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 Benstud Standardbreds Free For All
1/1 Kiss – Jackie Barker/Emma Stewart
Kiss steps into a high-quality Free For All, but her form since returning as a 4YO has been hard to fault. With strong early pressure expected from out wide, she’s likely to land on the pegs and need luck late - but she’ll be charging home if gaps appear.
Confidence: Low Rated Place Price: $1.60
Race 2 – 2240m Dynamic Print Group Pace
2/4 Frugal Fare – Ryan Sanderson/Stephen O’Donoghue
Connections thought enough of Frugal Fare to nominate him for the Inter Dominion, and his previous prep backed that belief. His two runs back have been forgive runs, and now with Ryan Sanderson - who has a great strike rate on him - he looks ready to deliver.
Confidence: High Rated Place Price: $1.50
Race 3 – 1720m Logical Staffing Solutions NMW Pace
3/5 Thestatesman – Chris Alford/Alison Alford
Its Confidential looks the standout but offers little value. Thestatesman, however, has early speed and has been racing consistently well, including a strong second last time. If he finds the front, he’s a terrific place chance.
Confidence: High Rated Place Price: $2.00
Race 4 – 1720m Garrards Horse & Hound Pace
4/13 My Ultimate Barney – Jordan Leedham/Andy Gath
My Ultimate Barney has a tricky draw over the sprint trip, but the race shape suits. There looks to be plenty of early speed to help him get into the race, and his recent efforts have been excellent. With the right tempo, he’ll be launching late.
Confidence: High Rated Place Price: $1.30
Race 5 – 2240m Renown Silverware 3yo Pace
5/1 Always Dancing – Matthew Craven/Matthew Craven
Always Dancing debuted impressively for the new stable last start off strong SA form. Has the gate speed to hold early and likely hands up to Cigano. From the trail, he’s well poised to finish top two.
Confidence: High Rated Place Price: $1.10
Race 6 – 2240m Aldebaran Park Trot
6/1 Jilliby Ballerini – Glen Craven/Marg & Paddy Lee
A match race on paper between Jilliby Ballerini and Gotfeelingsyouknow. From the pole, she has options, but is likely to hand up. With a slight fitness edge, she may have the upper hand in the run to the line.
Confidence: Medium Rated Win Price: $2.20
Race 7 – 1720m Hygain Victory Mares Pace
7/5 Jazzy Malea – Aaron Dunn/Aaron Dunn
Sticking with Jazzy Melea after another tough effort last week. Has enough speed to take up a forward spot and gives herself every chance by racing consistently and honestly.
Confidence: Medium Rated Place Price: $1.50
Race 8 – 2240m Hertz Melton 3yo 1MW Trot
8/6 Ijustcalledtosay – Kylie Sugars/Kylie Sugars
Ijustcalledtosay is unbeaten in three starts, showing good versatility and toughness. Faces his toughest test to date, but with a good run in transit, he has the talent to keep his perfect record intact.
Confidence: High Rated Place Price: $1.50
Race 9 – 1720m Hip Pocket Castlemaine Trot
9/2 Alrighty – Jordan Leedham/Andy Gath
Alrighty has mixed his form this preparation, but he races best when leading - and he gets the chance to do just that here. If he can sneak a cheap sectional, he’ll be hard to run down.
Confidence: High Rated Place Price: $1.10
For all your harness form in one place go to goodform.thetrots.com.au
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