Racing & Sports expert selections.

RACE 1 - MAL COUPE (1) showed plenty of toe when resuming over 1000m at Canberra last start but was just denied close to home. Will take a lot from that run and extra 100m is in his favour. Great chance to break through. TIGLETTA (4) has raced handy and stuck on well for minor placings at both her runs to date. Yet to be exposed to a wet track but take her on trust. STEP QUICK (2) almost scored three back at Queanbeyan and has been competitive subsequently at the provincials. Draws the fence and back in a country maiden poses a genuine threat. Bjorn Baker brings first starter MY SHAREENA (8) here on the back of decent trial form. Worth following any stable money that may flow.

RACE 2 - The scratching of Four Degrees opens this up for KOBOLD (11) who returned from a seventy-eight-week spell for new trainer Toby Pracey last start and did a great job to finish third. Came from well back that day at the end of 1000m at Wellington so the extra furlong will suit her down to the ground. I'M INDEPENDENT (10) looks the hardest to beat after a couple of reasonable efforts this prep over shorter journeys. Gets all the favours from gate one and should be putting in the big ones late. GETTIN' TIPSY (9) ran on evenly without threatening on debut last start over 1000m at Dubbo. Can improve out to this distance. CARRICK (2) was poor last start at Parkes but did place here first-up and can improve.

RACE 3 - AEROSTERN BRO (1) was ridden more aggressively last start and improved on his debut run when third over 1300m at Canberra. Finds a modest maiden here and with some further natural improvement he can open the account. WASHIK (12) has raced exclusively at the provincials this prep and gone close to a breakthrough win on a couple of occasions. Very fit mare who will be tough to beat back in a moderate country maiden. TANGELO STAR (10) led but felt the pinch late and finished a distant third when fresh from a brief spell over this distance at Mudgee recently. Will take a lot from that outing and should run boldly. JUMP IN THE LINE (3) did little first-up at Kembla but will find this far easier.

RACE 4 - The promising MICRO MIKKI (5) made it two in a row when she easily accounted for a Class 1 field over this trip at Wellington last start. Meets some better types but stays on 59kgs and is good enough to get the job done. The lightly raced CRUSADER KINGS (3) returned from a 103-day break with a sound effort behind Micro Mikki. Gets a bit of weight relief today and with added fitness is capable of closing the gap somewhat. REBEL DREAMER (6) is a lightly raced mare who resumed from a spell last start with a win by half a length over 1100m at Mudgee. Tougher here but is also a second-up winner and in the mix again. DESI EMPEROR (1) was good fresh when runner-up and strips fitter. Easiest race he's contested in a while and will give a big sight on speed.

RACE 5 - CHEBICI (9) settled well back then quickened nicely to win a BM58 over the mile at the Sapphire Coast last start. Lightly raced filly who is coming of age this prep. Can win again without surprising. DEVILS DAUGHTER (8) was racing very well until a hiccup over 2000m at Hawkesbury last time out. Back in her right race today and although drawn in the car park she can play a role with even luck. REGION TIME (10) has found the line well but just come up short at her last couple of appearances, both at Canberra. Honest mare who reunites with Quayde Krogh who seems to get the best out of her. INSTEAD (17) doesn't know how to run a bad race and is a must for trifecta and first four punters.

RACE 6 - MEDINAH (5) was seven weeks between runs when an eye-catching fifth last start over today's trip at Mudgee. Down a little in grade and will strip fitter so he makes plenty of appeal. KOTAISHI (12) opened this prep in great style before failing in a Class 2 at Hawkesbury recently. Worth another chance in a more suitable contest. BONUS TEMPUS (11) charged home late over the mile at the Sapphire Coast eight days ago. Coming back in distance is a concern but he is one to watch for late in proceedings. Distance specialist CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (2) won a strong race at Queanbeyan last time. Has a wide gate to contend with but cannot be ruled out.

RACE 7 - MISSY MOSS (9) opened her account in convincing style last start over this trip at Mudgee, chiming in with a well-timed run to please favourite backers. Progressing nicely and looks ready to take on a better race like this. CHAMPERS GIRL (2) returned from a short spell with a moderate effort in a Class 3 over 1100m at Mudgee. Won't find this as tough so with added fitness she should be there at the finish. CHOICE DEEL (14) wasn't far away last time out when coming off a forty-six-day let-up. Hasn't won in ages but is worth throwing in the exotics. SUPER STING (15) is first-up from a five-month spell. Will be better for the hit out but can sneak a top four finish without surprising.