Racing & Sports expert selections.

RACE 1 - Five runners and five real chances. CASSIE'S LAD (4) took fourteen runs to break the ice but did so in emphatic fashion at Quirindi last start, streeting his rivals by over ten lengths at the end of the mile. Meets a deeper field this time but he is getting better with racing and can take this next step. CASINO BEAR (1) was close enough on the bend but couldn't quicken as required over 1605m at Coffs Harbour last time out. Raced once here at this trip and filled a minor placing. Sure to play a major role. FIGHTING MAGNUS (2) is a long while between wins but recent efforts have been encouraging. Raced near the pace and boxed on well to finish just 1.5 lengths away over this distance in a BM68 at Port Macquarie nine days ago. Big chance coming back to a BM58. STRATUM CHIEF (7) caught the eye at Coffs Harbour recently and the extra trip suits. HALLOWED SON (5) has placed 2/2 at this trip including last start at Quirindi. Must be respected.

RACE 2 - ALL HUNKY DORY (1) has been on fire since coming over from Hong Kong. Opened the prep with a solid second over 1400m at Tamworth then showed a nice turn of foot to win a Class 1 with a bit in hand over this course and distance last start. Shoots up in the weights but he is progressing in good style and can score again. IDOL SHOT (3) won her maiden two back then was looking for more ground when a closing fifth over 1308m at this track last time. Nicely placed to make a big impression. YAMBA'S GIRL (5) chimed in late but just missed over 1308m here two runs back. Disappointed on Thursday at Muswellbrook but she can improve with the step up in trip. PREFER TO BE READY (7) produced a fair effort to finish fourth under a big weight at Quirindi recently. Up in grade but drops 4.5kgs and should be thereabouts. SPIRITLY (2) wasn't far away here at this trip last start. Boasts solid stats at the mile so he must be included.

RACE 3 - THEBES (2) was beaten just two lengths when fresh from a spell over 1200m at the Beaumont track last time out. Best run to date was when second-up last prep at Scone. Likely improver who is a serious contender with the help of the inside gate. GOLD MELODY (3) settled a long way off the pace then found the line with purpose on debut over 1005m here recently. Poses a genuine threat out to this more suitable journey. WEZZA (1) never looked likely first-up from a long break over 1000m at Tamworth. Placed 2/2 second-up and this trip will be more to her liking. HOO HAA (7) has had plenty of chances but strips fitter second-up and should be thereabouts. AWESOME ICON (6) returned in good order last start and is one for the trifecta players.

RACE 4 - LITTLE BUBBLES (10) raced on the speed and looked a chance but was beaten a half a length into fourth in a game effort last start over 1308m at this course. Coming back to 1000m is an interesting move. Very little depth to this maiden so she gets her chance. CRAIG'S ONE (1) started at $2.70 but disappointed on debut last time out over this trip at Kempsey. Worth another chance back on his home track with visors going on. UNCLE MOONLIGHT (2) returns from a six-month spell. Finished third over this course and distance when resuming last prep in heavy going. Leading contender with the help of the inside draw. The field tapers away after that. BRAVE SNITZ (9) has minor claims first-up from a spell while QUEEN CALANTHE (4) is one for the trifecta and first four players after some reasonable efforts of late in similar maidens to this.

RACE 5 - NIGHTS INFERNO (2) was disappointing on face value last start over 1100m at Armidale, failing to run on as expected when sent around at $1.65. Scored a nice win at Muswellbrook three back at his only try over this distance. Worth another chance. STARRY JACK (1) settled handy then tried hard but found one better when resuming last time out over this course and distance. That was his first placing in five first-up runs. Boasts a 2/3 second-up record so today's scenario is promising. FLOSS'S ONE (3) struggled in a Class 3 Highway when resuming over this distance at Randwick 24 days ago. Yet to miss the frame in four tries over today's track and trip. Likely improver. BOB'S LAST ONE (4) hasn't been suited in his last couple of outings. At his best over five furlongs around this circuit so from gate one he makes plenty of appeal. JOANNESKI (8) is fitter for three runs back from a spell and although up in grade can play a role in the outcome.

RACE 6 - NO TACKLE (3) led for home when resuming over 1308m at this track last start but his condition told and he weakened late. Draws a better gate and should tighten right up so expect a far more resilient effort this time. EXECUTIVE DECISION (5) is back after a ten-week break. Didn't perform as hoped in three runs when last in work. Blinkers go on for this return so he might be one to keep an eye on, particularly if there is market support. TOY STORY (1) last appeared when fourth in a strong form race over 1200m at Port Macquarie in October. Nicely in after the claim and is a winner here at this distance so he looms as a definite contender. MEGHAN (7) has struggled under big weights at her last couple. Gets significant relief today and the blinkers go on so she can improve without surprising. NIPPER BEE (2) defeated a subsequent winner when resuming in a 1200m Inverell maiden 45 days ago. Lightly raced five-year-old who cannot be underestimated.

RACE 7 - RUSH FORTYFIVE (4) started at $26 when midfield on debut over 1350m at the Beaumont track 19 days ago. Won't find this nearly as tough so he comes right into calculations in a race without a huge amount of depth. Early favourite TIKIROO (10) found 1200m at the Beaumont track a bit sharp when first-up from a spell there 12 days ago. Will find this a far more suitable contest and on his best figures he deserves the position at the head of the market. HELL OF A FOX (14) got a fair way back and was never in contention first-up over 1200m at the Beaumont track. Gets to this trip for the first time which looks a positive move. WING NUT (6) continues to race well deep into the prep, most recently being edged out over 1500m at Port Macquarie last Friday. Major player on the quick turnaround. Recent trial winner SPACETIME LEGEND (9) is one to monitor in betting first-up from a 101-day break.

RACE 8 - SOLUTIONIST (11) has been just behind the placegetters at his two runs this time in work, the latest a 1.2 length sixth over 1258m at this track when he copped a check close to home. Ready to peak third-up and Gibbons taking over is a tick. SMART SERENADE (7) won a Class 1 over this course and distance two runs back then struggled in a much better race at Newcastle last time. Draws the fence and is back in his right grade so watch for a return to form. TOOMUCHINFORMATION (6) raced keenly up front with blinkers on last start and tired late at the end of 1200m at Port Macquarie. Steps up to his pet trip today and the gear comes off. Should be peaking. The consistent ISLAND LEGEND (8) won by the barest margin over 1258m here last time. Won't find this any harder so he comes under notice again. ZARU (5) has an incredible thirteen top three finishes from fourteen runs here. Always a threat in this sort of race.