Racing & Sports expert selections.

RACE 1 - HOMELAND (3) gets the blinkers on after two starts and he hasn't been far away in both to date. Excuses on debut then battled last time. Draws well for the first time and can lift sharply. NAFTALI (8) made a handy debut in a race that's already produced a subsequent winner. Made good ground and likely to be competitive in this. TARRANT COUNTY (4) is an interesting first starter who has trialled okay leading into this. Soft draw and could be in the finish. TIANNAH (7) and HIT SONG (2) are next best.

RACE 2 - HERE COMES HOGAN (1) has been around the mark at provincial level in three starts and resumes down in grade on the back of a nice trial win. Clearly on top. MISSY MOSS (3) hasn't been seen at the trials since winning nicely in November so any market push should be respected. In top stable. Same goes for PRIDE TO FOLLOW (8) from a strong local stable and following a trial win. Keep in mind. SHARKHOP (9) and UPWARDLY MOBILE (10) are the only other hopes.

RACE 3 - CLEAR THINKING (2) is a very well-bred mare who smashed her rivals on debut at this track. Extra 200m shouldn't trouble her and will be on speed. Take plenty of beating on what we saw first-up. SPECK (10) won impressively on debut at Dubbo before a sound fourth there off a wide run on a heavy 10. Local drawn well and can be a player. ANTISOCIAL (7) ran a huge race in a strong Class 1 over the Scone carnival despite being a big price. If she backs that up she can place here. CLIMATE CONTROL (9) and NIGHT FIGHTER (4) have claims.

RACE 4 - ECLAIR VITALITY (2) has had a few trials and was a winner of the latest at Warwick Farm. One of the main chances on what he's shown. TESSY TEE (14) is also on debut and her trials have been excellent, winning the latest at Rosehill a month ago. Commands some respect especially if there's support. OH DEER (11) is an interesting first starter who has trialled okay recently. Keep an eye on betting. LIVEWIRE LASS (13) and BALLINDERRY SAL (9) have claims.

RACE 5 - WILLINGALE (3) resumed with a handy effort over this course after tracking wide all the way. Will need luck again but is fitter and can take beating. PARMENIO (2) is in a new yard now and the latest trial was solid at this track. Any support would be significant and he can run well. ARAFURA SEA (7) has been placed at her last couple and if she holds that form she could run into the placings again. SPARKINGLY (4) and PROVENCAL (6) are worth some thought in an open race.

RACE 6 - TURNAWAY (3) was two months between runs when a solid third over this course recently. Held ground well and will be fitter for it. If he can lift off that he'll be hard to beat. SENSHI (1) is down in grade after three runs at Newcastle. Had his chance last time but it was a heavy 10. Entitled to another chance. SMART SHOT (11) has the blinkers on now after two placings at Quirindi and Moree this time in. Draws well and could measure up. MASTER OF REWARDS (9) is a top-three prospect on best form with FEIRME PRINCE (5) next best.

RACE 7 - AQUARTER (7) was quite strong scoring at Muswellbrook off a break and has had some time to get over that run. Claim helps and he's one of the main chances. RESTRICTIONS (3) chased nicely when resuming behind a horse who has won again since. Well drawn and not out of this by any stretch. SUPER FREDS (16) has to be considered on his second behind Aquarter two runs back. Forgive last time. MORE THAN A STAR (9) and I'M NOT SLEW (2) are in the mix.