Racing & Sports expert selections.

RACE 1 - GRAND PRAIRIE (2) made a good impression on debut a fortnight ago over 1000m at this track, coming from worse than midfield on straightening to be beaten a long neck. Clearly advantaged by the extra 100m. Has the race experience edge on some key rivals so deserves top billing. The speedy MEDNYI (1) hit the front at the furlong then staved off all challengers to win his maiden over 900m at Newcastle last start. Meets some smarter types here but his figure last time was good enough to suggest he is up to this. The Waterhouse/Bott debutant FARNICLE (3) looked good winning a recent trial and should measure up. Anthony and Sam Freedman's NIELSEN PARK (4) has travelled from Mornington to make his debut. Well found in early markets so must be considered. MY MATE ELVIS (8) showed a ton of dash on debut here recently before tiring. Open to sharp improvement.

RACE 2 - SCRUMPTIOUS (2) returned from a five-month spell with a tough second to Pleasure Queen last start over 1000m at this track. Progressive filly who will take a lot from that run and is perfectly placed to turn the tables. PLEASURE QUEEN (1) trailed Scrumptious into the straight then went home a little too well when they clashed here recently. Will give that filly a start again but over the extra 100m can easily repeat the dose. SPICE PRAWN (6) finished two lengths away in the same race as the top pair here on 13 March when lining up for the first time. Gets a little weight swing today and should be highly competitive. CUSTOM (3) was safely held in the Group 3 Magic Night last start. Wasn't far away in a Canterbury maiden prior to that. Worth another chance. POLO (9) finished fifth after an awkward getaway in the Pleasure Queen race here when making her debut. Doesn't deserve to be at the huge odds on offer early.

RACE 3 - MARAIS (5) recorded his eighth minor placing from nine career runs when beaten under a length over this distance at Canberra last start. Fitter for two runs back from a spell. The engagement of McDonald might give him that extra edge required. MONTE VEEBEE (6) last appeared when unplaced favourite in a similar maiden to this at Rosehill in October. Gave El Castello a fright over 1400m at Warwick Farm last prep - that is gilt-edged form in a race of this calibre. FLEETING SPIRIT (9) was handy all the way but no match for the winner at her latest appearance over 1400m at this track. Cherry ripe and from a good draw will be there at the business end again. MISSION GOLD (2) has performed well at the provincials at his two runs to date. Sparingly raced four-year-old with more to offer. VIKTOR (7) peaked at the furlong when resuming at Newcastle last time. Capable of sharp improvement.

RACE 4 - CAMPALDINO (6) worked home well but found one better when resuming over 1400m at this circuit last start. That was a big improvement on his two previous first-up efforts so he has returned in great order. Hard to beat out to this more suitable journey. INQUIRING MINDS (2) had a seven-week let-up and returned to form last time out when runner-up over 1900m at Canterbury. Better for that run and McDonald taking over is a big tick. DON PEDRO (3) lined up for the hat trick but gave away too much start when fourth here recently in a BM78 over 1550m. Looking for this sort of trip now so keep him in mind. I AM THE EMPIRE (5) is back from a five-month spell. Good fresh performer who should be forward enough following two recent trials. GENERAL SOHO (7) returned to form at this circuit a fortnight ago and is in the mix despite racing beyond a mile for the first time.

RACE 5 - Most of these have legitimate claims. SEASCAPE (1) gets the nod after a cheeky return last start over 1100m at this track, leading until passed by a couple in the closing stages. Honest filly who will improve off that run and despite a wide draw is going to be hard to stop. SMILING PROPHET (9) has been just behind the placegetters at her last couple of outings, both in Midways. Won't find this as tough and the claim brings her in beautifully. Worth an each-way ticket at a big price. LINKS (2) is first-up from a nine-week lay-off. Raced twice in January but failed to inspire. Best form measures up well so she deserves another chance. SOHO ARTIST (12) bolted in over 1000m at Goulburn recently. Steps up from a country BM58 to a city BM72 but she is a progressive three-year-old who is worth the gamble. TIME BANDIT (5) is fitter for two runs back from a spell and will appreciate the longer run home today after a couple of outings at Gosford this prep.

RACE 6 - MIDNIGHT DYNAMITE (8) returned from a two-month absence with a mediocre effort in the rich Inglis Sprint over 1200m at Flemington last start. Always forgive a failure down the straight. Beaten under a length in the Listed Gosford Guineas prior to that. Has the class to dispatch of this field. ONE DESTINY (7) disappointed at Rosehill last time. Can be a bit hard to follow but with a bit of weight relief today he might surprise at cricket score odds. Genuine mare MEMORIA (5) continued her good form this prep when she led but found one better over 1100m here recently. Cherry ripe and always competitive at or around this trip. BALLROOM BELLA (2) resumes. Tackled far tougher races last prep so this is a big drop in grade. Worth monitoring for market support. ALTHOFF (6) is back from a spell and a gelding procedure. Sure to have plenty of admirers with McDonald aboard.

RACE 7 - Open race. MICKEY'S MEDAL (10) hit the line well to get up for third when resuming in a BM72 over 1400m at Rosehill last start. Has a fine record when he gets out to this sort of distance. Hard to roll with that run under the belt. PEACE OFFICER (3) caught the eye in the final stages when third at his latest appearance over 1400m at Warwick Farm. Has trialled since so he should be cherry ripe now at the third run back. ROMA AVENUE (1) battled on well for third in a similar race here recently. Ready to peak at the third run back. Kiwi import COLLECT YOUR CASH (5) is an interesting runner having his first run for Waterhouse/Bott after a break of over a year. Dunedin Guineas winner in February 2024 who is stepping out for the first time as a gelding. Could be the surprise packet. TYMPANIST (9) absolutely flies at this circuit so keep him in mind first-up from a break.

RACE 8 - The consistent MOGUL MONARCH (1) closed well but was no match for Money Team in the Gosford Provincial Championship Qualifier over 1200m last start. Should enjoy this step up in trip and the stable will be keen for him to go to the final with a confidence boosting win under the belt. ATELIER (6) was in outstanding form prior to her close fifth to Snow In May in the Listed Canberra Guineas over this distance last time out. Drawn to enjoy a perfect run so back in this company she makes plenty of appeal. SOUTHERN CHARM (10) has been competitive in all three runs this prep. On a seven-day back-up and about to reach her peak so she must be included. The speedy COLOPHON (7) is fitter for a first-up near miss at Kembla. Will give them something to catch. CANARA (9) caught the eye first-up over 1100m at this track and is ideally placed out to this distance with a run under the belt.