Mildura Race 3 - Club Merbein Pace
SHES POPPY (9) has been racing well of late, winning here three back and finishing close-up since. The back row draw creates a new challenge but the form reads well for this. SHES MAGICAL (6) hit her peak third-up when recording an authoritative maiden win last start at this venue, getting home by 18 metres after taking control early in proceedings. Draws wider but could be ready to work through her grades now. BRAVE ART (1) produced a good effort last time out when third at Echuca. Gets the ace draw and won the only time she raced here. ROYAL SAXON (2) draws well and could be close to a win after two successive placings here.

Driver: Jack Laugher
Stats
Comments
Good run when beaten by 6 m finishing sixth after being driven well back, behind Champagne Walsh at Charlton over 2100m in a NR 45 to 52 on December 29 at $41. Then a handy effort when beaten by 5 m finishing third behind Specta at Echuca over 1755m in a NR up to 55 on January 1 at $10. From the ace draw is a chance to find the winners' list.
Last Starts 7 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/11 | 01/01/2026 | 3 | NR up to 55 | $6,000.00 | Echuca | 1755m | Neutral | Ryan Sanderson | 1:57.0 | 3 |
| 4.9L | $10.00 |
| 6/12 | 29/12/2025 | 13 | NR 45 to 52 | $6,000.00 | Charlton | 2100m | Neutral | Ryan Sanderson | 1:57.1 | 6 |
| 5.9L | $41.00 |
| 7/11 | 16/12/2025 | 8 | 0-1 WIN | $6,000.00 | Swan Hill | 1750m | Neutral | Ryan Sanderson | 1:55.1 | 1 |
| 37.0L | $3.40 |
| 7/8 | 08/12/2025 | 5 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Charlton | 2100m | Neutral | Nathan Jack | 1:57.4 | 1 |
| 4.7L | $51.00 |
| 1/10 | 03/12/2025 | 18 | MAIDEN | $6,000.00 | Mildura | 1790m | Neutral | Jack Laugher | 1:57.3 | 1 |
| 12.8L | $2.20 |
| 12/12 | 15/11/2025 | 10 | No NR | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Lochie Cook | 1:55.9 | 3 |
| 54.9L | $151.00 |
| 3/5 | 15/09/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Geelong | 1609m | G F Webster | 0 |
| 6L | $0.00 | ||
| 3/3 | 17/02/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Geelong | 1609m | Georgie Hayward | 0 |
| 16L | $0.00 |

Driver: Luke Dunne
Stats
Comments
Not far away at the last couple starts; Finished a narrow third behind Our Master Play at this track over 2190m NR up to 49 last start. Before that was beaten 4 metres third again at this track over 1790m in NR 40 to 49 on December 26. Draws nicely and is is expected to feature again.
Last Starts 9 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/8 | 30/12/2025 | 4 | NR up to 49 | $4,000.00 | Mildura | 2190m | Neutral | Connor Clarke | 1:59.7 | 5 |
| 0.3L | $13.00 |
| 3/8 | 26/12/2025 | 11 | NR 40 to 49 | $4,000.00 | Mildura | 1790m | Neutral | Luke Dunne | 1:59.6 | 6 |
| 4.2L | $11.00 |
| 9/9 | 15/12/2025 | 5 | NR up to 45 | $4,500.00 | Globe Derby | 1800m | Neutral | Ryan Backhouse | 1:57.7 | 1 |
| 20.0L | $4.80 |
| 2/11 | 10/12/2025 | 10 | NR up to 49 | $4,000.00 | Mildura | 1790m | Neutral | Ryan Backhouse | 1:59.1 | 1 |
| 8.2L | $5.00 |
| 9/9 | 30/11/2025 | 129 | NR up to 55 | $6,000.00 | Stawell | 1785m | Neutral | Connor Clarke | 1:58.2 | 2 |
| 19.3L | $11.00 |
| 2/9 | 24/07/2025 | 14 | NR 45 to 49 | $4,000.00 | Ballarat | 2200m | Neutral | Michael Bellman | 1:59.0 | 2 |
| 4.7L | $7.00 |
| 3/4 | 12/10/2024 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Maryborough | 2190m | M Hayes | 0 |
| 0L | $0.00 | ||
| 2/6 | 01/06/2024 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Maryborough | 2190m | R Clarke | 0 |
| 3L | $0.00 |

Driver: Ellen Tormey
Stats
Comments
Last start won by a nose after showing early speed, (Fr3) at this track (2:46.60) beating Zappa in MAIDEN on December 10 at $3.80 at the bell was leading 4.6. Forward performance expected.
Last Starts 29 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/11 | 10/12/2025 | 19 | MAIDEN | $6,000.00 | Mildura | 2190m | Neutral | Corey Johnson | 2:02.4 | 3 |
| 0.1L | $3.80 |
| 7/8 | 21/11/2025 | 9 | MAIDEN | $6,000.00 | Mildura | 1790m | Neutral | Corey Johnson | 2:00.4 | 4 |
| 37.4L | $14.00 |
| 2/10 | 12/11/2025 | 5 | MAIDEN | $6,000.00 | Mildura | 2190m | Neutral | Ellen Tormey | 2:02.1 | 1 |
| 1.2L | $6.50 |
| 2/10 | 07/11/2025 | 17 | MAIDEN | $6,000.00 | Mildura | 1790m | Neutral | Corey Johnson | 1:59.8 | 1 |
| 12.0L | $21.00 |
| 5/11 | 21/10/2025 | 14 | MAIDEN | $6,000.00 | Mildura | 2190m | Neutral | Corey Johnson | 2:00.4 | 6 |
| 27.5L | $126.00 |
| 5/11 | 07/10/2025 | 7 | MAIDEN | $6,000.00 | Mildura | 2190m | Neutral | Corey Johnson | 2:01.7 | 2 |
| 16.5L | $41.00 |
| 1/5 | 07/07/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Mildura | 1790m | D J Weinert | 0 |
| 1L | $0.00 | ||
| 3/3 | 27/06/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Mildura | 2190m | D J Weinert | 0 |
| 17L | $0.00 |

Driver: Alex Ashwood
Stats
Comments
First up. At the last run he 9th (Sr2) over 1790m at this track, well beaten by Flyin Tommy (2:14.00) in NR up to 49 on August 29 at $5.50. Can play a role in the finish.
Last Starts 132 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9/9 | 29/08/2025 | 7 | NR up to 49 | $4,000.00 | Mildura | 1790m | Neutral | George Chamouras | 2:00.5 | 2 |
| 118.8L | $5.50 |
| 1/11 | 22/08/2025 | 7 | NR up to 49 | $4,000.00 | Mildura | 1790m | Neutral | Alex Ashwood | 1:57.7 | 4 |
| 5.2L | $10.00 |
| 5/9 | 15/08/2025 | 392 | NR up to 49 | $4,000.00 | Mildura | 2190m | Neutral | Alex Ashwood | 2:01.5 | 1 |
| 17.9L | $41.00 |
| 3/5 | 07/07/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Mildura | 2190m | D J Locke | 0 |
| 5L | $0.00 | ||
| 5/9 | 19/07/2024 | 7 | NR up to 50 | $6,000.00 | Mildura | 1790m | Neutral | Ellen Tormey | 2:00.6 | 4 |
| 11.7L | $4.60 |
| 9/9 | 12/07/2024 | 7 | NR up to 49 | $4,500.00 | Mildura | 2190m | Neutral | A M Ashwood | 2:02.1 | 2 |
| 31.3L | $3.20 |
| 2/10 | 05/07/2024 | 7 | NR up to 49 | $9,000.00 | Mildura | 2190m | Neutral | A M Ashwood | 2:02.7 | 4 |
| 0.1L | $2.70 |
| 2/8 | 20/11/2023 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | A M Ashwood | 0 |
| 2L | $0.00 |

Driver: Corey Johnson
Stats
Comments
Last start 6th (Sr1) over 1790m at this track, at the bell was 8th-16.8 beaten 10 m by Escobar (2:13.00) in NR 40 to 49 on December 26 at $7. At the run before 7th (Sr4) over 1790m at this track beaten 22 m by Shes Poppy (2:12.50) in NR up to 49 on December 10 at $21. Certainly up to this with his best so he is a player.
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 | 26/12/2025 | 16 | NR 40 to 49 | $4,000.00 | Mildura | 1790m | Neutral | Corey Johnson | 1:59.6 | 1 |
| 10.3L | $7.00 |
| 7/11 | 10/12/2025 | 7 | NR up to 49 | $4,000.00 | Mildura | 1790m | Neutral | Luke Watson | 1:59.1 | 4 |
| 22.2L | $21.00 |
| 4/10 | 03/12/2025 | 12 | NR 50 to 59 | $7,000.00 | Mildura | 1790m | Neutral | George Chamouras | 1:57.1 | 1 |
| 8.7L | $8.50 |
| 1/10 | 21/11/2025 | 14 | NR up to 49 | $4,000.00 | Mildura | 1790m | Neutral | Corey Johnson | 1:58.3 | 2 |
| 1.7L | $2.90 |
| 4/10 | 07/11/2025 | 17 | NR up to 49 | $4,000.00 | Mildura | 1790m | Neutral | Corey Johnson | 1:57.6 | 5 |
| 16.8L | $11.00 |
| 5/9 | 21/10/2025 | 14 | NR up to 49 | $4,000.00 | Mildura | 2190m | Neutral | Corey Johnson | 2:01.0 | 1 |
| 9.2L | $13.00 |
| 6/6 | 08/07/2024 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bathurst | 1730m | Good | N A Turnbull | 0 |
| 58.3L | $0.00 | |
| 7/7 | 08/01/2024 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bathurst | 1730m | Good | N A Turnbull | 0 |
| 75.6L | $0.00 |

Driver: Luke Dunne
Stats
Comments
Racing consistently. Last start won by 18 m after showing early speed, (Fr3) at this track (2:13.00) beating The Ninja in MAIDEN on December 26 at $4.60 at the bell was leading 9.2. May prove hard to beat again.
Last Starts 13 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/9 | 26/12/2025 | 3 | MAIDEN | $6,000.00 | Mildura | 1790m | Neutral | Luke Dunne | 1:59.5 | 3 |
| 18.4L | $4.60 |
| 5/9 | 23/12/2025 | 13 | MAIDEN | $8,000.00 | Maryborough | 2190m | Neutral | Nathan Jack | 1:57.2 | 1 |
| 30.0L | $15.00 |
| 5/11 | 10/12/2025 | 64 | MAIDEN | $6,000.00 | Mildura | 2190m | Neutral | Ryan Backhouse | 2:02.4 | 4 |
| 9.7L | $14.00 |
| 3/5 | 01/12/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Mildura | 1750m | Andrew Vozlic | 0 |
| 36L | $0.00 | ||
| 2/11 | 07/10/2025 | 7 | MAIDEN | $6,000.00 | Mildura | 2190m | Neutral | Wayne Hill | 2:01.7 | 3 |
| 2.4L | $6.00 |
| 7/9 | 30/09/2025 | 7 | 0-3 WINS | $6,000.00 | Mildura | 1790m | Neutral | Wayne Hill | 2:00.9 | 1 |
| 4.7L | $4.00 |
| 2/10 | 23/09/2025 | 4 | MAIDEN | $6,000.00 | Mildura | 2190m | Neutral | Wayne Hill | 2:01.0 | 5 |
| 0.3L | $11.00 |
| 3/7 | 22/05/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Shepparton | 2190m | Kylie Sugars | 0 |
| 8.3L | $0.00 |

Driver: Connor Clarke
Stats
Comments
Last start was driven from back in the field when 5th (Fr4) over 2190m after racing wide at this track, beaten 22 m by Always On Safari (2:43.50) in 0-3 WINS on December 26 at $23. Two runs back 8th (Fr2) over 1790m at this track, beaten 24 m by Shes Poppy (2:12.50) in NR up to 49 on December 10 at $34. This looks a far sterner test.
Last Starts 13 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/8 | 26/12/2025 | 16 | 0-3 WINS | $6,000.00 | Mildura | 2190m | Neutral | Connor Clarke | 2:00.1 | 4 |
| 22.9L | $23.00 |
| 8/11 | 10/12/2025 | 7 | NR up to 49 | $4,000.00 | Mildura | 1790m | Neutral | Connor Clarke | 1:59.1 | 2 |
| 24.0L | $34.00 |
| 1/8 | 03/12/2025 | 7 | 0-3 WINS | $6,000.00 | Mildura | 1790m | Neutral | Connor Clarke | 1:59.8 | 4 |
| 1.7L | $11.00 |
| 2/7 | 26/11/2025 | 5 | 0-3 WINS | $6,000.00 | Mildura | 2190m | Neutral | Connor Clarke | 2:02.3 | 2 |
| 2.4L | $23.00 |
| 8/10 | 21/11/2025 | 9 | 0-3 WINS | $6,000.00 | Mildura | 1790m | Neutral | Connor Clarke | 1:59.3 | 2 |
| 22.5L | $19.00 |
| 6/8 | 12/11/2025 | 177 | 0-1 WIN | $6,000.00 | Mildura | 1790m | Neutral | Connor Clarke | 1:59.1 | 4 |
| 10.0L | $5.00 |
| 99/5 | 21/10/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Mildura | 1790m | Luke Dunne | 0 |
| 99L | $0.00 | ||
| 3/4 | 19/02/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Stawell | 1785m | I J Stanley | 0 |
| 1L | $0.00 |

Driver: Ryan Backhouse
Stats
Comments
Well-beaten 21 days ago at Globe Derby Park over 1800m, and two back 8th (Sr1) over 2190m at this track beaten 35 m by Hooklineandsinker (2:43.80) in 0-1 WIN on December 10 at $34. Hard to have.
Last Starts 22 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9/10 | 17/12/2025 | 7 | 3 LIFETIME WINS | $3,500.00 | Globe Derby | 1800m | Neutral | Danielle Hill | 1:57.5 | 4 |
| 55.1L | $2.50 |
| 8/10 | 10/12/2025 | 14 | 0-1 WIN | $6,000.00 | Mildura | 2190m | Neutral | Connor Clarke | 2:00.3 | 1 |
| 34.4L | $34.00 |
| 1/9 | 26/11/2025 | 110 | MAIDEN | $6,000.00 | Mildura | 2190m | Neutral | Ryan Backhouse | 2:02.9 | 3 |
| 10.3L | $5.50 |
| 1/5 | 17/11/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Mildura | 1790m | Andrew Vozlic | 0 |
| 0.2L | $0.00 | ||
| 0/10 | 08/08/2025 | 21 | 0-1 WIN | $6,000.00 | Mildura | 2190m | Neutral | Mark Riseley | 2:01.0 | 4 |
| 99.0L | $151.00 |
| 6/11 | 18/07/2025 | 14 | MAIDEN | $6,000.00 | Mildura | 1790m | Neutral | H Lewis | 1:59.8 | 4 |
| 32.1L | $81.00 |
| 7/10 | 04/07/2025 | - | MAIDEN | $6,000.00 | Mildura | 1790m | Neutral | Ryan Backhouse | 2:00.3 | 2 |
| 29.3L | $9.00 |
| 2/6 | 22/05/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Shepparton | 2190m | Tasmyn Potter | 0 |
| 50L | $0.00 |

Driver: Wayne Hill
Stats
Comments
Last start 4th (Fr1) over 1790m after showing early speed at this track was 2nd-0.13 at the bell, beaten 6 m by Cotchinellie (2:13.90) in NR 50 to 55 on December 30 at $5.50. Before that, a game effort when 3rd (Fr1) over 2190m after showing early speed at this track, at the bell was leading 0.4 beaten 5 m by Cotchinellie (2:47.10) in NR 50 to 61 on December 26 at $5.50. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/8 | 30/12/2025 | 4 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Mildura | 1790m | Neutral | Wayne Hill | 2:00.4 | 1 |
| 6.2L | $5.50 |
| 3/9 | 26/12/2025 | 16 | NR 50 to 61 | $7,000.00 | Mildura | 2190m | Neutral | Wayne Hill | 2:02.8 | 1 |
| 5.0L | $5.50 |
| 1/11 | 10/12/2025 | 7 | NR up to 49 | $4,000.00 | Mildura | 1790m | Neutral | Wayne Hill | 1:59.1 | 3 |
| 8.2L | $3.70 |
| 6/11 | 03/12/2025 | 7 | NR 40 to 49 | $4,000.00 | Mildura | 1790m | Neutral | Wayne Hill | 1:58.9 | 5 |
| 6.3L | $8.00 |
| 4/8 | 26/11/2025 | 5 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Mildura | 1790m | Neutral | Brent Murphy | 1:58.9 | 4 |
| 2.6L | $61.00 |
| 9/11 | 21/11/2025 | 9 | NR 50 to 59 | $6,000.00 | Mildura | 2190m | Neutral | Michael Francis | 1:59.2 | 5 |
| 41.0L | $101.00 |
| 1/5 | 05/05/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Mildura | 1790m | Sarah Watson | 0 |
| 20L | $0.00 | ||
| 1/4 | 20/08/2024 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Mildura | 1790m | M E Francis | 0 |
| 2L | $0.00 |