Melton Harness Preview – Friday, June 26

OVERVIEW: BANOS (6) is an exciting, progressive trotter. She has had four starts for three wins, with her only defeat coming when she galloped. Sectionally, she stands out in this field and this looks a suitable race for her to record a fourth win from five starts. SHONEE (1) resumed with a win last start after enjoying a fence trip at Maryborough. From barrier one, she should be suited by a similar race map. KIMBERLEYS TREE (4) has only missed the top four once in her career, and that came when she made a mistake in standing-start conditions. Suited by mobile conditions here and with her consistent form, she looks a solid first four chance. THE FASHIONISTA (3) is still learning what racing is all about, with her manners occasionally proving costly. However, she was promising last start when letting down well at Bendigo. If she trots throughout and secures a favourable run, she is a genuine contender.

BACK: BANOS (6) – 3 units (win)

OVERVIEW: SOME HIGH (1) won on debut at Hobart before following up with a third placing in the Durham Park Rising Star at Ballarat last start. His final quarter of 26.81 seconds in that race was outstanding. From barrier one, he should secure a favourable run and looks hard to beat. BAYSTYLE (11) finished second in the same race and recorded an even faster final quarter of 26.68 seconds. He is a talented horse, but overcoming the barrier to defeat SOME HIGH (1) will not be easy. TALKBABYTALK (2) is in career-best form, with three wins from his past five starts. He missed a placing last start after settling well back in the field and having little luck. Barrier two should allow him to secure a favourable race map. JUST PEDRO (10) possesses excellent point-to-point speed when saved for one run. The barrier is awkward, but he has the ability to finish strongly.

OVERVIEW: ROBERT JOHN (8) has clicked brilliantly with driver James Herbertson, winning at his past two starts with Herbertson in the sulky. He had to do it tough and make his own luck on both occasions. Barrier eight presents a challenge, but he is full of confidence. LAVENGERS BOY (1) has gate speed and an ideal draw to map positively. He was a solid third at Kilmore two starts ago and followed that up with a sound performance at Melton. He is racing well. RASENGAN (4) has not been far behind ROBERT JOHN (8) in his recent victories. He hit the line well when second at Ballarat two starts ago and battled on strongly for fourth at Charlton last start. He could gain an advantage if he is able to settle forward in the running. FLING IT RAINBOW (2) has a suitable barrier to capitalise on here.

BACK: ROBERT JOHN (8) – 2.5 units (win)

OVERVIEW: SPIRITED LASS (9) has galloped or missed the start in a significant number of her races, but some of her performances have been outstanding, storming home from well back in the field. She clearly possesses a brilliant turn of foot and can be dazzling when saved for one run. She needs to trot throughout, but has done most things right at her past two starts and appears to be heading in the right direction. Drawn to her inside is the in-form MISTA WALKER (8), who is full of confidence after winning three of his past four starts. He will need to overcome a tricky barrier. STEADY DREAM (2) should have enough gate speed to find the front and will gain a head start on her main rivals. If she trots throughout, she will be very competitive. SHAQ THE ANVIL (7) has been racing well in runs where he has maintained his gait and will be a chance with some luck in running. Also respecting SIOUX WARROR (4) here.

BACK: SPIRITED LASS (9) – 1 unit (win)

OVERVIEW: This two-year-old maiden trot rounds out the Melton card. These races can often be difficult to assess, as the horses are still learning about racing and manners play a significant role. PHOENIX REX (5) is the only first starter in the field. He has shown mixed trial form, finishing second in two trials before galloping on the back straight at his most recent outing. He has ability, but his manners will be crucial. DELIGHTFUL REYNA (4) has had three starts and showed promise when hitting the line strongly in a quality field two runs ago. She made an error and galloped last start, but has ability when she puts it all together. ELEGANT SPIRIT (3) showed improvement with her manners last start. Although she is the equal most experienced runner in the field with nine starts, she remains difficult to assess as she has often made mistakes. Her connections clearly have an opinion of her, having competed in the Nutrien Classic Series at Wagga. LUCKY AVENUE (6) is another trotter whose ability is hard to gauge, but he has the talent to surprise if he can trot smoothly throughout.

BACK: PHOENIX REX (5) – 1 unit (win)