Every Saturday, Ryan Phelan hunts for the most reliable locks to strengthen your multi bets. By analysing race maps, sectional times, and key trainer/driver combinations, he delivers sharp insights to add confidence – and a touch of excitement – to your harness racing, thoroughbred, or sports multis.
Each selection is rated with low, medium, or high confidence and includes a suggested place or win price. The goal? Minimise risk, maximise consistency, and stack the odds in your favour for a strong overall return.
Race 1 – 1720m Prydes Easifeed FFA
1/1 Sahara Breeze – John Caldow/Gary & Debbie Quinlan
Sahara Breeze is a high-class mare stepping back into FFA company, but it’s a level she’s already handled – impressively winning from a tougher draw three runs ago. Her Sydney efforts in Group company since have been sound. Has the speed to push forward and choose between leading or taking cover.
Confidence: Medium Rated Place Price: $1.60
Race 2 – 1720m Australian Pacing Gold Pace
2/12 Meteor Moth – Jordan Leedham/Emma Stewart
Meteor Moth is in career-best form and building nicely on his strong juvenile credentials. A tough, grinding stayer who won’t be fazed by the backrow draw over the sprint trip. With early speed expected, he’s likely to launch early and play to his strengths.
Confidence: Medium Rated Place Price: $1.60
Race 3 – 2240m Lamaros Hotel Pace
3/5 My Ultimate Barney – Kate Gath/Andy Gath
My Ultimate Barney looks well placed to break through for the new stable. Brave effort last start doing it tough from a poor draw and now gets his chance to lead and dictate terms.
Confidence: Medium Rated Place Price: $1.50
Race 4 – 1720m IRT Ian Daff Memorial Pace
4/9 Sweet Ideal – Daryl Lawlor/Gary Lawlor
Lightly raced but full of promise. Her win last week was excellent – reeling off a slick final half – and this looks a slightly softer assignment dropping back to mares company.
Confidence: Medium Rated Win Price: $2.20
Race 5 – 1720m Hip Pocket Castlemaine Pace
5/1 Maxy Wants To Play – Aaron Dunn/Aaron Dunn
Maxy Wants To Play is a horse I believe is underestimated in early markets. Has gate speed, ability, and a smart trainer. Forget his local record – poor draws have masked his form – and from the pole, he can bounce right back.
Confidence: High Rated Place Price: $1.70
Race 6 – 1720m Haras Des Trotteurs Trot
6/2 Jilliby Ballerini – Jason Lee/Marg & Paddy Lee
Jilliby Ballerini is hard to ignore here. Unbeaten this prep and arguably faces her most suitable set-up yet. Versatile from the draw, distance suits, and the stable is flying. Plenty of upside.
Confidence: High Rated Win Price: $1.50
Race 7 – 2240m CNC Router Bits Trot
7/6 Rey Bailando – Jackie Barker/Russell Jack
Rey Bailando has shown serious promise as a 2YO, finishing runner-up in the Breeders Crown Final. Trialled nicely, accounting for the stablemate who’s second favourite here. Should be primed for a strong return.
Confidence: High Rated Win Price: $1.80
Race 8 – 1720m Aldebaran Park Trotters FFA
8/2 Watts Up Partytime – Kate Gath / Andy Gath
With Watts Up Partytime, it appears the market may be wary of the likely tough run outside Plymouth Chubb – but I’m not. In peak form, loves the trip, and has proven near-bulletproof at this distance.
Confidence: Medium Rated Win Price: $2.10
Race 9 – 1720m The Big Screen Company NMW Pace
9/2 Handler – Anthony Butt / Rob O’Connell
Handler brings solid provincial form despite tough runs from poor draws. Maps to get a soft run here, though early speed around him adds some uncertainty. Can finish off well if given clear air.
Confidence: Low Rated Win Price: $2.90
Race 10 – 1720m Need For Speed Noms On Harnessweb Trot
10/8 Dichotomy – Kerryn Manning / Jess Tubbs
Dichotomy is winless this prep but far from disappointing — she’s had excuses or been excellent in defeat. Awkward draw again but clearly has the class to win if the gaps appear late.
Confidence: Low Rated Place Price: $1.60
Race 11 – 2240m Lifestyle Communities Woodlea 3yo Pace
11/1 Keayang Hollywood – Jason Lee/Marg & Paddy Lee
Keayang Hollywood boasts four starts – four strong efforts in easier grade. Steps up here but draws perfectly and the astute stable placement suggests confidence. Should give a bold showing.
Confidence: Medium Rated Win Price: $2.80
For all your harness form in one place go to goodform.thetrots.com.au
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