Racing & Sports expert selections.

RACE 1 - LIQUOR (4) is a speedy mare racing well. She was too fast over 800m two back then led and stuck on when second at this track and trip last time. She can take advantage of the inside stall. RING OF STEEL (5) is back after a break of five months and is looking to emulate his win at Ipswich when returning from a spell last prep. He has been readied with an easy trial win so could return in the same way. PERFECT MISSION (2) is back at the races for the first time since January 2022 when fourth in the Magic Millions. That was her first time out of the top two and is now under the care of Annabel Neasham. Trialling well so keep very safe along with NORD LYON (3) who is a previous fresh winner returning off a trial win.

RACE 2 - DEVINE FORCE (3) ran on for a narrow win on debut at this track and trip two weeks ago. Has plenty of upside and draws lower so could take closer order. Can go on with it. ENDING SWEET (9) is a daughter of Lonhro on debut for leading trainer Tony Gollan. Half sister to G1 winner Star Witness and two other stakes winners so is beautifully bred and showed ability when runner up in a trial here. Spirit of Boom colt CUTTING EDGE (13) is a debutant from the Sears camp and looked good in winning a trial so can make an impact with Maloney aboard. VIALE (10) two-year-old filly on debut. Has trialled once and finished in the placings at Eagle Farm over 800m. Respect any push in betting.

RACE 3 - ROUSSEAU (2) has run on to place in both starts since a spell, the latest over 1600m at Doomben last week. He'll be race fit on the backup and is looking for the longer trip. Gets Maloney on and he looks ready to strike. Hard to knock KIPLING'S JOURNEY (6) who hasn't missed the top two this time in. He pushed forward last time and boxed on to finish 1.4 lengths away in second over 1600m at this track. Can take advantage of this draw and be in it for a long way. QUALITY TIME (1) has been close to the placings in both runs since a spell. Proven third up so could be ready to deliver. FIFTH POSITION (3) has been consistent of late and is worth including off a placing here last time out.

RACE 4 - WEIGALL TIGER (2) is a progressive gelding who made it two from two this time in when successful last start over 1200m at Ipswich, getting home by 1.3 lengths. Facing a tougher assignment but he looks up to the task. BONDED AFFAIR (3) didn't miss by much in his first two runs before delivering with an easy 3 length win over 1350m at Ipswich last time. He could well go through his grades now. CHANGE THE DEEL (5) ran on for a maiden when resuming over 1200m at Sunshine Coast. Lightly raced with upside and the longer trip suits. BOOMING LAD (4) hasn't been far away in two runs at this track since a maiden win at Doomben. Must be respected.

RACE 5 - TOO HARD TO REFUSE (9) led throughout last start at Ipswich to make it three wins from his last four starts. Does his best work at this journey and could bring that winning form to town. FIXATED (14) has been drawn wide in his three starts this time in but comes from the rail today. Race fit now so ready to show more. MAGIC CHARLEE (1) was racing well before the latest outing so is worth another chance. BOODUA ROMANCE (3) handy gelding who finished eighth last start but was beaten only 2 lengths over 1300m at this track. Has ability and looks a top three chance.

RACE 6 - ZAHER (9) is fitter for two close-up efforts since a spell, progressing nicely last time when beaten 0.9 lengths into fourth at this track and trip. Race fit third up and the addition of blinkers can give him the lift he needs to win. APRIL IN AUGUSTA (13) has a duck egg next to her name but that effort was better than it may appear on paper. Won her previous two visits to this track so is worth another chance. MADAME ODETTE (8) took on the good fillies last campaign and placed at Listed level. Keep her safe resuming off a solid trial. PAIENBARA (18) strips fitter second up so is worth including in exotics.

RACE 7 - POETIC DRAMA (4) continued her good form last start when she worked home well for second over this trip at Doomben. She has won three of five attempts here so will relish the return to this course. Goes on top. TENZING (6) is struggling to break through but has been consistently around the mark lately, recording a fourth successive placing when third 1815m at this track last time. Drawn to get the favours so is a chance to break through. COLLEAGUES (7) will appreciate the longer journey after working home for fourth when resuming last start over 1400m at this track. Proven second up so can progress. FLEUR DU MONDE (11) heads north following a couple of tune-up runs in Sydney. She can measure up.

RACE 8 - THE VOWELS (7) was beaten for speed but ran on to finish midfield when resuming over 1200m at this track. The step up in journey suits and he has won both of his second-up attempts. Leading contender. EKATERINA (8) added to a perfect second-up record when running on to win here last time out. She has failed to perform to the same level when third up in the past but has built a good record here and strikes at 50 per cent at this longer trip. Drawn to get the favours so can deliver again. JETTY (5) settled back but hit the line well to be beaten 1.4 lengths when resuming. Two-time second-up winner who can improve up in trip. DUNE FORTY FIVE (3) has won three times when fresh so makes some appeal resuming off a solid trial.

RACE 9 - LOST IN TRANSIT (7) continued the great form last start, scoring by 0.9 lengths at this track to be unbeaten in four attempts at this journey. He has recorded three wins and a close second in four runs this time and is drawn to get the favours. Looks tough to beat again. MANHOOD (3) excels when fresh with three wins from as many starts, scoring at this track and trip at the start of last prep. Has trialled so is a key runner. GO WANDJI (1) is back after 15 months on the sidelines but has a superb record when fresh, unbeaten in four attempts. Must be rated highly. NASHIRA (9) closed off nicely when beaten 1.1 lengths last time here. Worth including again.