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 Ranvet Pace
1/4 Draw A Dream – Kerryn Manning/Emma Stewart
Draw A Dream blotted her copybook two starts back due to an issue, but every other run this prep has been full of merit against open company. I love the setup for her here, she can roll forward, take control, and dictate terms. With both a fitness edge and a favourable map over her key rivals, she looks a strong winning chance.
Confidence: Medium Rated Win Price: $2.20
Race 2 – 1720m National Guardian Solutions Pace
2/4 Sir Jimmy – Mark Pitt/Emma Stewart
Sir Jimmy has been a touch inconsistent this preparation, but one thing’s certain - he thrives over the sprint trip, particularly when racing on speed. He maps to find the pegs early, with the option to lead or take a trail depending on how stablemate Meteor Moth rolls forward. Either scenario puts him in the mix as the one to beat late.
Confidence: High Rated Place Price: $1.20
Race 3 – 2240m Need For Speed Noms On Harnessweb Trot
3/3 Carla Pixie – Chris Alford/Brent Lilley
Carla Pixie is second-up after a luckless first-up effort where she never saw daylight. She's reliable in her gait, has gate speed, and gets the services of Chris Alford in what shapes as one of the toughest races of the night. A definite improver with each run.
Confidence: Low Rated Place Price: $2.50
Race 4 – 2240m Encompassing Pace
4/4 My Uncle Stan – Jodi Quinlan/Rick Cashman
My Uncle Stan is racing far better than his form suggests, often hurt by poor draws and unsuited tempos, yet still finding the line well. While he hasn’t shown gate speed in some time, a positive drive from Jodi Quinlan could see him put on speed and prove hard to catch.
Confidence: Medium Rated Place Price: $1.60
Race 5 – 2240m Logical Staffing Solutions Pace
5/3 Perun – Taylor Youl/Jamie Kirk
Perun has impressed in all three runs since arriving from NZ. Possesses early speed and now comes up with his best draw yet. Whether he leads or trails the favourite, Jilliby Illuminate, he’s primed to get every chance and is a genuine winning hope.
Confidence: Medium Rated Place Price: $2.00
Race 6 – 1720m Hertz Melton Trot
6/4 El Resamo – David Barbetti/David Barbetti
El Resamo is best suited over the short trip, especially when able to lead, which is where he maps here. Faces quality opposition off the back row, but if he finds the top, he’s capable of giving them something to chase.
Confidence: Low Rated Place Price: $1.70
Race 7 – 1720m Hip Pocket Castlemaine Trotters Free For All
7/3 Watts Up Partytime – Kate Gath/Andy Gath
Watts Up Partytime is the reigning Great Southern Star winner and a proven sprint specialist shooting for three-straight. Will need a touch of luck given the class and speed drawn around him but certainly has the talent to rise to the occasion.
Confidence: Medium Rated Place Price: $1.30
Race 8 – 1720m APG Melbourne Sales Graduate Series Final (2yo C&G)
8/3 Loucaso – Mark Pitt / Emma Stewart
Loucaso destroyed his rivals in the heat, working without cover and still winning by a big margin. His only career blemish came in the Bathurst Gold Crown, where he raced roughly close to home. Better drawn here against the same opposition as last start, and clearly the one they all must beat.
Confidence: High Rated Win Price: $1.10
Race 9 – 1720m APG Melbourne Sales Graduate Series (2yo F) Final
9/4 Degarmea Teale – Jackie Barker/Emma Stewart
Degarmea Teale launched her career with a bang - pushed forward, sat parked, and still won in a slick mile rate at Bendigo. Beat the same field in the Preview and should improve off that debut. Clearly the top seed again.
Confidence: High Rated Win Price: $1.10
For all your harness form in one place go to goodform.thetrots.com.au
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