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 City Of Melton FFA
1/7 Hes From Heaven – James Herbertson/Jess Tubbs
Hes From Heaven has the advantage of a front-row draw and, despite being wide, can push forward and potentially take control early. He’s rock-hard fit, has an elite reinsman in James Herbertson, and looks very hard to run down if he finds the top.
Confidence: Medium Rated Win Price: $2.60
Race 2 – 1720m IRT Shakamaker 2yo Classic
2/8 Bettorleftalone – Cameron Hart/Jason Grimson
Bettorleftalone looked terrific winning on debut at Bathurst in fast time. The well-bred youngster has since been freshened and trialled smartly. From an awkward draw, he’ll rely on a solid tempo, but if the gaps appear, expect him to flash home late.
Confidence: Medium Rated Place Price: $2.00
Race 3 – 2760m Prydes Easifeed Victoria Oaks Final (G1)
3/9 Soho Americano – Luke McCarthy/Mick Stanley
Soho Americano is the class filly of the field, already a Group 1 winner and was superb in defeat last week after a tough run. Tonight, she maps perfectly to trail, and with Luke McCarthy in the cart, she’s the one they’ll all have to beat.
Confidence: High Rated Win Price: $2.20
Race 4 – 1720m Aldebaran Park Bill Collins Trotters Sprint (G1)
4/4 Keayang Zahara – Jason Lee/Marg & Paddy Lee
Keayang Zahara continues to amaze – chasing her 17th win from 18 starts and an incredible eighth Group 1. She was breathtaking last week coming from the tail to win effortlessly. The stablemate Jilliby Ballerini will make her earn it, but class should prevail.
Confidence: High Rated Win Price: $1.20
Race 5 – 2760m Woodlands Stud Victoria Derby Final (G1)
5/4 Hesitate – Luke McCarthy/Luke McCarthy
Hesitate comes up generous odds for a horse that’s been ultra-consistent at this level. This Derby is deep, but his favourable draw ensures he’ll be in front of several key rivals, giving him every chance to feature on the podium.
Confidence: Low Rated Place Price: $2.00
Race 6 – 2240m Sportsbet Victoria Cup (G1)
6/8 Leap To Fame – Grant Dixon/Grant Dixon
Leap To Fame is one of the greatest pacers Australasia has ever seen and chases his elusive Victoria Cup. He was beaten from this draw last year, but the race maps kinder tonight. Expect “Larry” to deliver a gigantic performance as he so often does.
Confidence: Medium Rated Win Price: $1.70
Race 7 – 2240m Renown Silverware Victoria Trotters Oaks (G1)
7/3 Tracy The Jet – James Herbertson/Jess Tubbs
Tracy The Jet is an emerging star with seven wins from her past eight starts, including her maiden Group 1 last outing. While Gatesys Gem has the map advantage, Tracy’s turn of foot in the final quarter can see her storm over the top again.
Confidence: High Rated Win Price: $1.30
Race 8 – 1720m Hertz Melton Ladyship Cup (G3)
8/7 Kiss – Ryan Sanderson/Emma Stewart
Kiss was superb first-up, winning against the boys from a tricky draw. She meets her own sex tonight, and although the barrier again isn’t ideal, her class and strong finishing power make her a major player if the speed is genuine.
Confidence: Medium Rated Win Price: $1.90
Race 9 – 1720m Australian Pacing Gold Pace
9/3 Miki Cohen – Cameron Hart/Jason Grimson
Miki Cohen arrives from Sydney in top form, with three wins and a Listed placing from his past four starts. He led from this draw over the Menangle mile last time and fought strongly to score. Expect him to roll forward again and prove tough to catch.
Confidence: Medium Rated Win Price: $1.90
For all your harness form in one place go to goodform.thetrots.com.au
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