Racing & Sports expert selections.

RACE 1 - WANAVAN (6) turned in a strong performance first-up when in the money at Muswellbrook, then disappointed at latest with a tiring seventh over 1000m at Scone. Tongue-tie and winkers go on and look for him to return to form. BEST DEFENCE (1) well drawn on the quick backup after finishing a close sixth over 900m at Wellington. Has the pace to be in a prominent position from the outset. Expecting a bold showing. IMASTATEMENT (11) resumes after failing to make an impression on debut when eighth over 1000m at this track and trip. Back without a trial and expected to have matured over the break. THE CONTRACTOR (5) Gelding by Outreach from Flying Paris on debut. In the placings at his most recent trial. Watch for any market moves.

RACE 2 - MISS CLAMOROSA (11) smart filly who looks better than these on the backup. Won her maiden three starts back and has gone under narrowly at her two starts since. Up in trip and goes close. CASINO DIVA (10) keeps improving as she gets out in distance and like the way she finished off when third over 1700m at Wellington. Key runner with top three prospects. DEEMEE (12) fitter now and this looks easier after holding on for a plugging sixth over 1600m at Gosford. Winkers go on and will have little trouble running the trip. SHUBICK (4) back in distance and up in grade when an eye-catching sixth over 1400m at Orange. Trip won't pose a problem and must be kept safe.

RACE 3 - TWENTY FOUR GUNS (14) big improver at his second run back when racing closer to the speed and finishing an unlucky second over 1600m at this track. Can get cover early from the draw and take stopping. HIDEYO (7) up in class and trip when an encouraging fourth over 1600m at Gosford. Can race a little closer from the good gate and figure prominently. LET RIP (4) strode forward early from the wide draw and gripped on late when a tenacious third over 1300m at Orange. Similar setup today and should have little problem running the trip. Goes okay on his home track. PRIZES GALORE (2) in need of the run when returning from a lengthy break to finish sixth over 1300m at Orange. Ready for the mile now. Improver.

RACE 4 - LAISVAS (2) chasing her fifth straight victory today and gets her chance with the claim from the low gate. Big jump in class when coming with a well-timed run to score over 1600m at Coonamble. Hard to ignore in this rich vein of form. CALL ME TERRY (4) lightly raced gelding with the upside to take this out fourth up. Relished the heavy (10) going when a gritty second over 1400m at Scone. Set to peak over this distance. Goes close. COMMANDO JACK (1) in good form and primed for this out to the 1600m. Launched late when a close-up third over 1400m at Orange. Stays in the mix. LITTLE BIT FLASH (7) returned to the winners' circle after a long while in the wilderness last time out over 1500m at Muswellbrook, scoring by 1.3 lengths. Can contest for a place.

RACE 5 - SANZENO (4) sat on the strong speed and not that far away on the line with the 59kg when fourth over 1400m at Orange. Gets the gun run today and due for a change of luck. PHAROAHZANO (7) made up good ground late from an impossible position on the turn when sixth over 1450m at Muswellbrook on March 28. Capable of bouncing off that performance from the low draw. MIDNIGHT AFFAIR (10) unlucky not to make it two-in-a-row when surging late for a narrow second over 1400m at Wagga. Gets an economical run from the draw and has solid top three claims despite rising in grade. RITZSUN (3) has finally drawn a decent gate after catching the eye at his last couple of outings. Gives every indication he will run the trip. Keep safe.

RACE 6 - MISS CAPRICORN (15) goes okay at this track and trip and is capable of a better effort after fading late when sixth over 1400m at Coonamble. Was a month between runs last time out and expecting more with the claim. EILRAHC (16) win record hardly excites but back in class and trip today. Placed here in the past and not without each way prospects. TAKE THE CHANCE (9) sharp maiden winner at start four when leading throughout for a dominant victory over 1200m at this track. Has the upside to play a leading role again. CLIMATE CONTROL (4) put the writing on the wall last start when beaten a nose into second over 1280m at Muswellbrook. Look for him late from the wide gate with Roper's claim.

RACE 7 - QUICK SHARP (5) improving filly who indicated a win was imminent after finishing a narrow second in a strong race at Scone over 1100m in the heavy (10) going. Third up for this and looks hard to hold out. PARTY PROPHET (11) bounced off her good third two back with a sharp maiden win over 1100m at Wellington. Will hold a forward position again and figure prominently. TAKE THE CHANCE (18) lightly raced mare with upside. Rewarded for her consistency with a sound 2.5 len maiden win over 1200m at this track. Capable of going on with it now and will need a bit of luck from the draw. SWILKEN BRIDGE (8) even return when a close-up sixth over 900m at Wellington on March 28. Claim helps and sure to be thereabouts.