Melton Race 3 - Vale Ian Caruana Trot
KEAYANG GYPSY (4) finished fourth last start over 2240m at this track, beaten 3 metres, after a good win at this track the run prior. Finds a tougher race but a return to form is not out of the question. ALDEBARAN ABEL (5) scored a decisive win last time out over 2240m at this track, getting home by 11 metres in a dominant display. Taking on a better line-up this time but he is up to the challenge. THUNDA STRUCK (10) ended last prep with a win at this track over 2240m six-and-a-half months ago. Capable of a forward showing while fresh. IJUSTCALLEDTOSAY (11) is worth some thought based on his second over 1720m at this track two runs ago. Include in exotic bets.

Driver: Blake Pace
Stats
Comments
Improved last start with a solid effort when 3rd (Fr5) over 2240m after showing early pace at this track, beaten 6 m by Vici Bloom (2:44.50) on August 15 at $23. Decent effort last start. Solid top-three prospects.
Last Starts 6 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/9 | 15/08/2026 | 7 | NR 57 to 67 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Blake Pace | 1:58.2 | 5 |
| 6.8L | $23.00 |
| 5/8 | 08/08/2026 | 8 | NR 60 to 69 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Darren Pace | 1:59.4 | 4 |
| 27.0L | $14.00 |
| 2/3 | 04/08/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Slow | Darren Pace | 0 |
| 0.1L | $0.00 | |
| 5/6 | 31/07/2026 | 37 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Darren Pace | 2:00.2 | 3 |
| 15.7L | $2.40 |
| 4/5 | 21/07/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Kilmore | 2180m | Good | Darren Pace | 0 |
| 14.5L | $0.00 | |
| 11/12 | 24/06/2026 | 11 | NR 55 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Neutral | Darren Pace | 1:57.5 | 4 |
| 23.7L | $7.00 |
| 7/10 | 13/06/2026 | 13 | NR 60 to 69 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Blake Pace | 1:56.4 | 4 |
| 19.0L | $3.00 |
| 2/11 | 31/05/2026 | 8 | NR 57 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Maryborough | 1690m | Neutral | Blake Pace | 2:01.2 | 5 |
| 4.5L | $4.00 |

Driver: John Caldow
Stats
Comments
Improved last start with a game effort when 3rd (Fr2) over 2240m at this track, beaten 19 m by Aldebaran Abel (2:46.20) on August 8 at $11. Heading the right way and is a leading player.
Last Starts 13 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/8 | 08/08/2026 | 7 | NR 60 to 69 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | John Caldow | 1:59.4 | 2 |
| 19.1L | $11.00 |
| 9/10 | 01/08/2026 | 21 | NR up to 75 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | John Caldow | 1:56.8 | 4 |
| 25.3L | $18.00 |
| 5/9 | 11/07/2026 | 7 | NR 60 to 69 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | R | John Caldow | 2:01.4 | 2 |
| 6.9L | $10.00 |
| 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 |
| 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 |

Driver: Jordan Leedham
Stats
Comments
Racing consistently with minor placings at his last two starts. Placed last start 2nd (Sr2) over 2180m at Kilmore beaten 12 m by Majestic Monarch (2:44.50) on August 20 at $5. Before that 2nd (Sr1) over 2240m at this track, beaten 5.5 m by Vici Bloom (2:44.50) on August 15 at $51. Facing a tough assignment this time around.
Last Starts 1 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/10 | 20/08/2026 | 5 | NR 50 to 54 | $6,000.00 | Kilmore | 2180m | Neutral | Jordan Leedham | 2:01.4 | 2 |
| 12.1L | $5.00 |
| 2/9 | 15/08/2026 | 7 | NR 57 to 67 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Jordan Leedham | 1:58.2 | 1 |
| 5.7L | $51.00 |
| 6/9 | 08/08/2026 | 3 | NR up to 85 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Nathan Jack | 1:56.3 | 2 |
| 14.3L | $101.00 |
| 6/10 | 05/08/2026 | 4 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Ballarat | 2200m | Neutral | Jordan Leedham | 2:00.9 | 4 |
| 10.5L | $7.00 |
| 5/9 | 01/08/2026 | 3 | NR up to 89 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Blake Pace | 1:56.7 | 1 |
| 38.4L | $101.00 |
| 5/7 | 29/07/2026 | 4 | No NR | $6,000.00 | Ballarat | 2200m | Good | Chris Alford | 2:02.3 | 0 |
| 17.6L | $12.00 |
| 6/9 | 25/07/2026 | 7 | NR 69 to 79 | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Nathan Jack | 1:57.3 | 1 |
| 11.4L | $61.00 |
| 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: Glen Craven
Stats
Comments
Last start 4th (Sr2) over 2240m at this track, beaten 3 m by Sky Flair (2:45.90) on August 15 at $2.70. Two runs back won by 2.25 m after showing early speed, (Fr6) at this track (2:08.70) beating Unclad in on July 25 at $3.90 at the bell was leading 3.34. Expected to improve sharply.
Last Starts 6 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/9 | 15/08/2026 | 21 | 0W/15 0K stake | $11,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Glen Craven | 1:59.2 | 2 |
| 2.9L | $2.70 |
| 1/9 | 25/07/2026 | 133 | NR 58 to 68 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Glen Craven | 2:00.4 | 6 |
| 2.3L | $3.90 |
| 1/5 | 01/07/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Terang | 2180m | Good | Jason Lee | 0 |
| 0L | $0.00 | |
| 5/6 | 14/03/2026 | 7 | NR 60 or better | $11,000.00 | Mount Gambier | 2580m | Neutral | Lochie Cook | 2:05.5 | 0 |
| 113.6L | $3.00 |
| 3/7 | 07/03/2026 | 7 | NR 65 to 75 | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Glen Craven | 1:58.8 | 6 |
| 1.6L | $4.00 |
| 1/6 | 03/03/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Terang | 2180m | Lochie Cook | 0 |
| 10L | $0.00 | ||
| 4/8 | 28/02/2026 | 8 | NR 56 to 75 | $20,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Glen Craven | 1:56.7 | 5 |
| 9.1L | $1.40 |
| 1/10 | 20/02/2026 | 9 | NR 56 to 75 | $8,000.00 | Bendigo | 1650m | Neutral | Glen Craven | 1:55.3 | 4 |
| 6.6L | $2.15 |

Driver: James Herbertson
Stats
Comments
Last start won by 11 m (Sr1) at this track (2:46.20) beating Ringer Wells in on August 8 at $3.40. Very hard to beat.
Last Starts 13 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/8 | 08/08/2026 | 7 | NR 60 to 69 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:59.4 | 1 |
| 11.1L | $3.40 |
| 10/10 | 01/08/2026 | 7 | NR up to 75 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:56.8 | 3 |
| 25.5L | $5.00 |
| 8/9 | 25/07/2026 | 7 | NR 58 to 68 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 2:00.4 | 4 |
| 10.4L | $2.20 |
| 6/10 | 18/07/2026 | 7 | NR 57 to 67 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Lochie Cook | 1:58.9 | 1 |
| 23.9L | $8.50 |
| 2/9 | 11/07/2026 | 14 | NR 60 to 69 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | R | Lochie Cook | 2:01.4 | 3 |
| 2.7L | $3.10 |
| 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 |
| 3/3 | 12/05/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | James Herbertson | 0 |
| 6.6L | $0.00 | |
| 5/6 | 03/11/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | Anthony Butt | 0 |
| 18L | $0.00 |

Driver: Chris Lang
Stats
Comments
Meets Aldebaran Abel again; hung in on scoring up, was restrained, when 30 metres sixth at this track over 2240m in a race on August 8. Not keen on his chances in this line-up.
Last Starts 13 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/8 | 08/08/2026 | 7 | NR 60 to 69 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Nathan Jack | 1:59.4 | 7 |
| 31.7L | $9.00 |
| 6/10 | 01/08/2026 | 7 | NR up to 75 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Nathan Jack | 1:56.8 | 7 |
| 7.6L | $14.00 |
| 9/9 | 25/07/2026 | 84 | NR 69 to 79 | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Chris Lang | 1:57.3 | 6 |
| 150.0L | $34.00 |
| 3/4 | 30/06/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 1720m | Good | Chris Lang | 0 |
| 14.9L | $0.00 | |
| 3/4 | 22/06/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Chris Lang | 0 |
| 0L | $0.00 | ||
| 7/9 | 02/05/2026 | 7 | NR 70 to 85 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Chris Lang | 1:59.7 | 2 |
| 21.5L | $9.50 |
| 1/10 | 25/04/2026 | 15 | NR 58 to 68 | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Chris Lang | 1:57.6 | 5 |
| 1.6L | $8.00 |
| 3/11 | 10/04/2026 | 6 | NR 60 to 69 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Chris Lang | 1:58.4 | 7 |
| 10.9L | $15.00 |

Driver: Ashley Manton
Stats
Comments
Didn't do much at the last run, 8th (Sr3) over 1720m at this track beaten 30 m by Alrighty (2:04.70) on July 11 at $13. Before that broke in score up and was out of position at the start 5th (Sr3) over 1720m at this track, beaten 13 m by Crackerjack (2:03.20) on June 13 at $31. Cannot enthuse on what we have seen of late.
Last Starts 15 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/3 | 06/08/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Shepparton | 2190m | Good | Ashley Manton | 0 |
| 1L | $0.00 | |
| 1/4 | 26/07/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Maryborough | 2190m | Good | Ashley Manton | 0 |
| 15L | $0.00 | |
| 8/10 | 11/07/2026 | 28 | NR 70 to 85 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | R | Ashley Manton | 1:56.6 | 3 |
| 32.3L | $13.00 |
| 5/10 | 13/06/2026 | 64 | NR 70 to 85 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Brent Thomson | 1:55.3 | 3 |
| 13.2L | $31.00 |
| 8/9 | 10/04/2026 | 13 | NR 55 or better | $8,000.00 | Maryborough | 2190m | Neutral | Nathan Jack | 2:02.2 | 0 |
| 17.2L | $5.00 |
| 6/8 | 28/03/2026 | 7 | NR 70 to 85 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Brent Thomson | 1:56.8 | 1 |
| 19.8L | $7.00 |
| 8/8 | 21/03/2026 | 203 | NR 70 to 85 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Brent Thomson | 1:58.2 | 4 |
| 56.9L | $23.00 |
| 9/11 | 30/08/2025 | 7 | NR 72 to 87 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Brent Thomson | 1:56.6 | 5 |
| 23.8L | $13.00 |

Driver: Chris Svanosio
Stats
Comments
Last start surrendered the lead and finished 4th (Fr5) over 1720m after showing early speed at this track beaten 6 m by Alrighty (2:04.30) on August 8 at $15. At his previous start 5th (Fr4) over 1720m at this track was 6th-9.2 at the bell, beaten 9 m by Muskee (2:05.30) on July 25 at $5. Has the ability to figure prominently.
Last Starts 13 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/9 | 08/08/2026 | 14 | NR up to 85 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Chris Svanosio | 1:56.3 | 5 |
| 6.9L | $15.00 |
| 5/9 | 25/07/2026 | 7 | NR 69 to 79 | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Chris Svanosio | 1:57.3 | 4 |
| 9.1L | $5.00 |
| 2/7 | 18/07/2026 | 7 | NR 68 to 80 | $11,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Ross Payne | 2:00.1 | 3 |
| 2.1L | $12.00 |
| 3/9 | 11/07/2026 | 7 | NR 60 to 69 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | R | Ross Payne | 2:01.4 | 7 |
| 5.7L | $9.00 |
| 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 |

Driver: Mark Pitt
Stats
Comments
First up. At the last run he tracked on the speed and boxed on steadily; won by a head when quickly away, (Fr3) at this track (2:45.40) beating Freight Shaker in on January 30 at $6.50 at the bell was 3rd-3.8m on the pegs. Rates highly and is a leading player.
Last Starts 15 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/3 | 06/08/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Shepparton | 2190m | Good | Rebecca Bartley | 0 |
| 3L | $0.00 | |
| 2/3 | 23/07/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Shepparton | 2190m | Good | Tasmyn Potter | 0 |
| 10L | $0.00 | |
| 1/9 | 30/01/2026 | 9 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Mark Pitt | 1:58.8 | 3 |
| 0.2L | $6.50 |
| 3/11 | 21/01/2026 | 11 | NR up to 69 | $10,000.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Neutral | Mark Pitt | 2:01.6 | 2 |
| 5.3L | $9.50 |
| 3/8 | 10/01/2026 | 9 | NR 60 to 75 | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Tasmyn Potter | 1:58.2 | 4 |
| 4.6L | $9.50 |
| 4/6 | 01/01/2026 | 18 | NR up to 70 | $12,000.00 | Echuca | 2560m | Neutral | Mark Pitt | 2:07.0 | 5 |
| 18.0L | $2.80 |
| 9/11 | 14/12/2025 | 13 | No NR | $10,000.00 | Gunbower | 2630m | Neutral | Ewa Justice | 2:04.9 | 0 |
| 101.9L | $11.00 |
| 1/8 | 01/12/2025 | 9 | NR 55 or better | $8,000.00 | Maryborough | 2190m | Neutral | Chris Alford | 2:03.2 | 0 |
| 9.8L | $4.60 |

Driver: Kerryn Manning
Stats
Comments
Last start was well beaten into sixth behind Alrighty at this track over 2240m on August 1 at $10. Performed better the start before with a good run when 2nd (Sr2) over 1720m at this track was 2nd-2.2 at the bell, beaten 1.1 m by Muskee (2:05.30) on July 25 at $2. Big chance to atone.
Last Starts 20 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/9 | 01/08/2026 | 7 | NR up to 89 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Mark Pitt | 1:56.7 | 2 |
| 39.0L | $10.00 |
| 2/9 | 25/07/2026 | 7 | NR 69 to 79 | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Mark Pitt | 1:57.3 | 2 |
| 1.1L | $2.00 |
| 6/7 | 18/07/2026 | 14 | NR 68 to 80 | $11,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Mark Pitt | 2:00.1 | 7 |
| 12.9L | $2.30 |
| 1/10 | 04/07/2026 | 7 | 0W/15.0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Mark Pitt | 1:56.3 | 1 |
| 8.7L | $1.20 |
| 1/9 | 27/06/2026 | 21 | NR 58 to 68 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Mark Pitt | 1:57.3 | 2 |
| 2.7L | $5.50 |
| 9/9 | 06/06/2026 | 28 | NR 58 to 68 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Kylie Sugars | 2:00.4 | 7 |
| 18.2L | $21.00 |
| 5/5 | 30/04/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Shepparton | 2190m | Kylie Sugars | 0 |
| 10L | $0.00 | ||
| 3/7 | 23/04/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Shepparton | 2190m | Kylie Sugars | 0 |
| 17L | $0.00 |

Driver: Chris Alford
Stats
Comments
Last start 9th (Fr3) over 1720m at this track, well beaten by Alrighty (2:04.30) on August 8 at $19. Before that, was well back in the run when 5th (Fr5) over 1720m at this track was 10th-19.02 at the bell, beaten 5 m by Sky Flair (2:04.80) on August 1 at $6.50. Rates highly on best form and can bounce back.
Last Starts 13 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9/9 | 08/08/2026 | 7 | NR up to 85 | $17,500.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Mark Pitt | 1:56.3 | 3 |
| 113.0L | $19.00 |
| 5/10 | 01/08/2026 | 7 | NR up to 75 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Mark Pitt | 1:56.8 | 5 |
| 5.1L | $6.50 |
| 4/9 | 25/07/2026 | 9 | NR 58 to 68 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Chris Lang | 2:00.4 | 2 |
| 4.9L | $19.00 |
| 1/7 | 16/07/2026 | 19 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Kilmore | 2180m | Neutral | Chris Lang | 2:03.2 | 5 |
| 0.2L | $6.50 |
| 7/9 | 27/06/2026 | 14 | NR 58 to 68 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Chris Lang | 1:57.3 | 6 |
| 26.4L | $13.00 |
| 3/12 | 13/06/2026 | 77 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Chris Lang | 1:59.3 | 3 |
| 14.7L | $12.00 |
| 1/4 | 09/06/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | Chris Lang | 0 |
| 4L | $0.00 | |
| 1/3 | 02/06/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | Chris Lang | 0 |
| 25.3L | $0.00 |