Racing & Sports expert selections.

RACE 1 - ENGINE ROOM (6) settled off the speed then worked home well to get up for fourth on debut a fortnight ago over 1200m at Warwick Farm. The extra trip and longer straight will suit. Gets the nod in a race of many chances. LE TROISIR (7) was snagged back from a wide gate then copped a check when making a run before eventually getting up for third, beaten just a length, on debut last start over today's trip at Warwick Farm. Promising type who can go a couple better with a bit more luck today. WAR COUNCIL (10) did his best work late to grab third when resuming over 1200m at Newcastle recently. Gelded prior to that run and the improvement was noticeable. Capable of further progress here with the blinkers applied. BRIGIDINE GAL (11) ran on late to edge Engine Room out of third on debut at Farm two weeks ago. Should appreciate the extra furlong. KOTAISHI (2) has been kept fresh since a sound first-up effort at Kembla a month ago. Worth including.

RACE 2 - VAGUER (2) raced in the leading pair then found plenty under pressure to narrowly prevail last start over 2110m at Warwick Farm. Scored a big win under 59kgs last prep at his only attempt at 2400m. Still on the way up at just the third run of the prep and can win again. TAJANIS (5) was ridden cold then was disappointed for runs a couple of times in the straight before launching late to just miss behind a talented type last time out over this trip at Warwick Farm. Nicely weighted and Moreira is a key engagement. FLEET COMMANDER (3) led but couldn't keep going when a distant third over 2140m at Warwick Farm recently. Big chance if left alone in front. KARMAZONE (6) is racing well and will have no trouble running this out. CASUAL CONNECTION (1) might be ready to find some form now after three runs back from a spell.

RACE 3 - BRIASA (3) tasted defeat for the first time last start when just half a length behind subsequent Silver Eagle winner Ostraka over 1200m at Randwick. Probably beaten by a bad gate on that occasion. Beautifully placed and he should be too good for this field. INHIBITIONS (6) resumed in the same race as Briasa at Randwick last start but was never a factor after meeting with mid-race interference. Very good second-up performer who is five-times stakes placed so she has the class to play a major role. DREAM HOUR (5) has not raced since a respectable midfield finish in the Group One Stradbroke over 1400m at Eagle Farm in June. Goes well fresh so keep him safe. INVER PARK (2) is one for trifecta players with blinkers on for the first time. SNAPBACK (7) comes here of a lengthy break. Betting holds the key.

RACE 4 - UK import BALANCE PLAY (1) led for home when returning from a 13-month lay-off last start but knocked up at the end of 1600m at Warwick Farm. Blinkers go on today and the slightly longer trip gets him closer to his optimum distance range. Expecting a lot more today. I'VE BEAN TRYIN' (3) has struggled to make an impact in his four runs this time in work. Lacked a turn of foot behind Ducasse over the Randwick mile last time. Worth one more chance up a little in trip and back at the midweeks. PREMISE (2) staged a form reversal last start when an eye-catching second over 1600m at Warwick Farm. Quality mare when right so keep her in mind. VINCENZO (7) brings good country form to town and is one for the exotics. Pre-post favourite TOO MUCH CAVIAR (4) is back in class and probably controls the race so he should be prominent for a long way.

RACE 5 - GROUNDRUSH (5) overcame a bump at the furlong pole to wind up late and finish third last start over 1600m at Warwick Farm. Improving as the prep wears on and he should be at his peak for this. KENYADA (6) was last on straightening and failed to pass a runner when resuming over the mile at Warwick Farm a fortnight ago. Raced well in a couple of black-type races last prep. Comes right into contention with McDonald taking over from a 3kg claimer. PEACE OFFICER (2) came off a seven-week let-up when safely held in a Rosehill Midway recently. Form prior to that in Saturday grade at or around this trip was strong. Likely improver. BAT OUT OF HELL (7) made it two minor placings in a row when he just missed last start over 1400m at Warwick Farm. Small query at the trip but well weighted and is not to be taken lightly. STONECOAT (4) is a chance based on his second to the smart Rock Empire two runs back.

RACE 6 - Easy to make a case for any of these. VANISHING (7) was crowded in the early stages and didn't recover last start over 1100m at Warwick Farm, his first NSW run. Very fit after two runs back from a spell and McDonald takes over. Capable of testing this field. OPAL FIELDS (5) looked to have every chance when she just missed the placings at Warwick Farm last start. Very fit mare who is drawn to get a lovely run on the inside just off the pace. This sets up nicely. Consistent filly SUNRISE (6) is racing well out of town. Led and wouldn't lie down only to be claimed close to home last start over 1200m at Kembla. Can measure up to this company. DRIFT NET (2) is back from an 18-week break for Godolphin. Closed the last campaign with an effortless win over 1300m at Warwick Farm. Trialling in great style and looks set to pick up where she left off. WOOLOOWIN (4) is the query runner. Hasn't raced since August 2023 but is very smart and untapped after just three appearances.

RACE 7 - DARLING DOWNS (8) has returned in good order this prep for Ciaron Maher. Won her maiden first-up at Hawkesbury then started favourite but was no match for Spanish Fox last start in a 1250m BM64 at this circuit. Probably wasn't happy going back in trip that day so the step up to 1400m looks ideal. Can make amends. AGIRLSBESTFRIEND (3) made it two 1500m Port Macquarie wins in a row last time out when she stormed home from a long way back to score running away in open company. Proven in town and at the weights she looks a live chance at the hat trick. STAR ACT (5) was a touch plain second-up recently over 1250m at this track. Best figures measure up so she deserves another chance. Last start Hawkesbury winner GAI'S ARTIST (6) will probably lead and can give them something to catch. LITTLE JEANIE (2) is a smart mare who is ready to peak after a couple of decent runs to kick off this campaign.