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 APG Yearling Sales Vicbred Super Series (3yo C&G Final) (G2)
1/10 Storms Collide – Cameron Hart/Emma Stewart
There hasn’t been much between stablemates Storms Collide and Captain Perfect—barrier draws have often been the deciding factor. They’re priced too far apart in the market, and Storms Collide shapes as the better value play.
Confidence: Medium Rated Place Price: $2.00
Race 2 – 2240m APG Yearling Sales Vicbred Super Series (2yo C&G Final) (G2)
2/5 Soho Trump – Chris Alford/Michael Stanley
The Stanley-trained pair control the race shape, and the map looks far more favourable for Soho Trump, who was forced to work in his heat. If he finds the top as expected, he becomes the one they all need to catch.
Confidence: Medium Rated Win Price: $2.00
Race 3 – 2240m APG Yearling Sales Vicbred Super Series (2yo Trotting C&G Final) (G1)
3/11 Howdy Mate – James Herbertson/Jess Tubbs
Since putting it all together, Howdy Mate has looked a young trotter firmly on the rise. With his key dangers off the second row, it becomes a race of tactics, but James Herbertson tends to get these right.
Confidence: High Rated Place Price: $1.40
Race 4 – 2240m APG Yearling Sales Vicbred Super Series (3yo Trotting C&G Final) (G1)
4/11 Commodus – Chris Alford/Jayne Davies
The opening 600m is crucial between the two major chances – Commodus and Mecarno. Ezra Kai will roll forward, and from there Chris Alford can overtake and control the race from the front, just as he did in the heat. Hard to beat if he finds the pegs.
Confidence: Medium Rated Win Price: $2.20
Race 5 – 2240m APG Yearling Sales Vicbred Super Series (2yo Fillies Final) (G2)
5/3 Pre Eminant – Ryan Sanderson/Emma Stewart
The draw has fallen perfectly for Pre Eminant, who looks almost certain to roll forward and secure a soft lead. Her main rivals start on the second row and will need things to pan out. Her form is excellent and this is a confident play.
Confidence: High Rated Win Price: $1.50
Race 6 – 2240m APG Yearling Sales Vicbred Super Series (3yo Fillies Final) (G2)
6/3 Soho Americano – Luke McCarthy/Michael Stanley
Soho Americano and Beach Diamond have traded blows all season and the filly with the better draw has generally prevailed. This time the advantage sits with Soho Americano, who can claim a third Group 1.
Confidence: High Rated Win Price: $1.40
Race 7 – 2240m APG – A Horse For Everyone Vicbred Super Series (4yo Trotting Mares Final) (G1)
7/11 Keayang Zahara – Jason Lee/Marg & Paddy Lee
What more can you say? 18 wins from 19 starts. Nine-time Group 1 winner. A trotting mare who routinely runs times comparable to top-class pacers. She simply wins and her growing legend continues.
Confidence: High Rated Win Price: $1.05
Race 8 – 2240m APG Yearling Sales Vicbred Super Series (3yo Trotting Fillies Final) (G1)
8/8 Keayang Kurki – Jason Lee/Antti Ruokenen
Keayang Kurki was beaten as an odds-on favourite last week despite leading, but her body of work warrants another chance. She’s a better filly when driven cold, and this shapes as a winnable Group 1 with even luck.
Confidence: Low Rated Place Price: $1.70
Race 9 – 2240m APG – A Horse For Everyone Vicbred Super Series (4yo Trotting E&G Final) (G1)
9/2 Hilltop Hugh – Chris Alford/Chris Lang & Sonia Mahar
Hilltop Hugh is lightly raced but very talented, winning four of six. His best work has been when finding the pegs, which looks the likely scenario here. From there he can control the race or take a perfect sit.
Confidence: Low Rated Win Price: $2.70
Race 10 – 2240m APG Yearling Sales Vicbred Super Series (2yo Trotting Fillies Final) (G1)
10/10 Gladiatrix – Lleyton Green/Dean & Kerry McDowell
Gladiatrix has built a near-perfect record, with her only blemish coming when galloping at the start three runs back. Her heat win was strong, and a similar performance puts her right in the finish.
Confidence: Medium Rated Win Price: $2.70
For all your harness form in one place go to goodform.thetrots.com.au
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