Melton Race 3 - Yabby Dam Farms Great Southern Star (2Nd Heat)
It took flying mare Jilliby Ballerini to halt the winning run of JILLIBY DREAMLOVER (5) in last week's Kilmore Cup but she was brave in fighting on for a 5m second. Won five in a row prior and is unbeaten at this circuit and distance. Dodges her star stablemates in this heat so can return to the winners' list. ARCEE PHOENIX (2) hasn't won since last July's Inter Dominion final but draws better than when midfield in the Kilmore Cup and had put together a string of placings prior. Should get his chance from the low barrier. IM BOBBY (8) had to work hard when midfield last week but had been racing consistently prior including a third from this barrier to star mare Keayang Zahara in the Group 1 Maori Mile at this circuit and distance last month. OLLIVICI NZ (6) comes in fresh but races well that way. Has had eight weeks off since a last-start break but won two in a row here prior and is capable when on his game.

Driver: Jordan Leedham
Stats
Comments
Didn't do much last start, was driven from back in the field when 9th (Fr5) over 2180m at Kilmore, beaten 40 m by Jilliby Ballerini (2:39.60) in G2 No NR on February 7 at $151. Before that was well back in the run when 5th (Fr6) over 2080m at Cranbourne, beaten 45 m by Keayang Zahara (2:32.70) in G1 No NR on January 31 at $126. This will be too tough.
Last Starts 6 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9/12 | 07/02/2026 | 7 | No NR | $75,000.00 | Kilmore | 2180m | Neutral | Jordan Leedham | 1:57.8 | 5 |
| 39.7L | $151.00 |
| 5/7 | 31/01/2026 | 7 | No NR | $75,000.00 | Cranbourne | 2080m | Neutral | Leigh Sutton | 1:58.2 | 6 |
| 45.5L | $126.00 |
| 5/8 | 24/01/2026 | 14 | No NR | $75,000.00 | Ballarat | 2200m | Neutral | Leigh Sutton | 1:56.8 | 2 |
| 44.3L | $151.00 |
| 6/6 | 10/01/2026 | 7 | No NR | $100,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Jordan Leedham | 1:55.7 | 5 |
| 24.0L | $81.00 |
| 6/8 | 03/01/2026 | 7 | No NR | $22,500.00 | Cranbourne | 2080m | Neutral | Jordan Leedham | 1:57.8 | 2 |
| 34.6L | $41.00 |
| 2/12 | 27/12/2025 | 7 | NR 69 to 85 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Leigh Sutton | 1:55.8 | 1 |
| 9.4L | $81.00 |
| 2/7 | 30/12/2024 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Brad Angove | 0 |
| 1L | $0.00 | ||
| 3/3 | 28/12/2024 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bacchus Marsh | 2400m | Brad Angove | 0 |
| 5L | $0.00 |

Driver: Chris Svanosio
Stats
Comments
Last start was well beaten into sixth behind Jilliby Ballerini at Kilmore over 2180m in a G2 No NR on February 7 at $12. Raced better the start before that with a good run when 3rd (Fr3) over 2200m at Ballarat was 2nd-2.75 at the bell, beaten 11 m by Keayang Zahara (2:39.70) in G2 No NR on January 24 at $23. The good draw gives him a big chance to return to the winners' list.
Last Starts 6 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/12 | 07/02/2026 | 14 | No NR | $75,000.00 | Kilmore | 2180m | Neutral | Chris Svanosio | 1:57.8 | 7 |
| 17.3L | $12.00 |
| 3/8 | 24/01/2026 | 7 | No NR | $75,000.00 | Ballarat | 2200m | Neutral | Chris Svanosio | 1:56.8 | 3 |
| 11.5L | $23.00 |
| 2/6 | 17/01/2026 | 7 | No NR | $30,000.00 | Shepparton | 2690m | Fast | Chris Svanosio | 1:59.6 | 4 |
| 13.8L | $1.55 |
| 2/6 | 10/01/2026 | 60 | No NR | $100,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Chris Svanosio | 1:55.7 | 3 |
| 5.2L | $21.00 |
| 1/3 | 05/01/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Taylor Youl | 0 |
| 3L | $0.00 | ||
| 2/6 | 22/12/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 1720m | Good | Taylor Youl | 0 |
| 5L | $0.00 | |
| 13/15 | 11/11/2025 | 9 | $350,880.00 | Addington | 3200m | Fast | C D Svanosio | 2:02.7 | 4 |
| 48.1L | $7.50 | |
| 3/5 | 02/11/2025 | 15 | No NR | $30,000.00 | Maryborough | 2690m | Neutral | Chris Svanosio | 1:59.6 | 5 |
| 16.7L | $4.80 |

Driver: Kate Gath
Stats
Comments
Racing consistently with minor placings at his last two starts. Placed last start 3rd (Sr4) over 1690m at Kilmore was 4th-5.2 at the bell, beaten 3 m by Quirky Character (2:04.40) in NR 70 to 85 on February 7 at $2.70. Before that 2nd (Sr1) over 2200m at Ballarat, at the bell was 3rd-4.82 beaten 3 m by Jilliby Ballerini (2:44.30) in 4-5yo LR No NR on January 24 at $26. One for the exotics.
Last Starts 6 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/11 | 07/02/2026 | 14 | NR 70 to 85 | $17,500.00 | Kilmore | 1690m | Neutral | Kate Gath | 1:58.5 | 4 |
| 2.9L | $2.70 |
| 2/8 | 24/01/2026 | 28 | No NR | $30,000.00 | Ballarat | 2200m | Neutral | Kate Gath | 2:00.2 | 1 |
| 3.0L | $26.00 |
| 1/3 | 06/01/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | Jordan Leedham | 0 |
| 4.8L | $0.00 | |
| 6/12 | 27/12/2025 | 7 | NR 69 to 85 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Kate Gath | 1:55.8 | 5 |
| 15.1L | $21.00 |
| 5/11 | 20/12/2025 | 22 | NR 70 to 79 | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Kate Gath | 1:55.7 | 3 |
| 21.4L | $12.00 |
| 1/12 | 28/11/2025 | 14 | No NR | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | W | Kate Gath | 2:01.3 | 3 |
| 0.3L | $2.10 |
| 7/11 | 14/11/2025 | 6 | No NR | $10,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Jordan Leedham | 2:00.8 | 3 |
| 20.7L | $14.00 |
| 3/7 | 28/10/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 1720m | Good | Jordan Leedham | 0 |
| 13L | $0.00 |

Driver: Jason Lee
Stats
Comments
Didn't do much last start, 7th (Fr1) over 2200m at Ballarat beaten 45 m by Keayang Zahara (2:39.70) in G2 No NR on January 24 at $126. Before that 5th (Fr1) over 1720m after showing early pace at this track, beaten 9 m by Keayang Zahara (2:03.70) in G1 No NR on January 10 at $81. Needs easier.
Last Starts 20 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7/8 | 24/01/2026 | 14 | No NR | $75,000.00 | Ballarat | 2200m | Neutral | Glen Craven | 1:56.8 | 1 |
| 46.0L | $126.00 |
| 5/6 | 10/01/2026 | 7 | No NR | $100,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Lochie Cook | 1:55.7 | 1 |
| 9.8L | $81.00 |
| 4/8 | 03/01/2026 | 147 | No NR | $22,500.00 | Cranbourne | 2080m | Neutral | Lochie Cook | 1:57.8 | 1 |
| 21.9L | $23.00 |
| 2/3 | 22/12/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Terang | 2180m | Lochie Cook | 0 |
| 5L | $0.00 | ||
| 3/3 | 09/12/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Terang | 2180m | Glen Craven | 0 |
| 6L | $0.00 | ||
| 7/8 | 09/08/2025 | 21 | NR 80 to 105 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Jason Lee | 1:56.3 | 7 |
| 47.2L | $2.50 |
| 3/7 | 19/07/2025 | 21 | No NR | $22,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Jason Lee | 1:54.8 | 5 |
| 10.4L | $4.40 |
| 2/7 | 28/06/2025 | 28 | No NR | $22,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Jason Lee | 1:53.9 | 5 |
| 16.2L | $12.00 |

Driver: Glen Craven
Stats
Comments
Looks well placed in this tougher race, but she was impressive winning two starts back [-+] won by 12 m as favourite when quickly away, (Fr2) at Cranbourne (1:55.90) beating Gotfeelingsyouknow in NR up to 90 on January 31 at $1.25 at the bell was leading 4.9. Progressive mare with strong claims.
Last Starts 6 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/12 | 07/02/2026 | 7 | No NR | $75,000.00 | Kilmore | 2180m | Neutral | Glen Craven | 1:57.8 | 3 |
| 5.0L | $6.50 |
| 1/7 | 31/01/2026 | 7 | NR up to 90 | $17,500.00 | Cranbourne | 1609m | Neutral | Jason Lee | 1:55.9 | 2 |
| 12.8L | $1.25 |
| 1/10 | 24/01/2026 | 21 | NR 70 to 85 | $17,500.00 | Ballarat | 2200m | Neutral | Jason Lee | 1:58.5 | 7 |
| 6.0L | $1.25 |
| 1/7 | 03/01/2026 | 7 | NR 70 to 85 | $17,500.00 | Cranbourne | 2080m | Neutral | Jason Lee | 1:59.2 | 2 |
| 10.6L | $1.15 |
| 1/12 | 27/12/2025 | 7 | NR 69 to 85 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Jason Lee | 1:55.8 | 2 |
| 9.4L | $1.30 |
| 1/11 | 20/12/2025 | 28 | NR 70 to 79 | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Jason Lee | 1:55.7 | 5 |
| 18.4L | $2.50 |
| 2/8 | 21/10/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Terang | 2180m | Paddy Lee | 0 |
| 2L | $0.00 | ||
| 4/4 | 07/10/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Terang | 2180m | Jason Lee | 0 |
| 0.2L | $0.00 |

Driver: Chris Alford
Stats
Comments
Broke last start; 8th (30m Fr1) over 2240m at this track, beaten 80 m by Im Bobby (2:47.00) in No NR on December 20 at $3.10. Showed ability the race before when he was well back before the turn; won by 1.4 m as favourite (30m Fr2) at this track (3:29.00) beating Im Bobby in No NR on November 29 at $2 at the bell was 7th-23.7m 2WWC. Can make an impact with his A-game.
Last Starts 55 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/12 | 20/12/2025 | 21 | No NR | $17,500.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Chris Alford | 1:58.4 | 0 |
| 79.0L | $3.10 |
| 1/8 | 29/11/2025 | 21 | No NR | $17,500.00 | Melton | 2760m | Neutral | Chris Alford | 2:00.6 | 0 |
| 1.4L | $2.00 |
| 1/6 | 08/11/2025 | 21 | No NR | $22,500.00 | Melton | 2240m | Soft | Chris Alford | 2:01.1 | 3 |
| 15.4L | $1.30 |
| 3/12 | 18/10/2025 | 7 | No NR | $60,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Chris Alford | 1:55.1 | 1 |
| 26.6L | $81.00 |
| 4/7 | 11/10/2025 | 35 | No NR | $30,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Chris Alford | 1:56.8 | 5 |
| 15.9L | $15.00 |
| 1/3 | 30/09/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 1720m | Good | Chris Lang | 0 |
| 0.2L | $0.00 | |
| 4/6 | 06/09/2025 | 98 | No NR | $22,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Chris Lang | 1:55.4 | 5 |
| 8.0L | $10.00 |
| 4/4 | 26/08/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 1720m | Good | Chris Lang | 0 |
| 30.4L | $0.00 |

Driver: Anthony Butt
Stats
Comments
Resumes today. At the latest first-up run 10th (Fr2) over 1609m after showing early speed at Geelong beaten 70 m by Fremarkstilly (2:01.30) in NR 56 to 62 on February 7 2025 at $2.25. Looks safely held.
Last Starts 10 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4 | 03/02/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | James Herbertson | 0 |
| 0.2L | $0.00 | |
| 2/2 | 27/01/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | James Herbertson | 0 |
| 30.2L | $0.00 | |
| 10/11 | 21/11/2025 | 7 | No NR | $9,240.00 | Albion Park | 2138m | Neutral | Layne Dwyer | 1:58.1 | 3 |
| 39.2L | $5.50 |
| 9/13 | 14/11/2025 | 13 | No NR | $9,240.00 | Albion Park | 2647m | Neutral | Layne Dwyer | 1:59.9 | 5 |
| 14.2L | $7.50 |
| 3/9 | 01/11/2025 | 7 | No NR | $14,980.00 | Albion Park | 2138m | Neutral | Nathan Dawson | 2:00.0 | 2 |
| 4.6L | $2.60 |
| 4/6 | 25/10/2025 | 6 | No NR | $14,980.00 | Albion Park | 2138m | Neutral | Gary Whitaker | 1:57.9 | 2 |
| 13.2L | $26.00 |
| 1/6 | 19/10/2025 | 12 | No NR | $11,900.00 | Marburg | 2550m | Neutral | Nathan Dawson | 2:01.2 | 2 |
| 1.6L | $6.50 |
| 4/10 | 07/10/2025 | 7 | NR up to 75 | $9,000.00 | Albion Park | 1660m | Neutral | Layne Dwyer | 1:55.6 | 1 |
| 10.2L | $7.00 |

Driver: James Herbertson
Stats
Comments
Last start 7th (Fr4) over 2180m after showing early speed at Kilmore, beaten 23 m by Jilliby Ballerini (2:39.60) in G2 No NR on February 7 at $3.50. Before that, a game effort when 3rd (Fr5) over 2080m after showing early pace at Cranbourne beaten 21 m by Keayang Zahara (2:32.70) in G1 No NR on January 31 at $17. Expect him to be in the finish.
Last Starts 6 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7/12 | 07/02/2026 | 7 | No NR | $75,000.00 | Kilmore | 2180m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:57.8 | 4 |
| 23.4L | $3.50 |
| 3/7 | 31/01/2026 | 7 | No NR | $75,000.00 | Cranbourne | 2080m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:58.2 | 5 |
| 21.9L | $17.00 |
| 4/8 | 24/01/2026 | 7 | No NR | $75,000.00 | Ballarat | 2200m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:56.8 | 1 |
| 16.9L | $23.00 |
| 1/6 | 17/01/2026 | 7 | No NR | $30,000.00 | Shepparton | 2690m | Fast | James Herbertson | 1:59.6 | 2 |
| 13.8L | $2.30 |
| 3/6 | 10/01/2026 | 21 | No NR | $100,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:55.7 | 1 |
| 9.3L | $23.00 |
| 1/12 | 20/12/2025 | 21 | No NR | $17,500.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:58.4 | 0 |
| 10.3L | $2.90 |
| 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: Kerryn Manning
Stats
Comments
Last start 7th (Fr3) over 2080m at Cranbourne beaten 60 m by Keayang Zahara (2:32.70) in G1 No NR on January 31 at $41. Two runs back good run when 3rd (FT Fr2) over 2760m at this track was 7th-24.1m on the pegs at the bell, beaten 15 m by Keayang Chucky (3:25.20) in G3 No NR on February 22 at $5.50. Has a strong second-up record so is open to improvement.
Last Starts 13 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7/7 | 31/01/2026 | 343 | No NR | $75,000.00 | Cranbourne | 2080m | Neutral | Chris Svanosio | 1:58.2 | 3 |
| 62.5L | $41.00 |
| 1/3 | 19/01/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Chris Svanosio | 0 |
| 4L | $0.00 | ||
| 7/7 | 13/01/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | Chris Svanosio | 0 |
| 28L | $0.00 | |
| 3/8 | 22/02/2025 | 21 | No NR | $30,000.00 | Melton | 2760m | Neutral | Kerryn Manning | 1:59.7 | 2 |
| 15.6L | $5.50 |
| 2/10 | 01/02/2025 | 7 | No NR | $20,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Kerryn Manning | 1:51.6 | 4 |
| 12.3L | $23.00 |
| 12/12 | 25/01/2025 | 21 | No NR | $30,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Chris Svanosio | 1:58.6 | 1 |
| 59.0L | $5.50 |
| 5/10 | 04/01/2025 | 21 | No NR | $75,000.00 | Bendigo | 1609m | Neutral | Kerryn Manning | 1:55.7 | 1 |
| 6.9L | $16.00 |
| 2/9 | 14/12/2024 | 14 | No NR | $22,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Chris Svanosio | 1:55.1 | 1 |
| 3.8L | $2.50 |