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 Hip Pocket Castlemaine FFA
1/10 Catch A Wave – Kate Gath/Andy Gath
A high-quality FFA over the short trip opens the night, featuring several Victoria Cup runners. Catch A Wave was much better last week when third behind Leap To Fame. With the right tempo, he can be strong late, but the draw and opposition temper confidence.
Confidence: Low Rated Place Price: $1.60
Race 2 – 1720m Hygain Victory Pace
2/9 Petracca – Mark Pitt/Emma Stewart
Petracca was brilliant first-up after a year away, storming home in elite closing splits. He’s drawn to trail through perfectly here, should strip fitter, and looks set to assert his dominance again.
Confidence: High Rated Win Price: $1.35
Race 3 – 2240m Renown Silverware Pace
3/3 Twisting By – Jordan Leedham/Joe Pace
A competitive race with three key hopes drawn alongside each other. Twisting By has been going well and maps to enjoy a soft trip. With Jordan Leedham aboard, he represents the best value among the main chances.
Confidence: Low Rated Win Price: $4.00
Race 4 – 2240m Hertz Melton Pace
4/6 Diamond Eclipse – James Herbertson/John Newberry
A small field but a tricky map. Diamond Eclipse was a forgive run last week when never in the hunt, yet he won impressively from a similar set-up five starts ago. Worth a small play at value, though confidence is restrained.
Confidence: Low Rated Win Price: $5.50
Race 5 – 1720m CNC Router Bits Pace
5/10 Test Of Fire – Jordan Leedham/Carson Miller
Trainer Carson Miller continues to have Test Of Fire racing in strong order. The back-row draw hurts his winning prospects, and while his form holds up, he’s short enough in the market for the risk involved.
Confidence: Low Rated Win Price: $2.60
Race 6 – 1720m Nutrien Equine Pace
6/6 Pet Kitty – Jordan Leedham/Carson Miller
The starting point her is I have to oppose Stormryder who’s racing poorly and is only favourite based on respect for the stable and past reputation. Pet Kitty can roll forward and potentially control the race from the top. Over the short trip, that gives her a genuine winning chance at fair odds.
Confidence: Medium Rated Win Price: $3.50
Race 7 – 1720m Hyland Racing Colours Mares Pace
7/11 Uniquely Ideal – Mark Pitt/Emma Stewart
Uniquely Ideal was dominant first-up after a long layoff, showing she’s back to her best. The short trip and second-row draw pose some risk, but she profiles identically to her last win and can finish powerfully again.
Confidence: Medium Rated Win Price: $1.50
Race 8 – 2240m Mimosa Homes Pace
8/3 Viney – Mark Pitt/Emma Stewart
Viney found the drop in class last start and won with authority. When he leads, he’s a completely different horse, and from this draw, he looks certain to find the pegs. Should be winning again.
Confidence: High Rated Win Price: $1.20
For all your harness form in one place go to goodform.thetrots.com.au
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