Melton Race 5 - Hip Pocket Castlemaine Trot
COLTRANE (6) was first up for four months when he made up plenty of ground to finish second last week at Geelong. Has won second-up before so should be improved. He is capable of getting the job done. AGAINST THE BRIDLE (7) returned to the winner's list at his latest appearance at this circuit and distance, scoring by 8.5 metres after finding the lead a fair way from home. Has to contend with a very wide draw but he is very tough to knock having recorded four wins and a placing from his last five outings. NIGHT FLIGHT (2) draws well and is a player after recording a win and two seconds from the last three starts, all from wider barriers. CALABASAS (3) has won a trial since breaking last start and scored here prior. Draws well and is a player with manners.

Driver: Matthew Whittle
Stats
Comments
Nine-year-old gelding showed improvement last start. 3rd (Fr1) over 2180m at Kilmore was 5th-10.48 at the bell, beaten 7 m by Majestic Monarch (2:46.40) on October 14 at $9. The race before was not as impressive when well beaten into fifth after showing early speed, behind Myheartbeatstrue at Geelong over 2100m on October 3 at $14. Facing a tricky assignment.
Last Starts 10 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/10 | 14/10/2026 | 11 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Kilmore | 2180m | Good | Matthew Whittle | 2:02.8 | 1 |
| 7.1L | $9.00 |
| 1/4 | 10/10/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bacchus Marsh | 1940m | Good | G R Whittle | 0 |
| 4L | $0.00 | |
| 5/10 | 03/10/2026 | 15 | NR up to 55 | $8,000.00 | Geelong | 2100m | R | Matthew Whittle | 2:03.2 | 3 |
| 10.4L | $14.00 |
| 5/6 | 18/09/2026 | 21 | NR up to 59 | $6,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Matthew Whittle | 2:00.7 | 1 |
| 15.2L | $8.50 |
| 2/6 | 12/09/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bacchus Marsh | 1940m | Good | Matthew Whittle | 0 |
| 2L | $0.00 | |
| 7/8 | 28/08/2026 | 7 | NR up to 55 | $6,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Matthew Whittle | 2:01.8 | 7 |
| 19.2L | $16.00 |
| 6/8 | 21/08/2026 | 7 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Matthew Whittle | 2:00.0 | 3 |
| 18.7L | $26.00 |
| 3/8 | 14/08/2026 | 7 | NR up to 59 | $6,000.00 | Geelong | 2100m | Neutral | Matthew Whittle | 2:01.2 | 4 |
| 4.5L | $12.00 |

Driver: Ewa Justice
Stats
Comments
Solid run when a close second after showing early speed, behind Why Now at Ballarat over 1710m on October 7 at $1.70. Then a handy effort when beaten by 8 m finishing second after a quick start, behind Tictok at Ballarat over 1710m on October 15 at $7. Drawn nicely and expected to be competitive again.
Last Starts 9 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/10 | 15/10/2026 | 8 | NR up to 55 | $6,000.00 | Ballarat | 1710m | Neutral | Ewa Justice | 1:57.9 | 6 |
| 8.1L | $7.00 |
| 2/6 | 07/10/2026 | 6 | NR up to 55 | $6,000.00 | Ballarat | 1710m | Neutral | Ewa Justice | 2:00.4 | 3 |
| 0.1L | $1.70 |
| 1/10 | 01/10/2026 | 8 | NR 46 to 50 | $6,000.00 | Ballarat | 1710m | R | Ewa Justice | 1:58.8 | 5 |
| 1.2L | $3.40 |
| 5/9 | 23/09/2026 | 5 | NR 46 to 51 | $6,000.00 | Ballarat | 2200m | Neutral | Ewa Justice | 2:00.1 | 1 |
| 11.9L | $6.00 |
| 4/10 | 18/09/2026 | 57 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Ewa Justice | 1:58.8 | 5 |
| 20.6L | $8.00 |
| 1/4 | 15/09/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 1720m | Good | Ewa Justice | 0 |
| 17.7L | $0.00 | |
| 2/9 | 23/07/2026 | 6 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Ballarat | 2200m | Neutral | Ewa Justice | 1:59.5 | 5 |
| 13.7L | $4.33 |
| 3/4 | 05/04/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Maryborough | 2190m | Mark Hayes | 0 |
| 8L | $0.00 |

Driver: Chris Alford
Stats
Comments
Severely checked and broke last start, was well beaten at Ballarat on October 15. Showed ability the race before when she won by 3 m when driven back in the field, (Fr6) held up early, at this track (2:48.40) beating Dossier in on October 2 at $6 at the bell was 5th-10.77. Won a trial since last seen and draws well so worth another chance.
Last Starts 5 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/3 | 19/10/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Geelong | 2100m | Good | Emmett Brosnan | 0 |
| 2L | $0.00 | |
| 10/10 | 15/10/2026 | 13 | NR up to 55 | $6,000.00 | Ballarat | 1710m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:57.9 | 3 |
| 413.8L | $3.60 |
| 1/9 | 02/10/2026 | 13 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | R | James Herbertson | 2:01.0 | 6 |
| 3.0L | $6.00 |
| 11/12 | 19/09/2026 | 10 | Mares No NR | $60,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:57.1 | 2 |
| 44.5L | $101.00 |
| 6/10 | 09/09/2026 | 14 | Mares No NR | $10,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:58.6 | 6 |
| 40.8L | $71.00 |
| 3/4 | 01/09/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | Chris Alford | 0 |
| 28.6L | $0.00 | |
| 9/10 | 26/08/2026 | 77 | NR up to 55 | $6,000.00 | Ballarat | 1710m | Neutral | Emmett Brosnan | 1:59.8 | 6 |
| 27.5L | $11.00 |
| 1/4 | 17/08/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Geelong | 2100m | Good | Emmett Brosnan | 0 |
| 12L | $0.00 | |
| 3/10 | 10/06/2026 | 13 | 10 0K | $8,000.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Neutral | Chris Alford | 2:02.1 | 6 |
| 11.4L | $3.70 |

Driver: John Caldow
Stats
Comments
Last start 6th (Fr6) over 1720m at this track, at the bell was 7th-15.03 beaten 14 m by Munny The Munster (2:10.50) in 3yo on September 25 at $61. At the start before 6th (Fr4) over 2180m after showing early pace at Kilmore, at the bell was leading 1.03 beaten 6 m by Avant Guard (2:48.60) on September 3 at $5.50. Better than last start and may improve.
Last Starts 29 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/7 | 25/09/2026 | 22 | Colts Geldings No NR | $10,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | John Caldow | 2:02.1 | 6 |
| 14.0L | $61.00 |
| 6/7 | 03/09/2026 | 12 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Kilmore | 2180m | Neutral | John Caldow | 2:04.5 | 4 |
| 6.6L | $5.50 |
| 9/11 | 22/08/2026 | 28 | No NR | $30,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | John Caldow | 1:56.0 | 4 |
| 19.2L | $41.00 |
| 1/7 | 25/07/2026 | 9 | No NR | $8,000.00 | Globe Derby | 2230m | Neutral | John Caldow | 2:05.9 | 4 |
| 8.2L | $1.12 |
| 1/7 | 16/07/2026 | 12 | 0-3 WINs (NR 55) | $6,000.00 | Kilmore | 1690m | Neutral | John Caldow | 2:00.1 | 5 |
| 3.2L | $1.50 |
| 2/7 | 04/07/2026 | 10 | 3YO | $50,000.00 | Menangle | 1609m | Fast | Chris Geary | 1:56.0 | 4 |
| 4.5L | $5.00 |
| 2/8 | 28/04/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 1720m | Good | John Caldow | 0 |
| 1.8L | $0.00 | |
| 2/4 | 21/04/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | John Caldow | 0 |
| 14L | $0.00 |

Driver: Tristan Larsen
Stats
Comments
Good run when beaten by 4 m finishing fourth behind Ox Knox at this track over 2240m on September 25 at $51. Then a handy effort when beaten by 4 m finishing third after a quick start, behind Lord Logan at Geelong over 2100m on October 16 at $26. Go well.
Last Starts 8 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/7 | 16/10/2026 | 21 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Geelong | 2100m | Neutral | Joey Sharp | 2:01.2 | 3 |
| 4.2L | $26.00 |
| 4/10 | 25/09/2026 | 7 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Tristan Larsen | 1:59.8 | 3 |
| 3.9L | $51.00 |
| 3/6 | 18/09/2026 | 29 | NR up to 59 | $6,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Tristan Larsen | 2:00.7 | 3 |
| 12.2L | $11.00 |
| 4/7 | 20/08/2026 | 21 | NR 55 to 59 | $6,000.00 | Kilmore | 1690m | Neutral | Joey Sharp | 2:01.9 | 3 |
| 4.2L | $41.00 |
| 6/10 | 30/07/2026 | 5 | NR 49 to 53 | $6,000.00 | Kilmore | 1690m | Neutral | Joey Sharp | 1:58.4 | 3 |
| 26.7L | $23.00 |
| 5/8 | 25/07/2026 | 8 | NR up to 55 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Tristan Larsen | 1:58.4 | 4 |
| 12.4L | $10.00 |
| 4/5 | 16/06/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | T K Larsen | 0 |
| 14.4L | $0.00 | |
| 5/6 | 18/11/2024 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Tristan Larsen | 0 |
| 20L | $0.00 |

Driver: James Herbertson
Stats
Comments
Having his second run back from a spell. Game effort despite getting well back, when 2nd (Fr4) over 2100m at Geelong, at the bell was 5th-19.38 beaten 3.5 m by Lord Logan (2:38.20) on October 16 at $2.20. Will improve with that run under the belt. Fitter so can go one better.
Last Starts 8 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/7 | 16/10/2026 | 126 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Geelong | 2100m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 2:01.2 | 4 |
| 3.4L | $2.20 |
| 1/4 | 06/10/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | James Herbertson | 0 |
| 6.9L | $0.00 | |
| 2/6 | 29/09/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 1720m | Good | James Herbertson | 0 |
| 3.5L | $0.00 | |
| 6/6 | 12/06/2026 | 14 | 0W/15 0K stake | $7,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 2:00.1 | 5 |
| 180.3L | $2.25 |
| 1/11 | 29/05/2026 | 6 | 2-3 WINs | $6,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 2:00.4 | 4 |
| 9.1L | $1.30 |
| 4/9 | 23/05/2026 | 9 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 2:00.1 | 2 |
| 14.9L | $6.50 |
| 1/11 | 14/05/2026 | 6 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Ballarat | 2200m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 2:00.5 | 4 |
| 1.3L | $4.60 |
| 0/7 | 08/05/2026 | 21 | NR 46 to 51 | $6,000.00 | Geelong | 2100m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 2:05.2 | 7 |
| 99.0L | $1.55 |

Driver: Liam Older
Stats
Comments
Going well. Last start won by 8 m as favourite after showing early speed, (Fr4) at this track (2:06.20) beating Abbie in on October 9 at $2.70 at the bell was leading 2.59. Can continue the strong form.
Last Starts 15 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/10 | 09/10/2026 | 7 | NR up to 59 | $6,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:58.1 | 4 |
| 8.5L | $2.70 |
| 3/7 | 02/10/2026 | 21 | NR up to 59 | $6,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | R | James Herbertson | 1:58.0 | 1 |
| 2.7L | $4.60 |
| 1/6 | 11/09/2026 | 10 | NR up to 55 | $8,000.00 | Geelong | 1609m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:57.7 | 5 |
| 5.5L | $1.50 |
| 1/10 | 01/09/2026 | 12 | NR up to 49 | $6,000.00 | Shepparton | 1690m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:58.1 | 6 |
| 2.5L | $1.25 |
| 1/10 | 20/08/2026 | 7 | NR up to 44 | $5,000.00 | Kilmore | 1690m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:58.8 | 1 |
| 32.4L | $1.95 |
| 7/10 | 13/08/2026 | 13 | NR 45 to 49 | $5,000.00 | Kilmore | 1690m | Neutral | Ross Graham | 2:00.0 | 4 |
| 22.4L | $26.00 |
| 1/5 | 23/10/2023 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bendigo | 0m | R A Graham | 0 |
| 4L | $0.00 | ||
| 2/7 | 15/05/2023 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bendigo | 1650m | R A Graham | 0 |
| 6L | $0.00 |

Driver: Chris Romanidis
Stats
Comments
Well-beaten 21 days ago at Geelong over 1609m, and two back broke in score up and was out of position at the start 7th (Fr4) over 2180m at Kilmore, beaten 55 m by Scar (2:48.30) on September 3 at $14. Hard to have on those efforts.
Last Starts 21 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10/10 | 03/10/2026 | 30 | NR 60 to 69 | $10,000.00 | Geelong | 1609m | R | Jordan Leedham | 1:57.5 | 4 |
| 40.4L | $81.00 |
| 2/3 | 29/09/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 1720m | Good | Jordan Leedham | 0 |
| 30.2L | $0.00 | |
| 6/7 | 15/09/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | Allan Mcdonough | 0 |
| 94.1L | $0.00 | |
| 7/7 | 03/09/2026 | 55 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Kilmore | 2180m | Neutral | Michael Bellman | 2:04.2 | 4 |
| 56.7L | $14.00 |
| 1/9 | 10/07/2026 | 14 | NR up to 59 | $6,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Jordan Leedham | 2:00.7 | 5 |
| 2.4L | $5.50 |
| 1/12 | 26/06/2026 | 7 | 10 0K | $14,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Jordan Leedham | 2:01.5 | 1 |
| 4.4L | $11.00 |
| 1/6 | 19/06/2026 | 15 | 10 0K | $8,000.00 | Geelong | 2100m | Neutral | Jordan Leedham | 2:03.1 | 5 |
| 8.6L | $3.10 |
| 9/10 | 04/06/2026 | 126 | NR 48 to 53 | $6,000.00 | Kilmore | 1690m | W | Neil Mccallum | 2:04.1 | 3 |
| 86.0L | $51.00 |