Melton Race 4 - Hip Pocket Castlemaine Trot
ALDEBARAN ABEL (3) continued his good form when he did some work but stuck on for second at this circuit and distance last time, beaten 2.7 metres. Came from wider than this to score at Bendigo last month. Should enjoy a decent transit here so can return to the winners' list. PROHIBITED GRACE (2) has been competitive of late and kept the ball rolling last time when she chased along the sprint to get within 3.5 metres of the winner when fourth. Recorded back-to-back placings here prior. A nice draw on the front line should ensure a cosy run. Leading hope. FREIGHT SHAKER (7) draws wider than in the resuming fourth in a higher-graded race but he has won when second-up before so should be improved. KYVALLEY MICHAEL NZ (6) must be respected after scoring from this barrier last start by 7 metres at Bendigo. JUST AS I AM (4) drops to a distance where he owns a decent record so respect.

Driver: Chris Alford
Stats
Comments
First up. At the last run he 5th (Fr5) over 2240m at this track, beaten 21 m by Keayang Bazlenka (2:46.20) in 2yo G1 CG on December 13 at $17. Market watch fresh.
Last Starts 13 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4 | 27/06/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bacchus Marsh | 1940m | Good | Chris Alford | 0 |
| 0L | $0.00 | |
| 3/5 | 16/06/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | Chris Alford | 0 |
| 9.6L | $0.00 | |
| 5/12 | 13/12/2025 | 10 | No NR | $60,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Chris Alford | 1:59.4 | 5 |
| 21.0L | $17.00 |
| 1/7 | 03/12/2025 | 11 | No NR | $10,000.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Neutral | Chris Alford | 2:01.7 | 1 |
| 0.2L | $5.50 |
| 5/12 | 22/11/2025 | 8 | No NR | $60,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Chris Alford | 1:59.4 | 1 |
| 22.5L | $10.00 |
| 5/8 | 14/11/2025 | 12 | No NR | $10,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Chris Alford | 2:02.4 | 3 |
| 7.4L | $9.50 |
| 3/11 | 02/11/2025 | 68 | No NR | $60,000.00 | Maryborough | 2190m | Neutral | Chris Alford | 2:03.6 | 2 |
| 0.2L | $6.00 |
| 2/6 | 26/08/2025 | 10 | No NR | $10,000.00 | Shepparton | 2190m | Neutral | Chris Alford | 2:02.4 | 5 |
| 3.0L | $2.50 |

Driver: Matthew Whittle
Stats
Comments
Last start surrendered the lead and finished 4th (Fr5) over 2240m after showing early speed at this track, at the bell was 4th-3.73 beaten 3.5 m by Howdy Mate (2:48.20) on July 4 at $7. Before that, a good run when 3rd (Fr4) over 1720m after showing early pace at this track, at the bell was leading 1.24 beaten 6 m by Ijustcalledtosay (2:05.30) on June 27 at $6.50. A low draw may see her hard to beat.
Last Starts 6 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/11 | 04/07/2026 | 7 | NR 58 to 68 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Matthew Whittle | 2:00.8 | 5 |
| 3.7L | $7.00 |
| 3/9 | 27/06/2026 | 7 | NR 58 to 68 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Matthew Whittle | 1:57.3 | 4 |
| 6.1L | $6.50 |
| 2/11 | 20/06/2026 | 7 | NR 57 to 67 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | W | Matthew Whittle | 2:00.4 | 2 |
| 0.3L | $15.00 |
| 9/10 | 13/06/2026 | 21 | NR 60 to 69 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Matthew Whittle | 1:56.4 | 5 |
| 23.1L | $15.00 |
| 6/10 | 23/05/2026 | 7 | NR 60 to 75 | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Matthew Whittle | 1:57.7 | 2 |
| 11.7L | $10.00 |
| 3/7 | 16/05/2026 | 7 | NR 60 to 71 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Matthew Whittle | 1:59.1 | 5 |
| 5.0L | $8.50 |
| 2/6 | 03/03/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | G R Whittle | 0 |
| 11.7L | $0.00 | |
| 2/3 | 14/02/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bacchus Marsh | 1940m | Matthew Whittle | 0 |
| 1.5L | $0.00 |

Driver: Lochie Cook
Stats
Comments
Two back was beaten by 7 m finishing fourth after a quick start, behind Artigas at this track over 2240m on June 20 at $2.90. Then a handy effort when beaten by 2.75 m finishing second behind Ijustcalledtosay at this track over 1720m on June 27 at $2.10. Drawn to advantage and has strong claims.
Last Starts 13 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/9 | 27/06/2026 | 7 | NR 58 to 68 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:57.3 | 3 |
| 2.7L | $2.10 |
| 4/11 | 20/06/2026 | 10 | NR 57 to 67 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | W | James Herbertson | 2:00.4 | 5 |
| 7.4L | $2.90 |
| 1/8 | 10/06/2026 | 10 | NR 55 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Bendigo | 1650m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:57.0 | 5 |
| 10.0L | $4.80 |
| 3/11 | 31/05/2026 | 10 | NR 57 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Maryborough | 1690m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 2:01.2 | 1 |
| 5.3L | $4.00 |
| 1/9 | 21/05/2026 | 159 | NR 52 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Kilmore | 1690m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 2:01.7 | 6 |
| 1.0L | $2.20 |
| 3/3 | 12/05/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | James Herbertson | 0 |
| 6.6L | $0.00 | |
| 11/12 | 13/12/2025 | 10 | No NR | $60,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Anthony Butt | 1:58.5 | 6 |
| 63.0L | $81.00 |
| 5/6 | 03/11/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | Anthony Butt | 0 |
| 18L | $0.00 |

Driver: Leigh Sutton
Stats
Comments
Last start 6th (Sr3) over 2240m at this track beaten 11 m by Artigas (2:47.60) on June 20 at $13. At the start before was well back in the run when 6th (Fr6) over 1720m after being wide early at this track was 7th-17.97 at the bell, beaten 18 m by Ringer Wells (2:04.40) on June 13 at $6. Contender.
Last Starts 20 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/11 | 20/06/2026 | 7 | NR 57 to 67 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | W | Nathan Jack | 2:00.4 | 3 |
| 11.2L | $13.00 |
| 6/10 | 13/06/2026 | 21 | NR 60 to 69 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Nathan Jack | 1:56.4 | 6 |
| 18.4L | $6.00 |
| 2/10 | 23/05/2026 | 37 | NR 60 to 75 | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Tasmyn Potter | 1:57.7 | 3 |
| 1.6L | $3.90 |
| 1/9 | 16/04/2026 | 36 | 2-3 WINs | $7,000.00 | Kilmore | 2180m | Neutral | Nathan Jack | 2:02.8 | 5 |
| 5.0L | $1.33 |
| 8/9 | 11/03/2026 | 11 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Bendigo | 1650m | Neutral | Nathan Jack | 1:57.1 | 1 |
| 19.4L | $1.95 |
| 1/10 | 28/02/2026 | 24 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Nathan Jack | 1:55.4 | 3 |
| 0.2L | $3.80 |
| 4/8 | 20/11/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Shepparton | 2190m | Nathan Jack | 0 |
| 6L | $0.00 | ||
| 2/6 | 30/10/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Shepparton | 1690m | Cameron Maggs | 0 |
| 0.3L | $0.00 |

Driver: Jodi Quinlan
Stats
Comments
Didn't do much at the last run, 7th (Sr1) over 2240m at this track was 7th-10.92 at the bell, beaten 8 m by Howdy Mate (2:48.20) on July 4 at $34. Before that was well back in the run when 4th (Fr7) over 2150m after showing early speed and racing wide at Bendigo was 3rd-3.65 at the bell, beaten 11 m by Kyvalley Michael (2:39.20) on July 1 at $12. This looks a tough test.
Last Starts 6 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7/11 | 04/07/2026 | 3 | NR 58 to 68 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Jodi Quinlan | 2:00.8 | 1 |
| 8.7L | $34.00 |
| 4/7 | 01/07/2026 | 4 | NR 56 to 65 | $7,000.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | R | Nathan Jack | 1:59.2 | 7 |
| 11.8L | $12.00 |
| 8/8 | 27/06/2026 | 7 | NR 69 to 79 | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Jodi Quinlan | 1:57.1 | 2 |
| 14.9L | $34.00 |
| 4/7 | 20/06/2026 | 7 | NR 68 to 80 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 2240m | W | Jodi Quinlan | 1:59.2 | 1 |
| 12.9L | $23.00 |
| 3/10 | 13/06/2026 | 5 | NR 60 to 69 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Jodi Quinlan | 1:56.4 | 2 |
| 0.2L | $51.00 |
| 3/8 | 08/06/2026 | 2 | No NR | $15,000.00 | Warragul | 2627m | Neutral | Nathan Jack | 2:03.4 | 0 |
| 17.3L | $13.00 |
| 3/7 | 10/03/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 1720m | Good | Blake Pace | 0 |
| 4.7L | $0.00 | |
| 4/7 | 28/10/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 1720m | Good | Anthony Butt | 0 |
| 17.1L | $0.00 |

Driver: Tristan Larsen
Stats
Comments
Recent efforts have been impressive. Last start posted a big 7 m win as favourite when driven back in the field, (Fr6) held up early, at Bendigo (2:39.20) beating Centurion Dream in on July 1 at $1.85 at the bell was leading 2.16. Can play a role in the finish.
Last Starts 9 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/7 | 01/07/2026 | 7 | NR 56 to 65 | $7,000.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | R | Chris Alford | 1:59.2 | 6 |
| 7.1L | $1.85 |
| 2/12 | 24/06/2026 | 11 | NR 55 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Neutral | Chris Alford | 1:57.5 | 3 |
| 7.4L | $2.40 |
| 5/10 | 13/06/2026 | 13 | NR 60 to 69 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Chris Alford | 1:56.4 | 3 |
| 15.9L | $5.50 |
| 4/11 | 31/05/2026 | 15 | NR 57 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Maryborough | 1690m | Neutral | Josh Duggan | 2:01.2 | 3 |
| 5.7L | $11.00 |
| 2/7 | 16/05/2026 | 7 | NR 60 to 71 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Chris Alford | 1:59.1 | 6 |
| 0.2L | $8.50 |
| 10/10 | 09/05/2026 | 10 | NR 60 to 69 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | T K Larsen | 1:57.1 | 2 |
| 156.7L | $5.50 |
| 1/3 | 13/01/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | Anthony Butt | 0 |
| 0.1L | $0.00 | |
| 1/3 | 06/01/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | Chris Alford | 0 |
| 4.2L | $0.00 |

Driver: Ross Payne
Stats
Comments
Resumed when beaten 6 m fourth but did show some early speed, behind Hoppy over 2240m in a on July 4. Improver with that run under the belt.
Last Starts 6 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/11 | 04/07/2026 | 147 | NR 69 to 84 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Ross Payne | 2:00.8 | 3 |
| 6.0L | $71.00 |
| 1/4 | 22/06/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Chris Svanosio | 0 |
| 0L | $0.00 | ||
| 2/3 | 16/06/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | Chris Svanosio | 0 |
| 1.4L | $0.00 | |
| 7/11 | 07/02/2026 | 8 | NR 70 to 85 | $17,500.00 | Kilmore | 1690m | Neutral | Ross Payne | 1:58.5 | 5 |
| 10.7L | $21.00 |
| 2/9 | 30/01/2026 | 13 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Chris Svanosio | 1:58.8 | 7 |
| 0.2L | $13.00 |
| 6/8 | 17/01/2026 | 7 | NR 63 to 74 | $15,000.00 | Shepparton | 2190m | Fast | Taylor Youl | 2:00.3 | 1 |
| 6.5L | $13.00 |
| 2/8 | 10/01/2026 | 7 | NR 60 to 75 | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Chris Svanosio | 1:58.2 | 1 |
| 2.1L | $3.30 |
| 1/7 | 03/01/2026 | 7 | NR 60 to 69 | $10,000.00 | Cranbourne | 1609m | Neutral | Chris Svanosio | 1:57.1 | 1 |
| 7.2L | $3.60 |

Driver: Jack Laugher
Stats
Comments
Last start was well back in the run when 5th (Fr6) over 1720m at this track was 7th-17.85 at the bell, beaten 14 m by Ijustcalledtosay (2:04.30) on July 4 at $51. Two runs back 5th (Sr1) over 1720m at this track, at the bell was 5th-9.06 beaten 15 m by Ijustcalledtosay (2:05.30) on June 27 at $16. Hard to make a case.
Last Starts 6 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/10 | 04/07/2026 | 7 | 0W/15.0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Jack Laugher | 1:56.3 | 6 |
| 14.7L | $51.00 |
| 5/9 | 27/06/2026 | 7 | NR 58 to 68 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Jack Laugher | 1:57.3 | 1 |
| 15.5L | $16.00 |
| 8/9 | 20/06/2026 | 17 | No NR | $20,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | W | Jack Laugher | 1:59.8 | 6 |
| 77.1L | $13.00 |
| 1/12 | 03/06/2026 | 11 | 0W/15 0K stake | $7,000.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Neutral | Jack Laugher | 1:58.8 | 2 |
| 8.0L | $7.00 |
| 9/9 | 23/05/2026 | 3 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Jack Laugher | 2:00.1 | 4 |
| 25.5L | $4.60 |
| 1/12 | 20/05/2026 | 6 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Neutral | Jack Laugher | 2:02.0 | 5 |
| 0.2L | $3.40 |
| 7/7 | 10/11/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Jack Laugher | 0 |
| 5L | $0.00 | ||
| 2/6 | 03/11/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Jack Laugher | 0 |
| 3L | $0.00 |

Driver: John Caldow
Stats
Comments
Last start 4th (Sr3) over 1720m at this track was 6th-14.25 at the bell, beaten 12 m by Ijustcalledtosay (2:04.30) on July 4 at $34. Two runs back won by 7 m (Sr2) at Bendigo (2:37.00) beating Kyvalley Michael in on June 24 at $23. Forward performance expected.
Last Starts 6 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/10 | 04/07/2026 | 10 | 0W/15.0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | John Caldow | 1:56.3 | 3 |
| 12.5L | $34.00 |
| 1/12 | 24/06/2026 | 11 | NR 55 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Neutral | John Caldow | 1:57.5 | 2 |
| 7.4L | $23.00 |
| 7/12 | 13/06/2026 | 13 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | John Caldow | 1:59.3 | 2 |
| 25.9L | $41.00 |
| 6/11 | 31/05/2026 | 11 | NR 57 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Maryborough | 1690m | Neutral | John Caldow | 2:01.2 | 4 |
| 19.0L | $34.00 |
| 11/12 | 20/05/2026 | 136 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Neutral | John Caldow | 2:02.0 | 3 |
| 19.2L | $41.00 |
| 3/5 | 09/05/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bacchus Marsh | 1940m | John Caldow | 0 |
| 2L | $0.00 | ||
| 3/4 | 28/04/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 1720m | Good | John Caldow | 0 |
| 0.2L | $0.00 | |
| 5/9 | 04/01/2026 | 15 | NR 57 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Maryborough | 1690m | Neutral | John Caldow | 1:57.3 | 7 |
| 22.4L | $3.40 |