Racing & Sports expert selections.

RACE 1 - THE BEAST (3) led for home but was soon overwhelmed and finished a distant third over this distance on a bog track at Goulburn on Thursday. If the Maher stable decides to back up he looks to have a bit on this field. MAGENTA SHORES (6) adopted new tactics last time out over today's journey at Goulburn, bouncing straight to the lead before battling on well for third on a soft track. Untried on a surface this wet but she is honest and should give a good account. JOHNTIALJO (2) has started favourite at both runs this prep but failed to get backers' hopes up on either occasion. Stepped up quickly to the mile at the Sapphire Coast last time so at the third run back so there is scope for improvement. HIGHLAND HUSTLE (5) worked to find the lead but was found wanting in the concluding stages over 1600m at Kembla recently. Genuine hope back in a country maiden. DOWNTOWN BAR (4) returned to form at Moruya last start. Her abject failure on a heavy deck two back is a concern though.

RACE 2 - ACHESON (3) battled on well but found one better in a Class 4 over 1400m at Bathurst last start. The winner of three races, all on rain affected tracks. Best form comes at 1200m so he ticks a few important boxes. VEGAS DREAM (4) has enjoyed a return to form at the Sapphire Coast at his last couple of runs. Returned a good figure when he scored two back over today's trip in heavy conditions. Rock hard fit and looms as the obvious threat. CAPITAL HEART (1) led all the way to just hold out Vegas Dream when fresh from a spell last start over this distance at the Sapphire Coast. Placed three from four when second-up. Has his share of weight but should give a great sight again. LEASE (2) is back after a three-month spell. Not a prolific winner but he does go well when fresh and likes to roll along in front. Cannot be ruled out. HURRICANE THUNDER (5) strips fitter after a mediocre performance first-up. One for the exotics.

RACE 3 - BARDETTE (5) lines up for just the third time and is getting out to a more suitable trip now. Has found the line well in both her runs over 1000m at Canberra, each time on soft ground. Progressive filly who looks ready to break through. HAMAGUCHI (1) was plain in his first two runs then a soft track may have brought the best out of him last time when a game second over 1300m at Moruya. Kept fresh since that effort five weeks ago. Should be about the money again. SAWMILL (9) is back from a five-month break. Has ability, with the best run coming on debut on a soft track here over 1100m. No recent trials to assist so the market holds the key. SNUBA (11) has been getting back in her races and struggling to pick up ground. Might be a big improver with blinkers going on for the first time. Thirty-four-start maiden TEN FEATHERS (3) comes off a forty-seven-day let-up. Handles the going and can sneak into the frame for trifecta and first four players.

RACE 4 - MISS SCOOP (2) didn't have everything go her way in the final 400m at Goulburn so it might be best to overlook the run. Ran a couple of placings in slightly stronger races on wet tracks prior to that. In the right race to bounce back to form. DENI GAL (3) missed the kick before working home last start over 1300m at Goulburn. Loves racing here and she enjoys some give in the track. Capable of testing this field despite the big step back in distance. OUR RED PLANET (6) was slowly away then stoked up late to grab third in soft going over 1000m at Goulburn recently. Wet track specialist who will be hard to hold out. ARCTIC DESERT (1) raced handy but was just fair through the line over 1200m at Goulburn recently. Fitter for two runs back from a spell and looks an each-way chance. OAKEYS CHOICE (5) is next in line coming off a six-week let-up.

RACE 5 - ALL BLACK (1) led in a change of tactics last start but was no match late over this distance at Kembla. Fitter for two runs back from a spell and carries less weight after the claim in an easier race. Makes plenty of appeal. YOUR NOT THE BOSS (2) picked up nicely in the heavy going to finish second in the same race as All Black last time out at Kembla. Strips fitter but does go up to 61kgs on a bog track which is the small concern. OWN THEM (3) did nothing when resuming in a stronger race over 1200m at Wagga recently. Fitter for that run and won't find this as tough so he is open to sharp improvement. MISSILE MAIDEN (9) has been beaten in the two-four length range of late without ever threatening. Honest mare who gets through the ground and should be thereabouts again. RATHORAN (6) has won two on the bounce in trying conditions. Tackles a better field today but it is hard to find fault.

RACE 6 - Speedy filly TIGLETTA (8) has impressed at both runs to date, showing speed and boxing on well for minor placings. Tackles a wet track for the first time and meets a few other tidy maidens but she looks ready to break through. LIGHTLY SPARKLED (2) is back from a 145-day spell. Wasn't far away at Kembla on a soft deck when fresh from a spell last prep. Should race handy and prove tough to hold out. NOW YOU'VE DONE IT (4) returns after a seven-month lay-off. Placed at Hawkesbury on debut then wasn't beaten far on a soft track at Orange at the only other appearance. Two lead-up trials should have her wound up to run well. MY SHAREENA (9) on debut for Bjorn Baker is sure to attract interest. By Zousain from a mare who has produced two winners from as many runners. Keep an eye on the betting. BORDER TOWN (5) is back from a seven-month absence. Untested on anything but a good track. Has been gelded and his best form measures up so one to keep an eye on.

RACE 7 - DE LOUVIERE (1) was in fine form before finding a Class 1 at Hawkesbury last start beyond him. Has a huge weight to carry but is back in grade and can get through the going. The one to beat in a tough race. MR CONSPIRACY (6) struggled when returning from a long break over the mile at Wyong last time out. Better placed out to this trip and with Emma Ly's claim he gets in nicely. SINGLE CROWN (8) stepped up in trip and turned recent form on its head in a similar race to this here five weeks ago. The gap between runs in these trying conditions is a concern, but he should give a good account. JUAN PABLO (3) chalked up his first win in a 2000m Class 1 at Queanbeyan a fortnight ago. Yet to prove himself on a heavy 10 but he is lightly raced and deserves the benefit of the doubt. POKER DICE (7) doesn't win out of turn but he is well placed under today's scenario and cannot be ruled out.