Racing & Sports expert selections.

RACE 1 - CONJOIN (5) returns from a 38-week spell. Best rating last prep was on debut when close up at Albury. Went well in a recent trial so he should be ready to fire. SOUTHERN DEEL (7) raced handy and tried hard but just missed the placings when first-up over this distance at Queanbeyan recently. Lightly raced mare who strips fitter and looms as a threat despite a tricky draw. COMB OVER CON (8) returned a strong figure when an eye-catching fourth at Moruya two back. Less impressive last time when easily accounted for but can bounce back. THROW ONE IN (11) has had plenty of chances but should be peaking at the fourth run back. Each-way hope.

RACE 2 - The widely travelled DIVINE ELLA (8) opened this prep with a close third at Warwick Farm but has struggled subsequently. Came off a 45-day break when down the track in the $250k Magic Millions Maiden at the Sunshine Coast last time. Beautifully drawn and tough to beat in this vastly easier race. GRACEFUL ELLEN (10) improved sharply last start at her second outing, attacking the line with purpose to finish fourth over 1010m at Moruya. Big step up in distance today but it seems appropriate. Sure to be powering late. OH WHAT A KNIGHT (1) is crying out for another crack at seven furlongs after he closed well to grab third over 1200m at Cowra last time. CAMMI (5) was scratched from a softer maiden on Saturday to be kept for this. Very good at Moruya last start. Major player from an ideal draw.

RACE 3 - VEGAS KNIGHT (1) has travelled a long way for this race. Good effort to finish a close fifth first-up over 2000m at Mornington then disappointed in a BM76 at Murray Bridge last start. Huge drop in grade so despite the big weight he looks the one to beat. TWO AYE (6) ran on stoutly but was no match for Heromania last time out over 2000m at Moruya. Dour mare who keeps finding. Poses a threat with a huge 9kg weight advantage over the top pick. BLESSTAS (5) came to grief at Moruya last start when travelling well behind the speed. Form prior to that was solid. New to this distance but she has only raced five times so deserves the benefit of the doubt. HEROMANIA (2) bolted in over 2000m at Moruya recently, defeating Two Aye. Yet to prove herself beyond that trip but the manner of the win is hard to ignore. WHERE IS KEN (3) finished a long way behind Heromania at Moruya last time. Races well here so include him in the exotic bets.

RACE 4 - Every runner has a realistic chance. TWIN TELEPATHY (2) opened this prep with two dominant wins then raced out of his grade last start when easily held over this distance at Moruya. Drops back a level today so watch for a much better run. HOLD (9) has improved at each appearance this prep, the latest offering a closing third over 1000m at Wagga. Meets a stronger field here but drops 4.5kgs and is better placed now out to 1200m. BENGAL (3) caught the eye late when beaten under two lengths over 1100m at Rosehill recently. Huge drop in grade this time and getting out to this journey is a tick as well. DOLZINO (4) returns from a 36-week spell. Eligible for easier races but respect the stable decision to tackle this first-up. Heywood's engagement is a positive sign. GOOD PRIZE (6) charged home late to score over this trip at Queanbeyan 22 days ago. Tougher this time but deserves consideration.

RACE 5 - TICKLEBELLY (5) has been given a let-up since she narrowly won a 1000m Randwick Highway on 14 December. Excellent fresh performer who has been set for this since her win in town. Nice gate and just 55kgs so she has all the right credentials. PROPHET'S PRIDE (3) was close up in two open sprints at Canberra before failing in the 1425m Moruya Cup last time out. Back to her right trip today and she gets a lovely run out of the inside gate. Looms as a significant threat. FINE VINTAGE (1) led from the outset and gave nothing else a chance in the Moruya Town Plate recently over today's journey. Getting up in the weights but if he can roll along he will be tough to catch. CANI CANCAN (8) settled just off Fine Vintage at Moruya last time but had no answer when he quickened. Loves this track so from a good gate she can be very competitive. FOURTH SPARGO (6) went okay first-up at Moruya over a shorter journey. Placed 2/2 second-up so keep her in mind.

RACE 6 - WINNIE FORTUNE (13) appreciated the step up to 1200m when a gutsy maiden winner last start at Nowra. Will enjoy a glorious run from gate one so expect this lightly raced filly to take that next step today. HELLO JACK (3) put the writing on the wall last start when he powered home from back in the field to be beaten a long neck over this trip in a Moruya Class 3. Will find this much easier so despite 61kgs he is a genuine hope. SASSEN (14) loves racing here so although drawn out in the car park she comes right under notice. Expect a good return from BOMBELLEISTIC (21).

RACE 7 - TOES IN THE WATER (8) took a sit then proved too strong for a BM64 field over 1550m at the Kensington track last start. Tackling a stronger field today but she is beautifully weighted after the claim to offset the class rise. Just needs luck getting over from the wide gate to be right in the finish. Stablemate MORITZ GIRL (12) has been a model of consistency in town of late. Travelled just off the speed then let down nicely when runner-up last time over 1550m at the Kensington track. Loves the mile and on the limit she makes plenty of appeal. Veteran LA SANTE (5) is racing as well as ever. Came from last on the bend in the 1425m Moruya Cup recently then launched late and got up for fourth. Looking for this sort of trip now, particularly on this bigger track. VERMICELLA (15) has won three from four and is the X-factor. Easily accounted for a shortie in a Class 3 at Moruya last start. No surprise if she rose to this level. ASSOCIATE (10) is honest and a chance down in the weights.

RACE 8 - O'HELLYEAH (12) returned from a six-month spell last start with a game win in a 1200m Cowra maiden. Missed the kick that day then had plenty of work to do but still prevailed. Lightly raced and open to plenty of improvement so she can take this next step. MISSILE MAIDEN (9) has returned in good order this prep with a couple of minor placings, the latest over 1200m at Nowra where she found the line well. Races well here and needs the step up in journey at this time. FIRE AND GEMSTONE (6) found the Class 3 over 1200m at Moruya a bit slick last time. Has a wide draw but with luck can figure in the finish. PERUNO (7) is fitter for two runs back from a spell and with a dream run from the inside alley can play a role in the outcome.