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 Hyland Racing Colours Pace
1/1 The Steel Dragon – Jack Laugher/Ashleigh Herbertson
The Steel Dragon took on a much tougher field this week and wasn’t clear until the top of the straight in a slick last half when the race was over. He gets a soft draw again, but looks likely to be crossed, however the extra distance is in his favour. I don’t see them running a quick last half for him to be strong late.
Confidence: High Rated Win Price: $2.00
Race 2 – 1720m Logical Staffing Solutions Trot
2/5 Alrighty – Kate Gath/Andy Gath
Alrighty has been a good quality 2 and 3yo, and in three runs this season has been well up in grade, even taking on the elite in the Great Southern Star. He has very good gate speed, and first-up over this distance last season had a win over Nakedtruth who looks his main resistance for the lead. His one trial into this against the pacers should have him forward enough.
Confidence: High Rated Win Price: $2.20
Race 3 – 2240m Vicbred Voucher Pace
3/8 Keayang Sweetheart – Glen Craven/Marg & Paddy Lee
Keayang Sweetheart has been excellent this season, racing against strong company and she was rewarded with victory last time out from a good draw, but she still did it tough and was too good. She draws awkwardly here but finds much easier opposition. She can work around these and continue her winning way.
Confidence: Medium Rated Win Price: $2.80
Race 4 – 1720m Hip Pocket Castlemaine Trot
4/4 Just As I Am – Leigh Sutton/Russell Jack
Just As I Am gets back to a decent set-up here, after being forced to work hard his past couple from bad draws where he was brave. The last time he drew similarly he was taking ground off a smart one when up in grade. He can potentially bully his way to the front here with his good gate speed and prove hard to beat.
Confidence: Medium Rated Win Price: $4.00
Race 5 – 1720m Happy 40th Shannon O’Connor Pace
5/7 Its Confidential – Leigh Sutton/Russell Jack
The numerical form of Its Confidential could tend to be overlooked here, but his past three runs have been better than they appear in fast closing sectionals, only to do his best work late. I can see an early charge from those drawn to his inside, and when the dust settles, he can work into the race at the right time. His best is better than these if he can recapture it.
Confidence: Medium Rated Win Price: $4.50
Race 6 – 2240m Hygain Edge Pace
6/4 Soho Daknstormy – Kate Gath/Andy Gath
Soho Darknstormy was brave in second last time when leading out hard from the outside draw and rolling along, only to be outsprinted the last bit and go down narrowly. He drops in class, has a better draw and looks to get a much more comfortable time of it in the lead. He’s worth sticking with and this looks to be his most suitable race in a while.
Confidence: High Rated Win Price: $1.70
Race 7 – 1720m Garrards Horse & Hound Free For All Trot
7/3 Gatseys Gem – Chris Alford/Glen Hunter
Gatseys Gem resumes here off a good trial, and whilst fitness may be a query, her quality is not up for debate, having raced in Group 1 company for much of her career here and in NZ. Hoppy is low-flying ad will take plenty of beating, but the map favours for her likely finding the lead is a major factor.
Confidence: Medium Rated Win Price: $2.00
Race 8 – 1720m Aldebaran Park 2yo Trot
8/3 Remembrance Time – Kate Gath/Andy Gath
Remembrance Time was a brilliant winner on debut and was well supported to back that up at Cranbourne before breaking mid-race and losing all hope. That seemed uncharacteristic based on what she did on debut and prior at the trials. Her raw ability is good enough; she just needs to bring her manners.
Confidence: Medium Rated Win Price: $1.50
For all your harness form in one place go to goodform.thetrots.com.au
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