |
| 3.4L | $26.00 |
| 1/8 | 19/07/2025 | 7 | NR up to 105 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Lochie Cook | 1:52.8 | 2 |
| 6.2L | $13.00 |
| 9/11 | 12/07/2025 | 7 | No NR | $22,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Lochie Cook | 1:52.5 | 6 |
| 10.2L | $41.00 |
| 6/11 | 05/07/2025 | 10 | No NR | $22,500.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Lochie Cook | 1:54.4 | 5 |
| 14.9L | $151.00 |
| 2/3 | 07/04/2024 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Terang | 2180m | G A Craven | 0 |
| 3L | $0.00 |

Driver: Jackie Barker
Stats
Comments
Improved last start with a game effort when 3rd (Fr4) over 2240m after showing early speed and racing wide at Melton, at the bell was 4th-4 beaten 13 m by Bulletproof Boy (2:37.00) in No NR on December 20 at $16. One of the key runners.
Last Starts 34 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/10 | 20/12/2025 | 7 | No NR | $22,500.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Aaron Dunn | 1:52.8 | 4 |
| 13.6L | $16.00 |
| 7/9 | 13/12/2025 | 14 | No NR | $22,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Luke McCarthy | 1:50.5 | 3 |
| 19.0L | $34.00 |
| 4/12 | 29/11/2025 | 9 | No NR | $100,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Aaron Dunn | 1:53.9 | 4 |
| 10.1L | $34.00 |
| 2/11 | 20/11/2025 | 8 | No NR | $15,000.00 | Ballarat | 2200m | Neutral | Aaron Dunn | 1:54.7 | 2 |
| 2.9L | $41.00 |
| 6/9 | 12/11/2025 | 109 | No NR | $10,000.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Neutral | Aaron Dunn | 1:54.6 | 3 |
| 14.6L | $41.00 |
| 1/3 | 03/11/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | Jodi Quinlan | 0 |
| 0.1L | $0.00 | |
| 9/9 | 26/07/2025 | 7 | No NR | $22,500.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Aaron Dunn | 1:54.7 | 2 |
| 30.3L | $9.00 |
| 3/4 | 28/05/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Horsham | 2200m | Jackie Barker | 0 |
| 3L | $0.00 |

Driver: James Herbertson
Stats
Comments
Last start won from midfield and posted a big 7 m win when driven back in the field, (Fr4) held up early, at Melton (1:58.50) beating Diamond Eclipse in No NR on December 27 at $11 at the bell was 5th-9.73. Racing well and rates highly on the latest effort.
Last Starts 27 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/5 | 27/12/2025 | 7 | No NR | $22,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:50.8 | 4 |
| 7.6L | $11.00 |
| 9/10 | 20/12/2025 | 13 | No NR | $22,500.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Jackie Barker | 1:52.8 | 5 |
| 37.5L | $34.00 |
| 1/10 | 07/12/2025 | 71 | NR up to 95 | $15,000.00 | Horsham | 2200m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:56.3 | 3 |
| 1.9L | $2.50 |
| 6/6 | 27/09/2025 | 14 | No NR | $22,500.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Jackie Barker | 1:57.4 | 2 |
| 10.9L | $21.00 |
| 1/11 | 13/09/2025 | 7 | NR up to 95 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:52.4 | 3 |
| 0.2L | $4.60 |
| 6/7 | 06/09/2025 | 14 | No NR | $22,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Kerryn Manning | 1:53.6 | 3 |
| 12.0L | $7.50 |
| 1/4 | 02/02/2024 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Hamilton | 2160m | J J Herbertson | 0 |
| 8.5L | $0.00 | ||
| 1/5 | 21/07/2021 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Hamilton | 2160m | M J Bellman | 0 |
| 0L | $0.00 |

Driver: Glen Craven
Stats
Comments
Finished fifth at her last two starts since resuming from a spell. Last outing was beaten 5.5 metres behind Louie Lou I at Cranbourne over 1609m NR up to 105 on January 3. Certainly worth another chance.
Last Starts 20 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/7 | 03/01/2026 | 14 | NR up to 105 | $17,500.00 | Cranbourne | 1609m | Neutral | Jason Lee | 1:54.4 | 7 |
| 5.3L | $6.00 |
| 5/10 | 20/12/2025 | 126 | No NR | $22,500.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Jason Lee | 1:52.8 | 1 |
| 20.0L | $15.00 |
| 1/2 | 09/12/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Terang | 2180m | Glen Craven | 0 |
| 0.2L | $0.00 | ||
| 2/10 | 16/08/2025 | 245 | NR up to 105 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Glen Craven | 1:52.0 | 3 |
| 1.3L | $11.00 |
| 2/6 | 12/08/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Terang | 2180m | Glen Craven | 0 |
| 6L | $0.00 | ||
| 2/9 | 14/12/2024 | 14 | No NR | $25,500.00 | Menangle | 1609m | Neutral | Jason Lee | 1:51.1 | 7 |
| 4.1L | $4.20 |
| 1/10 | 30/11/2024 | 49 | NR up to 95 | $30,600.00 | Menangle | 1609m | Neutral | Will Rixon | 1:52.0 | 10 |
| 4.4L | $4.00 |
| 9/12 | 12/10/2024 | 16 | No NR | $150,000.00 | Melton | 2760m | Neutral | Glen Craven | 1:55.7 | 6 |
| 11.6L | $151.00 |