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 – 2760m Prydes Victoria Oaks (1st Heat)
5/5 Soho Americano – Luke McCarthy/Michael Stanley
Soho Americano comes here second-up after resuming in open mares grade where she ran brilliantly. That followed her superb Queensland Oaks victory against a hot field in fast time. She’ll have to settle and prove the stronger over the longer journey in what shapes as a tactical two-horse affair — but her class should prevail.
Confidence: High Rated Win Price: $2.00
Race 2 – 1720m Vic Cup Free Entry Trot
2/7 Imperial Command – Kate Gath/Andy Gath
Imperial Command drops back to a suitable grade after competing well in stronger company. A fast beginner who excels from wider draws, he can push forward, find the top, and prove too slick over the short trip. His main dangers don’t map as favourably.
Confidence: High Rated Win Price: $2.50
Race 3 – 2760m Woodlands Stud Victoria Derby (1st Heat)
3/2 My Ultimate Barney – Kate Gath/Andy Gath
My Ultimate Barney has been hardened by racing against older horses this prep and his two most recent runs have been blistering. From a favourable draw he can press forward and control the race, giving Kate Gath plenty of options. Hot field, but he’s the one they must beat.
Confidence: Medium Rated Win Price: $3.70
Race 4 – 2760m Woodlands Stud Victoria Derby (2nd Heat)
4/8 Storms Collide – Ryan Sanderson/Emma Stewart
Storms Collide has been flying of late, and his fortunes have improved dramatically with the scratching of the pole horse. He now looks set to land the leaders back, which is an ideal scenario. His run last week was enormous in defeat, and provided that effort hasn’t taken the edge off him, he can be strong late and right in the finish.
Confidence: Medium Rated Win Price: $2.80
Race 5 – 2760m Woodlands Stud Victoria Derby (3rd Heat)
5/2 Sao Paulo Simba – Michael Stanley/Michael Stanley
Sao Paulo Simba arrives off two career-best performances at Menangle, running slick time and showing real tenacity. This is a different test stepping to 2760m and meeting strong opposition, but his raw talent demands respect.
Confidence: Medium Rated Win Price: $2.80
Race 6 – 1720m Hyland Harness Colours Smoken Up Sprint
6/6 Leap To Fame – Grant Dixon/Grant Dixon
Simply, Leap To Fame is a champion and should win. It’s difficult to find betting value given questions around the fitness and consistency of the opposition, but class generally tells — and his does.
Confidence: High Rated Win Price: $1.04
Race 7 – 2240m Logical Staffing Solutions VL Dullard Trotters Cup (G3)
7/4 Arcee Phoenix – Chris Svanosio/Chris Svanosio
Arcee Phoenix has had two runs back from a spell under unsuitable conditions, but his class is undeniable — a proven performer in elite company including the TAB Trot in NZ and the Inter Dominion. The map and fitness edge make him the one to beat over emerging rival Keayang Zahara.
Confidence: Medium Rated Win Price: $2.10
Race 8 – 2240m Lamaros Hotel Trot
8/3 Pinnie – Kate Gath/Andy Gath
Pinnie has had two strong runs back in high-grade company and has shown plenty of heart in both. With fitness now on her side and a more favourable draw, she has the early speed and stamina to take control.
Confidence: Medium Rated Win Price: $2.80
Race 9 – 2240m Beraldo Coffee Pace
9/8 Petracca – Ryan Sanderson/Emma Stewart
Petracca resumes after a lengthy spell but has always shown elite talent. His recent trial effort behind two high-quality stablemates was encouraging. With fitness queries surrounding several key rivals, the playing field is level — at the right price, he’s the bet.
Confidence: Medium Rated Win Price: $1.70
Race 10 – 2760m Prydes Victoria Oaks (2nd Heat)
10/4 The Bride – Alex Ashwood/Alex Ashwood
The Bride brings solid Tasmanian form and looked much improved in her Shepparton trial under Alex Ashwood’s care. With Let Her Roll perhaps below her best last start, there’s value here in the form of The Bride at a place quote.
Confidence: Low Rated Place Price: $2.00
For all your harness form in one place go to goodform.thetrots.com.au
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