Racing & Sports expert selections.

RACE 1 - ALABAMA FOX (5) takes a huge step back in class after a couple of Group 3 assignments of late. Best of those runs was a 3.5 length defeat in the James Carr behind Lilac. Question mark on a bottomless track but otherwise is hard to fault. FEAR NO EVIL (1) continues to perform well in his maiden prep. Led until swamped near the line when a close third in a Wagga BM74 over 1600m last time out. Yet to encounter a track this wet but deserves the benefit of the doubt. WILLIE OPPA (6) picked up nicely to grab second when resuming on a heavy track over 1350m at Wyong recently. Up in grade but will get through the going which is a big tick. FIFTYFIVECHEVY (2) has been racing well but must be some risk under these trying conditions.

RACE 2 - Four live chances in the field of five. JET (4) is now the horse to beat following a strong debut on a heavy track at Muswellbrook nineteen days ago, leading until close to home. Big class rise today but he ticks the heavy track box and with blinkers going on might prove tough to catch. CHANGE MY ADDRESS (9) is an Exceedance filly on debut for John Sargent. Easily won a recent Randwick trial. Bourke's claim brings her in on 52.5 kgs which will be handy in these conditions. MARINERA (10) is an Exceed And Excel first starter from the Bjorn Baker stable. Has won both trials in good fashion. All three siblings to race are winners. Looks ready to run well. THE PEARLS (12) debuts for the Waller stable. Trial form has been fair. Gets her chance in the small field. Stablemate SEQUEL (14) resumes. Has showed little in three runs to date and would be the surprise result if she got up.

RACE 3 - LIVIN' THING (2) has been scratched from Race Five to be kept for this. Came from well back to record an impressive first-up victory over subsequent winner Zaragoza on a heavy track at Kembla last time out. Lightly raced three-year-old who looks ready for this step up in class. MANSIERE (1) is a Victorian visitor who revels in the wet conditions. Contested a three-horse race first-up which isn't a great guide. Should be competitive. BIG RED TEQUILA (7) scored comfortably at Canterbury when lining up for the second time. More in store. Recent Kembla maiden winner PIEROLITE (8) handled soft conditions comfortably on that occasion. On the rise and an extra 100m looks ideal. FIRST PERSON (5) led all the way to win over 1250m at Newcastle in heavy going last time out. Query coming back in trip but is flying this prep and Berry aboard is a tick.

RACE 4 - KNIGHTS ARMOUR (7) comes back a level or two today. Good effort to finish second in a BM82 over 2000m at Albury two back then made up many lengths to just miss the placings in the Listed Wagga Cup last start. The winner of four from five at this trip and handles the going so plenty to like about his prospects. BLACK RUN (1) wound up late to get up for third at his latest appearance over 1800m in heavy going at Hawkesbury. Fitter for two runs back from a spell and probably looking for this trip now. STAY TUNED (11) ground out a tough win over a similar trip to this at Goulburn last start. Performs best in these conditions so he comes under notice. JUNEBUG (6) was headed at the furlong but kept finding to finish third in Saturday metro company at Gosford last start. Won't find this as tough and handles the going. UP AND UNDER (3) is fitter for two runs back from a spell and has placed five times from seven runs on rain affected tracks.

RACE 5 - IRON WILL (1) has tackled two tough sprints at Wagga since returning from a spell and hasn't measured up. Most recently had to work hard to lead from a wide gate in the Town Plate over 1200m then felt the pinch in the final stages. Very fit and this is not strong so he gets his chance. Veteran FANGELA (2) has never raced better. Made it three wins from his last four starts when successful in an open sprint over 1000m at Canberra twelve days ago. Enjoys getting the toe in and gets some weight relief today. Certainly up to this. STRUCK GOLD (3) has been freshened up since a close fourth over this course and distance seven weeks ago. Trialled since to keep things ticking over. Sure to give backers a sight. APEX (5) started favourite but found one better when resuming over 1100m at Canterbury recently. Beaten narrowly second-up last prep on a soft track in town. Likely to be thereabouts again. READY TO SHINE (8) returned to form at Wyong last time. Loves these conditions.

RACE 6 - NAVAL COMMISSION (1) found the line well to get up for second in heavy ground over 1550m at Canterbury last start. Has a strong second-up record so should hold that form. Has his share of weight but this is an easier assignment. The one to beat with McDonald to steer. GOOD PRIZE (3) chalked up the hat trick last time out when he was far too good in a BM68 over this distance at Kembla. Relishing the soft/heavy tracks of late. Unbeaten in three runs at the mile and is a huge chance to add to that record. SOUNDS UNUSUAL (6) returned with an eye-catcher in a similar race to this last start. Lightly raced four-year-old with a stack of room for improvement. AUTUMNMATION (7) is fitter for two runs back from a spell and should give a good account. Last start Canterbury maiden winner DARK ARTS (11) enjoyed the heavy conditions that day and looks ready for the step up in grade.

RACE 7 - Even contest to close the card. LITTLE COINTREAU (1) has found the line powerfully in his two runs this prep. Came from near the tail midrace to get up for fourth over 1400m at the Kensington track last start. Loves these conditions and looks ready to peak. STRUFF (9) won first-up at Wyong then turned in a shocker over 1250m at the Kensington track last time. Good wet tracker who is usually reliable so she certainly deserves another chance. LADY BOSS (7) travelled wide and offered little as a result when first-up from a nine-week break at Randwick last start. Wet track specialist who is back in class and comes right into calculations. MISSILE SEEKER (5) made up many lengths to score impressively on a heavy surface over 1350m at Wyong last time out when fresh from a two-month break. Suited by the small field so keep him in mind. STALLONE (8) returns from a spell. Took all before him on the country circuit last prep. Not accomplished in this sort of going which is the query.