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 Garrards Horse & Hound Pace
1/5 Hoorah Philtra – James Herbertson/Ashley Herbertson
There are some strong form lines heading into this race. It’s hard to ignore Hoorah Philtra’s first-up run for the new stable here at Melton, sitting parked and winning with authority in good time. He can press forward again from the draw, and they’ll need to run serious time to beat him.
Confidence: Medium Rated Win Price: $2.40
Race 2 – 1720m IRT Pace
2/10 Meteor Moth – Mark Pitt/Emma Stewart
Meteor Moth has been terrific this preparation and whenever he hasn’t finished in the quinella, he’s generally had genuine excuses. Despite running second at his past two starts, his figures have been excellent. The draw and distance make things tricky, but his class carries him a long way.
Confidence: Low Rated Win Price: $2.50
Race 3 – 1720m Mimosa Homes Pace
3/10 Keayang Wasabi – Jason Lee/Marg & Paddy Lee
Keayang Wasabi hasn’t won at Melton for more than two years, but there’s a strong case he’s been unlucky not to break that drought this campaign. He’s endured poor draws and awkward race setups while still producing excellent sectionals. There looks enough speed engaged early for him to work into the race at the right time.
Confidence: Low Rated Win Price: $2.80
Race 4 – 2240m Aldebaran Park Free For All Trot
4/4 Lovemeto – Kerryn Manning/Chris Svanosio
The obvious starting point is star trotter Im Bobby resuming from the pole as the likely leader. However, he hasn’t trialled and is generally known to improve with a run. Lovemeto has been flying this preparation, improving with every outing against elite trotters. His fitness edge could prove decisive.
Confidence: Medium Rated Win Price: $2.60
Race 5 – 1720m Renown Silverware Pace
5/1 Lambro Mach – Kate Gath/Andy Gath
Mount Barker Boy will understandably be popular with punters, and his form has been dominant, but his closing sectionals haven’t been explosive given the opposition and the runs he’s enjoyed. He still may prove too good, but Lambro Mach appeals as the better value play, likely to park him or land right on his back throughout.
Confidence: High Rated Place Price: $1.20
Race 6 – 1720m Betavet Mares Pace
6/8 The Art Of Success – Mark Pitt/Emma Stewart
Drawing inside the back row over the short trip at Melton is never ideal, but The Art Of Success has shown enough class in just six career starts to overcome it. Even if she has to come wide, her times and overall profile look superior to this opposition, and she’s expected to prove too strong against her own sex.
Confidence: High Rated Win Price: $1.10
Race 7 – 2240m Hygain Edge Trot
7/3 Aldebaran Brooke – Chris Alford/Alison Alford
Aldebaran Brooke strikes the most winnable race she’s been in since she scored here five runs ago. She’s been up in grade and had poor draws and set ups to contend with, but here she can use this gate to her advantage and race forward. She is going ok and represents great value.
Confidence: Medium Rated Place Price: $2.00
Race 8 – 2240m Lamaros Hotel Trot
8/4 Muskee – Ewa Justice/John Justice
Muskee was labelled the best bet of the night last start and there’s no doubt he performed below expectations based on his first-up effort and prior trial form. However, his overall profile still suggests he’s a progressive trotter with above-average ability. Trust the stable to have him right and capable of bouncing back sharply.
Confidence: Medium Rated Win Price: $2.30
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
