Racing & Sports expert selections.

RACE 1 - ISTOLEA MERC (1) last appeared when well held in second place on debut over 1100m at Hawkesbury in September. Recorded a strong win in a 1020m trial at Randwick on 14 January which suggests he has come back in great order. Stablemate BOLD BIDDER (3) led for the judge but weakened late and missed the placings on debut over this trip at the Kensington track a fortnight ago. Draws the fence which is crucial. Won't find this as tough so with the race experience on board he is a big threat. ADMIRAL UNYIELDING (5) has switched stables and been freshened up since a couple of plain runs to launch his career, the latest on 6 December at the Kensington track. A good recent trial suggests he is ready to improve. SCULPTOR (6) is back from a six-month lay-off and has been gelded. Showed ability last prep so the recent transformation may see him go to a new level. CALIFORNIA COMMAND (4) is on debut for Snowden. Well-related son of Deep Field whose trial form is encouraging.

RACE 2 - EASTERN FRONT (1) is a new arrival in the Brad Widdup stable and returns from a 25-week spell. Raced three times last prep, all at the provincials, and was never far away. Trialling in good style and looks ready to make a positive start for the new mentor. SHOW PONY (2) last appeared when an easy all-the-way winner over 1300m at this track on 4 June. Progressive mare who trialled well here before Xmas and should be forward enough to make her presence felt. ROYAL BOMBADIER (6) didn't cope with the step up in class at the Kensington track last start. Has ability so back in her right grade with the light weight she is certainly a contender. ANOTHER FORTUNE (3) resumes after a 164-day break. Better over more ground but is capable of a cheeky run while fresh. SPOTTHEFAKER (5) is back from an eight-month break. Opened last prep with a maiden win here. Should give a good account.

RACE 3 - MODELLA (10) was backed from 21.0 into 13.0 on debut last start over 1200m at Warwick Farm and lived up to that market confidence when a close second, coming from well back on the bend. Perfectly placed back at the provincials on a bigger track over the extra 100m. The one to beat. THAIBEEFSALADE (6) was scratched from a shorter race today to be kept for this. Led but was claimed at the furlong when fifth last time out over this trip at Newcastle. Strips fitter at the third run back and should be competitive for a long way. CENTURY SONG (3) started warm favourite but gave away too much start first-up over 1010m at Moruya, charging home late to get up for third. Lightly raced three-year-old who should relish getting over more ground now. BALLYHOO (8) hasn't set the world on fire to date but with the light weight from a nice gate she may sneak into the frame off a 32-day freshen-up. ISLA D'AMORE (9) is rock hard fit and worth including in exotics with the aid of the inside draw.

RACE 4 - FIRE ISLAND (8) led last start in a new role for her and gave a great sight only to be nailed near the line over this trip at Canberra. Four subsequent winners have come from that race. Drawn to enjoy a similar run today and will be tough to catch. MONEY WHEEL (3) recorded his fifth minor placing from six starts when a fast-finishing third over 1400m at Orange last time out. Looks nicely placed out to the mile for the first time. Harder here but should be right in contention. GWENDIE (9) has contested a couple of longer races in Class 1 company of late and struggled a little. Far better placed today so don't rule her out. The sparingly raced RUSH FORTYFIVE (5) races as though he needs this trip. Likely improver. Big market watch on ex-Kiwi UNUSUAL PROSPECT (6) first-up for O'Shea/Charlton following a gelding op.

RACE 5 - INVESTMENT (2) has raced in town at her last five appearances and been competitive without winning. Made late ground to be beaten under two lengths last time over 1900m at Canterbury. Stoutly bred so she is ready for a first tilt at this distance. MONTGOMERY (6) is a dour stayer backing up eight days after battling on evenly to finish fifth over 2300m at Newcastle. Guaranteed to keep whacking away at the end of this journey when others might be lying down. TOM CRUISING (4) took over a fair way out before finding a couple better late in the piece over 2000m at Moruya recently. Drops a couple of kilos today and should be thereabouts again. Veteran FLAMBEUR (5) hasn't won for nearly two years but bobs up occasionally for trifecta and first four players. NYOTA (9) should be ready to produce after three runs back from a spell.

RACE 6 - ALL MACHIAVELLIAN (3) gave a way a big start then launched late and just failed to pick up Charlemagne in the Moruya Cup last start over 1425m. Facing his easiest assignment for some time so despite coming back in trip he looks the one to beat. C'MON MATE (1) won a Class 1 here over this distance two runs back then might have found 1200m a bit sharp last time. Track specialist back in his right race today so worth another chance. SHOT OUT (8) had been improving at each run and capped it with a tough win in the heavy going over 1200m at Nowra recently. Shouldn't have any troubles getting a strong 1300m based on that performance. ANGEL IN THE WIND (9) caught the eye last start when she flashed home for third over 1250m at Newcastle. Lightly raced mare fitter for two runs back from a spell and should be right there at the finish. BULLY FOR YOU (5) last appeared in this grade three runs back when beaten narrowly at Newcastle. Can turn things around.

RACE 7 - CITY GOLD BANNER (1) beat a small field to record a game win on debut last start over 1400m at Warwick Farm. Missed the kick that day and gave away a big start so the effort had plenty of merit. Perfectly placed to keep the ball rolling. ZOUSAIN BOLT (5) led narrowly on straightening and tried hard but was no match for the winner last time out over this distance at Newcastle. That run followed a 33-day break so he will strip fitter and looms as a serious threat. MISSILE SEEKER (3) wasn't far away here at this trip last time at the third run back from a break. Freshened up and the addition of blinkers may make a difference. I AM WILD (7) found 1300m a bit sharp at this track last start but she did catch the eye late. In the mix out to this more suitable journey. GENDARMERIE (8) is cherry ripe now and gets in nicely after the claim. Will race forward and give them something to catch.