Racing & Sports expert selections.

RACE 1 - CANARA (8) resumed over 1200m at Warwick Farm a fortnight ago when she produced a real eye catcher, coming from last on the bend to finish sixth. Ran a couple of nice races at stakes level at the end of last prep. The one to beat out to this more suitable journey. POLYMNIA (11) turned in a similar performance to Canara in the same race at the Farm last start, just edging today's rival out of fifth spot after coming from near the tail. Another who should relish stepping up to seven furlongs. ELLA HAZEL (9) was friendless in betting on debut at Canterbury recently but did a good job to be beaten just 2.7 lengths over 1250m. Worth plenty of thought over more ground in a bigger track. HORIZONS (10) flashed home to just miss when resuming over 1250m at Newcastle last time. Harder here but shows promise and cannot be underestimated. COLOPHON (5) narrowly missed first-up at Kembla and is in the mix.

RACE 2 - The speedy SPANISH FOX (2) has been a revelation this prep. Just missed when resuming at Wyong and has gone on to win successive races over 1300m at Hawkesbury, the latest with ease in a Class 1. Freshened up since that dominant effort 32 days ago. Big chance to chalk up the hat trick. DARLING DOWNS (4) is a danger after her nice win first-up over 1300m at Hawkesbury four weeks ago. Lightly raced mare who went to a new level on that occasion so there might be more to come. FURY (1) has been gelded and returns from a 23-week spell. Talented four-year-old who wasn't beaten far at Canterbury at his only appearance last prep. Has his share of weight but a strong return looks on the cards. ECLAIR ENCORE (8) has not appeared since an easy win at odds-on on debut at Taree in September. Taking on older horses but cannot be underestimated. The unbeaten BROADWAY FOLLIES (7) faces her stiffest test by far but deserves this chance in town.

RACE 3 - PIPPIE BEACH (5) worked into the race before the corner then went on to edge out the smart Mergeila last Wednesday when second-up over 1300m at Rosehill. Had a short turnaround between the second and third runs last prep and won both. The testing material again. ZARROSE (2) faced defeat for the first time in her five runs at this distance when beaten 2.5 lengths in the Group 3 Tibbie at Newcastle last time out. Faces her easiest assignment since a first-up win back in July. Definite contender. Dual Group 3 placegetter FRENCH ENDEAVOUR (1) was beaten narrowly when resuming over 1300m at Warwick Farm a fortnight ago. Better than these on her best figures so she makes plenty of appeal with the run under the belt and McDonald taking over. TERRESTAR (6) resumed in the same race as French Endeavour at the Farm and finished 1.3 lengths behind that mare. Has never fired when fresh so it was encouraging. Likely improver. PAJANTI (3) is back in grade and worth another chance.

RACE 4 - Blueblood CONGREGATION (6) appreciated the step up in distance last start when a close fourth in a BM78 over this trip at Randwick. Fitter for two runs back from a spell and is going to be hard to hold out. HEMAN (2) ran on well to get up for third when resuming in a strong BM78 over 1300m at Warwick Farm a fortnight ago. Narrowly beaten in a Group 3 Flemington Carbine Club last Spring. Tough to beat on his best form. ZOUATICA (3) led but was swamped late when resuming in the $110k Panorama over 1300m at Bathurst last start. Meets some smart types here but worth considering. TAVS (7) ran a better race at Rosehill last time and should be peaking at the fourth run back from a spell. CAPTAIN FURAI (4) resumes. Could hardly have been more impressive in the maiden prep and can go on to better things this time in work.

RACE 5 - SHINES (4) raced handy but couldn't quicken under the big weight when resuming over 1100m at Canterbury last start. Gets to a more suitable journey today and drops 3kgs. Sure to be right there at the business end. ICONIC TREASURE (6) won two on the trot then was a bit fizzy pre-race before finishing third over 1300m at Newcastle last time out. Yet to miss the top three in six runs at or around today's distance. Must be included. The fleet-footed DEPRIVATION (1) has been enormous this prep. Made it two wins from three when he led all the way to score over this distance at Canterbury three weeks ago. Sure to give them something to catch again. CRAFTY EAGLE (3) has won two from four when resuming so he comes under notice at his first run since January. AFRICAN DAISY (5) is another fine fresh performer who is in the mix coming off a brief spell.

RACE 6 - Can't rule any of these out. TRAFALGAR SQUARE (9) has tackled a couple of Group 2 races of late and found them beyond reach. Opened this prep three runs back with a solid fourth in a Randwick Highway which is a better form reference. Freshened up and a great chance to turn things around. EXTREMELY HARDYS (7) has not appeared since she led all the way and gapped her rivals on debut over 1200m at Canterbury on 3 July. Hard to say how much the heavy track played a role in that six-length margin. Been scratched a couple of times lately so she should be very forward. CATAHOULA (3) caught the eye when just out of the placings over 1150m at this track last time out. One to watch for late in the piece as she steps up in trip. SEASCAPE (4) continued her strong form this prep when edged out over this trip at Canterbury recently. Drawn to enjoy a lovely run so keep her in mind. STAR ACT (5) resumed in good style at Warwick Farm two weeks ago and has improvement to come.

RACE 7 - HELLO WORLD (5) led under a big weight at Sandown last start before being overwhelmed close to home over today's trip. Gets in with 3.5kgs less today. Switched north by Team Hawkes and will be hard to catch with the in-form Zac Lloyd to steer. KOMODO DRAGON (8) has been freshened up since winning comfortably over 1400m at Kembla 39 days ago. Lightly raced gelding with plenty of upside. Worth noting McDonald takes the ride at 54.5kgs. BELLEISTIC KIDS (1) charged home to win an open handicap at Canberra two back before a modest fourth in the Bathurst Cup over 1800m last time. Worth another chance back to this more suitable trip. The lightly raced HEED THE OMENS (6) returns after a five-month spell. Showed ability over 1600m+ last time in work in Melbourne. Will be working home strongly. RAPBIDASH (4) returns from a six-month lay-off. Has won 2/3 when fresh and is trialling well so don't let her under the guard.

RACE 8 - UNITED KINGDOM (13) wound up strongly but couldn't get the better of the in-form Rock Empire when second-up last start over 1600m at Warwick Farm. Returned his best figure last prep at the third run back. Beautifully placed out to this trip and he should justify the short quote and get the cash. It's a pretty even bunch after that. DORASKAYA (12) didn't cope with the 2140m journey at Warwick Farm recently, her only failure this campaign. Strong performer at provincial level and is worth a ticket at big odds back to a more suitable distance. CORMAC T (8) wasn't far away when resuming at Newcastle last start. Goes well second-up so worth considering. TYMPANIST (4) might need one more hit-out but his four wins from nine runs on this circuit is hard to ignore. GREEN BELT (3) was brave in defeat at Canterbury recently and should be peaking now after three runs back from a spell.