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 Logical Staffing Solutions Pace
1/6 Smoken Ace – Connor Clarke/Kyle Marshall
Smoken Ace is a fast beginner who’s been racing in strong company and holding his own. He was brave when working early before gaining cover and finishing second to the classy Fighter Command. Last week, he was again solid, running fourth behind The Narcissist in fast time.
Confidence: Medium Rated Place Price: $1.35
Race 2 – 2240m Nevele R Stud Pace
2/11 Jilliby Illuminate – James Herbertson/Marg & Paddy Lee
Jilliby Illuminate steps out third-up with added fitness following a strong win at Terang. She’s still lightly raced but has mixed it with elite company in past campaigns. Despite the depth in this field, she looks the class runner.
Confidence: Medium Rated Place Price: $1.50
Race 3 – 2240m APG Trot
3/10 Illawong Larajay – James Herbertson/Jess Tubbs
Illawong Larajay remains winless this season from 13 attempts but has been contesting tough races. She now drops in grade and comes off a solid third last week in a quality field. Top driver James Herbertson aboard only adds confidence.
Confidence: Medium Rated Place Price: $1.50
Race 4 – 1720m Mimosa Homes Pace
4/6 Chasing Rex – James Herbertson/Jess Tubbs
Chasing Rex continues his consistent season, most recently winning well over Odin. He maps to sit close again and has the fitness to test a smart type like Calexico from the back row.
Confidence: Low Rated Place Price: $1.65
Race 5 – 1720m Hip Pocket Castlemaine Pace
5/11 Royal Division – Lochie Cook/Marg & Paddy Lee
Royal Division produced an outstanding run last week, launching from last at the 600m to score in a slick 1:53.1. The wide draw over the short trip is a query, but he’s airborne and worth including in any multis.
Confidence: Medium Rated Place Price: $1.80
Race 6 – 1720m Hertz Melton Trot
6/2 Aardies Peak – James Herbertson/John Justice
Talented but tricky, Aardies Peak has plenty of ability when she puts it all together. She was brave last time behind the in-form Susan Is Her Name and gets every chance here with Herbertson back on board.
Confidence: Low Rated Place Price: $1.75
Race 7 – 1720m Benstud Standardbreds Pace
7/12 Blackindeed – James Herbertson/Craig Demmler
This is a modest race on exposed form, and Blackindeed appeals as a mare with upside under Craig Demmler. She’s already a winner here in good time and, while tempo-dependent, has more talent than most of these.
Confidence: Low Rated Place Price: $1.80
Race 8 – 2240m Prydes Easifeed 3yo NMW Trot
8/6 Im Eddie – Kerryn Manning/Peter Manning
Im Eddie lines up for his third start and has shown encouraging signs, including a solid third at Geelong in what profiles as a strong form race. He’s quick early, seems tractable, and gets Kerryn Manning - a few important boxes ticked.
Confidence: Medium Rated Place Price: $1.70
Race 9 – 2240m Aldebaran Park Trotters Free For All
9/6 Harry Stamper – Anthony Butt/Joe Pace
I don’t see a scenario where Harry Stamper won’t find the lead here at some stage and there doesn’t appear to be any pressure either. He defeated most of these horses last time and was game in a strong Sydney race last week. My best of the night.
Confidence: High Rated Place Price: $1.50
Race 10 – 2240m Dynamic Print Group Free For All
10/4 Better Eclipse – James Herbertson/Jess Tubbs
Yambukian should find the lead early, but the first 200m will be crucial. If he hands up to Better Eclipse over the trip, it opens the race up. That scenario gives Better Eclipse serious appeal as a better value 1-2 play.
Confidence: Medium Rated Place Price: $1.50
For all your harness form in one place go to goodform.thetrots.com.au
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