Racing & Sports expert selections.

RACE 1 - The two main hopes come out which leaves this wide open despite the small field. I AM OVERS (8) was popular with punters but found a couple better when making her debut over 1100m at Gosford recently. Should take a lot from that run and the extra furlong looks ideal. Godolphin's OHOPE (6) just missed on debut at Bendigo then found the VRC Sires a bit rich last time. Has trialled this way of going since those runs south of the border. Leading contender back in this easier contest. IS IT SPECTACULAR (4) returns from a four-month spell. Showed ability on debut at Rosehill before being turned out. Worth considering. GAEILGE (2) led but was claimed late over 1200m at Newcastle recently. Very fit and can win if able to dictate terms. JUST A JOURNEY (9) looks the best of the first starters following a placing in a recent trial at this track.

RACE 2 - ENGINE ROOM (1) returns from a five-month spell. Showed ability in the maiden prep, highlighted by a close second at his latest appearance over 1400m at the Kensington track. Two recent trials should have him forward enough to run a big race. MANUKAU (7) progressed nicely last start when lining up for only the second time, closing hard to grab second over this distance at Hawkesbury. One to watch for late in proceedings. SHE REX (9) is back from a fifteen-week spell. Did a good job in the maiden prep, chalking up three minor placings from as many runs, the last two at Canterbury. Should find the lead and in the capable hands of Tim Clark will be tough to run down. KILKENNY (6) has not raced since a moderate seventh on debut in a strong form race over 1200m at Canterbury in November. Can kick on this time in work. JOLLY GOOD FELLOW (2) resumes and has switched from Waller to Dean Mirfin. Minor claims only.

RACE 3 - The lightly raced TUNED (6) returned from a four-month break with a decent fourth over today's journey at Wyong recently. Should find the lead and control the tempo. Will improve off that last run and does like getting the toe in so conditions suit. ZOUKERINO (7) has lost the winning habit but is rarely far away. Best recent effort was two back when he closed late but just missed over 1100m at Canterbury. Leading player with the slight step up in distance. The consistent CALIFORNIA SUNRISE (9) is back from an eight-month lay-off. Good fresh performer who trialled well recently so looks forward enough to run a big race. Early favourite MODELLA (12) has not been produced since an impressive maiden win over 1300m at Kembla nine weeks ago. Lightly raced filly with plenty more to offer. STRUCK GOLD (4) was a bit plain first-up at Wyong but his best form from last prep in Victoria and SA reads nicely so worth another chance.

RACE 4 - Ciaron Maher's SISTERHOOD (12) settled worse than midfield then went through her gears nicely and finished on the heels of the placegetters last start over 1400m at this track. Gets to this trip for the first time but definitely needs it. Nice bet at huge odds. ARQANA (2) has raced twice since resuming, both times in tougher races at Flemington. Started favourite last time but was never a threat behind Verdad. Ready to improve at this stage of the prep, particularly back against midweek opposition. BIANCO VILANO (4) has been going well in better company, finishing a length ahead of Arqana at Flemington most recently. Freshened up deep into a prep and cannot be ruled out. IMPOSING PIER (7) just missed at Hawkesbury last start and can play a big role again with Tom Marquand taking over from a claiming apprentice. INFERENCIA (8) is airborne at present and must be respected despite jumping up in the weights.

RACE 5 - LITTLE BEGINNINGS (1) added to a frustrating run of minor placings when runner-up over 1350m at Wyong last start. Can probably box seat from the inside draw and this looks an ideal race for her to make the breakthrough. SALISANO (3) hasn't been all that far away in better races of late, the pick of them a strong third in a BM78 over 1300m at Rosehill in late February. Beautifully in against midweek company after Nock's allowance. Major contender. GOLD PATTERN (8) has been poor in her two runs this prep, the latest in a Newcastle Provincial Championship qualifier. Is a better mare than that so with added fitness she deserves another chance. POPPIN' CHAMPAGNE (5) returns after a five-month break. Showed her quality last campaign by finishing 1.4 lengths behind Lekvarte in the Group 3 Angst. Good fresh performer who can win this without surprising. Last start Kenso victor MAWJOOD (7) can go on with the job now that he has that winning taste back.

RACE 6 - LINCOLN ROCKS (1) improved out of sight last start when second-up from a spell, charging home from last on the corner to finish third over 1900m at Rosehill. Loves the sting out of the ground and this extra trip is perfect. Has won two from three when third-up and can add to that record today. BE REAL (4) was a real eye-catcher last time out in the Group 3 Epona, picking up nicely in the closing stages to grab fourth at the end of 1900m. Strips fitter and is beautifully graded back in midweek company. MANBEHINDTHEMONEY (2) has done nothing in two runs this prep but has won two out of three when third-up. Well in after the claim and can improve. Last start Wyong winner DECADENT TALE (6) was third in a similar race here three back. Good each-way option. A fitter FATHER'S DAY (3) will lead and give them something to catch. Plenty of respect for William Haggas' MARAMA (8) whose figure to win at Chester in September stacks up favourably in this field.

RACE 7 - WONDEREACH (1) has led all the way to win her last two, the latest in a BM78 over this trip at Wyong a fortnight ago. Happy in any going and this is her most effective trip. No reason she cannot chalk up the hat trick. ADMITTED (12) chased hard but was no match for Wondereach over this course and distance last time out. That was his first run off a five-month spell so there is enough improvement there to close the gap significantly. The promising colt PERSPIRATION (3) is first-up since winning the Listed Heritage over 1100m at Rosehill in September. Will be better for the run but his class will go a long way. MISTY LEGEND (10) has been strong late in both his runs this time in work, winning first-up here at this trip before a good third over 1100m last start. Sure to be about the money again. FIELDING (7) was easily accounted for by Wondereach at Wyong last time. Each-way chance.

RACE 8 - Tough one to close the day. ELBA (1) chimed in late to score a handsome win over 1300m at Newcastle last start, her first since coming up from Victoria. Will enjoy the extra 100m so although up in grade she is a key contender again. PINITO (16) made it seven top-three finishes from as many runs when edged out in a Class 1 over this distance at Newcastle last time out. Honest filly who might sit back from the wide gate but is good enough to finish over the top of these. HEAT MISSILE (15) was first-up from a fifteen-week break and facing the starter for just the third time when a soft all-the-way winner over 1200m at Kembla recently. Promising filly who can spear over, lead, and give them something to catch. MAKENA (5) did a good job first-up here at this distance last start. Always improves second-up so she is right in the picture. GOOD SORT (10) struggled in the Group 3 Kembla Grange Classic last time. Beaten half a length by Aeliana at stakes level last prep so she has the class.