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 Mimosa Homes FFA
1/4 Bulletproof Boy – James Herbertson/Scott Ewen
We’re all here to see Leap To Fame attempt to bounce back — he’s never been beaten three times in a row across his 72-start career — but where’s the value? Bulletproof Boy may not cause another upset, but he can cross early and land on Larry’s back, making him a solid play for the exacta.
Confidence: Medium Rated Place Price: $2.20
Race 2 – 1720m Nevele R Stud Pace
2/9 Ima Terminator – John Caldow/Maree Caldow
Ima Terminator has been terrific in three runs since joining the Maree Caldow stable, including a brave third last time when parked throughout. He maps perfectly with a trailing draw and looks well-placed to finish over the top of this moderate field.
Confidence: High Rated Win Price: $2.10
Race 3 – 2240m Yabby Dam Farms Trot
3/9 Valtino – James Herbertson/Blake Fitzpatrick
Valtino gets every chance to bounce back in Victoria from the ideal trailing draw over a suitable trip. Expect a genuine tempo to suit, and if he reproduces his last-start sectionals, he’ll take plenty of beating.
Confidence: High Rated Win Price: $2.10
Race 4 – 2240m Benstud Standardbreds Mares Pace
4/5 Uniquely Ideal – Mark Pitt/Emma Stewart
Uniquely Ideal returns in a perfect assignment against her own sex. Her recent trial was electric, showing the speed and polish that suggest she’s ready to storm through the grades to stakes class very soon.
Confidence: High Rated Win Price: $1.20
Race 5 – 1720m Aldebaran Park Trot
5/7 Mister Blindside – James Herbertson/Geoff Webster
Mister Blindside has always hinted at top-end ability but has been his own worst enemy. His first-up win was strong — leading all the way with maturity and manners. He’s short enough in the market, I want to see that again before I’d be willing to take the prohibitive odds however.
Confidence: Medium Rated Win Price: $1.60
Race 6 – 2240m Logical Staffing Solutions Tatlow Stakes (2yo Fillies)
6/2 Pre Eminant – Ryan Sanderson/Emma Stewart
Pre Eminant has clearly flourished since joining the Emma Stewart barn. She was tough and classy winning last start and looks even sharper now. Expect her to push forward, take control, and prove difficult to catch.
Confidence: High Rated Win Price: $1.50
Race 7 – 1720m Garrards Horse & Hound Pace
7/6 Emily Vincent – James Herbertson/Adam Stephens
This shapes as one of the night’s trickiest races with several winning hopes. Emily Vincent rates the best value of the key chances and, with James Herbertson aboard, gets the nod in an open contest.
Confidence: Low Rated Place Price: $1.80
Race 8 – 2240m Beraldo Coffee Pace
8/2 Calexico – Damian Wilson/Laura Wilson
Calexico comes through the Derby heats, where he ran a bold race behind My Ultimate Barney. The set-up looks kinder here for a return to winning ways, though he’s come up under the odds — back him if the price drifts to value.
Confidence: Low Rated Win Price: $2.80
Race 9 – 2240m Dynamic Print Group Pace
9/7 Heza Punk Rocker – Mark Pitt/Emma Stewart
Heza Punk Rocker is unlucky not to be chasing three straight after two huge runs in top Sydney company, including a tough effort last time in blistering time. Expect Mark Pitt to roll forward early and drive him like the best horse — because he is.
Confidence: High Rated Win Price: $1.60
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
