Racing & Sports expert selections.

RACE 1 - ICED CHOCOLATE (5) had to work a touch in the run to find the front after making a slow start last time out at Ipswich but fought on strongly to just be out bobbed on the line that day, finishing runner-up. She only needs to begin on terms this time from a good draw to go one better. VIALE (12) was sent for a spell after a brace of second place finished to end her juvenile campaign. She will be a lot stronger for this prep and looked sharp when winning the most recent of 2 lead-up trials. Hard to beat fresh up. SULTRY SIREN (7) has changed stables after showing some promise when trained in Victoria. She has already won a trial for her new connections on this track late last month and with the benefit of the pole position, she can kick of her Queensland career on a winning note. IVY DEXSTRESS (6) is on debut from the leading Tony Gollan stable and bears close watching after a recent trial win.

RACE 2 - MOOTESSA (5) did not get many favours here last time out and battled away for her midfield finish. Her form before that was solid, including a good third here 3 starts back on a soft track. She won't mind if it remains wet and gets a nice draw upgrade for this assignment. Stick with her. FREE CARRY (2) won 2 races on the bounce by leading all the way here before his last start effort for eighth when he has hassled for the top spot for most of the journey. He should cross this field early on without too much trouble from a superior gate and can make an immediate return to the winners' circle here. FLYING BIRDS (4) is stepping out to a trip beyond 1400m for the first time here and should be suited to the small field. He is handy on his day and can turn his recent form around in this. PERFECT ENCOUNTER (1) does not win often but does not let you down much either. She is in a good space and can make the most of the pole position early on. Stick with her on an each-way basis.

RACE 3 - VANGUARD LEGEND (10) finished third fresh up at Ipswich before winning a trial and then running on late there nearly 3 weeks ago when finishing fifth. He will relish the step up in trip third up and with the advantage of a good draw, he will be hard to hold out in this. PAPAL WARS (2) had to work too hard to find the front from a wide draw last time out and just gave way late in the piece that day. There won't be any excuses with his fitness third up and he is set to put his best hoof forward in this. SHABOOH SHALAA (3) is heading the right way with his form and tried hard when finishing third at the Sunshine Coast 10 days ago. He has the blinkers on for the first time and that could make all the difference where it matters most. CASANOVA MAN (1) only battled as favourite at Gatton last time out and was looking for more ground at the end of that race. He is bred to improve with more racing and can have a say in the finish this time. Follow your money.

RACE 4 - ARISTELLA (6) was only bloused by a nose at Ipswich when resuming from a spell and then had no luck at all off a wide gate there nearly 3 weeks ago. She cops another tricky draw this time but will appreciate the extra 300m on offer. She meets the right sort of field and can get the job done. LIETUVA (3) has been racing greenly before putting it all together and scoring for the first time at the Gold Coast 18 days ago on their poly track. He gets a lovely swing in the draw this time and can take the next step immediately. FREEMAN (8) has battled away in all of his 3 starts this prep and finds herself with a handy draw this time. She tries a mile for the first time and can put her best hoof forward in this. Each-way value. FEATHERTOP (7) in an ex-Irish mare who only whacked away in her first run on Australian soil over a trip that was well short of her best. She might need this run as well but can be expected to finish a lot closer this time. Watch for her late.

RACE 5 - JUST PRECIOUS (10) showed ability in her only public trial before setting the pace and being run down late into second place on her debut here 18 days ago. She was sent out favourite that day and should be spot-on second up with the natural improvement that can be expected. James Orman takes the ride and she will also find this easier. On top. Follow your money. UNEGA WAHY'A (7) is knocking on the door with back-to-back second place finishes most recently. The blinkers are on for the first time and with the benefit of a 3-kilo claim he will be very hard to hold out. HEADLINE LEGEND (3) has been in the money in all of her 3 career starts to date, albeit in softer company than what he meets here. His fitness won't be an issue, and his first win is not far away. MARAGICAL (11) will be peaking third up and his condition only gave out late at the Sunshine Coast a fortnight ago when finishing third. She only needs a touch of luck from a tricky gate and can figure in the finish again.

RACE 6 - RICH MINX (6) is a progressive mare who won her last race on the Gold Coast poly track by over 9 lengths. She may have not been facing much that day but could not have been more impressive and could have won by more. She has the pole position third up and with the same weight to carry, she can take the next step immediately. REMLAPS ANGEL (5) is a promising mare who has been patiently handled and won by 3 lengths second-up on the Gold Coast poly track just over 3 weeks ago. She was ridden off the pace that day in a change of racing pattern and similar tactics could see her have the last say again. ROSE NOIR (7) was a beaten favourite last start, but her connections were not too disappointed as she was up in trip. She is better placed in this so go again. KEMI ZABI (1) needed his fresh up run off a long break and will be a lot fitter second-up. He benefits from a 3kg claim and shouold have a say in the finish this time.

RACE 7 - BEEBEE DAZZLER (5) has been in top form this prep and probably should have won his last start at Toowoomba when being held up at a vital stage in the run home. The key here is James Orman picking up the ride and from a good draw, the pair will be very hard to hold out this time. NORTHERN DECREE (2) ended his last prep on a winning note in a tougher field and is resuming at an easier level. He has had a recent trial and as a winner twice fresh up in the past, he has to be respected, especially if the money comes for him. TIJUANA TWO STEP (9) has only missed a cheque once in 9 starts and has won 5 of those races. She was a beaten favourite when finishing a close third here 11 days ago in a stronger field and gets to carry a kilo less this time. A superior gate will help, and she can get the job done. Follow your money. PENTITO (1) has been thereabout for a while but has been racing in stronger company. He was not far away on a heavy track when resuming and can improve quickly.

RACE 8 - ZAKIYYA (5) fought on bravely to finish third at the Sunshine Coast when resuming from a spell and does normally improve quickly with racing. She cops a wide gate, but all of her 3 career wins have come over this trip. With some early luck, she can have a say in the outcome of this contest. INTRECCIATO (13) is another who had no luck last time out on this track 11 days ago but will find this a touch easier. She has a nice upgrade in her draw and is expected to bounce straight back into the money. Each-way. INTRECCIATO (13) did not have any luck from a wide draw in a stronger field at Doomben 11 days ago and has a great chance to bounce back into the money in this easier assignment, especially from a superior draw. SMYTZER (2) has not had all the luck recently and finally lands a decent draw. A 3kg claim will help and he can't be underestimated in an even lineup.