Racing & Sports expert selections.

RACE 1 - JACKIEDOWNTHELINE (8) placed here over the 860m 13 days ago off tougher provincial maidens. Draws better today and only has to repeat that improved effort to go close. DOLLY'S A NATURAL (7) found one better here first-up and flopped after at Stanthorpe. That was out of character and fitter she can bounce back into the finish. CONFIRM NOR DENY (6) had been going well on the Gold Coast poly and best to ignore the Eagle Farm outing 11 days ago when outgraded. Trust is required over the short course but he has some key gear switches and rates well in this company. YEMEAN (4) is a debutant from the Munce yard with the blinkers applied. Missed 1.4L in a Doomben trial in September. A betting watch.

RACE 2 - HOT OR NOT (3) missed a nose at the Sunshine Coast and built on that winning here at this distance. She can use the rail and is a decent chance to repeat. SONGZILLA (4) placed behind the above first-up in the same contest. He can threaten again with average luck from an awkward gate. SHIPS AHOY (2) resumes and rates well. May need one but will push forward and and has to be considered. BONGANI (6) is on a 7-day return and may be best of the rest.

RACE 3 - Competitive. SCENIC RIM (5) was back to his best winning the CL3 here up to this distance. He races forward and briefly freshened looks well-placed to win again. GREEK STAR (1) sits handy and brings a 62 win from the Gold Coast synthetic over 1540m. Will use the rail and give a sight. MAUI (2) has been racing mainly in better company. Going well enough to feature if things go his way. Ditto SHEPPEY (6) who went close at Doomben two starts back.

RACE 4 - RAINEWATER (12) placed at Doomben three-back and had excuses on the Gold Coast poly his latest. Is well placed and draws for the run of the race. Sits at the bottom of the handicap and Thornton rides. KOTONI (9) needed the first-up outing and will appreciate the longer sprint. Rates well at best and fitter can hit the line hard. GRAND ACADEMY (6) is also lightly raced and with more to give second-up. Has to avoid getting strung up from the rails gate. Stablemate NOAH (10) improved to place at Warwick and will push forward.

RACE 5 - Plenty of chances. ROADHOUSE (8) resumed with the 58 win at Warwick and Wiggins' sticking is a positive. Fitter and should enjoy a good run. Has placed 5/5 second-up and should get every chance to repeat. KORUTO (2) has gone close here his last two in stronger. Will ride the speed from the rail and is also a winning chance. TUHINGA (5) resumed in good order and had excuses after. Has plenty up the sleeve and draws to advantage. Should go close. BELLE'S BOY (9) showed enough winning the 58 over this distance to consider.

RACE 6 - ZATTASTAR (6) went close here on resumption before delivering in the 58 at Lismore and it was a big effort after a troubled start. The Bruce stable has been targeting this venue and Thornton rides. Fitter and can repeat the dose on an 11-day return. DANTE ALIGHIERI (3) improved beaten 1L here over this distance in a 58 and should secure a soft run. A chance holding that form. TOP BABE (7) has a 4kg claim and the rails gate and showed enough at Stanthorpe to consider. CONTESSA NILE (11) finally draws a low gate and can show more like her best.

RACE 7 - FLYING ANNIE (2) resumes for the Bruce hard in much easier and her best NSW form reads well. Goes fresh and Thornton rides. Wins at best. GROOVIN' THE MOO (3) was well-supported here 13 days ago and disappointed. Found more like his best at Ipswich prior and presents today at peak fitness. Can improve into the finish. AFFINITY FLYER (6) has won two of her last three with the latest on the Gold Coast poly. Races forward and back to the turf is a chance to repeat. TOP BIRD (8) resumes and has trialled well. Has weight relief and will run along from a low gate.

RACE 8 - Competitive. PARUES (8) placed at Ipswich and hasn't had the best of it his two starts since. Has been freshened and can sit handier today. The pacifiers will help his racing manners and quick improvement is anticipated. BY BY BEAN (9) will push forward and resumed here beaten 1.6L. Has the winkers on the first time and has more to give. RECANATI (6) resumes and is up to this if presented forward. Has an awkward barrier but is lightly raced with good upside. SHINSHINTO (2) brings good form from the Gold Coast poly. Draws to advantage and has to be kept onside. UNION SPIRIT (3) resumes for the Currie yard and is also a chance.