Melton Race 4 - Hygain Edge Pace
LE CARDINAL (3) has produced three nice efforts since kicking off his campaign with back-to-back wins, beaten only 1.4m into second here last week. Was behind race rival MOST EXCITING when third here prior but draws better than that rival this time so could turn the tables. The wide barrier may not be in favour of MOST EXCITING (7) but his form is hard to knock, beaten narrowly into second after racing parked in both outings since kicking off his campaign with back-to-back wins. He may be capable enough to overcome the draw. ROYAL APPOINTMENT (1) has been coming from wider of second row draws of late and hasn't been too far away so can be competitive from the inside barrier. LEAVEMEOUT (5) draws wider but is worth including after finishing runner-up in his last two appearances.

Driver: Jack Laugher
Stats
Comments
Last start 6th (Sr2) over 1720m at this track was 4th-4.37 at the bell, beaten 8 m by Keayang Sweetheart (2:02.10) on June 27 at $4.80. Before that, a game effort despite getting well back, when 3rd (Fr7) over 2240m at this track, at the bell was 8th-15.42 beaten 2.75 m by Major Blitz (2:41.30) on June 20 at $71. Can play a role from the ace draw.
Last Starts 6 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/11 | 27/06/2026 | 7 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Jack Laugher | 1:54.2 | 2 |
| 8.5L | $4.80 |
| 3/12 | 20/06/2026 | 17 | No NR | $20,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | W | Jack Laugher | 1:55.9 | 7 |
| 2.7L | $71.00 |
| 3/8 | 03/06/2026 | 11 | 0W/15 0K stake | $7,000.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Neutral | Jack Laugher | 1:57.1 | 6 |
| 2.6L | $2.00 |
| 4/11 | 23/05/2026 | 7 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Jack Laugher | 1:56.4 | 1 |
| 3.0L | $3.70 |
| 3/12 | 16/05/2026 | 7 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Jack Laugher | 1:54.1 | 4 |
| 6.1L | $6.50 |
| 12/12 | 09/05/2026 | 15 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Jack Laugher | 1:56.9 | 3 |
| 17.2L | $12.00 |
| 4/4 | 31/05/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Carrick | 2150m | Good | Kayleb Williams | 0 |
| 5L | $0.00 | |
| 2/5 | 15/06/2024 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Carrick | 2150m | Good | Jack Laugher | 0 |
| 0L | $0.00 |

Driver: Liam Older
Stats
Comments
Two back was well beaten into ninth after being driven well back, behind All Blazing Guns at this track over 2240m on May 9 at $9. Then a handy effort when a close second behind Okanui Beach at Bendigo over 1650m on June 17 at $12. First four hope from a low draw.
Last Starts 16 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/11 | 17/06/2026 | 39 | NR 55 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Bendigo | 1650m | Neutral | David Miles | 1:53.6 | 4 |
| 0.1L | $12.00 |
| 1/5 | 11/06/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Shepparton | 2190m | Kaitlin Beale | 0 |
| 0.3L | $0.00 | ||
| 9/10 | 09/05/2026 | 15 | NR 58 to 66 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | David Miles | 1:56.7 | 7 |
| 22.5L | $9.00 |
| 1/11 | 24/04/2026 | 21 | NR up to 80 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Fast | David Miles | 1:53.4 | 3 |
| 4.0L | $5.00 |
| 7/8 | 03/04/2026 | 10 | NR 56 to 64 | $10,000.00 | Cranbourne | 2080m | Neutral | Nick Beale | 1:56.7 | 6 |
| 12.3L | $2.20 |
| 2/12 | 24/03/2026 | 9 | NR 55 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Shepparton | 2190m | Neutral | David Miles | 1:58.3 | 3 |
| 0.1L | $2.10 |
| 3/11 | 15/03/2026 | 11 | NR up to 59 | $12,000.00 | Charlton | 1609m | Neutral | Michael Bellman | 1:56.0 | 2 |
| 4.6L | $1.75 |
| 3/4 | 23/02/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | David Miles | 0 |
| 2L | $0.00 |

Driver: Amy Day
Stats
Comments
Solid run when beaten by 2.5 m finishing third after being driven well back, behind Luvtobeuptome at this track over 2240m in a 3yo on June 6 at $9.50. Then a handy effort when beaten by 1.4 m finishing second after showing early speed, behind Apollostorm at this track over 2240m on June 27 at $6. Rates highly. Should get his chance from this draw.
Last Starts 6 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/11 | 27/06/2026 | 21 | NR 60 to 71 | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Amy Day | 1:55.4 | 2 |
| 1.4L | $6.00 |
| 3/7 | 06/06/2026 | 7 | No NR | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Amy Day | 1:55.2 | 6 |
| 2.4L | $9.50 |
| 4/8 | 30/05/2026 | 12 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Amy Day | 1:55.4 | 1 |
| 2.6L | $1.45 |
| 1/12 | 18/05/2026 | 13 | NR up to 50 | $8,000.00 | Terang | 2180m | Neutral | Amy Day | 1:59.5 | 5 |
| 13.2L | $1.30 |
| 1/10 | 05/05/2026 | 164 | NR up to 50 | $6,000.00 | Terang | 2180m | Neutral | Amy Day | 1:58.6 | 2 |
| 0.3L | $1.20 |
| 2/4 | 21/04/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Terang | 2180m | Matthew Craven | 0 |
| 3L | $0.00 | ||
| 11/12 | 22/11/2025 | 7 | No NR | $100,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Amy Day | 1:55.9 | 2 |
| 22.8L | $41.00 |
| 5/6 | 21/10/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Terang | 2180m | Amy Day | 0 |
| 1L | $0.00 |

Driver: Jordan Leedham
Stats
Comments
Resumes today. His previous first-up run was successful when he won by a nose (Sr1) at Bendigo (2:36.50) beating Merrywood Paul in on August 13 at $5.50. Market watch fresh.
Last Starts 17 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/5 | 16/06/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | James Herbertson | 0 |
| 22.1L | $0.00 | |
| 7/8 | 31/12/2025 | 12 | 0W/15 0K stake | $8,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Ryan Sanderson | 1:56.2 | 3 |
| 31.6L | $4.60 |
| 2/8 | 19/12/2025 | 12 | NR 55 to 60 | $7,000.00 | Geelong | 1609m | Neutral | Ewa Justice | 1:56.0 | 6 |
| 4.7L | $3.20 |
| 2/11 | 07/12/2025 | 13 | NR 56 to 64 | $8,000.00 | Horsham | 1700m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:55.5 | 7 |
| 4.9L | $4.00 |
| 1/7 | 24/11/2025 | 24 | NR 55 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Horsham | 1700m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:55.1 | 6 |
| 0.3L | $2.70 |
| 3/7 | 31/10/2025 | 7 | NR up to 80 | $8,000.00 | Swan Hill | 1750m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:53.3 | 1 |
| 2.7L | $5.00 |
| 4/8 | 24/10/2025 | 11 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Ewa Justice | 1:52.1 | 1 |
| 18.2L | $26.00 |
| 3/3 | 29/07/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 1720m | Good | Ewa Justice | 0 |
| 20.3L | $0.00 |

Driver: John Caldow
Stats
Comments
Not far away at the last couple starts; Finished a narrow second behind Kiss Me Mini at Ballarat over 1710m last start. Before that was beaten 3 metres second at this track over 1720m same class on June 12. Could be there at the business end.
Last Starts 8 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/7 | 25/06/2026 | 13 | NR 55 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Ballarat | 1710m | Neutral | Chris Alford | 1:55.5 | 2 |
| 0.2L | $7.00 |
| 2/7 | 12/06/2026 | 6 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Chris Alford | 1:54.5 | 4 |
| 3.2L | $10.00 |
| 9/11 | 06/06/2026 | 10 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Chris Alford | 1:52.9 | 6 |
| 16.9L | $101.00 |
| 6/9 | 27/05/2026 | 10 | NR 60 to 75 | $8,000.00 | Bendigo | 1650m | W | Chris Alford | 1:54.0 | 4 |
| 10.5L | $6.50 |
| 1/9 | 17/05/2026 | 12 | NR 53 to 58 | $7,000.00 | Cranbourne | 1609m | Neutral | Chris Alford | 1:54.2 | 3 |
| 9.5L | $41.00 |
| 3/9 | 05/05/2026 | 30 | NR 54 to 58 | $6,000.00 | Shepparton | 1690m | Neutral | Chris Alford | 1:55.4 | 1 |
| 6.8L | $41.00 |
| 3/5 | 14/03/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bacchus Marsh | 1940m | Chris Alford | 0 |
| 1L | $0.00 | ||
| 1/6 | 10/11/2024 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Coolamon | 1760m | Good | B K Woodhouse | 0 |
| 2L | $0.00 |

Driver: Ellen Tormey
Stats
Comments
Finding it hard to put a couple of good runs together. Last start was was driven from back in the field when 3rd (Fr7) over 1710m at Ballarat was 6th-9.89 at the bell, beaten 2 m by Kiss Me Mini (2:02.70) on June 25 at $10. Before that beaten 6 metres, seventh at Bendigo over 1650m on June 17. Place best.
Last Starts 8 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/7 | 25/06/2026 | 8 | NR 55 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Ballarat | 1710m | Neutral | Ellen Tormey | 1:55.5 | 7 |
| 1.9L | $10.00 |
| 7/11 | 17/06/2026 | 32 | NR 55 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Bendigo | 1650m | Neutral | Ellen Tormey | 1:53.6 | 2 |
| 6.2L | $31.00 |
| 4/12 | 16/05/2026 | 7 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Abby Sanderson | 1:54.1 | 1 |
| 8.2L | $26.00 |
| 9/12 | 09/05/2026 | 16 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Ellen Tormey | 1:56.9 | 6 |
| 13.2L | $61.00 |
| 1/10 | 23/04/2026 | 8 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Ballarat | 1710m | Neutral | Abby Sanderson | 1:53.9 | 2 |
| 16.7L | $3.80 |
| 2/9 | 15/04/2026 | 7 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Ellen Tormey | 1:55.6 | 5 |
| 3.9L | $3.00 |
| 1/5 | 14/04/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Jack Laugher | 0 |
| 2L | $0.00 | ||
| 1/3 | 07/10/2024 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Jack Laugher | 0 |
| 4L | $0.00 |

Driver: Mark Pitt
Stats
Comments
Not far away at the last couple starts; Finished a narrow second behind Miss Ari at this track over 1720m last start. Before that was beaten a head second again at this track over 2240m in 3yo on June 6. Big chance to return to the winners' list.
Last Starts 13 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/11 | 20/06/2026 | 14 | NR 58 to 66 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | W | Mark Pitt | 1:52.9 | 5 |
| 0.3L | $1.22 |
| 2/7 | 06/06/2026 | 14 | No NR | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Mark Pitt | 1:55.2 | 5 |
| 0.2L | $2.90 |
| 1/7 | 23/05/2026 | 34 | NR 56 to 64 | $8,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Mark Pitt | 1:56.4 | 2 |
| 8.9L | $1.20 |
| 1/7 | 19/04/2026 | 144 | NR 53 to 58 | $7,000.00 | Cranbourne | 1609m | Neutral | Mark Pitt | 1:54.6 | 4 |
| 5.4L | $1.10 |
| 2/4 | 31/03/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Terang | 2180m | A Mcdonna | 0 |
| 2L | $0.00 | ||
| 3/12 | 26/11/2025 | 11 | No NR | $15,000.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Neutral | Ryan Sanderson | 1:56.8 | 1 |
| 8.4L | $4.40 |
| 11/12 | 15/11/2025 | 10 | No NR | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Cameron Hart | 1:54.5 | 2 |
| 25.3L | $4.40 |
| 1/6 | 07/10/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 1720m | Good | Ryan Sanderson | 0 |
| 28.1L | $0.00 |

Driver: Ewa Justice
Stats
Comments
Last start 5th (Fr3) over 1720m after showing early pace at this track, beaten 30 m by Miss Ari (2:00.70) on June 20 at $34. Two runs back ran on from midfield and won by a nose when quickly away, (Fr2) at Bendigo (2:34.50) beating Ollies The Boss in on June 10 at $19 at the bell was 9th-10.86. Not keen on his chances in this field.
Last Starts 13 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/11 | 20/06/2026 | 10 | NR 58 to 66 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | W | Ewa Justice | 1:52.9 | 3 |
| 27.8L | $34.00 |
| 1/10 | 10/06/2026 | 31 | NR 55 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Neutral | Ewa Justice | 1:55.6 | 2 |
| 0.1L | $19.00 |
| 6/7 | 26/05/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 1720m | Good | Ewa Justice | 0 |
| 4.7L | $0.00 | |
| 7/7 | 10/05/2026 | 165 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Ouyen | 2040m | Neutral | Luke Watson | 1:58.5 | 2 |
| 15.6L | $31.00 |
| 1/3 | 01/05/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Mildura | 1790m | Luke Watson | 0 |
| 18L | $0.00 | ||
| 1/8 | 26/11/2025 | 5 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Mildura | 1790m | Neutral | Wayne Hill | 1:58.9 | 1 |
| 1.8L | $7.50 |
| 0/11 | 21/11/2025 | 9 | NR 50 to 59 | $6,000.00 | Mildura | 2190m | Neutral | Wayne Hill | 1:59.2 | 3 |
| 99.0L | $7.50 |
| 2/10 | 12/11/2025 | 5 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Mildura | 2190m | Neutral | Wayne Hill | 1:58.6 | 4 |
| 9.3L | $8.00 |

Driver: Chris Alford
Stats
Comments
Last start was well back in the run when 8th (Fr5) over 1720m at this track was 11th-13.67 at the bell, beaten 10 m by Keayang Sweetheart (2:02.10) on June 27 at $41. Two runs back 4th (Sr1) over 1650m at Bendigo was 5th-9.92 at the bell, beaten 4.5 m by Okanui Beach (1:56.50) on June 17 at $34. This looks out of her reach.
Last Starts 6 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/11 | 27/06/2026 | 10 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Chris Alford | 1:54.2 | 5 |
| 10.6L | $41.00 |
| 4/11 | 17/06/2026 | 7 | NR 55 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Bendigo | 1650m | Neutral | Josh Duggan | 1:53.6 | 1 |
| 4.5L | $34.00 |
| 7/10 | 10/06/2026 | 7 | NR 55 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Neutral | Chris Alford | 1:55.6 | 3 |
| 4.6L | $10.00 |
| 1/9 | 03/06/2026 | 8 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Neutral | Chris Alford | 1:57.5 | 1 |
| 8.3L | $2.80 |
| 10/12 | 26/05/2026 | 7 | NR 55 to 60 | $6,000.00 | Shepparton | 1690m | Neutral | Josh Duggan | 1:56.0 | 5 |
| 10.8L | $10.00 |
| 1/8 | 19/05/2026 | 14 | NR 51 to 56 | $6,000.00 | Shepparton | 2190m | Neutral | Josh Duggan | 1:59.3 | 6 |
| 1.1L | $3.80 |
| 2/4 | 05/12/2024 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Shepparton | 2190m | Tasmyn Potter | 0 |
| 8L | $0.00 | ||
| 2/6 | 07/11/2024 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Shepparton | 2190m | Grace Bilney | 0 |
| 30L | $0.00 |