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 FFA
1/12 Bulletproof Boy – James Herbertson/Scott Ewen
Bulletproof Boy may be rising 11, but he’s racing with more zest than horses half his age. He was a forgive run last start when brave working hard on a brutal tempo, and this setup is far more suitable. He’s chasing career win number 50 here, a fitting milestone as he builds toward a Group 1 Summer Of Glory campaign.
Confidence: High Rated Win Price: $1.70
Race 2 – 1720m Prydes Easifeed Mares Pace
2/13 Emily Vincent – James Herbertson/Adam Stephens
A tricky affair where many of the key chances are drawn off the back over the short trip. Emily Vincent has the fitness edge, proven metro form, and a strong record at this track and grade, which gives her the nod in an otherwise awkward race.
Confidence: Low Rated Place Price: $2.40
Race 3 – 1720m Vicbred Platinum Homegrown (3yo Trotters)
3/10 Sky Spirit – Kerryn Manning/Kerryn Manning
Sky Spirit switches stables and resumes without a public trial, which creates some queries. However, his maiden preparation showed enough ability to suggest he can be competitive here if he’s returned in reasonable order.
Confidence: Low Rated Win Price: $3.70
Race 4 – 2240m Aldebaran Park Trotters Handicap
4/12 Im Bobby – James Herbertson/Eddie Tappe
Im Bobby was excellent first-up from the same handicap over the longer trip, sticking on bravely before fitness told late. With natural improvement, any reproduction of that effort will see him right in the finish if he can get a handy postition.
Confidence: Medium Rated Win Price: $3.00
Race 5 – 1720m Vicbred Platinum Homegrown (3yo Pacers)
5/8 Beach Dancer – Ryan Sanderson/Emma Stewart
Beach Dancer was very impressive on debut, racing tough and winning comfortably in good time. This isn’t a deep metro assignment, but the tricky draw tempers confidence at the short odds on offer.
Confidence: Medium Rated Win Price: $1.50
Race 6 – 1720m APG Trot
6/5 Jilliby Dreamlover – Jason Lee/Marg & Paddy Lee
Jilliby Dreamlover comes through the Vicbred Series in great shape and now steps up against older, more seasoned opposition. She’s from an elite trotting stable and has a barrier edge over key rivals to press forward here and show what she’s capable of.
Confidence: High Rated Place Price: $2.80
Race 7 – 2240m Logical Staffing Solutions Pace
7/9 Sweetnikkilou – Aaron Dunn/Aaron Dunn
Sweetnikkilou has been terrific this campaign in top-end company, including a strong second in FFA grade last start. There looks to be plenty of speed engaged early, so she’ll need the tempo to suit, but she’s capable of charging late.
Confidence: Low Rated Place Price: $1.70
Race 8 – 2240m Gordon Rothacker Championship (1st Heat)
8/2 Browniesatmidnight – Jason Lee/Marg & Paddy Lee
Browniesatmidnight has always hinted at ability, though last campaign didn’t quite click. He looked back to his best with a dominant Horsham win, and with natural improvement he can go on with it in what looks a suitable race.
Confidence: Medium Rated Place Price: $1.40
Race 9 – 2240m Gordon Rothacker Championship (2nd Heat)
9/3 Rocknallovertheworld – Jason Lee/Marg & Paddy Lee
Rocknallovertheworld has had little go right in his past two starts from poor draws and setups. He’s been racing in stronger company than this and, with improved fitness and a kinder run, will be hard to beat at decent value.
Confidence: Medium Rated Place Price: $1.50
For all your harness form in one place go to goodform.thetrots.com.au
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