Racing & Sports expert selections.

RACE 1 - Group 2 placegetter EXTREME DIVA (4) resumes after racing with distinction in much tougher company last prep. Since fitted with a recent trial placing over 740m at Randwick on August 5. Expected to finish over the top of these. PEARLER (7) is a filly by D'argento out of Redan Lane on debut for the Gary Nickson yard. Not pushed out in her only trial when fourth over 815m at Warwick Farm on July 26. Will appreciate the 2kg claim from the low gate. RUNRANIRUN (8) is a three-year-old mare on debut by Press Statement from Marju Rani who has thrown plenty of winners. Has shown a ton of ability in all four trials and drawn to stalk the good speed. BACKWARD GLANCE (3) three-year-old filly who grabbed her first minor placing in a maiden at Muswellbrook last start. On her home track today and in the mix.

RACE 2 - TURBINADO (8) will find this more to her liking third-up after holding on well in the heavy (8) going when a narrow fourth over 1000m at Sandown-Hillside on July 31. Can control the tempo from the inside gate and take catching. GOGMAGOG (5) solid maiden victory first-up at Hawkesbury before having to work hard from the outside gate when a wilting sixth at Hawkesbury over 1000m on August 1. This looks easier and ticks plenty of boxes from the gate. WILLINGALE (9) best form is over this track and trip and hard fit now. Gritty effort with the 62kg from the wide gate when a close fourth over 1000m at Scone on August 2. Looks good each-way value. REIGNING KING (4) back after a break of four-and-a-half months. Closed the last campaign with a fifth over 1200m at Wyong. Fitter for a trial win at Wyong. Should run well.

RACE 3 - WHISPERING WAY (11) lightly raced filly who will keep improving as she steps up in trip. Battled on gamely when a plugging fifth over 1300m at Hawkesbury two weeks ago. Gets in light with the claim and Sargent has a good record on the Newcastle circuit. Must respect. SUPERCRISP (10) nine-start maiden who relished the extra distance when running on late to secure fourth over 1600m at Scone on August 2. Firmer surface helps and trained on the track. Can play a leading role. ELUSIVE MISSION (6) thereabouts of late and has the right numbers to have genuine top-three claims. Sat on the speed when a plugging fourth over 1600m at Wyong on August 4. KIA ORA GOLD (1) four-year-old resuming as a gelding after four-and-a-half months off. Can sneak into the minor money.

RACE 4 - DENMARK (3) former import in need of the run at his first Australian start when failing to get into the contest finishing 12th over the unsuitable 1350m at Doomben on July 31. Showed staying promise in the UK last year and expecting more from the good gate with Berry booked over this trip. NOSFERATU (4) promising staying prospect who's been given plenty of time to mature. Relished the mile at his second race start when a slick 2 lens winner over 1600m at Warwick Farm on July 31. Will appreciate the roomier Newcastle track out to the 1850m. Can win again. BARAZIN (1) fifth-up today after sitting on the speed with the 59kg when a gritty second over 1895m at this track. Cross-over nose band goes on and expected to be fighting out the finish. CASTERLY ROCK (8) best performance in four starts when edged out late to finish second over 1600m at Wyong on August 4. Costing sticks and sure to be in the mix.

RACE 5 - ZOURIPPER (1) stripped fitter at second run back on the firmer surface when up in trip for a tenacious maiden victory over 1200m at Canterbury on July 24. Chad Schofield keeps the ride and can win again out to the 1400m. Go close. MY MATE COBBER (9) handy gelding who finished fourth last start but was beaten only 2 lengths over 1200m at this track. Solid prospects. MISCHIEVOUS MOLLY (6) resumed over 1250m at Taree last start and finished 2 lengths from the winner in second. Fitter but facing a tougher assignment. Place hopes. TELL ME MA (10) is worth thought fresh.

RACE 6 - MADAM INSTRIFE (10) comes out of a sound debut performance when powered late to finish third over 1250m at Canterbury on June 19. Since fitted with a recent 900m trial placing and will relish the roomier Newcastle track. Go close. LADY ICHIKAWA (9) promising mare fitter after two solid runs back. Three weeks between runs when returned good final splits from well back to finish third over today's journey at this track on August 3. Genuine top-three player. ECLAIR VITALITY (1) has been about the mark of late, filling a minor placing at Scone two runs back then finishing fourth last start over 1100m at Wyong. Definite threat over this longer trip. JUST GLAMOUROUS (8) can feature fresh.

RACE 7 - ONE KIND (11) racing in career best form and just has to tick off the 1200m box. Came from last on the turn when a slashing third over 900m here on August 3. A repeat of latest will see her hard to hold out. CROP DUSTER (6) back marker who saves his best for this track and trip. Drops in grade here after charging late in the heavy (9) going when a narrow third over 1280m at Muswellbrook on July 29. Gets the right tempo to stamp his authority. THE NEW SINATRA (5) lightly raced gelding with a future, resuming from a four month break. Won his maiden in good style here at his latest appearance and since fitted with two smart trials. Tongue-tie goes on and market moves must be closely monitored. PRINCESS CRUIZER (12) has been out of the money in recent runs including last time out when eighth over 1250m at this track a week ago. Nicely placed to turn things around.

RACE 8 - RUSH ATTACK (7) progressive Brave Smash gelding who attacked the line late with the 58.5kg when a dominant winner as fav over 1450m at Kempsey on July 30. Drops further in weight with the claim and is not to be underestimated in this stronger contest. DREAMDEEL (2) holding his form well and was left a sitting shot late when sitting a solid tempo to finish a narrow second over 1600m at Wyong on August 4. On the quick back-up with the claim and has a good record here. SHURI (5) trained on the track and a win looks imminent. Has a tidy win record and comes out of a strong race after finishing second over this track and trip on August 3. No surprise to see her go one better today. BERTIE (6) winner of his last two starts and looking for a hat-trick. This is a tougher race here but he has been winning with something in hand. Can't knock that winning form.