Racing & Sports expert selections.

RACE 1 - GONE BANANAS (7) was thirty-nine days between runs when a decent fifth in heavy going last start over 1500m at Newcastle. Gets beyond a mile for the first time which is the obvious query, but he is one-paced and should cope with the challenge. JUNEBUG (2) was handy on straightening but couldn't go with them in the closing stages over 1800m at Sandown last time. Raced once over this sort of trip and was in the placings last prep in a Class 1. Should be thereabouts. PERFECT JUSTICE (5) just missed two back in a BM64 over 1600m at Kembla. Outclassed in the Tulloch Stakes last time. Unproven at this trip but is bred to run it out. Should be in the finish. ALPINE KANDY (3) is flying this prep, most recently sustaining a long run to score in a similar race here a fortnight ago. Getting up in the weights but she is going much better than any of these. MINDSPACE (6) is very fit after four runs back from a spell. Looks ready to peak based on a strong effort at Eagle Farm last time.

RACE 2 - GOLDEN SMILE (3) has returned in good order this prep and will be peaking at the third run back. Made up plenty of ground but was beaten a length as favourite last start over this distance at Taree. Placed at Newcastle the run prior so she will handle provincial grade. TWIN ISLAND (8) tackled a 1300m Warwick Farm maiden when resuming last start and found them a bit sharp. Better placed this time and with a cosy run out of gate one should have plenty to offer in the closing stages. CHA CHA CHA (5) led and tried hard but was swamped near home and just missed the placings in a similar race here four weeks ago. Starting to put it together and will give backers a sight again. BLACK BUGATTI (2) has found the line well in two runs this prep, both over 1400m. Needs the mile now and a small field suits his racing pattern. SLAM DUNK (7) is new to this trip but cannot be ruled out.

RACE 3 - APOLLO RIDGE (2) returns from a twenty-week spell for a second campaign. Showed ability last prep, the highlight being a one-length third over this distance at Hawkesbury. Trialling very well and looks like he is ready to come back bigger and better. TRIPLE TRIPLE (10) ran a better race last start when beaten three lengths over 1100m at Gosford. Not a great deal of depth to this so he should be about the mark with the light weight. CHIBA (1) resumes. Well backed at all three runs in the maiden prep and returned two minor placings. Won a Randwick trial in late March and is all set for a positive return. TIBERIUS (4) is an Ole Kirk first starter for Bjorn Baker. His three trials have been strong so a bright start to his career is anticipated. Impossible to make a case for the other runners.

RACE 4 - RIVANA (6) has been kept fresh since an encouraging effort when resuming on 15 March, working home well for third in soft going over 1000m at Gosford. That was easily her best first-up run to date. Even more effective on top of the ground this sets up nicely. DORALEE (1) is back from a six-month break. Just missed on debut over 1000m at Kembla then was out of her depth in Aeliana's Reginald Allen at Randwick. Two recent trial wins will have her sharp and ready to run. LUNAITE (4) was in the market but performed only fairly on debut over 1000m at the Kensington track in March 2024 and has not appeared since. Switched from Waller to Snowden over that long break. Won a recent Taree trial by panels. Betting watch advised. Godolphin's NIGHT SKY (5) is a full sister to Group 2 winner Thermosphere on debut. Won two trials late last year and another recently. Well-educated and a definite contender. CELESTIAL BREEZE (7) resumes. Won a trial at Warwick Farm on 7 April. Betting the key.

RACE 5 - MARAIS (4) has been about the mark in his three runs this prep, most recently finding the line well for a close fourth over 1300m at the Kensington track. Is now ten runs without a win, placing in eight of them, which is a small concern. However, this is not a deep maiden so he will never get a better chance. LORD VETTORI (3) raced on the speed and took over briefly at the top of the lane but found a couple better late when resuming over 1100m at Gosford last time out. Lightly raced three-year-old with plenty of improvement to come. DIAL OF DESTINY (1) returned from a long spell with a respectable fifth over this course and distance recently. Worth following with the blinkers back on today. MURPHILLY (10) was slow to recover post-race so her disappointing effort over this journey at Gosford last start might be worth overlooking. Freshened up and in the mix. Sweynesse first starter FAMOUS ONE (2) is trialling impressively and early markets suggest he is ready to fire.

RACE 6 - BROADWAY FOLLIES (5) missed the placings for the first time last start when she was poised to strike on the bend but didn't finish off over 1300m at Hawkesbury. Fitter for two runs back from a spell, returns to her pet trip, gets gate one, and Parr takes over, so she ticks a lot of boxes. REDUCIO (10) returned from a seven-month spell with a determined all-the-way win in a maiden over this course and distance a fortnight ago. Lightly raced filly from the Godolphin stable who can progress enough to cause a few headaches in this company. PARTY DOLL (8) caught the eye late to get up for third over this course and distance recently, her third minor placings from as many appearances this prep. Should be thereabouts again. INSIGHTFUL AWARD (9) bolted in at Scone on 4 March and hasn't been sighted since. Must be respected. GAI'S ARTIST (1) strips fitter and can improve back in this company.

RACE 7 - GORBACHEV (11) returned from an eighteen-week break with a narrow win in a 1000m Gosford maiden, bearing down late to just arrive. Lightly raced three-year-old with improvement to come off that run, particularly out to this more suitable trip. GANDALF (7) raced handy then was too good for his rivals on debut last time out over 1100m at Hawkesbury. Wide gate a worry but with natural improvement likely he is in the mix again. PUERTO BANUS (2) added to his list of strong recent results with a solid second last start in open company over 1280m at Muswellbrook. Won't find this as tough so he is right in contention. BELLENTH (4) impressed here over 1000m recently when back after almost a year away from racing. Progressive four-year-old who will be hard to hold out over the extra furlong. Not much appeal outside this quartet, maybe include COOL LAD (12) in wider exotic plays.

RACE 8 - POWER OF THE BRAVE (3) has won two races in a row of similar quality, the latest over this distance at Gosford where he led from the get-go. Draws a wider gate today but has the gate speed to cross. Hard to fault. LISTINS LASS (10) opened this prep with a couple of 1000m wins before finding the Darby Munro at Rosehill a bridge too far last time. Back in her right race today so with the light weight she is a live contender. SHALL BE (5) has been freshened up since finishing midfield over 1100m at Randwick on 1 March. Maps nicely from the good gate and should be in contention. OAKFIELD BADGER (4) flew home to win a BM64 here at today's journey a fortnight ago. Hard to hold out again despite the step up in grade. UP THE FRONT (9) is back from a six-month break. Won first-up last prep over this distance. Genuine hope with the aid of a nice draw.