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Melton

Sat, Apr 04 2026

Preview by Tim O'Connor

10-UNIT GAME PLAN

R1 #3 PINNIE – 1 unit (each-way)

R3 #2 JAZZY MELEA – 2 units (win)

R5 #2 BENNIE AND THE JETS – 4 units (win)

R6 #6 MIGHTY JOLT – 2 units (win)

 

EARLY QUADDIE (Cost $48, gives 25%)

2,3,6,7,9,11/3,4,7,9/1,2,8,11/11,12

QUADDIE (Cost $54)

2,5,6/4,6,8/2,9/3,5,6

 

For all your harness form in one place go to goodform.thetrots.com.au 

** A betting unit is typically a percentage of the total bankroll or the amount of money you are willing to risk on a particular bet – for example 1 unit is 10% of your bankroll, therefore a $100 bankroll 1 unit equals $10

Chances are you’re about to lose. For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit

 

 

The odds quoted on the fields page are a Goodform computer generated price based on a range of key form factors and are not necessarily the odds that may be offered by a licenced bookmaker.

R1 6:27pm ALDEBARAN PARK TROTTERS FREE FOR ALL
$22,500 No NR. PBD/SEX/NR TROTTERS
1ST LEG EARLY QUADDIE
2240 Mobile
No. Form Horse Trainer Driver Class LPI Rank Odds
1 12s222 I AM WILMA  Dr: SCRATCHED C W Lang, S L Mahar SCRATCHED  29% $6.00
2 s06453 ALDEBARAN ACRUX USA  Dr: Chris Svanosio Chris Svanosio Chris Svanosio  1 $4.00
3 304941 PINNIE  Dr: Jordan Leedham Andy Gath Jordan Leedham (C) 24% 4 $5.50
4 566748 TWEEDLEDEE NZ  Dr: Blake Pace Steve Alexandrou Blake Pace (C) 7 $61.00
5 2311s3 HILLTOP HUGH  Dr: Chris Lang C W Lang, S L Mahar Chris Lang  28% 10 $5.50
6 121143 QUIRKY CHARACTER  Dr: James Herbertson Ross Graham James Herbertson  5% 4 $8.50
7 372443 GOTFEELINGSYOUKNOW  Dr: Ross Payne Chris Svanosio Ross Payne  14% 6 $7.00
 ------------------------------ Second Row ------------------------------ 
8 626312 MORE WANTED  Dr: Jack Laugher Vince Dicocco Jack Laugher  2 $26.00
9 s73829 LOVEMETO NZ  Dr: Kerryn Manning Chris Svanosio Kerryn Manning  8 $6.50
10 40821s HALBERG NZ  Dr: Leigh Sutton Adam Rudd Leigh Sutton  9 $31.00
11 535133 REMUS PHOENIX  Dr: Taylor Youl Chris Svanosio Taylor Youl (C) 3 $9.00
SELECTIONS: PINNIE (3), LOVEMETO (9), REMUS PHOENIX (11), ALDEBARAN ACRUX (2)

OVERVIEW: PINNIE (3) was drawn to lead last weekend at Melton and she didn’t let punters down by scoring in dominant fashion. She seems to have bounced back from a recent atrial fibrillation issue and goes so well when she finds the fence. I’m tipping she will cross and prove awfully hard to beat, despite the step-up in distance from 1720m to 2240m. This is a cracking race with so much depth and it’s hard to trim selections to just four. REMUS PHOENIX (11) was a super third at a big price in the Group 1 Hammerhead Mile at Menangle latest, stablemate LOVEMETO (9) galloped at the turn there, but has loads of ability and was second to the megastar Keayang Zahara in the Group 1 Just Believe Grand Prix before that, while fellow Chris Svanosio runner ALDEBARAN ACRUX (2) gets into the pole draw thanks to the scratching of I AM WILMA (1). She boxed on bravely, holding off PINNIE (1) who had her back, when third to the smart Rockinwithattitude last time.

BACK: PINNIE (3) – 1 unit (each-way)

R2 7:02pm NUTRIEN EQUINE SALES PACE
$17,500 NR 75 to 88. PBD/NR PACERS
2ND LEG EARLY QUADDIE
2240 Mobile
No. Form Horse Trainer Driver Class LPI Rank Odds
1 40s706 PERUN NZ  Dr: Michael Bellman Samantha Gangell Michael Bellman  11 $8.50
2 257418 HITTHEROADJACK NZ  Dr: Taylor Youl Danny Mullan Taylor Youl (C,5) 60% 2 $19.00
3 034342 TEN DA TOUCH NZ  Dr: Jack Laugher Julie Douglas Jack Laugher  10 $26.00
4 711241 TARA VICTORY NZ  Dr: Scott Ewen Scott Ewen Scott Ewen  20% 5 $6.00
5 527754 KOSIMO  Dr: Josh Duggan Julie Douglas Josh Duggan  3 $15.00
6 4254s1 ALWAYSBEALADY  Dr: Liam Older Rebecca Bartley Liam Older (C) 8 $31.00
7 042152 VINCENZO  Dr: Jordan Leedham Dean Braun Jordan Leedham (C) 20% 9 $9.00
 ------------------------------ Second Row ------------------------------ 
8 74s132 ALWAYS BE BLAKEY  Dr: James Herbertson Kelly Stuart-Mitchell James Herbertson  7 $3.80
9 3s9716 SON OF MAC NZ  Dr: Kyle Marshall Kyle Marshall Kyle Marshall  6 $2.80
10 258248 MADIGAN  Dr: Leigh Sutton Tim Mannix Leigh Sutton  4 $7.50
11 s62513 LE BELLE BIJOUX  Dr: Ellen Tormey Kari Males Ellen Tormey  1 $21.00
SELECTIONS: SON OF MAC (9), VINCENZO (7), TEN DA TOUCH (3), TARA VICTORY (4)

OVERVIEW: SON OF MAC (9) returned to form at the trials before winning a good race at Melton on March 14 and then sat parked and dropped out in a hot race a fortnight ago. With a good draw and some likely speed up front, he should run well at perhaps an each-way price. With a better draw for VINCENZO (7), I’d probably have him on top. He’s flying of late and ripped out a sizzling 55.10 last half coming from off the pace to cut the margin on the smart New Shuffle to just 1.2m last weekend. TEN DA TOUCH (3) sustained a wide run and only went down narrowly to ALWAYSBEALADY (6) last time out and looks very ready to win, while TARA VICTORY (4) out-sprinted Mighty Jolt to score a deserved success on Saturday night and is one of the likely leaders here.

R3 7:36pm HYGAIN EDGE PACE
$15,000 NR 67 to 75. PBD/NR PACERS
3RD LEG EARLY QUADDIE
1720 Mobile
No. Form Horse Trainer Driver Class LPI Rank Odds
1 769452 KIA ORA BEAUTY  Dr: Matt Newberry John Newberry Matt Newberry  4% 2 $101.00
2 s08s37 JAZZY MELEA  Dr: Michael Bellman Aaron Dunn Michael Bellman  19% 9 $11.00
3 75s567 ROCK PHONE  Dr: Jackie Barker Tim Mannix Jackie Barker  24% 10 $81.00
4 s41054 KEAYANG WASABI  Dr: Glen Craven M A Lee, P D Lee Glen Craven  19% 11 $5.50
5 816397 CLYMENUS NZ  Dr: Ellen Tormey Julie Douglas Ellen Tormey  4% 1 $11.00
6 s21164 TIMBIMBOO NZ  Dr: Jordan Leedham Andy Gath Jordan Leedham (C) 15% 6 $9.00
7 979465 REPELLING  Dr: Leigh Sutton Isabel Walsh Leigh Sutton  15% 4 $9.00
 ------------------------------ Second Row ------------------------------ 
8 89820s THESTATESMAN  Dr: Josh Duggan Alison Alford Josh Duggan  6 $41.00
9 s21562 ODIN  Dr: James Herbertson A J Tindale, B J Tindale James Herbertson  3 $15.00
10 29s225 JILLIBY ILLUMINATE NZ  Dr: Jason Lee M A Lee, P D Lee Jason Lee  8 $4.50
11 3s6634 SOAP AND BUBBLES  Dr: Mark Pitt Lisa Pitt Mark Pitt  5 $2.10
SELECTIONS: JAZZY MELEA (2), SOAP AND BUBBLES (11), THESTATESMAN (8), KIA ORA BEAUTY (1)

OVERVIEW: JAZZY MELEA (2) was awfully unlucky when held up all the way to the line second-up from a break last weekend at Melton. She looked to have plenty to give and never got clear air, with Alwaysbealady coming from behind on the pegs to score. Her first-up run prior to that was very good and she looks to have a great chance here, particularly if she can cross the pole-marker and find the fence. SOAP AND BUBBLES (11) didn’t sprint as sharply as I expected last time, but the stewards’ notes reveal a flat tyre there so she has to be given a big hope on previous form. She’s very fast over a short distance and can round up her rivals if close enough turning for home. THESTATESMAN (8) is a talented horse resuming on the back of a Bacchus Marsh trial win, while KIA ORA BEAUTY (1) draws for a good trip and was good chasing home the smart Komodo last weekend. Other key hopes look to be ODIN (9) and JILLIBY ILLUMINATE (9). Noting an ownership share in TIMBIMBOO (6), but he was very disappointing from the front last time and would need to improve.

BACK: JAZZY MELEA (2) – 2 units (win)

R4 8:09pm VICBRED VOUCHER TROT
$10,000 NR 60 to 69. PBD/L4$ TROTTERS
4TH LEG EARLY QUADDIE
2240 Mobile
No. Form Horse Trainer Driver Class LPI Rank Odds
1 518847 MAC FLICK  Dr: Josh Duggan Maree Campbell Josh Duggan  10 $15.00
2 374648 RAPID RETURN  Dr: Kerryn Manning David Abrahams Kerryn Manning  13% 3 $4.50
3 9656s4 MERCENARY  Dr: Jackie Barker Kelvin Barker Jackie Barker  24% 2 $13.00
4 316527 CHARLESTON AVENUE  Dr: Taylor Youl Chris Svanosio Taylor Youl (C) 25% 5 $6.00
5 345735 HEZA GUN  Dr: John Caldow C W Lang, S L Mahar John Caldow  10 $13.00
6 630s44 SHES SKY HIGH  Dr: SCRATCHED Tyrone Abela SCRATCHED  13%
7 773526 MAJESTIC TOOTH  Dr: Ellen Tormey Kari Males Ellen Tormey  25% 8 $26.00
 ------------------------------ Second Row ------------------------------ 
8 475352 MITCHELL WRAP  Dr: Jordan Leedham Jennifer Douglas Jordan Leedham (C) 1 $26.00
9 486278 AVANT GUARD  Dr: Jack Laugher Ross Graham Jack Laugher  3 $31.00
10 212257 RUBYS DREAM  Dr: Chris Lang C W Lang, S L Mahar Chris Lang  9 $8.00
11 742122 CLAUDYS HERO  Dr: Kyle Marshall Kyle Marshall Kyle Marshall  7 $4.00
12 1242s1 HOWDY MATE  Dr: James Herbertson Jess Tubbs James Herbertson  6 $3.60
SELECTIONS: HOWDY MATE (12), CLAUDYS HERO (11), MERCENARY (3), MITCHELL WRAP (8)

OVERVIEW: Hard to go past HOWDY MATE (12) after his first-up win at Melton a fortnight ago where he defeated six rivals that reoppose here. A top-end juvenile in 2025, Jess Tubbs’ charge stepped out for his first run as a three-year-old and rounded them up from the back. The margin wasn’t great, however, with CLAUDYS HERO (11) carting him up on the three-wide line and only being beaten 1.4m. He stepped out again last weekend and was badly held up on the fence before charging late to just miss Kyvalley Jetstream. He was awfully unlucky and can certainly turn the tables. MERCENARY (3) is a very hard horse to catch, but battled on well first-up when fourth in the Charlton Trotters Cup and Jackie Barker might try to lead this contest. He could be one at odds for trifectas and First 4s. MITCHELL WRAP (8) was good behind HOWDY MATE (12) and was grabbed right on the line by Bennie And The Jets last weekend when looking the winner.

R5 8:45pm IRT TROT
$15,000 0W/15.0K stake RBD TROTTERS
1ST LEG QUADDIE, 1ST LEG DAILY DOUBLE
2240 Mobile
No. Form Horse Trainer Driver Class LPI Rank Odds
1 960836 LEANNE LEEANN  Dr: Michael Cole Bob Kuchenmeister Michael Cole  5 $41.00
2 1319s1 BENNIE AND THE JETS NZ  Dr: Leigh Sutton Adam Rudd Leigh Sutton  22% 8 $2.50
3 1399s1 JACKIES GIFT Em 1 Dr: SCRATCHED John Newberry SCRATCHED 
4 829s44 GEE CEE CALDER  Dr: James Herbertson Tyrone Abela James Herbertson  28% 4 $3.40
5 442213 THE SKY IS THE LIMIT  Dr: John Caldow Maree Caldow John Caldow  11% 2 $8.50
6 526347 TICTOK  Dr: Michael Bellman Rebecca Morrissey Michael Bellman  28% 1 $11.00
7 352s28 DISTANT SUN  Dr: Jodi Quinlan Tyrone Abela Jodi Quinlan  11% 10 $4.50
 ------------------------------ Second Row ------------------------------ 
8 342314 SONARMI JOH  Dr: Jackie Barker Jim Barker Jackie Barker  6 $101.00
9 993747 OX KNOX  Dr: Jack Laugher Ross Graham Jack Laugher  9 $31.00
10 133898 NOBLE COUNT NZ  Dr: Leilani Justice Dianne Giles Leilani Justice (C) 3 $41.00
11 871520 COCONUT MICKEY  Dr: Chris Svanosio Paul Gabriel Chris Svanosio  7 $11.00
12 753235 WAIKARE ADRIENNA  Dr: Ellen Tormey Julie Douglas Ellen Tormey  12 $21.00
13 437s7d CALL ME JACK  Dr: Matthew Purcell Matthew Purcell Matthew Purcell  11 $17.00
SELECTIONS: BENNIE AND THE JETS (2), TICTOK (6), THE SKY IS THE LIMIT (5), GEE CEE CALDER (4)

OVERVIEW: What a perfect race this shapes to be for BENNIE AND THE JETS (2), with the random barrier draw landing him nicely in two. He trialled well before a first-up win at Melton last weekend where he came from the clouds to run down Mitchell Wrap and THE SKY IS THE LIMIT (5). He’s building a really good record for Adam Rudd and looks destined to reach an NR much higher than his current mark of 72. Keen. There is some speed drawn outside him, though. GEE CEE CALDER (4) is on the front line for the first time this campaign and has shown good toe before, THE SKY IS THE LIMIT (5) can be used early and is racing in great form, while TICTOK (6) is right back in the zone after a couple of great runs behind Kyvalley Judge and Wallis. She also likes to run the gate. DISTANT SUN (7) is another that can go forward early, but this looks a little difficult for him.

BACK: BENNIE AND THE JETS (2) – 4 units (win)

R6 9:17pm GARRARDS HORSE & HOUND PACE
$15,000 0W/15.0K stake RBD PACERS
2ND LEG QUADDIE
2240 Mobile
No. Form Horse Trainer Driver Class LPI Rank Odds
1 342245 MISTER AMERICANO  Dr: Geoff Webster Geoff Webster Geoff Webster  6 $8.00
2 s03320 NEATNTIDY  Dr: Kerryn Manning Aaron Dunn Kerryn Manning  26% 4 $13.00
3 512104 HIGHLANDHARTBREAKA  Dr: John Caldow Andy Gath John Caldow  16% 10 $8.50
4 111562 ZANDA MAN  Dr: Jackie Barker Jim Barker Jackie Barker  11% 6 $11.00
5 683561 OZZIE CORKA  Dr: Ellen Tormey Julie Douglas Ellen Tormey  31% 1 $6.00
6 602102 MIGHTY JOLT  Dr: Jordan Leedham Dean Braun Jordan Leedham (C) 16% 1 $3.80
7 008111 BLACKJACK WHACKO  Dr: Taylor Youl Chris Svanosio Taylor Youl (C) 8 $4.50
 ------------------------------ Second Row ------------------------------ 
8 130114 INTRUSION  Dr: Liam Older Craig Turnbull Liam Older (C) 5 $9.00
9 321787 THE STEEL DRAGON  Dr: James Herbertson Ashleigh Herbertson James Herbertson  3 $9.00
10 22746s FEARLESS WRITER  Dr: Michael Bellman Philip Chircop Michael Bellman  9 $13.00
SELECTIONS: MIGHTY JOLT (6), ZANDA MAN (4), INTRUSION (8), MISTER AMERICANO (1)

OVERIVEW: MIGHTY JOLT (6) showed blistering early speed and ran a cracker for second first-up in the care of Dean Braun last weekend. He led, gave a kick and was only grabbed in the shadows by Tara Victory, who is in great form. It was a top run in slick time, and despite the step-up from 1720m to 2240m, he’s fancied to go one better here. ZANDA MAN (4) ran a massive race for second from the chair in good time at Mt Gambier latest and he’s a nice horse with plenty of ability, the handy INTRUSION (8) was a brave fourth when parked for the last lap at Melton on March 14 and can sprint hard from the fence draw, while MISTER AMERICANO (1) is back from a Gold Chalice campaign in NSW and draws for a good trip.

BACK: MIGHTY JOLT (6) – 2 units (win)

R7 9:46pm LAMAROS HOTEL PACE
$10,000 NR 58 to 66. PBD/NR PACERS
2ND LEG DAILY DOUBLE, 3RD LEG QUADDIE
2240 Mobile
No. Form Horse Trainer Driver Class LPI Rank Odds
1 788057 LOU WILL NZ  Dr: Ellen Tormey Julie Douglas Ellen Tormey  8 $31.00
2 68122s CARDIGAN DAN  Dr: Mark Pitt Emma Stewart Mark Pitt  29% 7 $1.80
3 555873 RUBY WINGATE  Dr: Jack Laugher Adam Stephens Jack Laugher  7% 2 $31.00
4 43s114 WILD CARD NZ  Dr: Michael Bellman Samantha Gangell Michael Bellman  14% 5 $21.00
5 211431 THE NAKED ART  Dr: Ryan Backhouse Justin Lane Ryan Backhouse (C) 7% 9 $6.50
6 193639 MONTANA PRIDE  Dr: Jordan Leedham Ashleigh Herbertson Jordan Leedham (C) 43% 1 $6.50
7 234494 LUVA SCRAP  Dr: Jackie Barker Julie Brimacombe Jackie Barker  4 $6.50
 ------------------------------ Second Row ------------------------------ 
8 887s48 TALLARAS SHADOW  Dr: Jason Ainsworth Jason Ainsworth Jason Ainsworth  3 $61.00
9 636311 FIRE MARSHALL  Dr: James Herbertson Kyle Marshall James Herbertson  6 $5.50
SELECTIONS: CARDIGAN DAN (2), FIRE MARSHALL (9), TALLARAS SHADOW (8), MONTANA PRIDE (6)

OVERVIEW: Smart youngster CARDIGAN DAN (2) steps out for his first run of the year here and looks to have found a suitable assignment to land victory. He chased home star stablemate Loucasso for second in a heat and final of the Breeders Crown as a two-year-old before being sent for a spell and tuned up with a nice trial in a slick last quarter at Melton on March 17. He should lead and take plenty of catching. If there is to be an upset, it looks most likely to come from FIRE MARSHALL (9). He’s flying for trainer Kyle Marshall, with a track record win at Charlton followed by a fast victory at Melton last time out. A winner outside those would surprise, with the other seven runners all capable of running into third or fourth.

R8 10:15pm HIP POCKET CASTLEMAINE FREE FOR ALL
$22,500 No NR. PBD/SEX PACERS
4TH LEG QUADDIE
2240 Mobile
No. Form Horse Trainer Driver Class LPI Rank Odds
1 791555 JILLIBY WILLOW  Dr: Glen Craven M A Lee, P D Lee Glen Craven  25% 5 $41.00
2 s14566 BUBBA SCRUB NZ  Dr: Jackie Barker Paul Parsons Jackie Barker  13% 6 $101.00
3 538172 BULLETPROOF BOY  Dr: James Herbertson Scott Ewen James Herbertson  19% 1 $5.00
4 618s63 JUSTALITTLESIP NZ  Dr: Adrian Pace Joe Pace Adrian Pace  6% 3 $26.00
5 2120s1 FIGHTER COMMAND  Dr: Jason Lee Jess Tubbs Jason Lee  6% 4 $1.90
6 34145s BAY OF BISCAY  Dr: Mark Pitt Emma Stewart Mark Pitt  31% 2 $2.30
SELECTIONS: FIGHTER COMMAND (5), BULLETPROOF BOY (3), BAY OF BISCAY (6), JUSTALITTLESIP (4)

OVERVIEW: Awesome race to close the card where we see three top-end free-for-allers dominate the market. After their latest clash on March 21, I’m siding with FIGHTER COMMAND (5) narrowly over the people’s champ, BULLETPROOF BOY (3). The latter cruised to an easy lead there, but was swamped by FIGHTER COMMAND (5), who was huge first-up from a break. I think the step-up from 1720m to 2240m suits FIGHTER COMMAND (5) more and I’ll just lean his way. BULLETPROOF BOY (3) should find the top again and is clearly a huge chance, while it’s great to see BAY OF BISCAY (6) back at the races. The reigning Eureka champion has had a couple of trials ahead of this assignment and comes here on the back of a fifth placing in the Group 1 Victoria Cup back in October. He’s class, but it won’t be easy from the draw against two star rivals.

For all your harness form in one place go to goodform.thetrots.com.au 

** A betting unit is typically a percentage of the total bankroll or the amount of money you are willing to risk on a particular bet – for example 1 unit is 10% of your bankroll, therefore a $100 bankroll 1 unit equals $10

Chances are you’re about to lose. For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit

The odds quoted on the fields page are a Goodform computer generated price based on a range of key form factors and are not necessarily the odds that may be offered by a licenced bookmaker.