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Ryan Phelan's Tuesday best at Shepparton (16/06)
Ryan Phelan • June 16th, 2026 11:57 am
Ryan Phelan takes a look at Tuesday night harness racing from Shepparton.
Race 1
OVERVIEW:
IAMAWINGATE (10) drops to a much more suitable grade here after some solid efforts and, when he's in this ratings group, he's at his most competitive. He wasn't far away from a soft draw last time in a much harder race, and the final half he ran there is good enough to win a race like this despite the awkward draw.
DREAMTIME NALA (9) had her first run for the new stable and was able to lead throughout at Bendigo last time. The time wasn't flash there and she now goes to the back row, but this race presents a similar challenge. KNOW THE SCORE (8) came through the same race and was finding the line strongly. He gets a good trail behind the likely leader here and can be in the finish again. OKTOLOVE (1) looks the likely leader and, while he can be forgiven for last start when forced to race tough, he did have every chance the run prior when more was expected.
BACK: IAMAWINGATE (10) – 1 unit (win)
SELECTIONS: IAMAWINGATE (10), DREAMTIME NALA (9), KNOW THE SCORE (8), OKTOLOVE (1))
Race 2
OVERVIEW:
HEYNOWHEYNOW (4) was a sneaky good run on debut last week despite finishing seventh. He drew awkwardly, making it difficult to be competitive, and ran into a smart winner who put a space on the field. He was finding the line well in a slick last half and even lost some momentum over the final 200 metres. He's worth a play at value.
LAMBRO BUOY (7) joins the high-striking Ashwood stable, which has an excellent record with newly acquired low-rated horses. There's no trial into this, only the exposed form, but watch for any betting moves. HEAVENLY FLYER (2) has been racing well at her past few starts and looks set to secure a favourable run from the soft draw. ELLIANA (9) caught the eye last week when held up before dashing to the line once clear. The back-row draw is a slight disadvantage in this line-up.
BACK: HEYNOWHEYNOW (4) – 2 units (win)
SELECTIONS: HEYNOWHEYNOW (4), LAMBRO BUOY (7), HEAVENLY FLYER (2), ELLIANA (9)
Race 3
OVERVIEW:
IM DUSTEE (9) got it wrong at the start last week and was most unlucky not to win, producing an excellent final half for this grade and making up many lengths to finish fourth. Despite drawing awkwardly again, he may fare better than last time with a more positive map. His last four runs suggest he's ready to win and this looks an ideal opportunity.
WILL HE REIGN (2) was in the same race and has been very good at his past three starts, aided by being able to race prominently over the sprint trip. He looks the likely leader again and, with the extra distance, shapes as the testing material.
LUVERBOY (1) hasn't enjoyed much luck with barrier draws but now comes up with the ace draw to secure a favourable run. He was a winner at this track when able to lead, albeit in easier company. BET ON ACES (4) has been consistent in easier grade than he meets here, but maps well and has place claims on recent form.
BACK: IM DUSTEE (9) – 3.5 units (win)
SELECTIONS: IM DUSTEE (9), WILL HE REIGN (2), LUVERBOY (1), BET ON ACES (4)
Race 4
OVERVIEW:
A very open race with several horses racing well. CAMERINA (7) was very good last start despite finishing sixth. She had to sprint hard to cross and find a position before running into a smart field that produced good time. The draw is no luxury here, but when she was able to lead and win two starts ago, she looked impressive. She'll need luck, but there's a lot to like about her chances.
HELLOVASTORY (2) has been racing well this campaign and gets a soft draw to secure a favourable run. He won a suitable race four starts ago and his subsequent efforts have all had merit. FENWAY PARK (3) has been found on top a few times this preparation but just doesn't seem to win. His performances have still been solid, although the rise in distance tempers confidence slightly. AUSSIE JAY MAC (9) resumes off a sound trial and his efforts last preparation when he did things right were encouraging. Keep him safe.
SELECTIONS: CAMERINA (7), HELLOVASTORY (2), FENWAY PARK (3), AUSSIE JAY MAC (9)
Race 5
OVERVIEW:
Another race featuring several strong form lines. FLOJOS BEST (6) is an honest and consistent mare who has been racing against stronger opposition in mares' company but turned in an unusually plain performance last start. She's better than that and can bounce back.
DIRECT COMMAND (4) was a last-start winner when he looked ideally placed and was able to lead throughout. He'll go forward again, but this is a different set-up. GUEST ARTIST (3) is an interesting runner who has now had three starts for the astute Ashwood camp but hasn't enjoyed much luck. He can improve sharply with a kinder run. FLIP A COIN (7) is enjoying his best season, with two wins at Wagga achieved in quick time when able to race on pace. The draw isn't ideal, but he's capable of doing some work in his races and is right in the mix.
SELECTIONS: FLOJOS BEST (6), DIRECT COMMAND (4), GUEST ARTIST (3), FLIP A COIN (7)
Race 6
OVERVIEW:
DUSTY PHILTRA (5) has displayed good ability this preparation, with the stable electing to take on a smart three-year-old line-up at Melton last time where he ran well despite being outclassed. This looks a much more suitable assignment, and the draw allows him to be driven positively and showcase his ability.
POSTIT LAFITE (3) should be fitter after three runs back from a spell and was good last time when sitting parked in strong time. She warrants respect despite her numerical form. WHENIMREADY (2) is a quick beginner who'll be looking to race prominently from the soft draw. He's been quite good this preparation and must be considered. JILLIBY ILLUSION (7) has been racing reasonably well and went close to winning last start against her own sex. This is a different challenge from the awkward draw, but she's worth keeping safe.
BACK: DUSTY PHILTRA (5) – 3.5 units (win)
SELECTIONS: DUSTY PHILTRA (5), POSIT LAFFITE (3), WHENIMREADY (2), JILLIBY ILLUSION (7)
10-UNIT GAME PLAN
R1 #10 IAMAWINGATE – 1 unit (win)R2 #4 HEYNOWHEYNOW – 2 units (win)R3 #9 IM DUSTEE – 3.5 units (win)R6 #5 DUSTY PHILTRA – 3.5 units (win)
EARLY QUADDIE
1,6,8,9,10,11/2,4,7/1,2,9/2,3,5,7,9
QUADDIE
4,9/2,3,5,7,9/2,3,4,5,6,7/3,5
For all your harness form in one place go to goodform.thetrots.com.au
(A betting unit is typically a percentage of the total bankroll or the amount of money you are willing to risk on a particular bet – for example 1 unit is 10% of your bankroll, therefore a $100 bankroll 1 unit equals $10.)
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