Melton Race 2 - Hip Pocket Castlemaine Trot
LITTLE MISS MORGAN (2) was responsible for a very good effort last time over 2240m at this track, finishing second and just a nose from the winner. Has the benefit of a good draw. Finds a tougher race but a win is not out of the question. SPIRITED LASS (1) made it two wins from her last five appearances a week ago, getting home by a nose over 2240m here. Likely to get all the favours from this nice draw. Stepping up a level this time but she is capable of another big performance. THE SKY IS THE LIMIT (9) comes right into contention after scoring last start by 3 metres at this circuit over 1720m. Has to be included in calculations. ACOOL INVESTMENT (8) must be respected after scoring last start by 3.5 metres at Ballarat over 2200m. Top-three aspirations.

Driver: James Herbertson
Stats
Comments
Last start won by a nose (Sr2) at this track (2:46.60) beating Little Miss Morgan in on July 31 at $3.30. Back on track and is assisted by an inside draw.
Last Starts 6 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/10 | 31/07/2026 | 6 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:59.7 | 2 |
| 0.1L | $3.30 |
| 6/8 | 25/07/2026 | 15 | NR up to 55 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:58.4 | 7 |
| 18.5L | $7.50 |
| 7/9 | 10/07/2026 | 6 | NR up to 59 | $6,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Scott Ewen | 2:00.7 | 2 |
| 40.2L | $6.50 |
| 10/10 | 04/07/2026 | 8 | 0W/15.0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Scott Ewen | 1:56.3 | 3 |
| 40.6L | $51.00 |
| 1/9 | 26/06/2026 | 7 | NR 45 to 50 | $6,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Scott Ewen | 2:02.2 | 2 |
| 7.3L | $2.15 |
| 7/7 | 19/06/2026 | 5 | NR up to 59 | $6,000.00 | Geelong | 2100m | Neutral | Scott Ewen | 2:01.0 | 7 |
| 19.3L | $7.00 |
| 1/4 | 09/06/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | Scott Ewen | 0 |
| 8L | $0.00 | |
| 1/5 | 25/11/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 1720m | Good | Scott Ewen | 0 |
| 25.9L | $0.00 |

Driver: Juanita Breen
Stats
Comments
Improved last start with a solid effort when 2nd (Fr5) over 2240m after showing early pace at this track, beaten a nose by Spirited Lass (2:46.60) on July 31 at $2.50. Nicely drawn and expected to measure up again.
Last Starts 6 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/10 | 31/07/2026 | 17 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Juanita Breen | 1:59.7 | 5 |
| 0.1L | $2.50 |
| 8/8 | 14/07/2026 | 13 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Shepparton | 1690m | Neutral | Juanita Breen | 1:59.7 | 5 |
| 61.0L | $1.40 |
| 1/10 | 01/07/2026 | 123 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | R | Juanita Breen | 2:03.6 | 1 |
| 4.2L | $3.70 |
| 1/6 | 25/06/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Shepparton | 1690m | Juanita Breen | 0 |
| 0L | $0.00 | ||
| 1/4 | 11/06/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Shepparton | 1690m | Juanita Breen | 0 |
| 5L | $0.00 | ||
| 10/11 | 28/02/2026 | 8 | NR up to 55 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Juanita Breen | 1:57.9 | 3 |
| 59.1L | $3.00 |
| 2/11 | 20/02/2026 | 10 | NR up to 55 | $6,000.00 | Bendigo | 1650m | Neutral | Juanita Breen | 1:58.7 | 4 |
| 2.2L | $4.20 |
| 1/9 | 10/02/2026 | 119 | MAIDEN | $6,000.00 | Shepparton | 1690m | Neutral | Juanita Breen | 2:02.6 | 2 |
| 17.2L | $2.20 |

Driver: Kate Gath
Stats
Comments
Last start won by 13 m (Fr6) at Shepparton (2:50.60) beating Kitty Cash in on July 28 at $4.80 at the bell was leading 1.93. Should be at his top third-up from a spell and looks the one to beat again.
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 | 28/07/2026 | 12 | 0-3 WINs (NR55) | $6,000.00 | Shepparton | 2190m | Neutral | Kate Gath | 2:05.4 | 6 |
| 13.0L | $4.80 |
| 3/7 | 16/07/2026 | 217 | 0-3 WINs (NR 55) | $6,000.00 | Kilmore | 1690m | Neutral | Jordan Leedham | 2:00.1 | 6 |
| 4.4L | $12.00 |
| 3/4 | 07/07/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | Talia Taugge | 0 |
| 14.2L | $0.00 | |
| 3/5 | 30/06/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 1720m | Good | Kate Gath | 0 |
| 4L | $0.00 | |
| 7/12 | 11/12/2025 | 13 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Kilmore | 1690m | Neutral | Jordan Leedham | 2:01.7 | 7 |
| 24.2L | $26.00 |
| 7/12 | 28/11/2025 | 14 | No NR | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | W | Jordan Leedham | 2:01.3 | 1 |
| 13.5L | $61.00 |
| 7/10 | 14/11/2025 | 21 | No NR | $10,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Jordan Leedham | 2:00.4 | 3 |
| 39.2L | $151.00 |
| 11/12 | 24/10/2025 | 30 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Jordan Leedham | 1:57.6 | 3 |
| 22.1L | $34.00 |

Driver: Matthew Whittle
Stats
Comments
Second up after running 2nd (Fr1) over 1720m at this track, beaten 3 m by The Sky Is The Limit (2:08.50) on July 31 at $26. Others appear better placed.
Last Starts 6 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/6 | 31/07/2026 | 112 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Matthew Whittle | 2:00.2 | 1 |
| 3.1L | $26.00 |
| 2/3 | 25/07/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bacchus Marsh | 1940m | Good | Matthew Whittle | 0 |
| 0.1L | $0.00 | |
| 7/9 | 10/04/2026 | 7 | NR 55 or better | $8,000.00 | Maryborough | 2190m | Neutral | Matthew Whittle | 2:02.2 | 1 |
| 17.1L | $26.00 |
| 5/12 | 03/04/2026 | 11 | No NR | $6,000.00 | Stawell | 2180m | Neutral | Matthew Whittle | 2:05.7 | 0 |
| 34.6L | $19.00 |
| 4/11 | 23/03/2026 | 10 | No NR | $6,000.00 | Ararat | 2570m | Neutral | Matthew Whittle | 2:06.9 | 0 |
| 35.6L | $3.80 |
| 8/9 | 13/03/2026 | 14 | No NR | $15,000.00 | Geelong | 2570m | Neutral | Matthew Whittle | 2:02.5 | 2 |
| 53.0L | $81.00 |
| 1/10 | 27/02/2026 | 8 | No NR | $6,000.00 | Ararat | 2165m | Neutral | Matthew Whittle | 2:05.5 | 0 |
| 1.2L | $3.90 |
| 2/5 | 26/07/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bacchus Marsh | 1940m | Matthew Whittle | 0 |
| 1L | $0.00 |

Driver: Anne-Maree Conroy
Stats
Comments
Last start 4th (Fr3) over 2240m at this track, beaten 8 m by Jack Sprat (2:47.40) on July 24 at $10. At his previous start was well back in the run when 5th (Fr3) over 2180m at Kilmore beaten 8 m by Farrokh (2:46.80) on July 16 at $26. Capable of testing 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/8 | 24/07/2026 | 8 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Anne-Maree Conroy | 2:00.2 | 3 |
| 8.8L | $10.00 |
| 5/7 | 16/07/2026 | 8 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Kilmore | 2180m | Neutral | Anne-Maree Conroy | 2:03.2 | 3 |
| 8.7L | $26.00 |
| 3/7 | 08/07/2026 | 12 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Kilmore | 1690m | Neutral | Anne-Maree Conroy | 1:58.0 | 4 |
| 8.1L | $15.00 |
| 4/10 | 26/06/2026 | 6 | NR up to 59 | $6,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Anne-Maree Conroy | 1:59.6 | 2 |
| 6.2L | $11.00 |
| 5/11 | 20/06/2026 | 9 | NR 57 to 67 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | W | Anne-Maree Conroy | 2:00.4 | 1 |
| 9.2L | $51.00 |
| 1/10 | 11/06/2026 | 11 | NR 49 to 54 | $6,000.00 | Ballarat | 2200m | Neutral | Anne-Maree Conroy | 2:01.3 | 1 |
| 2.3L | $4.40 |
| 5/6 | 30/01/2024 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | A M Conroy | 0 |
| 10.5L | $0.00 | ||
| 4/5 | 07/11/2022 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | A M Conroy | 0 |
| 0L | $0.00 |

Driver: Joey Sharp
Stats
Comments
Last start 8th (Sr1) over 2240m at this track, beaten 14 m by Spirited Lass (2:46.60) on July 31 at $51. Two runs back was well back in the run when 3rd (Fr5) over 1720m at this track, at the bell was 6th-11.28 beaten 2.75 m by Skybella (2:06.60) on July 25 at $31. Needs to find a bit more.
Last Starts 6 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/10 | 31/07/2026 | 6 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Joey Sharp | 1:59.7 | 1 |
| 14.1L | $51.00 |
| 3/8 | 25/07/2026 | 20 | NR up to 55 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Chris Alford | 1:58.4 | 5 |
| 2.7L | $31.00 |
| 5/7 | 05/07/2026 | 16 | NR up to 59 | $6,000.00 | Cranbourne | 2080m | Neutral | Joey Sharp | 2:01.5 | 6 |
| 11.3L | $26.00 |
| 5/7 | 19/06/2026 | 7 | NR up to 59 | $6,000.00 | Geelong | 2100m | Neutral | Joey Sharp | 2:01.0 | 6 |
| 18.5L | $23.00 |
| 1/6 | 12/06/2026 | 16 | NR up to 55 | $6,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Joey Sharp | 2:01.4 | 4 |
| 7.4L | $8.00 |
| 10/11 | 27/05/2026 | 7 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | W | T K Larsen | 2:00.5 | 1 |
| 21.1L | $17.00 |
| 1/3 | 06/02/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Kilmore | 2150m | Chris Alford | 0 |
| 0L | $0.00 | ||
| 1/4 | 17/09/2024 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 1720m | Chris Alford | 0 |
| 14.5L | $0.00 |

Driver: Liam Older
Stats
Comments
Didn't do much at the last run, was driven from back in the field when 6th (Fr6) over 1720m at this track beaten 19 m by The Sky Is The Limit (2:08.50) on July 31 at $17. Before that 5th (Sr1) over 2240m at this track, beaten 30 m by Jack Sprat (2:47.40) on July 24 at $19. Others make more appeal.
Last Starts 6 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/6 | 31/07/2026 | 7 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Emmett Brosnan | 2:00.2 | 6 |
| 19.2L | $17.00 |
| 5/8 | 24/07/2026 | 12 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Chris Alford | 2:00.2 | 1 |
| 28.8L | $19.00 |
| 7/9 | 12/07/2026 | 15 | No NR | $6,000.00 | Terang | 2180m | Neutral | Emmett Brosnan | 2:03.9 | 0 |
| 88.2L | $23.00 |
| 8/9 | 27/06/2026 | 61 | NR 58 to 68 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Chris Alford | 1:57.3 | 5 |
| 122.6L | $17.00 |
| 1/5 | 16/06/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | Emmett Brosnan | 0 |
| 7.5L | $0.00 | |
| 8/10 | 27/04/2026 | 408 | No NR | $6,000.00 | Ararat | 2195m | Neutral | Daryl Crone | 2:08.3 | 0 |
| 39.6L | $6.50 |
| 1/6 | 12/04/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Maryborough | 2190m | Darryl Crone | 0 |
| 3L | $0.00 | ||
| 10/11 | 15/03/2025 | 6 | NR 60 to 69 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Kerryn Manning | 2:01.1 | 3 |
| 45.0L | $41.00 |

Driver: Ryan Sanderson
Stats
Comments
Last start raced just off the speed and boxed on; posted a big 3.5 m win (30m) at Ballarat (2:49.50) beating Constant in on July 29 at $3.40 at the bell was 2nd-3.38. Should be right 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/7 | 29/07/2026 | 10 | No NR | $6,000.00 | Ballarat | 2200m | Good | James Herbertson | 2:02.3 | 0 |
| 3.4L | $3.40 |
| 2/7 | 19/07/2026 | 14 | NR up to 59 | $6,000.00 | Cranbourne | 2080m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 2:03.1 | 4 |
| 3.1L | $3.50 |
| 3/7 | 05/07/2026 | 16 | NR up to 59 | $6,000.00 | Cranbourne | 2080m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 2:01.5 | 5 |
| 8.0L | $4.00 |
| 2/5 | 30/06/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 1720m | Good | James Herbertson | 0 |
| 0.2L | $0.00 | |
| 2/7 | 19/06/2026 | 49 | NR up to 59 | $6,000.00 | Geelong | 2100m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 2:01.0 | 5 |
| 10.9L | $8.50 |
| 2/4 | 13/06/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bacchus Marsh | 1940m | Jason Hackett | 0 |
| 8L | $0.00 | ||
| 8/9 | 01/05/2026 | 11 | NR 56 to 62 | $6,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | John Caldow | 1:59.6 | 6 |
| 27.4L | $41.00 |
| 4/8 | 20/04/2026 | 10 | NR 55 to 59 | $6,000.00 | Maryborough | 1690m | Neutral | John Caldow | 2:01.7 | 1 |
| 8.9L | $4.60 |

Driver: John Caldow
Stats
Comments
Last start won by 3 m when quickly away, (Fr2) at this track (2:08.50) beating Floating Mountain in on July 31 at $4.60. With even luck can win again.
Last Starts 6 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/6 | 31/07/2026 | 7 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | John Caldow | 2:00.2 | 2 |
| 3.1L | $4.60 |
| 2/8 | 24/07/2026 | 14 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | John Caldow | 2:00.2 | 4 |
| 5.8L | $5.50 |
| 4/9 | 10/07/2026 | 6 | NR up to 59 | $6,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | John Caldow | 2:00.7 | 1 |
| 10.4L | $8.50 |
| 8/11 | 04/07/2026 | 7 | NR 58 to 68 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | John Caldow | 2:00.8 | 4 |
| 11.0L | $26.00 |
| 6/9 | 27/06/2026 | 7 | NR 58 to 68 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | John Caldow | 1:57.3 | 2 |
| 17.5L | $13.00 |
| 9/11 | 20/06/2026 | 14 | NR 57 to 67 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | W | John Caldow | 2:00.4 | 7 |
| 17.5L | $61.00 |
| 2/7 | 06/05/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | John Caldow | 0 |
| 3.2L | $0.00 | |
| 1/5 | 10/09/2024 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | John Caldow | 0 |
| 27L | $0.00 |

Driver: Michael Bellman
Stats
Comments
Last start broke in score up and was out of position at the start surrendered the lead and finished 7th (Fr4) over 2240m after showing early pace at this track, beaten 12 m by Spirited Lass (2:46.60) on July 31 at $16. Two runs back was driven from back in the field when 8th (Fr7) over 2240m at this track, beaten 90 m by Jack Sprat (2:47.40) on July 24 at $26. Unlikely to threaten.
Last Starts 6 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7/10 | 31/07/2026 | 7 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Michael Bellman | 1:59.7 | 4 |
| 12.8L | $16.00 |
| 8/8 | 24/07/2026 | 10 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Michael Bellman | 2:00.2 | 7 |
| 88.6L | $26.00 |
| 1/8 | 14/07/2026 | 9 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Shepparton | 1690m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:59.7 | 7 |
| 1.6L | $6.50 |
| 7/7 | 05/07/2026 | 9 | NR up to 59 | $6,000.00 | Cranbourne | 2080m | Neutral | Nick Beale | 2:01.5 | 1 |
| 21.8L | $8.50 |
| 2/12 | 26/06/2026 | 9 | 10 0K | $14,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Michael Bellman | 2:01.5 | 4 |
| 4.4L | $12.00 |
| 3/8 | 17/06/2026 | 9 | 10 0K | $8,000.00 | Maryborough | 2190m | Neutral | Michael Bellman | 2:04.1 | 4 |
| 2.0L | $3.50 |
| 4/5 | 01/06/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Kaitlyn Beale | 0 |
| 4L | $0.00 | ||
| 2/6 | 25/05/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Kaitlin Beale | 0 |
| 3L | $0.00 |