Racing & Sports expert selections.

RACE 1 - EVERY EFFORT (8) tough gelding who was three weeks between runs when a fading fifth over 2200m at Newcastle on February 26. Go on sound minor placing two back when assessing his prospects. Due for a change of luck. SHADOW SHOT (4) had been racing well prior to jumping in grade when a plugging seventh over 2110m at Orange on March 11. This is easier and has the figures to return to form. KIKIKAPOW (1) recent efforts have been solid, and a win looks imminent after charging late for a fast-finishing fourth over 2300m at Newcastle two-and-a-half weeks ago. Will appreciate the claim and should take holding out. LOVELY THOUGHTS (3) racing in career best form after starting favourite when gapped her rivals with a slick 9 len win at Tuncurry over 2105m on March 2. This is much tougher but not to be underestimated.

RACE 2 - THE FAVORITE SON (3) five-start maiden who returns from a spell after turning in his best run to date when third over 1400m in a Scone Super Mdn on January 21. Since fitted with a recent 1000m trial at Scone and can shed his maiden status here. DONNA EMILIA (8) at her peak now third-up and a win looks imminent after sitting on the speed for a gritty second over 1300m at Gunnedah on March 16. Can handle the rise in grade with the claim and play a leading role. FULL COMMITMENT (4) progressive filly who won't be a maiden for long. Rattled late when a solid third over 1280m at Muswellbrook on March 15. Track suits and will appreciate the extra trip. Watch for her late. CHARGE BY THE HOUR (7) returned from a spell two-and-a-half weeks ago when a plodding seventh over 1100m at Dubbo. In leading Scone yard and expecting more out to the 1350m.

RACE 3 - ENSIGN PARKER (5) fourth-up today and gets all the map favours after having to work hard from a wide draw when fourth over 1280m at Muswellbrook on March 15. Brings the best figures here and no excuses from the good gate. BOLD JULIUS (1) fitter after two runs back and much better showing when a close-up sixth over 1200m at Kembla Grange on March 5. A repeat of latest should see him take a hand in the finish. MANHATTAN BABY (4) month between runs when a fading sixth over 1100m at Mudgee on February 25. Panya sticks and the 1200m suits. MAYBE SMART (7) broke through at start 16 as favourite when a slick 2.25 len win at Grafton Ctry Mdn over 1100m on March 17. This no tougher and look for her late.

RACE 4 - BLACK TIARA (1) two runs back have been encouraging and carries the big weights well. Stalked the speed from the sticky gate when battled to the line when second over 1000m at Gosford on February 24. Ready for the trip and will need a good ride from the gate. MISS ADAMAS (2) 14-start maiden due for a change of luck. Finished runner-up again in a small field over this trip at Newcastle on February 26. Expected to feature prominently again. MIDNIGHT AFFAIR (8) resumes. Has not raced since finishing fifth over 1300m at Hawkesbury on December 3. Back in grade and a definite top-three contender fresh. PISA CAKE (9) filly by Prized Icon from Pisa on debut. Recent trial win suggests she's primed for this. Don't dismiss.

RACE 5 - CORVALIST (1) consistent Capitalist gelding from the Lees camp resuming. Unlucky not to shed his maiden status last time in and since fitted with two quiet trials. Gets the right run and looks one of the genuine contenders. POINT OUT (9) much better effort at second career run when up in trip for an eye catching second over 1200m at Moruya. Gets the blinkers added today and will take holding out. GUSTAV (7) excellent debut over the 1100m when found the line late to secure second at Hawkesbury on March 9. Extra trip suits but wide gate will make it tough.

RACE 6 - HARD TO DISMISS (8) tough mare holding her form well. Battled right to the line when a gritty third over 1400m at Tamworth on March 10. Senior rider back on today and a win looks imminent. THREETIMESALADY (1) progressive mare who looks well placed again with the 2kg claim. Showed good speed from the wide gate when up in trip for a fighting nose win over 1600m at Quirindi on February 23. Should handle the drop back to the 1300m. CHESTIME (5) handy mare back in grade today. Had no luck at her last couple of runs and the 1300m is her pet distance. In a leading country yard and looks good each-way value. PEE DEE (12) broke a long drought last time when he scored by 1.3 lengths at Tuncurry over 1005m. Last-start winner who can measure up again.

RACE 7 - DON'TCHA THINK (7) tough gelding going nicely through his grades. Launched late with the 62kg when resumed with a solid second over 1000m at Tamworth on March 10. Placed this track and trip and extra distance suits. ILZOOMYA (5) racing in a rich vein of form and had no luck from the wide gate with the 60.5kg when third over 1200m at Tamworth on March 10. Backs-up quickly and the 2kg claim suits. HIT THE RIM (2) improved showing third-up when sat on the speed for a narrow second over 1200m at Wagga on March 5. Heywood sticks and brings the right figures to play a leading role. KEIKOKU (8)