Racing & Sports expert selections.

RACE 1 - SHOT OF WHISKEY (1) ran a better race last start when he led and kicked on for a close second at this track and trip. Will be reaching peak fitness now and his best efforts have come at this venue. VICTORY WIN (3) has not raced since he scored at his second outing at this track and trip on May 28. Likely to have developed with maturity so could pick up where he left off. VONCOSTENUFF (5) led all the way to score as favourite on debut over this distance at Toowoomba four-and-a-half months ago and has not raced since. Can make his presence felt again. Last-start placegetter SZABO (7) is a player again.

RACE 2 - KWIK AZ HELL (2) has been consistent with a string of top-four finishes. Led last start before fighting on to finish third, beaten 0.6 lengths over 1200m at this track. The drop in trip should suit. Top chance. IRISH MAUDIE (1) lines up for the first time since July 8. Started the last campaign with a placing at this track and trip. Has trialled so can make her presence felt. SWANIC BOOM (7) turned in a decent run last start, beaten 2.8 lengths into fourth over 1050m at Gold Coast Poly. No surprise to see her in the mix. GRANDEUR ROSE (4) is an each way player.

RACE 3 - PROSPERINA (16) hasn't been far from the placings in her two runs, sticking on when beaten 1.1 lengths into fourth over 1500m at Kembla Grange three weeks ago. Finds a suitable assignment so she is a major player. DAWN PARTY (2) ran on and finished third last time over 1400m at this track when resuming from a spell, beaten 0.7 lengths. Fitter and the longer trip suits. HOW YA BEEN ANYWAY (4) worked home well when resuming. Can take closer order from the low draw and the extra 200m suits. PAIRING (7) can also improve further going up in trip at start number three.

RACE 4 - SUGARPIEHONEYBUNCH (13) hasn't been far away since an Ipswich win, last time working home well when 0.6 lengths away in fourth over this trip. Likely to play a major role. SMASHINGPLATES (9) hasn't been far off a win, the latest finishing second at this track and trip and is down in the weights this time. Among the chances here. SIR CARTER (8) produced a good run last start, beaten 1.2 lengths into fourth over 1000m at this track. Go well. WINE NOT ROSES (5) continues to race well with a string of top-four finishes since a spell and could peak off the last-start second.

RACE 5 - OSAMU (6) led and proved too strong last time out, kicking strongly and scoring by a long neck over this trip at Eagle Farm. Taking on a good line-up but has the fitness edge on a few of these. He is good enough to take this out. WEONA SMARTONE (2) has a strong record when fresh, claiming five wins from seven runs. Also owns good statistics at the course and the distance and will be wound up off two good trials. SHOOTING FOR GOLD (3) has never missed a place in six fresh attempts and will be ready to go off two trials, winning the latest. Races well here so is a definite chance. KING KLAUS (5) is a four-time fresh winner who must be respected.

RACE 6 - HOUSTON ROCKET (1) comes here off a break of four-and-a-half months but has yet to miss a place. Readied with a trial and is drawn to advantage. His lone win came the only other time Damien Thornton was on board. Rates highly. BETTER YET (11) didn't miss by much first up then was fourth last start at this track and trip. Building in fitness so can figure in the finish. TEQUILA NIGHTS (4) resumes after a break of five-and-a-half months. Did win at his only other first-up run when on debut, scoring over this trip at Beaudesert. Lightly raced with upside so keep safe. NEVER GIVE UP (3) gets the shades on and could peak third up.

RACE 7 - TAWFIQ STAR (7) has been consistent with a string of top-four finishes since a fresh win, the latest when beaten 1.7L into fourth at this track and trip. Down in the weights this time and is well drawn. Leading contender. BALALAIKA BIRD (3) got off the mark when resuming from a spell at this course and distance last start, scoring by a head. Lightly raced and has plenty of scope for improvement. Capable of making it two on the trot. OUR ROCKETMAN (2) stuck on okay last start over 1200m at this track, beaten 3 lengths into fifth. He is drawn to play a role. KING DICK (4) did well last start but found a couple better over 1200m at this venue, beaten only 1.3 lengths. Another bold effort is on the cards.