Melton Harness Preview – Saturday, February 21

OVERVIEW: BROWNIESATMIDNIGHT (8) is a smart runner with a great sprint, but he’s also tough and can make his own luck. His win three starts back at Melton was outstanding when he was in the breeze and was still too strong. He does need to navigate an awkward barrier here. KOMODO (4) is a consistent runner for Aaron Dunn, who always has his horses performing well. He has the second-best sectional times in this field, and he should be able to get forward here from barrier four. NEW YORKER (7) is sectionally the best performing horse in this race. He will need to make his own luck from the barrier though. TIMBIMBOO (11) has made an impression since arriving from New Zealand for Andy and Kate Gath. He has won two of his four starts in the state, but both were when he led. He has barrier 11 here, which is a new test for him, and we will learn a lot about his versatility here.

BACK: BROWNIESATMIDNIGHT (8) – 2 units (win)

OVERVIEW: ROLINGINTHEDEEP (2) has taken a step up in his career and has been performing very well, winning his last three starts at his home track at Cranbourne. He’s won tough, and he’s won flashing home late. He doesn’t have the best gate speed at this point in his career, but he likely won’t get too far back from the barrier. ROYAL APPOINTMENT (11) is a smart horse, but he hasn’t had the best luck with barriers recently. He will need to make his own luck here, but he is racing well. LUVA SCRAP (9) has placed in eight of his last 12 starts. He is a tough horse, and he can make his own luck. Barrier nine will suit him in this field. BIG SLEDGE HAMMER (12) has been very impressive this campaign. He does seem to have the ability to race tough and sustain long runs. The barrier stings here, but if he has luck, he’s a winning chance.

BACK: ROLINGINTHEDEEP (2) – 2 units (win)

OVERVIEW: LAYDEN (2) has the standout best sectional times in this field. This is the best barrier he has had in a while, which he can use to his advantage here. KEAYANG WASABI (7) is a smart, well-bred gelding who has had a lot of setbacks in his career. He’s only had four starts since December 2024. Last start he won, which will have helped his confidence. He will continue to improve with fitness. RICK REILLY (1) has the gate speed and the ace barrier to use to his advantage here. He is first up for Alex Ashwood and will suit the fence run. SOHO DARKNSTORMY (6) is a smart performer with brilliant gate speed at his best. He raced in the Group 3 4YO Bonanza last start in very fast time. It seems a better race for him here, but he will need to overcome an awkward barrier.

OVERVIEW: CRUSHER CLYDE (11) has shown he’s a progressive type with X-factor in his short career. This is his first time at Melton and his first time racing in mobile conditions, which could be a risk here. If he trots throughout though, he does look like a star in the making and will be the one to beat. CLAUDYS HERO (6) looks the other class runner in this event. He is third up here and will be reaching peak fitness. He loomed up well last start before galloping, and the start prior he was good first up. RARITY ROCK (9) is in career-best form, winning two of his last four. He should find a handy position here from barrier nine. JACK SPRAT (2) was good when winning two starts back after working to the front. It’s a harder race here, but he should be able to find a forward position.

BACK: CRUSHER CLYDE (11) – 2 units (win)

OVERVIEW: ATA RANGI (3) performed so well on Cranbourne and Kilmore Cup nights. He flew home last start to defeat talented horses. He also seems to have a good relationship with driver Jordan Leedham. GHOST OF TIME (7) is a high-speed runner who likes to run along. It may be tricky for him to get forward from barrier seven here, but he’s in great form. ISTHISJUSTFANTASY (9) is a top quality mare who has been chasing superstars Captains Mistress and Eye Keep Smiling recently. She has brilliant speed, and from barrier nine she will be flashing late. HES NO ROMEO (1) has been performing well since arriving from New Zealand. He’s had ten starts in Australia and has only been out of the top four once. He is well placed here from barrier one.

BACK: ATA RANGI (3) – 2 units (win)

OVERVIEW: JILLIBY ILLUMINATE (7) is a smart mare with outstanding point-to-point speed. She has the best sectional times in this field, and she would be getting close now, third up, to being at peak fitness. She will be flashing home. SOAP AND BUBBLES (8) is a talented and progressive performer for Mark and Lisa Pitt. She came a long way last campaign, ending her season with a third in the Oaks behind Soho Americano and Beach Diamond. She will likely come back better and stronger now as a mare, but she is first up. MY LITTLE BO (6) is a high-speed mare. If she uses her speed to her advantage here, she can perform well. BRINGUSJOY (1) is facing tougher rivals here, but she has the ace barrier. She is racing well and makes a place chance here.

OVERVIEW: NAKEDTRUTH (2) is a flashy chestnut who performs well when he can get forward over the short trip. This race does look suitable for him. If he can find the fence, he’s a big winning chance. HEZA GUN (3) is a smart trotter who has faced the stand-start tapes with a handicap in his last two starts. He is back in mobile conditions here. He may struggle to find the fence without the best gate speed, but he has raced quality horses competitively throughout his career. QUIRKY CHARACTER (8) has massively improved and taken a step up in the last four months. He has won five of his last eight starts. He is the only horse on the back row here, which gives him options, but his main rivals all start ahead of him. KYVALLEY MAVEN (4) is a smarter horse than his numerical form suggests. Although he’s been out of the winners’ circle since July last year, he’s been racing well. He is the type of horse that can make his own luck.

OVERVIEW: AVANT GUARD (1) has been chasing superstar trotters recently, including the champ Keayang Zahara. His run in the Ballarat Trotters Cup recently behind Jilliby Dreamlover was very eye-catching, the way he hit the line. He doesn’t have high gate speed, so he will need luck, but he is performing so well. I AM WILMA (3) is first up this year after an outstanding 2025. She didn’t miss a placing the whole year and won the Vicbred Super Series and placed in the Trotters Oaks and Breeders Crown. She’s definitely a star. She’s had two trials to prepare her for this step up to race the older horses. REMUS PHOENIX (8) is a brilliant performer at his best, with some question marks recently about where he is at. He is the only horse on the second line, so he has options. At his best, he will be flying home late. MORE WANTED (5) has not won since 2024, but he’s been racing impressively at a high level. He always seems to meet one or two horses a bit better than him, but he always gives races his all, and he is a reliable runner.

BACK: AVANT GUARD (1) – 2 units (win)