Racing & Sports expert selections.

RACE 1 - INNOVATES (1) has his first outing since arriving from down south. He ran a couple of decent races in maidens over much further. Maybe they worked out he was more of a sprinter. We'll know quickly. TIPPED OFF (2) had some excuses when last in work. He did run some efforts close up. Will be hitting the line nicely. GERALDINE'S WISH (4) faded out last time but was good enough before that. Probably best onto the better going. POINT TWO (6) will be speeding along and that could make a huge difference. Just has to hang on late. KELLISA (5) didn't do a great deal when last in work. Has a few gear changes.

RACE 2 - GOLDEN OCTAVIAN (2) is getting closer and closer to a win. He got a little way back at Townsville and worked home nicely. You would have to say the added ground is right in his ballpark. SWATOW (1) will give him a race. He was able to sit forward over a longer trip recently and just missed. Probably thinking coming back in distance is not the best. MAKEMINEMILO (4) has been OK since arriving up north. The best run came here two back. OVERWATCH (6) was trained in Sydney but sent to Cairns. Her best run gives her a hope. HOLD MY HALO (7) conceded a big start first up and couldn't make it up. Better journey here.

RACE 3 - MOEGREEN (3) got back to near last last month and charged to the line. He is a very consistent gelding and should only be improved from that effort. The longer event is also a real positive on breeding alone. BOLD FEELING (2) is now ready third up. He wants every bit of the 1400m. May be hard to get past if able to control it. THE HONEY BADGER (5) likes to settle back in his races and find the line. Hasn't run a bad one here either. HARROW (1) has taken on a series of tougher graded races than this. If he can return to his best form, he is up to running a good race. SHE'S A MISSION (7) has been in a few maidens and finally got it out of the way last time.

RACE 4 - THE HONEY BADGER (5) has been in excellent form so far. He settled back at this track two weeks ago and hit the line hard. It looked like he would want every bit of the 1500m. Fourth up he should be peaking as well. SOUTHERN FRONT (2) does come out of softer Open Handicaps but has been fairly consistent in them. The longer race could be a good benefit. LISTENTOZOU (1) got a much-needed win on the board when leading over this course and distance. Just doesn't need to be taken on. SEVENTIES HIT (4) is another of the likely go-forward types. Found his form now. SET THE SAILS (3) has some gear changes to get back to his best.

RACE 5 - HIGHBAR (4) took on much better standard of horses when last in work. He wasn't far away in some Saturday races either. The only problem ironically could be from barrier one if he gets back and can't get out. ZI WIN (5) did a nice job at his most recent preparation. That included some good efforts in Open company. Has to run a race. ALI'S JAB (3) is hard fit and will show good speed. Does have a bit of weight to carry coming down in grade. CROWNING MOMENT (2) may find this a tad short but rarely runs you a bad race. HARTSHORN (9) is another of the on-pacers. No surprise to see him right there at the end.

RACE 6 - SMART IMAGE (7) has put two nice wins back to back. While they were over shorter than this is, he has run well over even further. Given he loves this track, it is easy to have him as one to beat from the lovely barrier. MISSILE THUNDER (3) is an ever-consistent type and importantly used to carrying more weight so could be advantaged by that. Just wants the speed on. SPEED LEGEND (8) has a tremendous overall record. He is yet to miss the placings at Cairns. Does like it fresh too. LIDDER VALLEY (2) did run as favourite last time. Might prefer a softer track. MR MAESTRO (4) will need the run but was a really good horse.

RACE 7 - FOURSOMES (1) has two wins this preparation already and can easily build on that. She came from near last over this very course and distance just two weeks ago. Is even better drawn this time so won't have to give as much start away. WAR COUNCIL (4) did lead all the way second up before knocking up at Townsville. Back 150m could well make a difference. TARGETED (3) didn't miss by much a fortnight back. Hoping he's not giving away too much ground. NOBLE ATTACK (2) can run the odd decent race. The efforts here have been very solid. BRING ME TO LIFE (11) gets up in journey and that could suit him on breeding.