Racing & Sports expert selections.

RACE 1 - IMAGE OF THE SUN (3) finds her race today third-up after powering late to secure fourth over 1600m at Tamworth on June 28. Will keep improving as she gets out in trip and no excuses in this contest. RELENTLESS RUBY (6) got off the mark at start 10 with a well-deserved 2 len maiden victory over 1600m at Gunnedah on July 1. Drawn to get the right run again and expected to go close. NEED A MIRACLE (2) consistent gelding racing in career-best form. Run down late from the outside gate when a narrow second over 1600m at Tamworth on June 28. Senior rider on today and brings the right figures to take this out. MASTER OF REWARDS (4) big drop in grade after running in Highway company in town at two of his last three starts. Well drawn and can figure prominently.

RACE 2 - WHISTLING STRAITS (1) progressive gelding trained on the track. On the quick back-up after powering late with the 58.5kg when second over 1000m at Gunnedah on July 1. Drawn to stalk the good pace and expected to go close. TAKEOVER LAD (7) looked good on debut two starts back when third at Tamworth, before dropping out after the jockey lost irons after the start when tenth over 1020m at Grafton on July 7. Can turn it around quickly today with the claim. BOLD AS LOVE (6) Brazen Beau gelding out of a Stratum mare on debut for the Lou Mary yard. Looked above average when a slick 7.9 trial winner at Muswellbrook over 800m on June 26. Expected to go close. FAKE (9) ran on late at resumption when a sound fourth over 1000m at Muswellbrook on June 17. Since fitted with a recent 1000m trial and will relish the good tempo.

RACE 3 - TORIE'S ROSE (6) strong through the line late when resumed with a tough third over 1100m at Hawkesbury on June 25. Will find this more to her liking over the 1200m. Go close. CALL ME FINEST ART (9) sat on the speed in the heavy (10) going before tiring late when third over 1200m at this track on July 2. Backs-up quickly and finds a fairly soft race. LUCONI (1) gelding by Nicconi out of a Singspiel mare on debut for the Waterhouse/Bott yard. Fitted with two strong trials and expected to figure prominently. HELL OF A LAD (7) two-year-old gelding by Hellbent on debut for the Kris Lees yard. Fitted with two recent trials and has the ability to take a hand in the finish.

RACE 4 - ECLAIR VITALITY (3) beaten for early pace on debut before warming up late with a solid fifth over 1100m at Scone on June 23. Improvement anticipated with the run under the belt. MR CROWNING MOMENT (4) resuming after making sharp progress at second race start when second over 1400m at Eagle Farm on March 16. Fitted with two recent trials and can finish over the top of these. FOX REIGN (7) two-year-old gelding by Foxwedge out of Repour on debut for the Sargent yard. Looked good in his last two trials and gets his chance from the low draw. PICCADERRO (9) first starter by Pierro out of Piccadillies from the Ciaron Maher yard. Has shown ability in both trials and finds the right race to kick off today.

RACE 5 - SWEET PROPOSAL (13) Dundeel filly with her hoof on the till fifth-up. Stalked the speed with the 58kg when a close-up third over 1500m at Hawkesbury on June 18. This is the easiest race she's contested this time in and will take stopping. BALMIERRO (1) Randwick-trained gelding who will relish the class drop today. Sat just off the speed and plugged late when fourth over 1550m at Canterbury on June 19. Has race fitness on his side and has the speed to get across from the sticky gate. SAN GAVINO (11) best performance in four runs when back in trip for a surprise second over this track and trip on July 2. A repeat of the latest keeps her in the mix. The chances don't end there. HOMELAND (3) stretches out to the 1600m for the first time after running on late when second over 1400m at Tamworth on July 5. Look for him late on the quick back-up.

RACE 6 - CONSENZA (4) progressive Zoustar mare who finally draws a decent gate after two runs back. Will sit on the speed today and has genuine top-three claims. JOISELLE (11) undefeated Snitzel filly resuming after a four-and-a-half-month break. Created a good impression when last in work returning good figures on both occasions. Since fitted with a recent 1000m trial win and gets her chance from the good gate. ZAKOR (1) third-up today and placed third-up in the past. Big improver when sitting on the speed for a gritty third over 1200m at Tamworth in good company over 1200m on June 28. OUTTA DE LADY (8) returned from a five-month break with a fading eighth over 1000m at Tamworth on June 28. Down sharply in weight with the claim and has a solid second-up record. Improver.

RACE 7 - RASAY FACTOR (8) promising gelding who gets better with age. Came from near last on resumption with a swooping victory over 1400m at Tamworth on June 21. Undefeated here and will relish the 3kg claim. Can win again in this tougher contest. SHEN GUI (10) up in trip and grade when a disappointing 13th over 1450m at Muswellbrook on June 17. Trained on the track and go on his win two back when assessing his chances. Can return to form today. UP AND COMER (13) Neasham-trained filly returning from a five-and-a-half spell. Made good progress last time in on the provincial circuit and not asked to do much in two recent trials. Looks ready for a good prep and a forward showing is anticipated. BIG BAY WOLF (9) showed ability last prep and expecting improvement after his poor return when last of 10 over 1300m at Goulburn on June 21. Lone win came second-up and the tongue-tie goes on in this easier contest.

RACE 8 - LIGHTS OF PARADISE (18) gave them a galloping lesson when led throughout on debut for a slick victory over 1300m at this track on June 11. Faces a tougher task today from the wide gate but is expected to go close again. BALLINDERRY SAL (16) resumed with a well-deserved maiden victory over 1100m here on June 23. Chelsea Hillier keeps the ride and the extra trip suits despite drawing out. SOARING PHOENIX (12) handy mare fitter after two sound placings at both runs back. Trained locally and looks good each-way value today with the drop in weight. THE FAVORITE SON (19) returns from a 31-day let-up after charging late when a narrow second here over 1300m on June 11. Racing in career best form and can take a hand in the finish.