Melton Race 8

Benstud Standardbreds Pace

Prize Money: $17,500

I AM THE STORM (3) is racing very well this preparation with three wins to his credit, the latest effort a victory over 1720m at this track. No excuses from this advantageous draw. Finds a tougher race but another success is on the cards. SOHO DARKNSTORMY (5) is racing well with four top-five finishes in succession, the latest effort a third at this track over 1720m. Recent efforts are good enough to take out a race like this. KOMODO (2) is in the mix following a respectable third at his most recent appearance over 1700m at Horsham. PERUN NZ (1) disappointed last time but is a chance based on a good second over 2240m at this track two runs back.

Distance: 2240m
Class: NR up to 89
Track: Good
Weather: Fine
Surface: All Weather

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Perun Nz (Fr1) 9261432027
Trainer: Samantha Gangell (Cranbourne)
Driver: Liam Older (C)
Prize Money: $83,809
Win / Place: 16% / 38%

6 yo Bay Gelding

Sire: BETTING LINE (USA)

Dam: BIANCA (NZ)

Rating

Stats

Career

49: 8-6-5

Distance

20: 1-2-3

Trk/Dst

13: 1-2-0

Track

20: 2-4-1

Season

1: 0-0-0

1st Up

4: 0-1-1

2nd Up

4: 2-0-0

3rd Up

4: 0-0-0

Metro

27: 2-4-2

Non-Metro

22: 6-2-3

Mobile

48: 8-6-5

Standing

1: 0-0-0

All-Weather

44: 7-5-4

Slushy

2: 0-0-2

Grass

5: 1-1-1

Best Mile

1:53.20

Driver Stats

Driver/Horse

6: 1-2-1

Driver Last 50

50: 4-5-8

Gear Changes

[Blinkers - Block ON, Blinkers - Cant See Bak OFF]

Comments

Last start 7th (Fr2) over 1720m at this track was 2nd-4.17 at the bell, beaten 18 m by Fairplay (1:59.60) on August 1 at $26. At his previous start good run when 2nd (Fr1) over 2240m at this track, at the bell was 2nd-0.56 beaten a nose by Sir Jimmy (2:41.20) on July 18 at $71. Sure to be thereabouts.

Expected Settling Position: Leader

Last Starts days since last start

Place	Date	Track	Distance	Start	Surface	Barrier	Driver	Race Time	Mile Rate	Margin	SP	Days	Class	Prize	Prize Won	Result
7th of 11	1/8/26	Melton	1720m	Mobile	All Weather	Fr2	Liam Older	1:59.60	1:51.9	18.2m	$26	14	NR up to 88	$17,500	$350	1. Fairplay 2. Hoorah Philtra 3. Soho Darknstormy
2nd of 7	18/7/26	Melton	2240m	Mobile	All Weather	Fr1	Liam Older	2:41.20	1:55.8	0.1m	$71	7	No NR	$11,000	$1,650	1. Sir Jimmy 2. Perun NZ 3. Hes From Heaven NZ
10th of 10	11/7/26	Menangle	1609m	Mobile	All Weather	Fr3	Blake Fitzpatrick	1:52.30	1:52.3	21.1m	$6.50	28	NR up to 80	$20,400	$396	1. Our Rocker 2. Jilliby Fabio 3. Rivera Lou
2nd of 8	13/6/26	Melton	1720m	Mobile	All Weather	Fr1	Liam Older	2:01.10	1:53.4	0.2m	$26	7	NR up to 105	$17,500	$2,625	1. Sweet Ideal 2. Perun NZ 3. Diamond Eclipse
3rd of 10	6/6/26	Melton	1720m	Mobile	All Weather	Sr1	Liam Older	2:00.70	1:52.9	3.3m	$9.00	10	NR 67 to 75	$15,000	$1,500	1. I Am The Storm 2. Odin 3. Perun NZ
4th of 9	27/5/26	Bendigo	1650m	Mobile	All Weather	Sr2	Liam Older	1:56.90	1:54.0	6.5m	$2.50f	11	NR 60 to 75	$8,000	$400	1. Major Blitz 2. Tooram Magic 3. Starzinhereyes

Komodo (Fr2) 2146235723
Trainer: Aaron Dunn (Horsham)
Driver: Jackie Barker
Prize Money: $84,144
Win / Place: 18% / 45%

5 yo Bay Gelding

Sire: FEAR THE DRAGON (USA)

Dam: AZZGOODAZZ (AUS)

Rating

Stats

Career

44: 8-4-8

Distance

18: 2-1-3

Trk/Dst

10: 2-0-1

Track

21: 5-2-2

Season

0: 0-0-0

1st Up

6: 2-0-0

2nd Up

5: 1-0-1

3rd Up

5: 1-0-1

Metro

25: 6-2-2

Non-Metro

19: 2-2-6

Mobile

44: 8-4-8

Standing

0: 0-0-0

All-Weather

44: 8-4-8

Slushy

0: 0-0-0

Grass

0: 0-0-0

Best Mile

1:53.20

Driver Stats

Driver/Horse

7: 2-0-2

Driver Last 50

50: 3-2-10

Comments

Two back was beaten by 9 m finishing second behind Serg Blanco at Mildura over 2190m on July 17 at $6.50. Then a handy effort when beaten by 5 m finishing third behind Hot Deal at Horsham over 1700m on July 27 at $7. One of the better chances.

Expected Settling Position: Leader

Last Starts days since last start

Place	Date	Track	Distance	Start	Surface	Barrier	Driver	Race Time	Mile Rate	Margin	SP	Days	Class	Prize	Prize Won	Result
3rd of 6	27/7/26	Horsham	1700m	Mobile	All Weather	Fr3	Jackie Barker	2:01.60	1:55.1	5.1m	$7.00	10	NR 65	$8,000	$800	1. Hot Deal 2. Ultimate Vinnie 3. Komodo
2nd of 8	17/7/26	Mildura	2190m	Mobile	All Weather	Fr5	Aaron Dunn	2:40.50	1:57.9	9.9m	$6.50	13	NR 65	$8,000	$1,200	1. Serg Blanco NZ 2. Komodo 3. Powersofpersuasion
7th of 8	4/7/26	Melton	2240m	Mobile	All Weather	Fr3	Aaron Dunn	2:41.60	1:56.1	24.3m	$71	14	NR 75 to 88	$17,500	$350	1. Cigano 2. Sweet Ideal 3. Let Her Roll
5th of 9	20/6/26	Melton	2240m	Mobile	All Weather	Sr1	Aaron Dunn	2:42.90	1:57.0	13.0m	$31	14	NR 67 to 77	$15,000	$450	1. Dynamitedan 2. Thestatesman 3. Clymenus NZ
3rd of 8	6/6/26	Melton	2240m	Mobile	All Weather	Fr2	Aaron Dunn	2:41.30	1:55.9	5.6m	$26	7	NR 75 to 88	$17,500	$1,750	1. The Art Of Success 2. Le Belle Bijoux 3. Komodo
2nd of 8	30/5/26	Melton	1720m	Mobile	All Weather	Fr5	Aaron Dunn	2:02.50	1:54.6	4.0m	$9.00	35	NR 70 to 79	$15,000	$2,250	1. Maxnjax 2. Komodo 3. Clymenus NZ
35 Day Freshen-Up

I Am The Storm (Fr3) x129x1x111
Trainer: Emma Stewart (Cardigan)
Driver: Mark Pitt
Prize Money: $42,820
Win / Place: 54% / 63%

Unbeaten Driver / Horse Combo

Driver Flying

Picket Fence

4 yo Bay Horse

Sire: THE STORM INSIDE (AUS)

Dam: CAITLYN CLARKE (NZ)

100

Rating

Stats

Career

11: 6-1-0

Distance

2: 0-0-0

Trk/Dst

2: 0-0-0

Track

5: 3-0-0

Season

1: 1-0-0

1st Up

5: 4-0-0

2nd Up

3: 1-1-0

3rd Up

3: 1-0-0

Metro

7: 3-1-0

Non-Metro

4: 3-0-0

Mobile

11: 6-1-0

Standing

0: 0-0-0

All-Weather

11: 6-1-0

Slushy

0: 0-0-0

Grass

0: 0-0-0

Best Mile

1:52.25

Driver Stats

Driver/Horse

4: 4-0-0

Driver Last 50

50: 23-5-3

Comments

Comes here in the right form. Came from midfield and won by 2 m (Sr1) at this track (2:) beating My Uncle Stan in on August 1 at $3.60 at the bell was leading 2.87. Two runs back won by 2.5 m as favourite when quickly away, (Fr1) at this track (2:00.70) beating Odin in on June 6 at $1.25. Sure to be there at the business end.

Expected Settling Position: Leader

Last Starts days since last start

Place	Date	Track	Distance	Start	Surface	Barrier	Driver	Race Time	Mile Rate	Margin	SP	Days	Class	Prize	Prize Won	Result
1st of 11	1/8/26	Melton	1720m	Mobile	All Weather	Sr1	Mark Pitt	2:00.00	1:52.3	2.1m	$3.60	56	NR up to 75	$15,000	$8,550	1. I Am The Storm 2. My Uncle Stan 3. Dance Affair
56 Day Freshen-Up
1st of 10	6/6/26	Melton	1720m	Mobile	All Weather	Fr1	Mark Pitt	2:00.70	1:52.9	2.6m	$1.25f	19	NR 67 to 75	$15,000	$8,550	1. I Am The Storm 2. Odin 3. Perun NZ
1st of 7	18/5/26	Terang	2180m	Mobile	All Weather	Fr4	Ryan Sanderson	2:37.30	1:56.2	11.6m	$1.35f	284	NR 56 to 64	$7,000	$3,990	1. I Am The Storm 2. Keayang Sweetheart 3. Nancy's Boy NZ
284 Day Spell
2nd of 4	12/5/26	Melton	2240m			-	Ryan Sanderson	2:44.00	-	4.7m	$0.00	-	Trial	$0	-	1. Cardigan Dan 2. I Am The Storm 3. Rakarompa NZ
3rd of 4	27/4/26	Bendigo	2150m			-	Mark Pitt	2:37.60	-	23m	$0.00	-	Trial	$0	-	1. Some American 2. Im All Business 3. I Am The Storm
1st of 9	7/8/25	Ballarat	1710m	Mobile	All Weather	Fr7	Ryan Sanderson	2:02.40	1:55.2	5.6m	$1.14f	152	NR 50 to 55	$6,000	$3,320	1. I Am The Storm 2. Amphijet 3. Montana Pride
152 Day Spell

The Steel Dragon (Fr4) 5125135316
Trainer: Ashleigh Herbertson (Lexton)
Driver: James Herbertson
Prize Money: $52,280
Win / Place: 24% / 51%

Driver Flying

5 yo Bay Gelding

Sire: FEAR THE DRAGON (USA)

Dam: MISS TRICKIN LOMBO (AUS)

Rating

Stats

Career

33: 8-4-5

Distance

17: 2-2-2

Trk/Dst

12: 1-2-0

Track

19: 3-2-1

Season

1: 0-0-0

1st Up

2: 1-1-0

2nd Up

2: 1-0-0

3rd Up

2: 2-0-0

Metro

20: 4-2-1

Non-Metro

13: 4-2-4

Mobile

33: 8-4-5

Standing

0: 0-0-0

All-Weather

33: 8-4-5

Slushy

0: 0-0-0

Grass

0: 0-0-0

Best Mile

1:55.60

Driver Stats

Driver/Horse

24: 6-2-3

Driver Last 50

50: 16-13-6

Comments

Last start 6th (Fr3) over 1720m at this track was 4th-8.49 at the bell, beaten 17 m by Fairplay (1:59.60) on August 1 at $71. Two runs back won by 1.2 m as favourite when quickly away, (Fr1) at this track (2:42.30) beating With In Reason in on July 11 at $3 at the bell was 4th-5.1. Has the job ahead.

Expected Settling Position: Midfield

Last Starts days since last start

Place	Date	Track	Distance	Start	Surface	Barrier	Driver	Race Time	Mile Rate	Margin	SP	Days	Class	Prize	Prize Won	Result
6th of 11	1/8/26	Melton	1720m	Mobile	All Weather	Fr3	Ewa Justice	1:59.60	1:51.9	17.0m	$71	21	NR up to 88	$17,500	$350	1. Fairplay 2. Hoorah Philtra 3. Soho Darknstormy
1st of 11	11/7/26	Melton	2240m	Mobile	All Weather	Fr1	Jack Laugher	2:42.30	1:56.6	1.2m	$3.00f	7	0W/15 0K stake	$15,000	$8,550	1. The Steel Dragon 2. With In Reason 3. The Naked Art
3rd of 7	4/7/26	Melton	1720m	Mobile	All Weather	Fr1	Jack Laugher	2:01.50	1:53.7	12.4m	$3.50	14	0W/15.0K stake	$15,000	$1,500	1. Fairplay 2. Hitch To His Star 3. The Steel Dragon
5th of 12	20/6/26	Melton	2240m	Mobile	All Weather	Fr5	James Herbertson	2:41.30	1:55.9	4.2m	$12	9	No NR	$20,000	$600	1. Major Blitz 2. Highlandhartbreaka 3. Royal Appointment
3rd of 9	11/6/26	Ballarat	2200m	Mobile	All Weather	Fr7	James Herbertson	2:35.80	1:54.0	20.8m	$3.70f	8	0W/15 0K stake	$7,000	$700	1. Major Blitz 2. Keayang Payton 3. The Steel Dragon
1st of 9	3/6/26	Bendigo	2150m	Mobile	All Weather	Sr2	James Herbertson	2:35.10	1:56.1	0.2m	$2.70f	11	0W/15 0K stake	$7,000	$3,990	1. The Steel Dragon 2. Sportsbou 3. Gunforhire

Soho Darknstormy (Fr5) 2214975233
Trainer: Andy Gath (Long Forest)
Driver: Jordan Leedham (C)
Prize Money: $120,340
Win / Place: 22% / 67%

4 yo Black Horse

Sire: LAZARUS (NZ)

Dam: THE BLUE LOTUS (NZ)

Rating

Stats

Career

31: 7-7-7

Distance

9: 1-4-1

Trk/Dst

7: 1-4-1

Track

13: 2-4-3

Season

1: 0-0-1

1st Up

4: 2-0-1

2nd Up

4: 2-2-0

3rd Up

4: 0-0-1

Metro

21: 4-6-5

Non-Metro

10: 3-1-2

Mobile

31: 7-7-7

Standing

0: 0-0-0

All-Weather

31: 7-7-7

Slushy

0: 0-0-0

Grass

0: 0-0-0

Best Mile

1:52.10

Driver Stats

Driver/Horse

2: 0-1-1

Driver Last 50

50: 3-8-9

Comments

Two back was beaten by 7 m finishing third after a quick start, behind Big Sledge Hammer at this track over 2240m on July 11 at $1.70. Then a handy effort when well beaten into third after a quick start, behind Fairplay at this track over 1720m on August 1 at $34. Top contender.

Expected Settling Position: Leader

Last Starts days since last start

Place	Date	Track	Distance	Start	Surface	Barrier	Driver	Race Time	Mile Rate	Margin	SP	Days	Class	Prize	Prize Won	Result
3rd of 11	1/8/26	Melton	1720m	Mobile	All Weather	Fr4	John Caldow	1:59.60	1:51.9	13.9m	$34	21	NR up to 88	$17,500	$1,750	1. Fairplay 2. Hoorah Philtra 3. Soho Darknstormy
3rd of 9	11/7/26	Melton	2240m	Mobile	All Weather	Fr4	Kate Gath	2:42.40	1:56.6	7.7m	$1.70f	14	NR 70 to 79	$15,000	$1,500	1. Big Sledge Hammer 2. Clymenus NZ 3. Soho Darknstormy
2nd of 9	27/6/26	Melton	2240m	Mobile	All Weather	Fr6	Kate Gath	2:41.90	1:56.3	0.3m	$5.00	7	NR 72 to 82	$15,000	$2,250	1. Good Tobe Locksley 2. Soho Darknstormy 3. Thestatesman
5th of 6	20/6/26	Melton	1720m	Mobile	All Weather	Fr4	Kate Gath	2:01.40	1:53.6	14.3m	$51	56	NR 78 to 89	$17,500	$525	1. The Art Of Success 2. Storms Collide 3. Soap And Bubbles
56 Day Freshen-Up
7th of 11	25/4/26	Melton	2240m	Mobile	All Weather	Fr7	Kate Gath	2:42.70	1:56.9	10.0m	$12	21	NR 72 to 82	$15,000	$300	1. Ten Da Touch NZ 2. Keayang Wasabi 3. Son Of Mac NZ
9th of 12	4/4/26	Wagga	2270m	Mobile	All Weather	Fr3	Ryan Sanderson	2:40.20	1:53.6	11.6m	$71	8	No NR	$100,000	$1,500	1. Seasider 2. War Dan Buddy 3. Double Lou

Ata Rangi (Fr6) 47316126x5
Trainer: Kyle Marshall (Mount Wallace)
Driver: Kyle Marshall
Prize Money: $78,990
Win / Place: 22% / 63%

Recent Trial Winner

5 yo Bay Horse

Sire: ART MAJOR (USA)

Dam: ANNA FINN (NZ)

Rating

Stats

Career

36: 8-10-5

Distance

9: 2-2-0

Trk/Dst

5: 0-2-0

Track

15: 2-5-2

Season

1: 0-0-0

1st Up

4: 0-2-0

2nd Up

3: 0-1-0

3rd Up

3: 0-1-0

Metro

15: 2-5-2

Non-Metro

21: 6-5-3

Mobile

36: 8-10-5

Standing

0: 0-0-0

All-Weather

36: 8-10-5

Slushy

0: 0-0-0

Grass

0: 0-0-0

Best Mile

1:54.20

Driver Stats

Driver/Horse

16: 4-5-0

Driver Last 50

50: 4-7-10

Comments

Comes here second-up after a week. Lacklustre first-up performance when 5th (Sr2) over 1720m at this track was 7th-13.38 at the bell, beaten 16 m by Fairplay (1:59.60) on August 1 at $34. Facing a tough assignment this time around.

Expected Settling Position: Off Pace

Last Starts days since last start

Place	Date	Track	Distance	Start	Surface	Barrier	Driver	Race Time	Mile Rate	Margin	SP	Days	Class	Prize	Prize Won	Result
5th of 11	1/8/26	Melton	1720m	Mobile	All Weather	Sr2	Kyle Marshall	1:59.60	1:51.9	16.3m	$34	139	NR up to 88	$17,500	$525	1. Fairplay 2. Hoorah Philtra 3. Soho Darknstormy
139 Day Spell
1st of 6	28/7/26	Melton	1720m			-	Kyle Marshall	2:04.30	-	0.1m	$0.00	-	Trial	$0	-	1. Ata Rangi 2. Romeo 3. Ima Terminator
1st of 3	20/7/26	Geelong	2100m			-	Kyle Marshall	2:39.40	-	0m	$0.00	-	Trial	$0	-	1. Ata Rangi 2. Demon Blue NZ 3. Goodtime Libby
6th of 8	15/3/26	Charlton	2570m	Mobile	All Weather	Fr5	Jordan Leedham	3:03.00	1:54.6	28.6m	$23	8	No NR	$20,000	$400	1. Miki To Success 2. Sanchez 3. Le Spartacus
2nd of 7	7/3/26	Melton	2240m	Mobile	All Weather	Fr5	Jordan Leedham	2:43.20	1:57.2	0.2m	$2.90f	8	NR 75 to 88	$17,500	$2,625	1. Isthisjustfantasy 2. Ata Rangi 3. Frugal Fare
1st of 9	27/2/26	Ararat	2195m	Mobile	All Weather	Fr4	Jordan Leedham	2:38.10	1:55.9	0.1m	$3.60	6	NR up to 90	$20,000	$11,400	1. Ata Rangi 2. Madigan 3. Madrigal NZ

Western Sonador (Fr7) 4727643585
Trainer: Stephen O'donoghue (Kialla)
Driver: Ryan Sanderson (C)
Prize Money: $208,664
Win / Place: 14% / 36%

10 yo Brown/Black Gelding

Sire: WESTERN TERROR (USA)

Dam: REFRESH ME (AUS)

Rating

Stats

Career

84: 12-9-10

Distance

26: 4-3-4

Trk/Dst

20: 1-2-3

Track

28: 1-2-4

Season

0: 0-0-0

1st Up

12: 5-1-0

2nd Up

12: 0-3-1

3rd Up

12: 3-1-3

Metro

39: 1-3-4

Non-Metro

45: 11-6-6

Mobile

82: 12-9-10

Standing

2: 0-0-0

All-Weather

84: 12-9-10

Slushy

0: 0-0-0

Grass

0: 0-0-0

Best Mile

1:55.22

Driver Stats

Driver/Horse

9: 1-1-1

Driver Last 50

50: 5-4-7

Comments

Didn't do much last time out, 5th (Sr1) over 1650m at Bendigo, beaten 25 m by My Ultimate Barney (1:56.50) on July 1 at $23. Before that was well back in the run when 8th (Fr7) over 1740m at Riverina Paceway, beaten 13 m by Day Two (2:02.60) on June 19 at $23. Must improve sharply.

Expected Settling Position: Midfield

Last Starts days since last start

Place	Date	Track	Distance	Start	Surface	Barrier	Driver	Race Time	Mile Rate	Margin	SP	Days	Class	Prize	Prize Won	Result
3rd of 3	9/7/26	Shepparton	2190m			-	Corey O'donoghue	2:39.40	-	0m	$0.00	-	Trial	$0	-	1. Serg Blanco NZ 2. Followtheace 3. Western Sonador
5th of 6	1/7/26	Bendigo	1650m	Mobile	All Weather	Sr1	Abbey Turnbull	1:56.50	1:53.6	26.3m	$23	12	NR 65 or better	$8,000	$240	1. My Ultimate Barney 2. Amphijet 3. Dressed In Gold NZ
8th of 8	19/6/26	Wagga	1740m	Mobile	All Weather	Fr7	Abbey Turnbull	2:02.60	1:53.4	13.2m	$23	20	NR 65 to 80	$11,830	$232	1. Day Two 2. Diamond Eclipse 3. Mikibequick
5th of 8	30/5/26	Melton	1720m	Mobile	All Weather	Fr7	Ryan Sanderson	2:02.50	1:54.6	10.1m	$41	10	NR 80 to 90	$17,500	$525	1. Soap And Bubbles 2. Keayang Wasabi 3. Sweet Ideal
3rd of 6	20/5/26	Bendigo	2150m	Mobile	All Weather	Fr5	Ryan Sanderson	2:33.60	1:55.0	14.8m	$2.60f	10	$5000 last 4 starts	$8,000	$800	1. Ultimate Vinnie 2. Medina 3. Western Sonador
4th of 11	10/5/26	Ouyen	2423m	Mobile	All Weather	Sr3	Ryan Sanderson	2:57.40	1:57.8	3.2m	$4.40	22	No NR	$10,000	$500	1. Crime Writer 2. My Ultimate Jimmy NZ, Dhaulagiri NZ 3.

Race Review Abbreviations

Brk: Broke, Blkd: Blocked or held up, 1 x 1: One-out, one-back, Prkd: Parked, 3bk otr: 3 back on the outer, 3bk inr: Same as above, but on the inside, trld: Trailed, Gt spd: Showed gate speed, 3wd: 3-wide postd: Caught wide without cover, Held up: Held up, no gaps or few gaps: If they don't see any clear air in the straight, Inr-mid-wd -position: On the inside, mid = 1-off, wd = 3-wide or wider, flew hm wd: Flew home wide, dashd inr: Sprinted well on the inside, Chkd: Checked, Slow: Slow away at the start, Wltd: Wilted or got tired, Fdd: Faded late, Urgd: If the driver is getting stuck in

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