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 Hertz Melton Pace
1/7 Soho Darknstormy – Kate Gath/Andy Gath
Soho Darknstormy is a very quick beginner, who despite the wide draw can be expected to roll forward here. Even though his numerical form may not suggest it, he was good in his two runs against top company at Wagga and was a winner at this track and trip prior.
Confidence: Low Rated Place Price: $2.20
Race 2 – 1720m IRT Vicbred Voucher Mares Pace
2/9 The Art Of Success – Mark Pitt/Emma Stewart
Expect a battle between The Art Of Success and Keayang Sweetheart here based on their current form, and their meeting at Terang where they beat the rest by a space. The draw and potential map look more favourable for The Art Of Success, so lean that way.
Confidence: Medium Rated Win Price: $1.70
Race 3 – 2240m Dynamic Print Group Pace
3/6 Brooklyn Dan – Mark Pitt/Emma Stewart
Brooklyn Dan returns after winning a G2 feature in NSW, speaking to his quality and his development in his 3yo season where he’s strung together winning form and running quick times. He’s drawn outside a couple of handy ones, so he may have to earn it, and would be price dependent.
Confidence: Medium Rated Win Price: $1.50
Race 4 – 1720m Greg Sugars Always In Our Hearts Trot
4/6 Our Marvella – Josh Duggan/Brent Lilley
Our Marvella finds herself in the most suitable race she’s been in under these conditions for a while and draws favourably to show her gate speed. She’s worth forgiving for last time as she fired up with a false start. She can atone here at decent value.
Confidence: Medium Rated Place Price: $1.90
Race 5 – 2240m Aldebaran Park Sumthingaboutmaori Trot (G1)
5/1 Jilliby Ballerini – Jason Lee/Marg & Paddy Lee
Jilliby Ballerini, the “bridesmaid” to the greatest trotter in Australasia, Keayang Zahara, by all measures should win without having to chase her around. However, there’s still an incredibly talented bunch chasing her this time. She’s all class and she can bully her way to the top here and get her first Group One.
Confidence: High Rated Win Price: $1.20
Race 6 – 1720m Hip Pocket Castlemaine Pace
7/9 Our Luciano – Alex Ashwood/Keith Cotchin
Our Luciano was brave first up last week, doing plenty of work to find the front and sticking on gamely in a race which came up much stronger than he opposes here. He trails through behind a speedy beginner, so despite the short trip he shouldn’t be too far off them to strike late.
Confidence: Medium Rated Place Price: $1.70
Race 7 – 2240m Hygain Edge Pace
7/3 The Steel Dragon – James Herbertson/Ashley Herbertson
The Steel Dragon has had no luck whatsoever with barrier draws and set-ups, and now finally gets conditions to showcase his best. That was the case last time he won at Hamilton where he beat a good field with a blistering show of speed. Whether he finds the front or takes cover, this looks the right race.
Confidence: High Rated Win Price: $3.50
Race 8 – 2240m Benstud Standardbreds Pace
8/1 Im Downbythebeach – Jack Laugher/Julie Douglas
Im Downbythebeach finds himself in a metro assessed race at just his fourth start, which for a 3yo is quite the task. However, his ability has got him here, evidenced by a great showing last week narrowly going down in quick time. He can lead here and present as the one to beat.
Confidence: Medium Rated Win Price: $2.50
For all your harness form in one place go to goodform.thetrots.com.au
Chances are you’re about to lose. For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
