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 – 1650m J&A Mazzetti Pace
1/7 Calexico – Damian Wilson/Laura Wilson
Calexico has been flying this preparation. He has good early gate speed, will look to find the lead here, and with that advantage, plus his main rivals drawn on the back row, he will be very hard to run down.
Confidence: High Rated Place Price: $2.00
Race 2 – 1650m Nutrien Equine Bendigo Pace
2/4 Steel Ruler – Michael Bellman/Ashleigh Herbertson
Steel Ruler is a quick beginner and will look to press forward from this draw. Even if he doesn’t find the top, he can secure good cover. He’s going well of late and represents solid value.
Confidence: Medium Rated Place Price: $2.00
Race 3 – 1650m Haras Des Trotteurs Trot
3/9 Nakedtruth – Chris Alford/Alison Alford
Nakedtruth has been in good form, including last week when he did a power of work only to be run down late. He should trail through nicely here to stay within striking distance, and this opposition looks very similar to last week’s, giving him a strong chance to go one better.
Confidence: High Rated Win Price: $3.00
Race 4 – 2150m Worlds Best Hoof Oil Trot
4/3 Montana Chevelle – James Herbertson/Shane Hall
Montana Chevelle is racing in great heart and has developed a strong association with James Herbertson. She can press forward from this draw, land in the right position, and prove hard to beat.
Confidence: Medium Rated Win Price: $2.80
Race 5 – 2650m Aldebaran Park Bendigo Trotters Cup (G3)
5/11 Jilliby Ballerini – Glen Craven/Marg & Paddy Lee
Jilliby Ballerini is quickly establishing herself as one of the best trotters in the country and should make light work of her 30-metre handicap. She steps well, will catch them quickly, and looks clearly too good.
Confidence: High Rated Win Price: $1.10
Race 6 – 1609m Garrards Horse & Hound Bendigo Cup (G2)
6/8 Kingman – Luke McCarthy/Luke McCarthy
A thrilling edition of the Bendigo Cup with the mile adding plenty of intrigue. Kingman is the Victoria Cup and NZ Cup champion and is eyeing off the perfect start toward the $1 million bonus. He’ll need an elite drive to win, but Luke McCarthy thrives on the big stage.
Confidence: Medium Rated Win Price: $2.20
Race 7 – 1609m Aldebaran Park Maori Mile (G1)
7/3 Keayang Zahara – Glen Craven/Marg & Paddy Lee
Keayang Zahara has won 20 of 21 starts and is chasing her 11th Group 1. A champion and an excitement machine, she takes her first step toward the $500k bonus. She should find the front and show why she’s one of the greats.
Confidence: High Rated Win Price: $1.04
Race 8 – 1650m Bendigo Ski Boat Centre Pace
8/2 Into The Harkness – James Herbertson/Shaun McNaulty
A tricky map, but Into The Harkness has the versatility to either hold the front or take a sit. Over the short trip, he presents as the safest option in the race.
Confidence: Medium Rated Place Price: $1.80
Race 9 – 1650m Gold Central Victoria Pace
9/3 Dessie Gee – Damian Wilson/Laura Wilson
Dessie Gee has been racing in good form, and this looks his best chance to win again this season. He has good early gate speed, loves the mile, and if he finds the top here, he’ll be hard to run down.
Confidence: Medium Rated Win Price: $2.10
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
