Racing & Sports expert selections.

RACE 1 - DESERT GRIT (5) had his first start for a new trainer at Rockhampton last start and may have been unsuited to the wet track on that occasion. He was building his form nicely before that and should find this easier. Stick with him. On top. FLAWLESS AMBITION (1) has been thereabouts and will appreciate the step up to 1200 metres. He has no problem with a rain-affected track and is capable of a top-three finish in a field that lacks depth. MONT ROYAL (3) finished runner-up in his first run for a new trainer and will only be better for that run. He lands the pole position and has Justin P Stanley in the saddle for the first time. Hard to beat. JUKE BOX JIMMY (2) is making his North Queensland debut after showing some promise at country level in NSW earlier in the year. A 3-kilo claim helps and any market support should be followed closely.

RACE 2 - OUR DRUMMER (4) made progress last prep and resumes at an easier level fresh up. A 4-kilo claim will help him and he is the one to beat in this. THE UNDERGROUND (12) will be peaking third up and is part of the Liam Birchley stable which seldom ventures to this track without picking up some of the major prize money. Can win. MISHANI PLATINUM (11) found some form on the picnic circuit at the back end of her last prep and her recent spell would have done her the world of good. A 3-kilo claim is an advantage and she is capable of figuring in the finish fresh up. INREADYNESS (2) is heading the right way and his second-place finish at Longreach 3 weeks ago is good form for this assignment. Stick with him on an each-way basis.

RACE 3 - EL OF A SENORITA (6) was over a month between runs when leading up and fading out of it last time out at Mackay and probably needed the run. She was a good winner before that and from a good draw this time, she can bounce straight back into the winners' circle here. PAULI (4) broke through for an overdue maiden win 3 starts back and his 2 subsequent have been in slightly tougher fields on the Sunshine Coast poly track. A return to 1400 metres will suit him and he should be thereabouts. BRAND NEW (5) just battled fresh up on a soft track at Rockhampton and he jumps from a superior gate this time. A firmer surface will help him and he is good enough to take this out. MURRAJONG ROAD (2) has had a freshen up which would have done him no harm and he resumes at an easier level than his last start at Rockhampton where he ran second. A 3-kilo claim is an advantage and he has sound each-way claims in this.

RACE 4 - POET'S DAY (3) looks to be one of the better bets of the day after winning in this grade last time out by over 4 lengths. He is unbeaten on this circuit and with only 1.5 kilos more to carry, he is the one to beat again. RUBY'S LAD (2) is a handy performer on his day and his last couple of runs have been in stronger company, including a last start third at Toowoomba just over a fortnight ago. Bubba Tilley picks up the ride and he may be able to coax that little bit extra out of him where it matters most. BIE'RES (4) has been thereabouts in 4 starts since winning at the Gold Coast on their poly track in March. A 4-kilo claim will help her and she is worth including in all combinations. MOTAMAYIZ (1) is racing his way back into full fitness and is normally very competitive at this level. He is at his best over a mile and is ready to put his best hoof forward here. Each way value.

RACE 5 - CRAIGLEA ETNA (7) has good form on the picnic circuit and was runner-up at Kilcoy in her last run earlier in the year. She is resuming at the right level and has won on this track in the past which is an advantage. A 2-kilo claim helps and she will be among the hardest to beat. FROSTWOOD (2) had his first run for a new trainer at Emerald a month ago and failed to flatter on a soft track after being well-supported in the markets. A firmer surface will suit him and he can turn his form around quickly. Each way. PAPER COWBOY (3) made light work of his maiden rivals at Gympie last start and won't find this much harder. A 4-kilo weight claim brings his weight down to a more manageable level and he can repeat the dose. OBLIQUITY (6) has more upside than most and will be peaking third up. He drops a grade and can't be ruled out of winning this.

RACE 6 - LORD VADER (3) made light work of his maiden rivals at a Monto picnic meeting just over 5 weeks ago when scoring by over 2 lengths and he won't find this much harder. He is perfectly drawn in the pole position and is poised to win again immediately. FULMEN (2) had an excuse last time out at Rockhampton and he drops down a class for this. Justin P Stanley sticks with him and so do we. MASONRY MAN (1) was a brave winner by a head when clearing his maiden status at Mackay last time out. He has the scope to go on with the job but first, he has to cope with a 6.5 kilo weight rise. IMAGINE THAT (9) is better than his last start effort on this track and he will be suited by the step up in journey here. Stick with him. CRAIGLEA THERA (8) was at 50/1 when finishing third on this track just over a fortnight ago at picnic level. A similar effort will take her close to winning this but without the fancy price.

RACE 7 - FASTLING (3) failed to fire for the second time at Gympie last time out but that can happen at that track with all of its kick-back. His effort for second at Gatton fresh up is good form for this and he can bounce straight back into the money here. THE BLONDE GODDESS (11) has more upside than most in this and was a solid fourth at Mackay last time out, a length from the winner. She won fresh up at Rockhampton over this trip fresh up and should be among the hardest to beat in this. KING SAMUEL (4) ran on late when resuming at Mackay just over a fortnight ago. That was his first run in the area since making the move from Victoria and he will be better for the run. Justin P Stanley steps into the irons and the pair merit healthy respect.

RACE 8 - EXTREMAARTY (1) had no luck from a wide gate when resuming at Toowoomba just over a month ago and is much better placed in this from a superior gate. This field is wide open but he is good enough to take this out. SILENT ANGEL (11) did not cope with the track at Longreach which can happen to many horses on their first visit to that circuit. She was placed fresh up on this track and is poised to bounce back into the money here. Each way value. CRAIGLEA LAKI (16) has been in rock-solid form on the recent picnic circuit and she will not find this much harder. She has won twice on this track over the trip and can give this a shake. BALEXIA (12) won here at the picnic meeting a month ago and has enough early pace to cross and lead in this as well. She is nicely placed to make it 2 wins on the bounce. JUNGLE BEAT (8) failed to fire as favourite last start and may have found 1200 metres too far for him. He has a wide gate but is worth one more chance over this trip. Each way value.