Racing & Sports expert selections.

RACE 1 - BLEAK MID WINTER (4) returns for the sharp Clarken & O'Shea partnership. Has been well supported in both starts and has been far from disgraced. Still lightly raced so has plenty of upside. Milnes claims 1.5kgs and looks the one to beat. MOUGENOT (8) gave backers a bold sight last start and never stopped trying once reeled in. Draws to get the gun run and strips cherry-ripe fitness fourth-up. Sure to be very competitive. MISTER HOCKEY (7) is a Highland Reel gelding on debut for the smart R & C Jolly stable. Has impressed in both his lead-up trials and should make his presence felt. PAMIERS (9) has caught the eye at both starts. Will likely head straight back again from the draw and saved for the final shot at them. DAPPER DON (5) returns and makes his stable debut. Best of the rest.

RACE 2 - MESROUR (4) kicked off the prep with two strong showings and then didn't have much luck last start when chopped out late. Suspect they are more proactive this time from the inside alley. Can turn things around. SIR NOW (1) justified his firm market support last start. 2kg claimer Collett reunites to aid the big weight. Progressive type that can go on with the job. PALM OF JUMEIRAH (6) has recaptured her best form and comes through some strong races littered with subsequent winners. Gets a slight pull at the weights over Sir Now from when they last met and is drawn much kinder. Can turn the tables. TRULY ELSA (2) dug deep to make the perfect return last month. Has been kept fresh for this with 35 days in between and keeps winning 3kg claimer Chadwick on. Have to take seriously. DREAMS FULFILLED (3) was a barnstorming winner when returning last campaign. Holder/Gluyas, have to consider.

RACE 3 - TAHNEE TREASURE (2) is a handy mare returning for the Hardacre barn. Gets in well at the weights under the conditions and is a distance specialist. Will take plenty of stitching if she returns anywhere near her best. JILLADORA (4) made light work of her rivals last start on the Parks track after stalking the leader. Was backed up by the clock last start and is open to further improvement. ALPINE FLYER (1) returns and is a noted performer. Held her own in some tough races last campaign and has been readied with a trial. Should make her presence felt. TOSEN WATER (7) chased gamely into the frame when resuming last start. Is sure to have come on with that run under her belt and draws to get the gun run. Looks a genuine top three chance. MISS KERMIE (6) can bounce back sharply third-up off 35-day freshen. Don't overlook her to fill a drum.

RACE 4 - SERINITE ILLUSION (2) was a barnstorming winner in town last start. The form around him this campaign stacks up strongly everywhere you look. Will be doing his best work late again and can repeat the dose. BOUNCING BEYOND (1) couldn't bring up the hat-trick last start but was far from disgraced. Rates highly on best figures as he reunites with Holder. Can atone. PARTY CRASHER (5) made light work of his maiden last start at Strathalbyn over the mile. Interesting to see him dropping back in trip but he does get a kilo off and is drawn much kinder. SILVER LIFESTYLE (3) gets a nice drop in grade after his midfield finish in the LR HC Nitschke Stakes last start. Drawn sticky but rates among the chances. I AM RALPH (9) made a stack of ground in the lane when returning at Murray Bridge. Can take closer order this time and is definitely worth including in exotics.

RACE 5 - Open race. SPACE EQUITY (3) doesn't win out of turn but this 10YO is as honest as they come. Caught the eye again last start and will appreciate the anticipated tempo. Can land a much deserved success. I NEED A DRINK (2) hasn't done much wrong of late and now strikes an easier assignment. Goes up in the weights but is drawn favourably and is sure to give backers a bold sight. ZAIN PRINCE (6) was too bad to be true last start but his form prior stacks right up. Gets in low at the weights and rates among the main chances. Smaller cases can be made for in-form gelding LITTLE CHICAGO (5) as he shoots for the hat-trick and FRANKEL STAR (4).

RACE 6 - CHASING APHRODITE (4) has been good in his first two runs since hopping of the plane. Has run strong times and won't know himself under the light weight. Expect him to quickly offset the wide draw and give backers a very bold sight. SIR KINGSFORD (3) was back at his best last start when leading pillar-to-post on the Parks surface. Hasn't seen the Oakbank track before but that shouldn't bother him with further improvement in store he can repeat the dose. MOTORACE (5) is knocking on the door. Chased in vein behind Sir Kingsford but meets him slightly better at the weights now and should be nearing his peak fourth-up. Can turn the tables. DUAL FUEL (7) often leaves herself with too much to do but is sure to cause a scare if she's close enough at the turn. BEACH PAD (8) has struck a purple patch of form but faces the testing material now. Have to consider.

RACE 7 - EASY CAMPESE (6) only snuck through late but hit the line hard to miss narrowly when resuming at Mt Gambier. Has been kept fresh for this as he steps out to a favoured trip. Will prove tough to stop down in the weights. MARACOURT (5) had been frustrating for punters but repaid their faith last campaign when taking out the LR Murray Bridge Gold Cup. Has been readied with a soft trial and is drawn favourably. Can make a winning return. FAVOURITE CHILD (4) has been rock-solid for the stable in her first two campaigns. Never really looked likely when resuming over an unfavourable trip in the LR Matrice Stakes but did warm nicely late. Much better suited stepping out to 1400m, will just need a touch of luck from the wide draw. RUBAMOS (2) was denied but the barest of margins last start in a small field. Doesn't win out of turn but does boast a strong record over this journey. Is another that needs a smart ride from a wide gate. MY KHALIFA (1) will be charging late. Keep safe.

RACE 8 - Found value in the feature with LONRODEX (6). He was super first-up when shooting up the fence to narrowly miss. Gets significant weight off with the rise in grade but Rutten has him going as good as ever and from the low draw he can run a big race. SIR SWAY (3) went better than the form reads last start behind Asfoora in the G3 R N Irwin Stakes and his two runs prior stack right up. Will need a smart steer from another tricky draw but he does have enough tactical speed to offset. Already boasts 6 wins over this trip, cane make it 7. EXTREMELY LUCKY (2) has been anything but his namesake this campaign. He'll be hoping they pour it on early so he can launch late. Worth another chance. TAUNTING (1) got away with murder in front two back when adding a second Listed success to his name. Will need his tactical speed on full display from out there but he has the ratings to back him up. GREAT MAXIMUS (11) is a progressive gelding from a sharp stable. Deserves to be racing in this grade.

RACE 9 - GEMINGA (7) progressed nicely second-up when rattling home into the placings at long odds and was backed up on the clock. Is open to further improvement and will appreciate the added trip. Can get the job done. BEEN OUR ANGEL (2) has been nabbed close to the line in his last two after showing strong tactical speed. Sure to find the front again from the low draw and will give plenty of cheek. BEAUTY BOUND (6) returns and has run well fresh without winning, only missing by a head first-up last campaign in a strong form race. Boasts a strong record over this distance and can take close order from the low draw. Plenty to like. SKINDER (14) was an impressive winner fresh off a long break. Can be forgiven for a flat performance second-up and then bounced straight back to form last start at long odds. Can continue to improve and deserves a lot more market respect this time. CLASSY KENNY (1) next best.