Racing & Sports expert selections.

RACE 1 - APOLLO RIDGE (4) started favourite when fresh from a spell last start over this trip at Wyong but failed narrowly after trying to lead all the way. Strips fitter and doesn't meet a deep field here so he gets his chance. HE'S COOL (8) whacked away to get up for a distance second when resuming on a heavy track at Newcastle last time out. Should appreciate an extra 100m today and looks the obvious threat. RIVANA (7) looked to have every possible hope when third as favourite over today's journey at Quirindi recently. Has had plenty of chances and needs to lift to trouble favourite. Each-way the right option. I AM BRAVE (6) on debut for Richard and Will Freedman has been well found in early markets on the back of a decent trial at Rosehill on 9 May. Obviously has a bit to offer. Locally trained debutant FAVOUR THE BOLD (2) is doing enough at the trials to suggest he can run well here.

RACE 2 - IT'S A WRITTEN (12) has returned in career-best form this prep. Missed by a whisker first-up at Armidale then jumped sharply in trip when a close second over 1400m at Tamworth last start. This looks like an ideal assignment with the help of a nice draw. STAR PREDICTION (8) faces an easier task than his three runs to date this prep. Best of those efforts was a close sixth when resuming over 1200m at Wyong. Expecting a much better run today and should be at a decent quote. GHAZNAVI (2) missed the kick before rallying late to finish less than two lengths from the winner over 1280m at Muswellbrook recently. Cherry ripe after two runs back and Nash might squeeze an extra bit out of him. NAFTALI (5) has been well in commission and finished less than 1.5 lengths from the winner at all three runs this time in work. Wide gate is a worry but should give a good account again. BULLANT (14) is a talented filly scratched earlier this week to be saved for this. In the mix.

RACE 3 - SO REBELLIOUS (6) attracted little betting interest but ran an eye-catching third on debut over this distance at Bathurst three weeks ago. Will enjoy a strong tempo and the long run home here. Looks the one most likely. GILETTE (7) led for the judge but found one better on debut last time out, just holding out the fast finishing So Rebellious for second. Needs a pinch of luck from the draw but with natural improvement to come she is a serious chance. CASHBOOK (2) started warm favourite but a few things went wrong on debut at Wagga recently. Trialled well since and looks a likely improver. Bjorn Baker's debutant DEMI GOD (4) won his first trial at Warwick Farm then was given a quieter run at Rosehill. Good early support suggests he is ready to run well. COSMONAUT (3) on debut for David Payne is one to monitor for market support.

RACE 4 - The lightly raced MAJESTUOSO PHOENIX (2) chimed in late but just missed out last start over 1000m at Goulburn. Progressing nicely for the Ciaron Maher stable and finds the perfect race at the third run back. AGED CARE (4) is back after a twenty-week spell. Performed well at all three runs last prep, including a first-up placing over 900m at Newcastle. Trialling well and looks all set for a bright return. HARLEX (1) stalked the leader then let down impressively for an easy maiden win first-up over 900m at Newcastle. Sparingly raced three-year-old with plenty more to offer. COCO DREAMING (5) did a good job at Port Macquarie five weeks back when returning from a lengthy lay-off. Trialled since and should give a good account again. SHROPSHIRE LAD (3) is a promising three-year-old back from a spell. Open to plenty of improvement this prep and is capable of testing these despite the lay-off.

RACE 5 - Many chances. WARRIOR FOR PEACE (9) opened his career with a win and an eye-catching second at the Gold Coast before being outclassed in the Queensland Guineas last start. Back in his right grade so watch for a return to form. MILLIE DE LUNE (6) made a sustained run from before the turn then easily put away her rivals in a 1500m Newcastle maiden last time out. Back in fine order this prep and can go on with the job. OAKFIELD SATURN (8) hasn't put a foot wrong in her three runs to date, the latest effort a grinding second through heavy ground at Wyong over today's journey. Holding her form well and should be thereabouts again. CALTSAR (2) started at $1.24 and won accordingly on debut at Newcastle recently. Big step up today but he is loaded with promise. PELOSA (3) just missed in town last start. Cherry ripe for this after three runs back from a spell.

RACE 6 - POINT OUT (7) recently returned from a six-month spell over 1200m at Quirindi for new trainer Stirling Osland and duly saluted. Strong through the line that day suggesting this extra trip will suit. Up in grade but gets some nice weight relief so must be considered. SPEEDY HENRY (17) got a mile back before finishing sixth in a 1000m Randwick Highway recently, his first defeat at start three. Looking for this distance now and should be about the mark. NEW PHAROAH (6) lines up for the hat trick after a strong win here a month ago. Likes the runs spaced and looks a big chance again despite the bad draw. SNATCHREILLY (8) backs up six days after an uncharacteristic poor run at Glen Innes. Capable of better. TASORAAY (4) returns from a five-month spell for Kris Lees. Three solid recent trials will have him forward enough to run well.

RACE 7 - Tremendous renewal of the Scone Cup with a dozen live chances at least. TAVI TIME (5) raced handy but didn't quicken as hoped in the heavy ground in the Hawkesbury Cup last start. Fitter for two runs back from a spell and loves the mile. Maps beautifully so no excuses today. GREBENI (11) didn't have the best of luck at Randwick last start in a run worth forgiving. The winner of four from seven at the mile so from a good gate with 54.5 kgs he makes plenty of appeal. KNOW THYSELF (15) is collecting some serious prize money this time in work. Unbeaten here and on a quick back-up is a big chance to add to the stellar run. WEST OF AFRICA (8) found the line well to be beaten half a length in the Tamworth Cup last start. Best form comes at today's trip so he is right in contention. DUCASSE (9) is rock hard fit after four runs back and he looks attractively weighted on 55kgs.

RACE 8 - Very open race. RHYTHM IS A DANCER (6) has attacked the line with purpose in his two runs this prep, both over shorter distances. The winner of five from twelve at 1400m so expect him to improve further at the third run back. GIVING DELIGHT (18) got too far back at Mudgee last Sunday but made late inroads in a BM82 over this trip. Capable of a top three finish if he can settle a touch closer. HOT BANDIT (17) scored convincingly in open company at Canberra recently. Races well here and has won three out of four at this stage of the prep. Definite contender. Last start Narromine winner POWER BEAU (12) is a chance with a repeat of that performance. WHO EVER THOUGHT (16) was struggling before being turned out for an eight-week let-up. Best form stacks up so he should not be underestimated.