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 Hygain FFA
1/11 Triple Eight – Kerryn Manning/Jess Tubbs
Triple Eight is as genuine as they come - a seasoned veteran with a strong winning record that improves further over the extended trip he faces tonight. A solid tempo up front looks likely, which will help offset the tricky draw and allow him to run on late.
Confidence: Medium Rated Place Price: $2.00
Race 2 – 2240m Highland Racing Colours Pace
2/7 Keayang Taco – Jason Lee/Marg & Paddy Lee
Keayang Taco doesn’t get much assistance from the draw, and the map makes life tough for Jason Lee. That said, the horse is flying of late and is developing nicely as a sit-sprint type. The trip suits, but he’ll need luck.
Confidence: Low Rated Place Price: $2.00
Race 3 – 1720m Dynamic Group Pace
3/8 My Uncle Stan – Jodi Quinlan/Rick Cashman
My Uncle Stan is always honest in strong company and now finds a winnable assignment - but from an awkward draw that means he’ll need breaks at the right time. One for the multis if the price is right, and a win wouldn’t surprise.
Confidence: Low Rated Place Price: $2.00
Race 4 – 2240m Beraldo Coffee Pace
4/2 Bubby To Base – Jackie Barker/Tayla Nicholson
While her strike rate at Melton isn’t flattering, it’s been against top-age company and she’s rarely disgraced. She’s been airborne at the provincials this season, and if she brings that form back to town, she’s great value.
Confidence: Low Rated Win Price: $1.80
Race 5 – 2240m Aldebaran Park Trot
5/2 Maoris Mac – Josh Aiken/Josh Aiken
Maoris Mac was excellent first-up from a standout 3YO season - finding the line strongly after a tough run and traffic issues. Now fitter and with a better draw, she can overcome the rating and age gap to be right in the finish.
Confidence: Medium Rated Place Price: $1.40
Race 6 – 1720m National Guardian Solutions Pace
6/2 First Dance – Greg Sugars/Jess Tubbs
First Dance is in sparkling form this prep, including a career-best 1:53.2 mile rate win at this track last start. She’s unlikely to lead, but from a sit and with tempo expected, she’ll be charging late again.
Confidence: Low Rated Place Price: $1.60
Race 7 – 2240m Lionheart Security Pace
7/2 Our Saydie Kay – Greg Sugars/Adam Kelly
Our Saydie Kay was outstanding resuming last week - leading early, taking cover, and finishing a close second in a slick 1:52.4 mile. Drawn for a similarly economical trip, she’s well placed to strike late.
Confidence: High Rated Place Price: $1.30
Race 8 – 1720m Colina & Co.Pace
8/2 Call Me Jack – Ian McMahon/Matthew Purcell
Call Me Jack has been excellent in three runs back from a spell and now looks ideally placed with fitness and a good draw on his side. He’s not a fast beginner but will land in the running line and finish strongly.
Confidence: Medium Rated Place Price: $1.50
Race 9 – 1720m Haras Des Trotteurs 2yo Trot
9/5 Kyvalley Ray – Chris Alford/Brent Lilley
Kyvalley Ray showed brilliant potential on debut - beginning quickly, racing greenly, and still winning well at Maryborough. His trials were strong, and while he's still learning, he clearly has above-average ability.
Confidence: Medium Rated Win Price: $1.50
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