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 Pace
1/5 Some American – Ryan Sanderson/Emma Stewart
Some American has no doubt stung punters at his past two starts, but I’m confident he bounces back tonight. I thought he was brave last week when working hard and now he’s fitter, finally draws well, and has the speed to glide across and lead. If that all unfolds, he’s the one to run down.
Confidence: High Rated Win Price: $2.50
Race 2 – 2240m Mimosa Homes FFA
2/2 Keayang Tokyo – Jason Lee/Marg & Paddy Lee
Keayang Tokyo is fitter now for two runs back from a break, including a luckless second last time from a tricky draw. He maps much better tonight, is suited out to the longer trip, and has form around topline horses. He should measure right up in this class.
Confidence: High Rated Place Price: $1.80
Race 3 – 2240m Lifestyle Communities Woodlea Trot
3/3 Kyvalley Maven – Chris Svanosio/Chris Svanosio
Kyvalley Maven draws to advantage in what looks a race in two between him and Lady Vici, who was terrific last start but now draws awkwardly. If Kyvalley Maven races cleanly and settles in a strong position, he’ll be the one to catch.
Confidence: Medium Rated Win Price: $2.30
Race 4 – 1720m APG Trot
4/2 Mega Spur – Anthony Butt/Shane Hoban
Mega Spur finds herself in a tough race but shapes as a map horse with her customary gate speed. She looks to cross early and control the race, which gives her a real chance over the sprint trip. It’ll take a PB to win against this line-up, but she’ll give a sight.
Confidence: Low Rated Place Price: $2.50
Race 5 – 1720m Lionheart Security Pace
5/1 Always Be Blakey – James Herbertson/Kelly Stuart - Mitchell
Always Be Blakey has been battling poor barriers this prep but finally comes up with the pole, has the speed to use it, and gets the in-form Herbertson. With his main danger Apollostorm likely to face work at some stage, Always Be Blakey gets the advantage.
Confidence: Medium Rated Place Price: $2.10
Race 6 – 1720m Hip Pocket Castlemaine Pace
6/10 Cigano – Ryan Sanderson/Emma Stewart
Cigano is a high-class 3YO resuming off a month break following a terrific first-up win over quality opposition. He does rise in grade now against older horses which adds some caution, but he has the ability to run serious time, and class should carry him a long way.
Confidence: Low Rated Win Price: $1.90
Race 7 – 1720m Hygain Victory Pace
7/3 Grayson Red – Amy Day/Amy Day
Stormryder has come up short in early markets despite needing to lift on recent efforts. I can’t take him at the quote. Grayson Red is flying and only needs even luck from the draw to be storming home again.
Confidence: Medium Rated Place Price: $2.40
Race 8 – 2240m Aldebaran Park Mares Trotters Free For All
8/7 Violet Stanford – Nathan Jack/Russell Jack
This is a top-quality mares trot, but my market doesn’t separate Jilliby Ballerini and Violet Stanford as much as the early prices suggest. Violet Stanford was excellent fresh and is fitter now. She beat Jilliby Ballerini last prep. I’d much prefer the place odds for Violet Stanford over the win odds for the favourite.
Confidence: High Rated Place Price: $1.60
Race 9 – 1720m Benstud Standardbreds Pace
9/7 The Highlight Reel – Ryan Sanderson/Emma Stewart
The Highlight Reel resumes off one fair trial and tackles older horses, but he’s a high-quality 3YO building towards a potential Eureka tilt. If he’s serious about that target, he should be leading and winning this. The odds are short, but he’s the class.
Confidence: Low Rated Win Price: $1.50
For all your harness form in one place go to goodform.thetrots.com.au
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