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 Casey Classic (L)
1/2 Fairplay – Mark Pitt/Emma Stewart
A very strong edition of the Casey Classic, a race that always attracts quality and was won by Leap To Fame last year. Emma Stewart has four runners and is sure to be a force, but with high speed anticipated early from several runners, the map after 600m will be key. Who crosses to the pegs, and do they hold or hand over? Fairplay at least maps with options, and although he’s up in class, he’s progressing well to this level and running good time. I’m leaning his way courtesy of the draw.
Confidence: Medium | Rated Win Price: $2.50
Race 2 – 1720m – Ranvet Pace
2/2 Pistol Pearce – Kate Gath/Andy Gath
Pistol Pearce has been racing in great heart. He was game in leading and running well in a stronger race than this two starts back, then found the line strongly after facing a task from the back row last time. This race presents as an easier option than those past two, particularly over the short trip, and with the speed to lead from the inside draw, he will take plenty of catching at the top end.
Confidence: High | Rated Win Price: $2.50
Race 3 – 1720m – Benstud Standardbred Pace
3/8 Cardigan Dan – Mark Pitt/Emma Stewart
Cardigan Dan attempted to lead all the way in a heat of the Derby, and although they went quickly early, he dropped out badly with no abnormalities reported. On that performance, you couldn’t take the likely price on offer. However, even if he’s not completely at his best, he has a bit on these. He’ll need to overcome a tricky draw over the short trip, but this stable often gets it right, so he’s worth taking on trust.
Confidence: Medium | Rated Win Price: $1.90
Race 4 – 1720m – Hip Pocket Castlemaine Trot
4/4 Kennys Son – John Caldow/Brent Lilley
Kennys Son has proven his versatility with his off-the-pace victory last start but is even better when he’s able to find the top. Those drawn to his inside can show speed but would be vulnerable if they didn’t take cover, so the map looks positive. It’s a low confidence race.
Confidence: Low | Rated Place Price: $2.70
Race 5 – 2760m – Logical Staffing Solutions Australasian Trotting Championship (G3)
5/6 Im Bobby – Tasmyn Potter/Eddie Tappe
A high-quality edition of this race, with standing-start manners all-important, and several of the key chances possessing them. The first 400m will be crucial in determining where they settle over the longer trip. Im Bobby has become reliable away from the tapes as he’s matured, often overcoming big handicaps, and I like the way he’s found the line in his past couple against top company. With added fitness, if he happens to find the top, he’ll take plenty of catching.
Confidence: Medium | Rated Win Price: $4.50
Race 6 – 2240m – Mimosa Homes Pace
6/12 Dynamitedan – Mark Pitt/Emma Stewart
Dynamitedan backs up here following his terrific Derby win, and although his starting price suggests it was a shock, his prior form and ability stack up against that performance. He has a wide back-row draw to contend with here, and this race has some depth, but if he gets the right helmet over the final lap, expect him to let down with a strong finish.
Confidence: Medium | Rated Win Price: $2.00
Race 7 – 2240m – IRT Pace
7/2 Brooklyn Dan – Mark Pitt/Emma Stewart
It’s hard not to be drawn to Seathestars and Brooklyn Dan based on their best form against their own age group and positive draws to race forward. The question is, will Seathestars hand over to the speedy Brooklyn Dan over this trip? Perhaps not, but Brooklyn Dan’s versatility gives him an edge, with likely cover coming even if he doesn’t land the top spot.
Confidence: Medium | Rated Win Price: $1.80
Race 8 – 1720m – Renown Silverware Sapling Stakes (2yo Colts & Geldings)
8/2 Catch The Captain – Kate Gath/Andy Gath
Catch The Captain returns to the front row after working around from the back to find the top, only to be nabbed late last time. He led comfortably when beating the older horses from an inside draw on debut. He does strike a 2yo field with depth here, so we’ll see what he’s made of, but the map and fitness edge make him the one to beat.
Confidence: Medium | Rated Win Price: $3.20
Race 9 – 1720m – Hygain Sapling Stakes (2yo Fillies)
9/2 Twigstar – Ewa Justice/Scott Ewen
Twigstar has been terrific in her three career starts, winning all of them, but now faces a different challenge taking on two Emma Stewart horses – a stable that wins these races more often than not. The pole marker showed gate speed in a recent Terang trial, which puts some doubt on the map for Twigstar. Regardless, she’s shown the ability to let down and run time, and she may still have a bit on them.
Confidence: Medium | Rated Win Price: $1.40
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