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 – 1720m City Of Melton Free For All
1/5 Bay Of Biscay – Cameron Hart/Emma Stewart
Bay Of Biscay resumes as one of Australia’s top 4YOs, underlined by his dominant win in the Chariots Of Fire. He’s tuned up with a sharp trial and draws to push forward, likely finding the front from stablemate Miki To Success. Hard to beat over the short trip.
Confidence: Medium Rated Win Price: $1.90
Race 2 – 1720m Mimosa Homes Pace
2/11 Kingman – Cameron Hart/Emma Stewart
Some American will lead and deserves favouritism, but first-up pressure from Meteor Moth could force a genuine tempo and open it up late. Kingman is a smart fresh horse and a knockout chance swooping home. A better place bet than backing the fave outright for mine.
Confidence: High Rated Place Price: $1.30
Race 3 – 2240m Waste Sense Mares Pace
3/6 Jazzy Melea – Aaron Dunn/Aaron Dunn
Let Her Roll is all class, but Jazzy Melea is great value to fill a hole. She’s tough, in form, and proven at this track and trip. Can roll forward and be right in the mix.
Confidence: Low Rated Place Price: $2.50
Race 4 – 2240m Nutrien Equine Pace
4/5 Silver Pistol – Mark Pitt/Emma Stewart
Of all the shorties tonight, Silver Pistol looks the safest. He’ll lead comfortably and cop no mid-race pressure. Stronger and more seasoned after a Derby prep – looks a standout multi anchor.
Confidence: High Rated Place Price: $1.20
Race 5 – 1720m Benstud Standardbreds Pace
5/3 Dance Affair – James Herbertson/Phillip Chircop
Storms Collide is smart, but Dance Affair draws to test him. He’s been racing in strong company and now returns as a seasoned 4YO. With Herbertson aboard, he’s a genuine upset chance and a confident place play.
Confidence: Medium/High Rated Win Price: $5.00 Rated Place Price: $1.10
Race 6 – 1720m Haras Des Trotteurs Trot
6/1 Ebonys Avenger – Jordan Leedham/Chris Angove
This looks the trickiest race of the night. The Svanosio pair are classy but under the odds. Ebonys Avenger improves with a soft draw, class drop and Leedham back on. Overs in an open affair.
Confidence: Low Rated Place Price: $1.80
Race 7 – 2240m APG Trot
7/3 Kyvalley Michael – Chris Alford/Brent Lilley
Kyvalley Michael’s form card doesn’t jump off the page, but he’s had a string of poor draws. He now gets a soft trip, fitness edge and potentially an assertive drive from Alford. Knockout hope if he brings manners.
Confidence: Low Rated Place Price: $2.50
Race 8 – 1720m Hertz Melton Trotters Free For All
8/4 Im Bobby – James Herbertson/Eddie Tappe
Callmethebreeze is the class runner but resumes off a long break and hasn't stamped his trials. Im Bobby could roll forward and lob behind the leader, especially if Aldebaran Vera is slow away. Can run a cheeky race at odds.
Confidence: Low Rated Place Price: $2.50
Race 9 – 1720m Hygain Victory 2yo Trot
9/2 Keayang Bazalenka – Jason Lee/Marg & Paddy Lee
Keayang Bazalenka won impressively on debut displaying some X-factor in how he went about his business in a winnable race at Terang. That was only on Wednesday, and I love this astute stable has the confidence in his constitution for the quick back up. I’m hoping he may be an exciting addition to the juvenile trotting ranks.
Confidence: High Rated Win Price: $1.25
Race 10 – 1720m Logical Staffing Solutions 2yo Pace
10/1 Showmethetanlines – Kate Gath/Adam Kelly
This shapes as a strong preview to the $250k Protostar in Brisbane in three weeks. Showmethetanlines has already qualified after two stylish wins, including a G3 in Sydney. Trialled well and maps to lead – hard to catch.
Confidence: Medium Rated Win Price: $2.40
For all your harness form in one place go to goodform.thetrots.com.au
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