Melton Race 6 - Hip Pocket Castlemaine Pace
HES NO ROMEO NZ (2) added to his strong form when third from this barrier in the same grade last week at Bendigo, beaten 2.5 metres. Drew on the back row and worked but toughed out a win prior. Should get his chance from this draw. SURFINGMAKESCENTS (6) returned from a spell and did well to finish second in a decent line-up, beaten just a head at this venue. Has won second-up before and goes very well at this circuit and distance with three wins and two placings from six attempts including her G3 Ladyship Cup victory at the and of last campaign. OUR LUCIANO (9) boxed on to be beaten only 2.6m when resuming. Draws on the back row but usually performs well when second up. METEOR MOTH (8) faded out of a Mildura Cup heat last start but won twice in a row here prior, one of them from this barrier. Can bounce back.

Driver: Ewa Justice
Stats
Comments
Resumes. At the latest first-up run surrendered the lead and finished 4th (Fr4) over 1720m after showing early pace at this track, beaten 9 m by Our Saydie Kay (2:03.00) in NR 55 to 64 on May 23 at $21. Happy to watch this time.
Last Starts 24 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/4 | 31/03/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 1720m | Good | Ewa Justice | 0 |
| 1.4L | $0.00 | |
| 6/9 | 20/12/2025 | 8 | NR 70 to 79 | $12,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Ewa Justice | 1:57.0 | 2 |
| 3.9L | $7.00 |
| 6/9 | 12/12/2025 | 6 | NR 76 to 89 | $17,500.00 | Geelong | 1609m | Neutral | Ewa Justice | 1:51.2 | 4 |
| 16.5L | $10.00 |
| 4/8 | 06/12/2025 | 7 | NR 70 to 79 | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Ewa Justice | 1:55.0 | 1 |
| 9.4L | $5.50 |
| 1/9 | 29/11/2025 | 8 | NR 67 to 75 | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Ewa Justice | 1:56.7 | 6 |
| 5.5L | $3.90 |
| 2/10 | 21/11/2025 | 12 | NR 60 to 75 | $15,000.00 | Geelong | 1609m | Neutral | Ewa Justice | 1:53.6 | 2 |
| 3.0L | $7.50 |
| 8/11 | 09/11/2025 | 15 | NR 70 to 95 | $15,000.00 | St Arnaud | 2150m | Neutral | John Justice | 1:58.7 | 4 |
| 22.9L | $26.00 |
| 1/6 | 01/07/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | Ewa Justice | 0 |
| 9.1L | $0.00 |

Driver: Jack Laugher
Stats
Comments
Last start game effort when 3rd (Fr2) over 1650m after showing early pace at Bendigo, at the bell was 5th-8.81 beaten 2.5 m by Calexico (1:54.30) in NR up to 105 on April 18 at $8. Two runs back won by a head (Sr1) at Bendigo (1:56.70) beating Dressed In Gold in NR 60 to 75 on April 1 at $3.30. Draws well and is capable of playing a major role.
Last Starts 6 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/7 | 18/04/2026 | 17 | NR up to 105 | $17,500.00 | Bendigo | 1650m | Neutral | Jack Laugher | 1:51.5 | 2 |
| 2.5L | $8.00 |
| 1/9 | 01/04/2026 | 4 | NR 60 to 75 | $8,000.00 | Bendigo | 1650m | Neutral | Tasmyn Potter | 1:53.9 | 1 |
| 0.2L | $3.30 |
| 3/8 | 28/03/2026 | 7 | NR 72 to 82 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Tasmyn Potter | 1:55.6 | 5 |
| 4.2L | $8.50 |
| 3/6 | 21/03/2026 | 14 | NR up to 105 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Jack Laugher | 1:54.8 | 1 |
| 4.2L | $41.00 |
| 6/7 | 07/03/2026 | 14 | NR 75 to 88 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Jack Laugher | 1:57.2 | 1 |
| 6.3L | $3.40 |
| 5/9 | 21/02/2026 | 14 | NR 75 to 90 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Jack Laugher | 1:53.9 | 1 |
| 4.4L | $5.50 |

Driver: Kate Gath
Stats
Comments
Solid run when beaten by 2 m finishing second after a quick start, behind Kimcando at Riverina Paceway over 2270m in a 4-5yo No NR M on March 27 at $7. Then a handy effort when beaten by 4.5 m finishing second after a quick start, behind Gunna Reload at Riverina Paceway over 2270m in a 4-5yo LR No NR M on April 4 at $14. Nicely drawn and can feature.
Last Starts 20 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/12 | 04/04/2026 | 8 | No NR | $100,000.00 | Wagga | 2270m | Fast | Kate Gath | 1:53.9 | 8 |
| 4.5L | $14.00 |
| 2/9 | 27/03/2026 | 13 | No NR | $11,830.00 | Wagga | 2270m | Fast | Kate Gath | 1:55.5 | 5 |
| 1.9L | $7.00 |
| 3/7 | 14/03/2026 | 21 | NR 70 to 79 | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Kate Gath | 1:53.1 | 7 |
| 7.9L | $19.00 |
| 1/8 | 21/02/2026 | 14 | NR up to 79 | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Kate Gath | 1:56.2 | 6 |
| 4.6L | $8.00 |
| 3/9 | 07/02/2026 | 7 | NR 65 to 74 | $10,000.00 | Kilmore | 1690m | Neutral | Kate Gath | 1:57.9 | 3 |
| 3.6L | $3.70 |
| 1/8 | 31/01/2026 | 15 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Cranbourne | 1609m | Neutral | Kate Gath | 1:56.2 | 5 |
| 3.9L | $5.00 |
| 2/9 | 11/03/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | Kate Gath | 0 |
| 3L | $0.00 | |
| 3/5 | 06/08/2024 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Kate Gath | 0 |
| 4L | $0.00 |

Driver: Jackie Barker
Stats
Comments
Didn't do much last start, was well back in the run when 6th (Fr2) over 1609m at Geelong was 6th-10.89 at the bell, beaten 17 m by My Ultimate Barney (1:52.20) in No NR on April 17 at $151. Before that 6th (Fr2) over 2240m at this track beaten 10 m by Bulletproof Boy (2:45.60) in No NR on April 4 at $151. This looks a tough task.
Last Starts 7 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/6 | 17/04/2026 | 13 | No NR | $20,000.00 | Geelong | 1609m | Neutral | Jackie Barker | 1:52.2 | 2 |
| 17.2L | $151.00 |
| 6/6 | 04/04/2026 | 10 | No NR | $22,500.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Jackie Barker | 1:59.0 | 2 |
| 10.8L | $151.00 |
| 6/8 | 25/03/2026 | 12 | NR 65 or better | $8,000.00 | Bendigo | 1650m | Neutral | Jackie Barker | 1:54.3 | 5 |
| 10.2L | $31.00 |
| 6/6 | 13/03/2026 | 11 | No NR | $20,000.00 | Geelong | 2570m | Neutral | Jackie Barker | 1:56.7 | 3 |
| 16.8L | $151.00 |
| 5/8 | 02/03/2026 | 33 | NR 65 or better | $9,000.00 | Terang | 1680m | Neutral | Jackie Barker | 1:55.7 | 1 |
| 12.3L | $21.00 |
| 4/7 | 28/01/2026 | 15 | No NR | $5,000.00 | Globe Derby | 2230m | Neutral | S K Hill | 1:57.5 | 1 |
| 21.6L | $3.20 |
| 3/4 | 03/08/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Kyabram | 2130m | Bridgitte Hutchins | 0 |
| 8.2L | $0.00 | ||
| 3/3 | 08/04/2024 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Leeton | 2147m | Good | Mikayla Towers | 0 |
| 1L | $0.00 |

Driver: Ellen Tormey
Stats
Comments
Didn't do much last start, 8th (Sr5) over 1650m at Bendigo, at the bell was 8th-11.2 beaten 11 m by New Shuffle (1:59.40) in NR 78 to 89 on April 18 at $101. Before that 7th (Fr3) over 1609m at Menangle was 5th-8.48 at the bell, beaten 11 m by Master Catch (1:52.00) in NR up to 105 on March 21 at $15. Not keen.
Last Starts 6 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/12 | 18/04/2026 | 28 | NR 78 to 89 | $17,500.00 | Bendigo | 1650m | Neutral | Tasmyn Potter | 1:56.4 | 5 |
| 11.8L | $101.00 |
| 7/10 | 21/03/2026 | 11 | NR up to 105 | $20,400.00 | Menangle | 1609m | Fast | Jack Callaghan | 1:52.0 | 3 |
| 11.3L | $15.00 |
| 6/9 | 10/03/2026 | 17 | 7 5K/5 Starts | $10,000.00 | Menangle | 1609m | Fast | Jack Callaghan | 1:51.4 | 5 |
| 7.2L | $7.50 |
| 7/10 | 21/02/2026 | 7 | NR up to 95 | $20,400.00 | Menangle | 2300m | Fast | Jack Callaghan | 1:54.2 | 10 |
| 4.3L | $19.00 |
| 3/9 | 14/02/2026 | 14 | NR up to 90 | $20,400.00 | Menangle | 1609m | Fast | Harrison Ross | 1:51.7 | 1 |
| 13.6L | $41.00 |
| 7/9 | 31/01/2026 | 7 | NR up to 105 | $20,400.00 | Menangle | 1609m | Fast | Seaton Grima | 1:50.7 | 4 |
| 11.1L | $10.00 |
| 2/4 | 17/09/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Menangle | 1609m | Good | J R Kershaw | 0 |
| 8L | $0.00 | |
| 1/3 | 21/05/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Menangle | 1609m | Good | J P McCarthy | 0 |
| 1.7L | $0.00 |

Driver: Kerryn Manning
Stats
Comments
Continued her steady form from last campaign first-up. Returned to racing with a solid effort when 2nd (Fr2) over 1200m after showing early pace at this track, at the bell was leading 1.89 beaten a head by Operative Line (1:22.50) in No NR on April 10 at $13. Won last start in her previous preparation at this track over 1720m G3 No NR M. Sure to improve on that first up effort. Will be a lot better for that hitout so could go one better.
Last Starts 14 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/8 | 10/04/2026 | 174 | No NR | $10,000.00 | Melton | 1200m | Neutral | Kerryn Manning | 2 |
| 0.2L | $13.00 | |
| 1/8 | 18/10/2025 | 14 | No NR | $50,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Kerryn Manning | 1:53.2 | 1 |
| 0.2L | $3.60 |
| 3/10 | 04/10/2025 | 14 | NR up to 95 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Kerryn Manning | 1:54.1 | 6 |
| 7.5L | $10.00 |
| 2/9 | 20/09/2025 | 14 | NR 80 to 89 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Kerryn Manning | 1:52.2 | 2 |
| 1.2L | $3.90 |
| 2/9 | 06/09/2025 | 7 | NR 70 to 79 | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Kerryn Manning | 1:54.9 | 1 |
| 12.2L | $1.80 |
| 2/9 | 30/08/2025 | 14 | NR 75 to 89 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Kerryn Manning | 1:55.8 | 3 |
| 6.0L | $17.00 |
| 1/4 | 30/05/2022 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Horsham | 1700m | K E Manning | 0 |
| 0L | $0.00 | ||
| 2/3 | 14/05/2022 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Ararat | 1790m | K Manning | 0 |
| 0L | $0.00 |

Driver: Adrian Pace
Stats
Comments
Good performance when beaten by 6 m finishing fourth after being driven well back, behind Bulletproof Boy at this track over 2240m in a No NR on April 4 at $61. Then a handy effort when beaten by 1.2 m finishing third after showing early speed, behind My Ultimate Barney at Geelong over 1609m in a No NR on April 17 at $26. Forward performance expected.
Last Starts 7 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/6 | 17/04/2026 | 13 | No NR | $20,000.00 | Geelong | 1609m | Neutral | A Pace | 1:52.2 | 3 |
| 1.2L | $26.00 |
| 4/6 | 04/04/2026 | 7 | No NR | $22,500.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | A Pace | 1:59.0 | 4 |
| 5.8L | $61.00 |
| 3/8 | 28/03/2026 | 28 | NR up to 100 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | A Pace | 1:54.6 | 6 |
| 8.1L | $12.00 |
| 4/4 | 14/03/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bacchus Marsh | 1940m | Adrian Pace | 0 |
| 3L | $0.00 | ||
| 6/7 | 28/02/2026 | 140 | No NR | $22,500.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | A Pace | 1:53.2 | 6 |
| 11.8L | $34.00 |
| 3/3 | 10/02/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | A Pace | 0 |
| 4.9L | $0.00 | |
| 8/8 | 11/10/2025 | 14 | No NR | $30,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | A Pace | 1:51.1 | 2 |
| 27.3L | $151.00 |
| 1/6 | 27/09/2025 | 14 | No NR | $22,500.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | A Pace | 1:57.4 | 3 |
| 0.2L | $26.00 |

Driver: Mark Pitt
Stats
Comments
Failed to impress last start; 8th (Sr1) over 2190m at Mildura beaten 60 m by My Ultimate Jimmy (2:38.80) in No NR on April 7 at $5.50. Showed ability the race before when he posted a big 6 m win when quickly away, (Fr5) at this track (2:39.50) beating Ghost Of Time in NR up to 100 on March 28 at $3.60 at the bell was leading 1.26. Can bounce back.
Last Starts 17 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/8 | 07/04/2026 | 10 | No NR | $8,000.00 | Mildura | 2190m | Neutral | Mark Pitt | 1:56.7 | 1 |
| 59.1L | $5.50 |
| 1/8 | 28/03/2026 | 7 | NR up to 100 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Mark Pitt | 1:54.6 | 5 |
| 6.8L | $3.60 |
| 1/7 | 21/03/2026 | 13 | NR 80 to 89 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Mark Pitt | 1:53.5 | 1 |
| 1.3L | $5.00 |
| 5/10 | 08/03/2026 | 9 | NR up to 90 | $125,000.00 | Birchip | 2150m | Neutral | Jason Lee | 1:58.3 | 4 |
| 10.8L | $5.00 |
| 6/9 | 27/02/2026 | 13 | NR up to 90 | $20,000.00 | Ararat | 2195m | Neutral | Mark Pitt | 1:55.9 | 4 |
| 8.3L | $1.80 |
| 2/8 | 14/02/2026 | 14 | No NR | $30,000.00 | Melton | 1200m | Neutral | Mark Pitt | 5 |
| 0.2L | $10.00 | |
| 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 |

Driver: Alex Ashwood
Stats
Comments
Promising type show didn't do much at the end of his last preparation. Fair return to racing first up 4th (Fr6) over 1650m at Bendigo was 2nd-0.29 at the bell, beaten 2.5 m by Calexico (1:54.30) in NR up to 105 on April 18 at $7.50. Not out of this despite the second-row draw. Strips fitter and is a winning chance.
Last Starts 6 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/7 | 18/04/2026 | 77 | NR up to 105 | $17,500.00 | Bendigo | 1650m | Neutral | Alex Ashwood | 1:51.5 | 6 |
| 2.6L | $7.50 |
| 10/10 | 31/01/2026 | 14 | No NR | $50,000.00 | Cranbourne | 2080m | Neutral | Tayla French | 1:54.7 | 2 |
| 19.8L | $15.00 |
| 3/5 | 17/01/2026 | 7 | No NR | $50,000.00 | Shepparton | 2690m | Fast | Tayla French | 1:53.7 | 4 |
| 46.0L | $126.00 |
| 8/9 | 10/01/2026 | 14 | No NR | $75,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Tayla French | 1:51.2 | 5 |
| 14.8L | $101.00 |
| 4/5 | 27/12/2025 | 7 | No NR | $22,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Tayla French | 1:50.8 | 2 |
| 9.5L | $6.00 |
| 4/10 | 20/12/2025 | 16 | No NR | $22,500.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Tayla French | 1:52.8 | 6 |
| 19.2L | $18.00 |
| 1/5 | 20/10/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Tayla French | 0 |
| 4L | $0.00 | ||
| 3/6 | 13/08/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Menangle | 1609m | Good | James Rattray | 0 |
| 9.9L | $0.00 |