Melton Race 3 - Nevele R Stud Pace
FREAK OUT (3) is in good form with a long string top-three finishes, most recently recording a third from this barrier at Ballarat. Led to win three back at Kilmore and may push forward from this draw. Likely to play a significant role again. TOPHUT JOHNY (5) is in good form. Came from this barrier to miss a by a neck at Cranbourne last month and has been close to the placegetters in both appearances since. Can figure in the finish. KIMCHI (6) is in the mix following a win at Maryborough two back and a respectable second at his most recent appearance. TEX GOES BANG (9) is worth some thought after working from this barrier but sticking on in a last-start fourth at Ballarat.

Driver: Sean O'Sullivan
Stats
Comments
4th (Sr1) over 1609m at Cranbourne was 4th-9.4 at the bell, beaten 11 m by Dot Ball (1:58.70) on July 5 at $14. Before that 5th (Fr5) over 1690m at Maryborough, at the bell was 4th-5.2 beaten 9 m by Kimchi (2:05.10) on June 29 at $10. Unlikely to threaten.
Last Starts 9 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/7 | 05/07/2026 | 6 | NR up to 39 | $4,000.00 | Cranbourne | 1609m | Neutral | Chris Alford | 1:58.7 | 1 |
| 11.2L | $14.00 |
| 5/12 | 29/06/2026 | 25 | NR 38 to 44 | $4,000.00 | Maryborough | 1690m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:59.1 | 5 |
| 9.9L | $10.00 |
| 9/9 | 04/06/2026 | 20 | NR up to 49 | $4,000.00 | Kilmore | 2180m | W | Ashley Ainsworth | 2:01.9 | 2 |
| 63.0L | $81.00 |
| 7/10 | 15/05/2026 | 3 | NR up to 49 | $4,000.00 | Mildura | 1790m | Neutral | Connor Clarke | 1:58.9 | 2 |
| 29.7L | $34.00 |
| 6/9 | 12/05/2026 | 16 | NR up to 39 | $4,000.00 | Shepparton | 2190m | Neutral | Nathan Jack | 2:02.0 | 2 |
| 8.3L | $8.50 |
| 7/9 | 26/04/2026 | 5 | NR up to 45 | $6,940.00 | Coolamon | 1760m | Fast | James Locke | 1:59.4 | 1 |
| 9.2L | $26.00 |
| 1/3 | 18/03/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Junee | 1760m | Good | S J Harris | 0 |
| 20L | $0.00 | |
| 2/3 | 11/03/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Junee | 1760m | Good | S J Harris | 0 |
| 5L | $0.00 |

Driver: Paul Grech
Stats
Comments
Last start 8th (Fr2) over 1609m at Geelong was 6th-11.52 at the bell, beaten 11 m by Shiffrin (1:57.30) on July 3 at $26. Two runs back raced just off the speed and boxed on; won by a head when driven back in the field, (Fr7) held up early, at Cranbourne (1:59.00) beating Pickle It in on June 28 at $6.50 at the bell was 2nd-4.8. Prefer others on this occasion.
Last Starts 11 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/10 | 03/07/2026 | 5 | NR up to 49 | $5,000.00 | Geelong | 1609m | Neutral | Paul Grech | 1:57.3 | 2 |
| 11.9L | $26.00 |
| 1/9 | 28/06/2026 | 10 | NR up to 39 | $4,000.00 | Cranbourne | 1609m | Neutral | Paul Grech | 1:59.0 | 7 |
| 0.2L | $6.50 |
| 7/8 | 18/06/2026 | 7 | NR up to 49 | $4,000.00 | Kilmore | 2180m | W | Paul Grech | 2:01.9 | 4 |
| 13.1L | $5.00 |
| 4/12 | 11/06/2026 | 8 | NR up to 50 | $6,000.00 | Ballarat | 1710m | Neutral | Paul Grech | 1:54.0 | 1 |
| 25.6L | $18.00 |
| 4/12 | 03/06/2026 | 12 | NR up to 42 | $4,000.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Neutral | Paul Grech | 1:59.5 | 5 |
| 4.4L | $7.00 |
| 3/10 | 22/05/2026 | 25 | NR 40 to 45 | $4,000.00 | Geelong | 2100m | Neutral | Paul Grech | 1:58.6 | 4 |
| 6.4L | $41.00 |
| 3/6 | 13/05/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 1720m | Good | Paul Grech | 0 |
| 11.5L | $0.00 | |
| 2/4 | 25/05/2024 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bacchus Marsh | 1940m | P Grech | 0 |
| 1L | $0.00 |

Driver: Leilani Justice
Stats
Comments
Two back was well beaten into third after showing early speed, behind Foregone Conclusion at Kilmore over 2180m on July 2 at $12. Then a handy effort when beaten by 3.5 m finishing third behind Super Code at Ballarat over 2200m on July 9 at $4.80. A good draw can see him continue the good form.
Last Starts 5 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/7 | 09/07/2026 | 7 | NR up to 45 | $5,000.00 | Ballarat | 2200m | Neutral | Lauren White | 1:59.1 | 3 |
| 3.4L | $4.80 |
| 3/10 | 02/07/2026 | 14 | NR up to 50 | $8,000.00 | Kilmore | 2180m | Neutral | Rory Coverdale | 2:01.0 | 2 |
| 15.0L | $12.00 |
| 1/8 | 18/06/2026 | 4 | NR up to 49 | $4,000.00 | Kilmore | 2180m | W | Leilani Justice | 2:01.9 | 1 |
| 2.5L | $5.50 |
| 2/8 | 14/06/2026 | 9 | NR 40 to 46 | $4,000.00 | Cranbourne | 2080m | Neutral | Leilani Justice | 2:00.4 | 7 |
| 4.6L | $16.00 |
| 2/8 | 05/06/2026 | 4 | NR 40 to 45 | $4,000.00 | Geelong | 2100m | Neutral | Lauren White | 1:57.9 | 2 |
| 6.9L | $6.50 |
| 1/10 | 01/06/2026 | 4 | NR 38 to 42 | $4,000.00 | Stawell | 2180m | Soft | Lauren White | 2:02.2 | 4 |
| 3.5L | $4.80 |
| 2/3 | 12/04/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bacchus Marsh | 1940m | Leilani Justice | 0 |
| 3L | $0.00 | ||
| 6/7 | 08/04/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | Leilani Justice | 0 |
| 45.1L | $0.00 |

Driver: John Caldow
Stats
Comments
Last start 6th (Fr4) over 1609m after showing early pace at Cranbourne, at the bell was 5th-7 beaten 5.5 m by Bona Khan (1:56.30) on July 5 at $7.50. Before that, 9th (Sr1) over 1690m at Shepparton beaten 25 m by Highview Hammer (2:03.70) on June 23 at $9.50. Can play a role.
Last Starts 9 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/9 | 05/07/2026 | 12 | NR 40 to 45 | $5,000.00 | Cranbourne | 1609m | Neutral | Chris Alford | 1:56.3 | 4 |
| 5.6L | $7.50 |
| 9/9 | 23/06/2026 | 9 | NR 40 to 46 | $4,000.00 | Shepparton | 1690m | Neutral | John Caldow | 1:57.8 | 1 |
| 26.5L | $9.50 |
| 3/8 | 14/06/2026 | 10 | NR 40 to 46 | $4,000.00 | Cranbourne | 2080m | Neutral | John Caldow | 2:00.4 | 4 |
| 7.0L | $2.90 |
| 6/9 | 04/06/2026 | 6 | NR up to 49 | $4,000.00 | Kilmore | 2180m | W | John Caldow | 2:01.9 | 4 |
| 15.2L | $3.00 |
| 4/9 | 29/05/2026 | 14 | NR up to 49 | $4,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | John Caldow | 2:00.5 | 4 |
| 4.1L | $3.80 |
| 2/8 | 15/05/2026 | 15 | NR 46 to 49 | $4,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | John Caldow | 1:59.4 | 3 |
| 4.9L | $5.50 |
| 2/4 | 26/08/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 1720m | Good | John Caldow | 0 |
| 15.2L | $0.00 | |
| 2/7 | 26/04/2022 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 1720m | J J Caldow | 0 |
| 0L | $0.00 |

Driver: Chris Alford
Stats
Comments
Not far away at the last couple starts; Finished 4.5 m fifth behind Super Code at Ballarat over 2200m last start. Before that was beaten 1.5 metres fourth at Bendigo over 1650m same class on July 1. Bold showing expected again.
Last Starts 5 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/7 | 09/07/2026 | 8 | NR up to 45 | $5,000.00 | Ballarat | 2200m | Neutral | Chris Alford | 1:59.1 | 5 |
| 4.4L | $10.00 |
| 4/10 | 01/07/2026 | 3 | NR 40 to 45 | $5,000.00 | Bendigo | 1650m | R | Chris Alford | 1:57.8 | 2 |
| 1.6L | $12.00 |
| 2/7 | 28/06/2026 | 4 | NR 40 to 45 | $4,000.00 | Cranbourne | 1609m | Neutral | Liam Older | 1:58.2 | 5 |
| 0.3L | $6.00 |
| 4/11 | 24/06/2026 | 7 | NR up to 45 | $4,000.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Neutral | Chris Alford | 1:59.0 | 4 |
| 5.8L | $13.00 |
| 8/9 | 17/06/2026 | 7 | NR 45 to 50 | $6,000.00 | Bendigo | 1650m | Neutral | Jack Laugher | 1:55.5 | 1 |
| 21.1L | $15.00 |
| 10/12 | 10/06/2026 | 8 | NR up to 49 | $4,000.00 | Bendigo | 1650m | Neutral | Chris Alford | 1:55.5 | 3 |
| 8.9L | $71.00 |
| 2/6 | 26/09/2022 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | R P Duffy | 0 |
| 0L | $0.00 | ||
| 1/9 | 20/08/2020 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Shepparton | 2190m | W Cole | 0 |
| 0L | $0.00 |

Driver: Taylor Youl
Stats
Comments
Back in form at the last couple of outings, two starts back won by 3.5 m when quickly away, (Fr4) at Maryborough (2:05.10) beating Bettorpatchmeup in on June 29 at $3.70 at the bell was leading 1. Last start just missed, good run when 2nd (Sr1) over 1755m at Echuca, at the bell was 6th-11.8 beaten 1.75 m by Whats Glenda Got (2:10.30) on July 7 at $8.50. Among the chances again.
Last Starts 7 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/8 | 07/07/2026 | 8 | NR 38 to 44 | $5,000.00 | Echuca | 1755m | Neutral | Taylor Youl | 1:59.5 | 1 |
| 1.8L | $8.50 |
| 1/12 | 29/06/2026 | 5 | NR 38 to 44 | $4,000.00 | Maryborough | 1690m | Neutral | Taylor Youl | 1:59.1 | 4 |
| 3.3L | $3.70 |
| 8/11 | 24/06/2026 | 7 | NR up to 45 | $4,000.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Neutral | Taylor Youl | 1:59.0 | 1 |
| 7.0L | $7.00 |
| 9/11 | 17/06/2026 | 12 | NR 39 to 44 | $4,000.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Neutral | Taylor Youl | 2:00.0 | 3 |
| 9.3L | $9.50 |
| 4/8 | 05/06/2026 | 9 | NR 40 to 45 | $4,000.00 | Geelong | 2100m | Neutral | Taylor Youl | 1:57.9 | 5 |
| 22.7L | $7.50 |
| 7/9 | 27/05/2026 | 13 | NR 40 to 45 | $4,000.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | W | Taylor Youl | 1:59.6 | 4 |
| 8.8L | $3.40 |
| 2/6 | 28/04/2024 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Maryborough | 2190m | J Herbertson | 0 |
| 0L | $0.00 | ||
| 3/6 | 07/01/2024 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Maryborough | 2190m | D Krafft | 0 |
| 12L | $0.00 |

Driver: Jack Laugher
Stats
Comments
Last start 3rd (Sr1) over 1720m at this track was 7th-15.4 at the bell, beaten 2 m by Spun Silver (2:06.90) on July 10 at $8. Two runs back posted a big 4.5 m win (Sr1) at Bendigo (2:03.00) beating Atomic Glory in on July 1 at $3.50 at the bell was 2nd-0.13. Not as keen on his chances in this field.
Last Starts 4 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/9 | 10/07/2026 | 9 | NR up to 40 | $5,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Liam Older | 1:58.7 | 1 |
| 2.0L | $8.00 |
| 1/8 | 01/07/2026 | 3 | NR up to 39 | $4,000.00 | Bendigo | 1650m | R | James Herbertson | 1:59.9 | 1 |
| 4.5L | $3.50 |
| 3/9 | 28/06/2026 | 14 | NR up to 39 | $4,000.00 | Cranbourne | 1609m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:59.0 | 1 |
| 0.2L | $8.00 |
| 5/7 | 14/06/2026 | 11 | NR up to 39 | $4,000.00 | Cranbourne | 2080m | Neutral | Liam Older | 2:00.9 | 6 |
| 16.5L | $15.00 |
| 11/12 | 03/06/2026 | 7 | NR up to 42 | $4,000.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Neutral | Liam Older | 1:59.5 | 1 |
| 77.2L | $81.00 |
| 8/9 | 27/05/2026 | 8 | NR 40 to 45 | $4,000.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | W | Liam Older | 1:59.6 | 3 |
| 18.2L | $31.00 |
| 4/12 | 19/05/2026 | 6 | NR 41 to 45 | $4,000.00 | Shepparton | 1690m | Neutral | Liam Older | 1:57.1 | 2 |
| 11.9L | $41.00 |
| 1/5 | 24/11/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Ross Graham | 0 |
| 1L | $0.00 | ||
| 2/5 | 20/10/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Ross Graham | 0 |
| 21L | $0.00 |

Driver: James Herbertson
Stats
Comments
Last start game effort when 3rd (Fr5) over 1755m after showing early speed at Echuca, at the bell was leading 3.2 beaten 4.5 m by Whats Glenda Got (2:10.30) on July 7 at $12. Two runs back won by 2.25 m when driven back in the field, (Fr6) held up early, at Shepparton (2:06.30) beating The Ladybird in on June 30 at $4.40 at the bell was 5th-8.16. First four contender.
Last Starts 7 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/8 | 07/07/2026 | 7 | NR 38 to 44 | $5,000.00 | Echuca | 1755m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:59.5 | 5 |
| 4.3L | $12.00 |
| 1/8 | 30/06/2026 | 7 | NR up to 42 | $4,000.00 | Shepparton | 1690m | W | James Herbertson | 2:00.3 | 6 |
| 2.2L | $4.40 |
| 7/9 | 23/06/2026 | 7 | NR 40 to 46 | $4,000.00 | Shepparton | 1690m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:57.8 | 3 |
| 25.5L | $4.00 |
| 2/11 | 16/06/2026 | 7 | NR up to 42 | $4,000.00 | Shepparton | 1690m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:58.9 | 3 |
| 0.1L | $5.00 |
| 5/8 | 09/06/2026 | 6 | NR 48 to 51 | $6,000.00 | Shepparton | 1690m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:56.8 | 1 |
| 7.3L | $26.00 |
| 8/12 | 03/06/2026 | 8 | NR up to 42 | $4,000.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Neutral | Connor Clarke | 1:59.5 | 5 |
| 39.0L | $26.00 |
| 1/3 | 15/06/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Maryborough | 2190m | Hannah Parish | 0 |
| 3L | $0.00 | ||
| 2/4 | 14/12/2021 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Adam Stephens | 0 |
| 0L | $0.00 |

Driver: Liam Older
Stats
Comments
Not far away at the last couple starts; Finished 3.5 m fourth behind Super Code at Ballarat over 2200m last start. Before that was beaten 4.5 metres sixth at Bendigo over 1650m same class on July 1. Capable of a better showing.
Last Starts 5 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/7 | 09/07/2026 | 8 | NR up to 45 | $5,000.00 | Ballarat | 2200m | Neutral | Liam Older | 1:59.1 | 2 |
| 3.6L | $10.00 |
| 6/10 | 01/07/2026 | 3 | NR 40 to 45 | $5,000.00 | Bendigo | 1650m | R | Liam Older | 1:57.8 | 4 |
| 4.6L | $12.00 |
| 4/7 | 28/06/2026 | 4 | NR 45 to 50 | $6,000.00 | Cranbourne | 2080m | Neutral | Liam Older | 2:00.2 | 5 |
| 8.6L | $16.00 |
| 7/11 | 24/06/2026 | 7 | NR up to 45 | $4,000.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Neutral | Liam Older | 1:59.0 | 6 |
| 6.8L | $12.00 |
| 8/8 | 17/06/2026 | 7 | NR 45 to 50 | $6,000.00 | Bendigo | 1650m | Neutral | Liam Older | 1:57.0 | 1 |
| 13.2L | $41.00 |
| 1/12 | 10/06/2026 | 6 | NR up to 49 | $4,000.00 | Bendigo | 1650m | Neutral | Liam Older | 1:55.5 | 4 |
| 1.2L | $41.00 |
| 6/6 | 06/02/2023 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | R A Graham | 0 |
| 0L | $0.00 | ||
| 5/6 | 03/10/2022 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | S O'sullivan | 0 |
| 0L | $0.00 |