Racing & Sports expert selections.

RACE 1 - TAUTOU (3) raced handy but was a bit plain in the run home when resuming over 1100m at Hawkesbury last start. Improved a little with a step up in trip when second-up last prep. Likely leader who will be tough to catch. POLYMNIA (9) has not raced since just missing the frame as equal favourite on debut over 1200m at Newcastle in May. Trialling well and should give a good account. BRADKEN BLU (1) has raced three times, all at Newcastle over 900m, and been competitive. Worth some thought. Pre-post favourite YOSHINOBU (6) is back from a 195-day spell. Debuted in the Silver Slipper and failed at his only appearance to date. The stable obviously hold him in high esteem so he must be respected. EMBALLEE (8) is on debut for Waller. Watch the betting.

RACE 2 - CLASSIC POETRY (8) just missed at Newcastle off a freshen-up two back then looked to have every chance but was a shade disappointing over 1300m at Scone last Friday. Like the stable confidence with a seven-day back-up and on her Newcastle run is the one to beat. SHOW COUNTY (6) is not as good as his namesake from the 1990s but showed a glimpse of ability last start when he led and fought on well for fourth over this trip at Hawkesbury. Open to further improvement so must be given a big chance. INTRUDER (4) came back sharply in trip last time out and knocked up badly after leading in a maiden at Hawkesbury over this distance. Given a bit of time between runs and Payne has tinkered with the gear. Can bounce back. THE BENTLEY (7) made great progress last start at the second run back, beaten under a length over 1400m at Newcastle. Major player with blinkers on for the first time. ELUSIVE MISSION (9) lines up for the 31st time and could sneak into the frame from a nice draw.

RACE 3 - Four starters, four real chances. RIP OFF (5) has impressed at both runs this prep. Won her maiden over 1100m here first-up then ran on gamely to be beaten under a length over this distance at Hawkesbury last start. At her best over this trip and will be cherry ripe now. The testing material. Progressive mare WEEPING WOMAN (4) opened this campaign with a couple of wins then went to town last time and gave a good sight in front before finding a couple better over 1250m at Canterbury. Confident she will get this trip so she looms as the obvious danger. The unbeaten BIT OF BANTER (6) returns from a 38-week break. This is her sternest test but she clearly has plenty of talent. Betting watch advised. DEBELLO (9) can give some cheek at odds with the light weight.

RACE 4 - EDITED BY (2) led for home but his condition gave out and he finished fourth when resuming over this distance at Warwick Farm last start. Not a noted first-up performer so no alarm there - has placed 2/2 second-up. Finds the ideal race. NORTON ROAD (3) turned around some ordinary form to score a dogged win at his latest run over 1300m at this track, his second victory from as many appearances at this circuit. Freshened-up and capable of another big run. The flying mare FILL A PROMISE (4) made it five wins on the bounce when she ran her rivals off their legs over 1000m at Scone recently. Up in grade today but impossible to knock. QUEEN BESS (8) resumes. Opened the last campaign with a win at Gosford so keep her in mind. MAZ KANATA (7) returned to winning ways in a Goulburn Class 3 last start. Races well here so another big run looks on the cards.

RACE 5 - LADY SUPERSPY (5) settled a long way back after a poor start then came wide with a powerful finish to get up for an impressive win over this distance at Kembla last time. Very effective mare over the mile and she loves Wyong. Finds a similar race and can win again at just the third run of the prep. KILLER KERR (8) has been in the money at her last two outings, both at this track over shorter trips. Has a placing and a close fourth from two runs at this distance. Very fit now and a definite contender. Last start Kembla winner AUNTY RENE (3) is progressing nicely this time in work. Should dictate terms and another big run is on the cards. BEHIND THE STORM (6) returned to form last start and from a good gate with a smart claim comes under notice. MOONLIGHT GRACE (2) ran a better race last start and should be cherry ripe now after four runs back from a break.

RACE 6 - RUSH ATTACK (5) continued his fine recent form when runner-up over this distance at Newcastle last start, chiming in late and just missing. Can settle closer this time from a better gate. Looks the testing material. KERVETTE (10) is also racing in great style. Won her maiden here three back and has been in the money at both subsequent outings. Back up to the mile which is a plus - she has placed three times from three attempts. Genuine five-year-old LET'S GO JOHNNY (3) drove hard to just get up last start over this course and distance in a Class 1. Enjoys racing here and with a bit of weight relief today can play a major role again. DORASKAYA (1) had to dig deep but just arrived in time to win a comparable race to this here 33 days ago. Query with the break between runs but don't underestimate. LEASE (7) is racing well and with an untroubled lead could give this a shake.

RACE 7 - Others in the race have better credentials than ETNA ROSSO (6) but he is a stayer on the way up. Charged home from well back on the corner to easily win a BM78 over 1900m at Rosehill last start. Will appreciate the extra furlong and strips fitter today at the third run back. Former Kiwi MEDATSU (10) has hit the ground running this prep with a couple of wins in easier races over shorter trips. Black type placegetter across the ditch. At the weights makes plenty of appeal. LION'S ROAR (1) improved last time out at the second run back from a let-up, running on late to grab second in the Rowley Mile at Hawkesbury. Looking for this trip now and is the class runner of the field. AGE OF SAIL (8) disappointed as favourite in a 2400m BM78 at Randwick recently. Usually reliable so worth another chance. MANZOICE (4) turned back the clock when resuming over 1800m at Randwick last start. Can win if he finds his best form.

RACE 8 - MISS COUVER (3) is back from a 163-day spell. Opened last prep with a respectable effort in the Group 2 Guy Walter when she led for home over the 1400m at Randwick. Faces a far easier assignment today and looks perfectly placed to kick the campaign off on a positive note. AGENDA SETTER (4) led all the way and gave nothing else a chance when resuming in a 1000m Hawkesbury maiden a fortnight ago. Lightly raced three-year-old who looked a different horse last time following a gelding op. Must be respected. The consistent SNEAKY SOFIA (11) was handy all the way when third over this distance at Hawkesbury last start. Draws a little better and harbours each-way hopes. HEZDARNHOTTOO (1) returns from a five-month spell following a promising maiden campaign. Has been gelded over the break and is popular in early markets so keep him in mind. BRAVEHEART (2) is a beautifully bred colt back from a brief spell. Showed ability when last in work and is trialling well so he is right in the mix.