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 – 2240m Gordon Rothacker Championship Final
1/1 Hes No Romeo – Jack Laugher/Julie Douglas
The heat winners Hes No Romeo and Wattlebank Arnie draw gates 1 and 8, making early tactics crucial. Hes No Romeo has enough gate speed to hold his spot but may be better suited taking a sit and using the sprint lane late, which makes him an appealing option in a tricky final.
Confidence: Low Rated Win Price: $3.00
Race 2 – 1720m Vicbred Platinum Homegrown (2yo Pacers)
2/10 Thesting – Anthony Butt/John Yeomans
Thesting showed a sharp turn of foot to score on debut, albeit in moderate company. He moves to the back row here and will need the right run into the race, but there’s enough exposed ability for him to be involved at the finish.
Confidence: Medium Rated Win Price: $3.40
Race 3 – 1720m Vicbred Platinum Homegrown (2yo Trotters)
3/3 Minnie Mia – Chris Alford/Alison Alford
Minnie Mia draws favourably with a few unruly rivals pushed to wider gates, and her manners have allowed her to pick up cheques consistently. This is a very low-confidence race overall, but the draw keeps her in calculations.
Confidence: Low Rated Place Price: $2.70
Race 4 – 1720m Benstud Standardbreds Trot
4/2 Jilliby Dreamlover – Jason Lee/Marg & Paddy Lee
Jilliby Dreamlover was outstanding last week, producing a dominant all-the-way performance at strong speed. She draws well again and this race does not present a significantly tougher challenge, giving her every chance to repeat the dose.
Confidence: High Rated Win Price: $1.20
Race 5 – 2240m Dynamic Print Group Pace
5/7 Ollies The Boss – Kate Gath/Andy Gath
Ollies The Boss comes through the Vicbred Series where he was just below the top tier of his age group. He steps up to older horses here, but despite the draw he has enough early speed to work forward and give a strong sight if things go his way.
Confidence: Low Rated Win Price: $2.50
Race 6 – 2240m Beraldo Coffee Trot
6/8 Heza Gun – Chris Lang/Chris Lang & Sonia Mahar
Heza Gun was a forgive run last time under standing-start conditions against stronger opposition. He maps to secure a soft run behind the likely leader here, and with that type of trip this looks his most suitable opportunity this preparation.
Confidence: Low Rated Place Price: $1.80
Race 7 – 1720m IRT Pace
7/9 My Ultimate Barney – Kate Gath/Andy Gath
My Ultimate Barney has been freshened following a brave Derby campaign that confirmed he belongs among the better 3YOs. With genuine early speed engaged, he should get the right trail through the race and be produced at the right time.
Confidence: Medium Rated Win Price: $2.70
Race 8 – 1720m Mimosa Homes FFA
8/4 Code Bailey – Jason Lee/Marg & Paddy Lee
Code Bailey’s best performances this campaign have come when able to find the pegs or control the race in front. In a small field, he should be able to find the lead, and from there Jason Lee can dictate terms and manage the tempo.
Confidence: Medium Rated Place Price: $2.20
For all your harness form in one place go to goodform.thetrots.com.au
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