Melton Race 2 - Hip Pocket Castlemaine Pace
TO THE NINES (11) was beaten only 4.4m in his latest appearance in a Vicbred heat and had missed by a nose when fresh at Mildura prior. May need luck from this barrier but he'll be reaching peak fitness now and this should suit. GUNFORHIRE (6) has been close-up in his last two outings from the back row and was runner-up here the last time he started on this line. Big threat. BROWNIESATMIDNIGHT (12) has switched to the Lewis yard since he last raced at Menangle in June. Another with a tricky draw but he owns a strong fresh record and was readied with a trial. LAMBRO MACH (9) enjoys a class drop off the Vicbred series and did go into that off a win at this venue so can make an impact with even luck. KIA ORA BEAUTY (4) has been racing well since a Shepparton win last month and draws to advantage.

Driver: Taylor Youl
Stats
Comments
Has won at her last two outings. Last start won by 2.5 m (Fr5) at Maryborough (2:01.50) beating Starzinhereyes in M on September 7 at $3.60. Place best this time.
Last Starts 12 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/7 | 07/09/2026 | 14 | NR up to 60 | $7,000.00 | Maryborough | 1690m | Neutral | Ewa Justice | 1:55.7 | 5 |
| 2.6L | $3.60 |
| 1/9 | 24/08/2026 | 16 | NR up to 49 | $5,000.00 | Maryborough | 1690m | Neutral | Ewa Justice | 1:55.1 | 7 |
| 8.9L | $8.00 |
| 9/11 | 08/08/2026 | 7 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Ewa Justice | 1:53.7 | 1 |
| 20.6L | $126.00 |
| 10/11 | 01/08/2026 | 7 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Ewa Justice | 1:55.3 | 1 |
| 29.8L | $61.00 |
| 3/7 | 25/07/2026 | 7 | 0W/15 0K stake | $10,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Ewa Justice | 1:54.1 | 2 |
| 9.0L | $14.00 |
| 5/10 | 18/07/2026 | 10 | NR 58 to 66 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | John Justice | 1:53.5 | 1 |
| 16.7L | $31.00 |
| 2/5 | 22/02/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Maryborough | 2190m | Connor Ronan | 0 |
| 8L | $0.00 | ||
| 2/4 | 12/10/2024 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Maryborough | 2190m | Connor Ronan | 0 |
| 0L | $0.00 |

Driver: James Herbertson
Stats
Comments
Last start surrendered the lead and finished 7th (Fr6) over 2240m after showing early speed at this track, at the bell was 4th-6 beaten 14 m by The Naked Art (2:40.60) on August 15 at $26. Before that, 7th (Sr1) over 1720m at this track was 7th-13.74 at the bell, beaten 13 m by With In Reason (2:01.40) on August 8 at $11. Drawn favourably and is worth another chance.
Last Starts 11 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/6 | 08/09/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | Ryan Sanderson | 0 |
| 2.7L | $0.00 | |
| 7/10 | 15/08/2026 | 7 | 0W/15 0K stake | $10,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Jordan Leedham | 1:55.4 | 6 |
| 14.3L | $26.00 |
| 7/9 | 08/08/2026 | 7 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:53.6 | 1 |
| 13.7L | $11.00 |
| 3/11 | 01/08/2026 | 7 | NR up to 75 | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:52.3 | 2 |
| 2.6L | $23.00 |
| 7/10 | 25/07/2026 | 28 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:52.4 | 5 |
| 15.7L | $8.00 |
| 5/11 | 27/06/2026 | 7 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Jordan Leedham | 1:54.2 | 6 |
| 8.4L | $10.00 |
| 10/12 | 20/06/2026 | 9 | No NR | $20,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | W | Chris Alford | 1:55.9 | 1 |
| 13.0L | $31.00 |
| 2/5 | 28/04/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 1720m | Good | Jordan Leedham | 0 |
| 4.3L | $0.00 |

Driver: Mark Pitt
Stats
Comments
Not far away at the last couple starts; Finished 2.75 m second behind King Kasey at Swan Hill over 1750m last start. Before that was beaten 5 metres seventh at Riverina Paceway over 1740m same class on August 21. Draws for a good showing.
Last Starts 11 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/8 | 08/09/2026 | 18 | NR 57 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Swan Hill | 1750m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:56.5 | 1 |
| 2.7L | $3.30 |
| 7/8 | 21/08/2026 | 7 | NR up to 65 | $9,790.00 | Wagga | 1740m | Fast | Peter Mcrae | 1:55.1 | 7 |
| 5.0L | $11.00 |
| 2/10 | 14/08/2026 | 10 | NR up to 60 | $9,790.00 | Wagga | 1740m | Neutral | Peter Mcrae | 1:53.0 | 2 |
| 2.9L | $13.00 |
| 1/9 | 04/08/2026 | 7 | NR 55 to 60 | $7,000.00 | Shepparton | 1690m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:55.6 | 1 |
| 4.0L | $2.20 |
| 7/9 | 28/07/2026 | 7 | NR 57 to 62 | $7,000.00 | Shepparton | 2190m | Neutral | Matthew Newberry | 1:57.6 | 5 |
| 25.0L | $41.00 |
| 4/8 | 21/07/2026 | 14 | NR up to 58 | $9,790.00 | Albury | 1770m | Fast | Taylah Osmond | 1:58.3 | 1 |
| 4.2L | $7.00 |
| 3/3 | 22/09/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | John Newberry | 0 |
| 22L | $0.00 | ||
| 7/7 | 07/05/2024 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Shepparton | 2190m | M Newberry | 0 |
| 10L | $0.00 |

Driver: Ewa Justice
Stats
Comments
Not far away at the last couple starts; Finished 3.5 m fifth behind Keayang Payton at Geelong over 2100m last start. Before that was beaten 1.5 metres second at Terang over 2180m same class on August 30. Returns to the front row and has strong claims.
Last Starts 8 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/9 | 11/09/2026 | 12 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Geelong | 2100m | Neutral | Rory Coverdale | 1:56.8 | 2 |
| 3.7L | $4.00 |
| 2/10 | 30/08/2026 | 8 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Terang | 2180m | Neutral | Rory Coverdale | 1:58.0 | 3 |
| 1.6L | $2.60 |
| 2/9 | 22/08/2026 | 12 | NR up to 71 | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Ewa Justice | 1:55.3 | 2 |
| 2.8L | $6.00 |
| 9/10 | 10/08/2026 | 9 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Hamilton | 1660m | Slow | Rory Coverdale | 1:57.5 | 6 |
| 14.3L | $9.00 |
| 4/11 | 01/08/2026 | 20 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Rory Coverdale | 1:55.3 | 2 |
| 9.8L | $19.00 |
| 2/7 | 12/07/2026 | 8 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Terang | 2180m | Neutral | Rory Coverdale | 2:00.2 | 7 |
| 0.2L | $2.50 |
| 2/2 | 01/07/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Terang | 2180m | Good | Rory Coverdale | 0 |
| 0L | $0.00 | |
| 2/5 | 22/04/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Terang | 2180m | Rory Coverdale | 0 |
| 15L | $0.00 |

Driver: Michael Stanley
Stats
Comments
Last start 6th (Sr1) over 1609m at Newcastle, beaten 8 m by Sunset Stride (1:54.80) on August 28 at $14. Two runs back 6th (Fr7) over 1609m at Menangle beaten 7 m by Romanee (1:53.70) on August 18 at $13. Not on current form.
Last Starts 11 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/6 | 08/09/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | Mason Muscat | 0 |
| 7.2L | $0.00 | |
| 6/10 | 28/08/2026 | 10 | NR up to 58 | $9,790.00 | Newcastle | 1609m | Fast | Jai Meikle | 1:54.8 | 1 |
| 8.2L | $14.00 |
| 6/9 | 18/08/2026 | 11 | NR up to 64 | $10,000.00 | Menangle | 1609m | Fast | Michael Stanley | 1:53.7 | 7 |
| 7.7L | $13.00 |
| 3/10 | 07/08/2026 | 49 | NR up to 57 | $9,790.00 | Newcastle | 1609m | Fast | Jai Meikle | 1:55.9 | 1 |
| 4.4L | $3.10 |
| 6/9 | 29/07/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Menangle | 1609m | Good | Mason Muscat | 0 |
| 22.4L | $0.00 | |
| 7/8 | 19/06/2026 | 13 | NR up to 58 | $9,790.00 | Newcastle | 2030m | Fast | Jai Meikle | 1:56.0 | 7 |
| 14.1L | $5.00 |
| 7/9 | 06/06/2026 | 2 | NR up to 75 | $20,400.00 | Menangle | 1609m | Fast | Michael Stanley | 1:52.8 | 4 |
| 10.3L | $8.50 |
| 1/10 | 04/06/2026 | 9 | NR up to 58 | $9,790.00 | Penrith | 2125m | Fast | Jai Meikle | 1:58.5 | 5 |
| 3.2L | $3.80 |

Driver: Matthew Craven
Stats
Comments
Last start 10th (Fr1) over 1609m after showing early speed at Menangle, beaten 75 m by Our Sunset Delight (1:49.80) on August 18 at $21. Two runs back 7th (Fr2) over 1609m after showing early pace at Newcastle beaten 20 m by Little Demon (1:53.60) on August 7 at $3.40. Need to find his best.
Last Starts 11 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/5 | 08/09/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Terang | 2180m | Good | Matthew Craven | 0 |
| 0.3L | $0.00 | |
| 10/10 | 18/08/2026 | 11 | NR up to 75 | $10,000.00 | Menangle | 1609m | Fast | Michael Stanley | 1:49.8 | 1 |
| 75.5L | $21.00 |
| 7/7 | 07/08/2026 | 90 | NR up to 80 | $11,830.00 | Newcastle | 1609m | Fast | Michael Stanley | 1:53.6 | 2 |
| 20.6L | $3.40 |
| 9/9 | 29/07/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Menangle | 1609m | Good | Michael Stanley | 0 |
| 92.9L | $0.00 | |
| 3/10 | 09/05/2026 | 7 | NR up to 80 | $20,400.00 | Menangle | 1609m | Fast | Ashleigh Delosa | 1:51.3 | 9 |
| 1.7L | $6.50 |
| 1/10 | 02/05/2026 | 7 | NR up to 80 | $20,400.00 | Menangle | 1609m | Fast | Ashleigh Delosa | 1:52.2 | 4 |
| 0.2L | $3.40 |
| 4/9 | 25/04/2026 | 29 | NR up to 80 | $20,400.00 | Menangle | 2300m | Fast | Michael Stanley | 1:54.1 | 7 |
| 8.5L | $4.60 |
| 10/10 | 27/03/2026 | 6 | NR up to 80 | $20,400.00 | Menangle | 2300m | Fast | Michael Stanley | 1:54.0 | 6 |
| 125.8L | $5.00 |

Driver: Kate Gath
Stats
Comments
Won three starts back at this track over 2240m on August 7. Last start 9th (Sr4) over 2180m at Kilmore, beaten 30 m by Fairplay (2:38.10) in 4yo on September 10 at $151. Finds a more suitable assignment.
Last Starts 9 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9/11 | 10/09/2026 | 19 | Entires Geldings No NR | $10,000.00 | Kilmore | 2180m | Neutral | Kate Gath | 1:56.7 | 4 |
| 27.7L | $151.00 |
| 4/9 | 22/08/2026 | 15 | NR up to 71 | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Jordan Leedham | 1:55.3 | 6 |
| 6.2L | $12.00 |
| 1/6 | 07/08/2026 | 6 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Jordan Leedham | 1:58.3 | 6 |
| 1.6L | $1.80 |
| 5/11 | 01/08/2026 | 14 | NR up to 75 | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Liam Older | 1:52.3 | 1 |
| 7.9L | $10.00 |
| 4/10 | 18/07/2026 | 13 | NR 58 to 66 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Kate Gath | 1:53.5 | 1 |
| 13.8L | $14.00 |
| 1/10 | 05/07/2026 | 2 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Cranbourne | 1609m | Neutral | Jordan Leedham | 1:55.3 | 5 |
| 9.5L | $3.10 |
| 1/4 | 01/12/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | Kate Gath | 0 |
| 7.7L | $0.00 | |
| 1/6 | 02/09/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | Kate Gath | 0 |
| 1.2L | $0.00 |

Driver: Chris Alford
Stats
Comments
Last start 4th (Sr2) over 1750m at Swan Hill, beaten 8 m by Diamond Eclipse (2:03.80) on September 8 at $10. At the start before 6th (Fr1) over 2240m at this track, at the bell was 5th-8.73 beaten 11 m by Apollostorm (2:41.60) on August 15 at $12. Could play a role.
Last Starts 11 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/9 | 08/09/2026 | 24 | NR 65 | $8,000.00 | Swan Hill | 1750m | Neutral | Chris Alford | 1:53.8 | 2 |
| 8.3L | $10.00 |
| 6/7 | 15/08/2026 | 7 | NR 67 to 77 | $11,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Chris Alford | 1:56.1 | 1 |
| 11.9L | $12.00 |
| 6/8 | 08/08/2026 | 7 | NR up to 79 | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Chris Alford | 1:55.9 | 5 |
| 16.1L | $8.50 |
| 7/11 | 01/08/2026 | 14 | NR up to 75 | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Josh Duggan | 1:52.3 | 4 |
| 8.8L | $61.00 |
| 3/8 | 18/07/2026 | 7 | NR 67 to 77 | $11,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Chris Alford | 1:56.1 | 5 |
| 13.4L | $6.50 |
| 8/9 | 11/07/2026 | 14 | NR 70 to 79 | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | R | Chris Alford | 1:56.6 | 5 |
| 33.2L | $5.00 |
| 1/3 | 28/03/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bacchus Marsh | 1940m | Josh Duggan | 0 |
| 8L | $0.00 | ||
| 1/5 | 06/05/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | Chris Alford | 0 |
| 2.2L | $0.00 |

Driver: Connor Clarke
Stats
Comments
Not far away at the last couple starts; Finished 4.5 m fifth behind I Am The Storm at Kilmore over 2180m 4yo last start. Before that was beaten a nose second at Mildura over 2190m in on September 4. Winning claims.
Last Starts 9 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/8 | 10/09/2026 | 6 | Entires Geldings No NR | $10,000.00 | Kilmore | 2180m | Neutral | Connor Clarke | 1:57.3 | 1 |
| 4.4L | $23.00 |
| 2/8 | 04/09/2026 | 81 | NR 65 | $8,000.00 | Mildura | 2190m | Neutral | Connor Clarke | 1:59.1 | 4 |
| 0.1L | $14.00 |
| 1/6 | 15/06/2026 | 5 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Charlton | 2100m | Neutral | Connor Clarke | 1:58.3 | 5 |
| 2.4L | $3.10 |
| 1/9 | 10/06/2026 | 7 | NR up to 75 | $8,000.00 | Bendigo | 1650m | Neutral | Connor Clarke | 1:54.4 | 1 |
| 3.3L | $8.50 |
| 4/9 | 03/06/2026 | 11 | 0W/15 0K stake | $7,000.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Neutral | Connor Clarke | 1:56.1 | 4 |
| 10.6L | $10.00 |
| 5/10 | 23/05/2026 | 8 | 0W/15 0K stake | $10,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Connor Clarke | 1:56.1 | 3 |
| 6.8L | $10.00 |
| 5/9 | 22/09/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Maryborough | 1690m | Ryan Backhouse | 0 |
| 0L | $0.00 | ||
| 1/5 | 15/09/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Stawell | 1785m | Ryan Backhouse | 0 |
| 3.5L | $0.00 |

Driver: Jackie Barker
Stats
Comments
Returns from the paddock. Previously first up won by 5 m as favourite (Sr3) at Horsham (2:02.00) beating Steel The Moment in on December 7 at $3.90. First-up record is strong including two wins so could make a winning return.
Last Starts 11 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/5 | 08/09/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Terang | 2180m | Good | Antti Ruokonen | 0 |
| 5L | $0.00 | |
| 7/10 | 02/06/2026 | 7 | NR up to 75 | $10,000.00 | Menangle | 1609m | Fast | Will Rixon | 1:52.0 | 1 |
| 7.4L | $10.00 |
| 7/10 | 26/05/2026 | 10 | NR up to 75 | $10,000.00 | Menangle | 1609m | Fast | Brad Hewitt | 1:52.6 | 1 |
| 7.3L | $8.00 |
| 4/10 | 16/05/2026 | 4 | 0W/20K Stakes | $20,400.00 | Menangle | 1609m | Fast | Luke McCarthy | 1:50.2 | 3 |
| 9.7L | $19.00 |
| 7/10 | 12/05/2026 | 24 | NR up to 75 | $10,000.00 | Menangle | 1609m | Fast | Will Rixon | 1:52.0 | 8 |
| 7.1L | $5.50 |
| 6/10 | 18/04/2026 | 4 | NR up to 80 | $20,400.00 | Menangle | 1609m | Fast | Will Rixon | 1:51.6 | 7 |
| 8.9L | $7.50 |
| 3/10 | 14/04/2026 | 18 | NR 72 to 75 | $10,000.00 | Menangle | 1609m | Fast | Will Rixon | 1:51.9 | 6 |
| 3.4L | $3.30 |
| 5/5 | 25/11/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Terang | 2180m | Glen Craven | 0 |
| 8L | $0.00 |

Driver: Luke Dunne
Stats
Comments
Last start tracked on the speed and boxed on steadily; won by 5.5 m as favourite when driven back in the field, (Fr4) held up early, at Mildura (2:40.60) beating Cemetery Bay in on September 11 at $2.20 at the bell was 3rd-6.4. Tricky draw but may be worth including.
Last Starts 8 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/8 | 11/09/2026 | 7 | NR 60 to 75 | $8,000.00 | Mildura | 2190m | Neutral | Luke Dunne | 1:58.0 | 4 |
| 5.6L | $2.20 |
| 3/8 | 04/09/2026 | 55 | NR 65 | $8,000.00 | Mildura | 2190m | Neutral | Wayne Hill | 1:59.1 | 6 |
| 6.9L | $31.00 |
| 10/10 | 11/07/2026 | 22 | NR 60 to 69 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | R | Luke Dunne | 1:57.3 | 2 |
| 24.7L | $10.00 |
| 2/7 | 19/06/2026 | 7 | NR 65 or better | $8,000.00 | Mildura | 2190m | Neutral | Luke Dunne | 1:58.4 | 1 |
| 2.8L | $3.30 |
| 8/9 | 12/06/2026 | 9 | NR 65 or better | $8,000.00 | Mildura | 1790m | Neutral | Luke Dunne | 1:56.9 | 4 |
| 11.1L | $9.00 |
| 7/8 | 03/06/2026 | 11 | 0W/15 0K stake | $7,000.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Neutral | Luke Dunne | 1:57.1 | 7 |
| 7.2L | $4.80 |
| 4/4 | 06/07/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Maryborough | 2190m | Luke Dunne | 0 |
| 12L | $0.00 | ||
| 2/5 | 12/06/2023 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Mildura | 1790m | J L Kerridge | 0 |
| 3L | $0.00 |