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 Pace
1/3 Timbimboo – Kate Gath/Andy Gath
Timbimboo put in his best run in three starts for new trainer Andy Gath last time, doing it at both ends and running strong time. The runner-up has since franked the form, and if the expected lead eventuates, he will take plenty of running down.
Confidence: High Rated Win Price: $1.90
Race 2 – 1720m Yabby Dam Farms Great Southern Star (Ht. 1) Trot
2/10 Jilliby Ballerini – Glen Craven/Marg & Paddy Lee
The champ Keayang Zahara will likely win the race, so the question becomes how to make money out of it. Exotics and the place are the way to play, and despite the horror draw due to being ODM, Jilliby Ballerini is the next best horse in the series and the logical option.
Confidence: Medium Rated Place Price: $1.50
Race 3 – 1720m Yabby Dam Farms Great Southern Star (Ht. 2) Trot
3/2 Arcee Pheonix – Chris Svanosio/Chris Svanosio
Arcee Phoenix may have his doubters given he hasn’t won since his July Inter Dominion, but he’s had excuses and has still been very strong sectionally in defeat. He has the right draw to bounce back here and is a two-time Group 1 winner over the sprint distance.
Confidence: Medium Rated Win Price: $2.30
Race 4 – 1720m Hip Pocket Workwear Castlemaine 4yo Bonanza (G3)
4/9 My Ultimate Barney – Kate Gath/Andy Gath
My Ultimate Barney has been excellent since joining the Gath camp, and his honesty deserves to be rewarded with a Group feature. He was brave last time working hard in quick time, and the trailing draw gives him better options to work into the race more economically.
Confidence: High Rated Place Price: $1.30
Race 5 – 1720m VHRC Caduceus 3yo Classic (LR)
5/5 Fugitive – Luke McCarthy/Mick Stanley
Fugitive is a well-credentialled ex-Kiwi who’s had one run for the new stable, winning at Menangle in a sound performance after working mid-race. He has good gate speed and faces a step up here, but if he brings his best, he is the one to beat.
Confidence: Low Rated Win Price: $2.20
Race 6 – 2760m Sportsbet A G Hunter Cup (G1)
6/2 Swayzee – Cameron Hart/Jason Grimson
An incredible edition of the A.G. Hunter Cup, with barrier draws ensuring all the big names are genuine winning chances. Swayzee is the defending champion and appears to have the perfect setup to find the lead. His younger brother Leap To Fame has not been able to beat him when he’s been able to find the top. He may also have more freshness than Leap To Fame and Kingman, which could prove decisive late.
Confidence: Medium Rated Win Price: $3.00
Race 7 – 2760m Benstud Standardbreds Queen Of The Pacific (G1)
7/7 Captains Mistress – Cameron Hart/Jason Grimson
A high-quality mares feature, but it’s hard to go past Captains Mistress on what she has produced under Jason Grimson. She’s undefeated since joining the stable, and her Cranbourne win in track-record time was good enough to beat elite free-for-all company. The distance brings others closer, but she’s simply flying.
Confidence: High Rated Win Price: $1.40
Race 9 – 1200m Hyland Racing Colours Mercury80 (LR)
9/8 Hi Manameisjeff – Cameron Hart/Jason Grimson
A hot-lap dash packed with speed. Hi Manameisjeff is the best credentialled horse in the race, regularly competing against Grand Circuit stars. He beat Don Hugo last week in outstanding time, and a repeat performance will see him winning again.
Confidence: High Rated Win Price: $1.10
Race 10 – 2240m Garrards Horse & Hound Pure Steel
9/2 Mach Dan – Mark Pitt/Emma Stewart
It’s been a while between wins for Mach Dan, but he’s still racing well, evidenced last week when sitting parked in track-record time and sticking on strongly for third. The draw allows him to press forward and be driven aggressively, and when he leads his strike rate improves markedly.
Confidence: Low Rated Win Price: $3.80
For all your harness form in one place go to goodform.thetrots.com.au
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