Racing & Sports expert selections.

RACE 1 - BRIEF SONG (2) started favourite last start over 2000m at Taree but after racing on the speed to the bend could not finish the race off. Blinkers come off today and she drops 3kgs with the claim. Can make amends. PLACID PEARL (8) was lining up for only the third time when beaten under a length last time out over 1800m at Hawkesbury, coming from last in a small field on the bend. Gets to a staying trip for the first time and it looks the right move. JUSTIFIABLY (6) has been in the money without winning at his last four. Dour stayer who will keep coming. LE SOUCI (3) battled on gamely for second after leading at Taree recently. Should give a good sight again. REALLY MOTIVATED (4) is a fringe chance on the seven-day back-up.

RACE 2 - DEVOTED DEPUTY (1) charged home late but missed by the barest margin when fresh from a spell over this trip at Kempsey last time out. Has had plenty of chances but looks to be back in better shape and with the help of the inside alley this might be his day. Four-year-old debutant PRESSNELL (5) has come up very short in early markets on the back of two comprehensive trial wins, the latest on 9 October. By Press Statement from a Testa Rossa mare with two winners from as many foals to race. Sure to play a major role. QUICK SHARP (10) on debut for Rodney Northam looked good in winning a Muswellbrook trial recently, albeit 0.66 seconds slower than Pressnell on the same day. Looks ready to run well. Another first starter in CRESTA RUN (9) finished third in Pressnell's trial. Trained on the track and should give a good account. The race looks to end there.

RACE 3 - PRINCESS MARY (1) tackled a BM82 at Tamworth when fresh from a 29-week spell for a new stable last start and the mare couldn't keep up over the 1000m in that strong company. Back in her right grade and 1300m is the pet trip. Maps nicely off a hot speed and can finish right over the top. ECLAIR (7) travelled well to the bend then threw in the towel at Port Macquarie last time - too bad to be true. Saves her best performances for Scone, including a close second over today's trip two back. Can make amends. SUPER STORY (5) has been kept fresh since a decent first-up performance over a sharper trip at Narromine a month ago. Likely improver. YOTOTSU (2) is a market watch at the first run back from a 19-week break for a new stable. Last start Armidale maiden winner POINT LOMA (8) has been kept fresh and can improve further at just his fourth race start.

RACE 4 - PEARLS TREASURE (3) improved sharply last start at the second run of the campaign, working home in good style to be beaten only 1.5 lengths over this course and distance. Might race a touch closer from the better gate. Looks ready to win. TOO DARN LOVELY (6) led for home but was swamped late and missed the placings last time out over 1000m at Tamworth. Handy filly who won here at this distance last prep. Freshened up and poses a serious threat. SAVOCA (5) recorded a game win in heavy going over this track and trip when returning from an eight-month spell recently. Faces a similar assignment today and should play a role if that effort hasn't flattened him. THE AFFIRMATIVE (8) went close two back in a 1000m BM58 at Tamworth before failing over more ground last time. Worth another chance. CUMBOOGLE (2) won over 800m at Narromine last Saturday and will give them something to catch again.

RACE 5 - STING JET (8) battled on evenly for a midfield finish when resuming in a Randwick Highway over 1000m last start. Drops 3.5kgs today and his second-up form reads very well. Nicely drawn and gets a few gear changes so everything points towards a big run. Interesting move by Rod Northam to switch SHARP SHOCK (1) back to 1100m after his tough win in the Coonamble Cup over a mile 12 days ago. Loves racing at Scone so off a strong tempo he could be the one flashing home. OUR BOY OLLIE (4) is back from a 23-week spell. Often takes a run or two to find form but he looks very well weighted with the claim and he gets the gun run from the close draw so he might surprise a few. SMART AND DAPPER (5) showed pace but weakened first-up over this trip at Warwick Farm. Has a far better second-up record and Weir going back on is significant - she has three wins from four rides on the gelding. Track specialist VERY SHARP (6) is also in the mix.

RACE 6 - RENNATA (1) has the flashing light on after two runs back from a break, coming home at a rate of knots to get up for third on each occasion. Coming back 100m is a concern but a hot tempo will assist. Lightly raced mare who should be peaking this afternoon. CASSETTE (15) ran a better race last time out when lining up for the second time, beaten 2.5 lengths over 1300m at Canberra. Further improvement to come. CALIFORNIA BLUES (18) made late ground and wasn't beaten far first-up over 1000m at Hawkesbury. Nicely placed out to this journey in an easier maiden so keep him in mind. ALLIRI (11) and POWERFUL DRAGON (6) are first starters from the Kris Lees stable. Both have plenty of trial experience and draw nice barriers so expect them to play significant roles.

RACE 7 - The Waterhouse/Bott-trained CHARBONNEUSE (18) has not raced since a moderate effort on debut over 1300m at Kembla last November. Should be forward enough following three recent trials. Will get a lovely run from gate one so at this level she appeals as the testing material. KEEP AT 'EM (7) went back from a wide alley then worked home evenly to finish fifth on debut last start over 1250m at Newcastle. Will take a lot from that run and this is an easier assignment so he looms as a threat. LIKE LUKEY (4) resumes. Consistent performer during her maiden prep, including a couple of minor placings at the provincials. A positive return is on the cards. Le Romain's half-sister MISS ROMAIN (5) has not raced since finishing fourth on debut behind the smart Gentileschi over 1300m at this track in March. Betting watch advised. TELECOM (11) for Neasham/Archibald is a Trapeze Artist gelding on debut. Trial form underwhelming but he has been kept safe in early markets so one to monitor closely.

RACE 8 - LUCILAGO (11) won her maiden two runs ago at Nowra then was shuffled back mid-race and didn't recover last start over 1300m at Orange. This looks a little easier and the slightly longer trip helps. Worth another chance in a very open affair. EXCEEDAQA (13) looked in need of more ground last start when she whacked away but failed to threaten over 1250m at Kempsey. Finds a nice race today and Gibbons taking over from a claimer is a tick. NOBLE ONE (8) appreciated the return to former footing when a game maiden winner over 1300m at Canberra recently. Consistent sprinter who took a while to break the ice but can go on with it now. Honest mare OUR LADY STARDUST (9) finds it hard to win but she is back in grade today and a must for exotics players. ECLAIR ENCORE (10) was easily accounted for first-up at the Kensington track but will find this a lot easier.