Racing & Sports expert selections.

RACE 1 - KING WALDO (4) has improved with each run under his belt in his first preparation for the Kearney stable. Expect him to be peaking now and give a very bold sight. THE MARINER (6) finds the maiden win elusive but has shown some positive. Looks to have struck one of his easiest assignments and is drawn to advantage. Key player. MUMMSIE (11) was sound on debut at Mt Gambier when battling on into the minors. Improvement to come. NOT TO BE TRUSTED (9) has warmed to her task late in her first two starts. Strips fitter and is drawn better. Can feature.

RACE 2 - EIGHT UNDER (2) was poised to strike first-up on the Ballarat synthetic but lacked the dash to launch a serious bid. Better for the hit-out and is leading player. COLD TRAIN (1) worked home fairly into fourth when returning at Mt Gambier. Strips fitter and will appreciate the rise in trip but will just need some luck from the wide gate. MR GEORGE (6) returns. Was far from disgraced in some solid form races last campaign and gets a key booking in Crowther from a nice draw. Right in this. HOLD THE PHONE (8) has been below her best in her two runs back but strips fitter third-up and is worth keeping safe.

RACE 3 - DIVINE FIRE (7) has struggled to threaten of late but strikes her easiest assignment this prep. Gets weight off and is drawn much kinder. Bold showing anticipated. LAVA LAD (5) progressed nicely last start when just missing in a blanket finish at Balaklava. Further improvement to come and also draws well. Big threat. THEY CALL ME DUSTY (2) was good first-up when shedding the maiden tag but has since struggled at benchmark grade. Tourneur re-engaged is a positive and is another that should find this easier. NEXTONE (1) hasn't offered a yelp in his last two but does hold each-way claims on best figures. Keep in mind.

RACE 4 - FOREVER WAITING (1) was an eye-catching fifth last time at Mildura. Fitter again and gets Crowther back on who has won aboard before. Ready. LIMBERING (3) gave a bold sight just two days ago but succumbed late. Holds plenty of intrigue on the quick back-up and is a key chance on best figures. MR WHITACRE (5) never looked likely last start when always well back at Balaklava. Had been much better prior and gets in well at the weights with the 2kg claimer engaged. Big chance with a return to form. VERDI (8) has been far from his best this campaign but is back in grade and gets a key jockey booking in Tourneur from a favourable draw. Watch for sharp improvement. SALSBURY HILL (6) hasn't won for a long time but there's not a great deal of depth in this race. Could add some value.

RACE 5 - LINES OF GLORY (8) struggled to make an impact just two days ago at Strathalbyn but is capable of a much better showing in this line-up. FOUR OUTLAWS (3) hasn't won for a long time but is knocking on the door. Steps back in grade and gets a key jockey booking in Dom Tourneur. HOT FLUSH (5) was a determined winner two back at Gawler but struggled to finish off at the latest. Collett reuniting is a positive, only missing the frame once when partnering. Don't dismiss lightly. Smaller cases can also be made for FAST 'N' FORWARD (7) and MANGIONE (4).

RACE 6 - KATIM'S CLUB (8) failed to come into contention last start in town but had excuses (cardiac arrhythmia). Only just missed in her two starts prior and is surrounded by subsequent winners. Sharp bounce back anticipated. NANKEEN (10) came with a big run from well back to get close to the winner when returning at Mt Gambier. Not as effective last start but is another can improve sharply. Main danger. MISS REMSKI (9) returns and finds a nice race to kick things off. Already a three-time winner over this distance. Can make a bright return. IDEEL GIRL (5) next best.

RACE 7 - OUR ELLIE ROSE (11) got a long way back last start at Mt Gambier but got going late to finish midfield. Can settle closer from the better draw and is expected to prove tough to stop. HOT ROD BOY (2) worked home fairly into a midfield finish at Warracknabeal last time out. Finds a more suitable contest and can get the job done. ZALINI (5) didn't offer a yelp when returning last start but is fitter now and is capable of a much better showing. TRAK CHILLER (3) was below best at the latest but is better placed this time. Keeping safe.