The Weekly A-Z

Posted on November 6, 2020 | Posted by Digby Beacham

A – ARROGANT

Being labelled arrogant is not a badge of honour. Unless you are describing the accomplishments of the All Blacks. They have set the standard in world rugby for an eternity and their dominance shows no signs of ending. The mauling of the Wallabies last weekend was not only breathtaking, but reinforced the greatness of New Zealand’s favourite sporting team. Ian Foster has succeeded Steve Hansen at the helm of the New Zealand outfit and if he doesn’t taste the ultimate success at the 2023 World Cup, it would be a surprise.

B – BOX ONE

Will be where Tommy Shelby jumps from in the Group 1 Topgun (525m) at the Meadows tomorrow night. The pride of WA chasing was not disgraced when third in last month’s Million Dollar Chase final at Wentworth Park and will give a great account of himself in a field containing the classy Simon Told Helen and Shima Shine.

C – CONUNDRUM

Those close to NSW captain Boyd Cordner need to take stock. A true rugby league warrior, Cordner needs protection from himself. Having missed games during the NRL season because of a spate of head knocks, he was again left wobbly and needing assistance to leave the field during Wednesday night’s State of Origin match at Adelaide Oval. Though he was cleared to return and duly did so, surely the smart thing to do would have been to rule him out for the rest of the match. The long-term effects of concussion is something the sporting world should be very alarmed of. And that includes us in Australia. A very poor look.

D – DOGGONE

Josh Dunkley is leaving the Kennel and heading to Tullamarine. That’s if the Western Bulldogs and Essendon can strike a deal. Dunkley had been linked to the Bombers for a fortnight and the speculation became a reality when the 2016 premiership hero officially requested a trade. It would seem the onus is now on the Bulldogs to get something in return for a good young man who has tired of Luke Beveridge’s leadership.

E – ESPN

Congratulations. The ongoing four-part series “The Life and Trials of Oscar Pistorious” is some of the best sports television you will see. The four-part documentary has been in the works for several years and is befitting such an important chapter in South African history. The quality of guests and depth of information is remarkable.

F – FABULOUS TIME

Tiarnna Robertson hasn’t been afforded the best of good fortune for her star mare Fabergino during the spring sojourn in Melbourne, but that could all be about to change tomorrow. The outside draw at Flemington and the forecast of a cool, fine day should provide Fabergino a look at obtaining a Group 1 placing (at worst) in what is a hot Darley Sprint Classic. It would certainly make the trip worthwhile following the disappointment of the Group 1 Moir Stakes and runner-up placing in the Group 2 Caulfield Sprint. It would also be a great tonic for Robertson, who has had multiple surgeries this week to mend a broken leg.

G – GIANT STATEMENT

There is always a great deal of interest from the outside when two football clubs are embroiled in a stoush. And that is exactly what is occurring between Geelong and GWS over the services of Jeremy Cameron. The spearhead wants to be a Cat, but the Giants matched Geelong’s offer to muddy the waters and cast doubt over Cameron’s future. Geelong have endeavoured to reach out to the Giants to talk turkey, only to receive the silent treatment. Watch this space.

H – HURRY UP ALREADY

April is a time of the year sports fans salivate about. It is when we get up early and watch the US Masters, the event that is dripping with mystique and drama. COVID pushed this year’s tournament back to next Thursday and while it is completely different to what we have become accustomed to, there will be immense drama on the Sunday, more than likely around Amen Corner. Cannot wait.

I – IT’S PERSONAL

Yes it was. Personal, trained by Tom Dabernig and Ben Hayes, stamped herself as the best staying filly in the country with her dominant win in the VRC Oaks (2500m) yesterday. Ridden patiently by Damien Oliver, the beautifully bred daughter of Fastnet Rock was able to overhaul odds-on favourite Montefilia, who probably didn’t get the trip, in the concluding stages.

J – JYVE DANCING

It is impossible to find a person in Australian racing who has a bad word to say about Jye McNeill. As such, it makes his victory on Twilight Payment in Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup all the more sweeter. To see McNeill stand high in the irons as he crossed the line after a bold frontrunning ride was magnificent. He is now part of Melbourne Cup folklore.

K – KING KOBY

Koby Jennings has enjoyed a low-key week in regards to his riding commitments. It’s perhaps just as well given how significant last Saturday was for him. Normally used to playing his trade on the NSW provincial circuit, Jennings was aboard Colette when she stormed down the centre of the Rosehill track to win the $7.5 million Golden Eagle (1500m). Jennings picked up more than $200,000 for his efforts, a figure that can sometimes resemble his entire year’s wage.

L – LUCK’S A FORTUNE

Is tomorrow the day when former outstanding juvenile Lucky Street opens his account in his new career as a stallion? Lucky In The West, a colt trained by David Harrison and ridden by Paul Harvey, makes his debut in the 1100m event at Ascot off the back of a dominant 850m trial victory at Lark Hill. The barrier draw (8) hasn’t been kind, but he looks talented.

M – MIXED MESSAGES

“Side by side they stick together, to uphold the Magpies name.” That line is a key plank in the Collingwood theme song. Sadly, it doesn’t apply to Adam Treloar. The Magpies have had countless opportunities to outline their commitment to Treloar, who is contracted for the long-term. But they cannot and will not do so, leaving the football world confused as to what is exactly the issue between the club and player. It is a dead-set mess.

N – NO TIME TO WASTE

It is only natural if there is a tinge of sadness when the final race at Flemington is run and won tomorrow. The Melbourne Cup carnival is one of the great racing carnivals in the world. But the next month from a local perspective ensures the interest levels remain high. We are a fortnight out from day one of the TABtouch Masters, but there are still three Group 3 races and a Listed event on Champion Fillies Stakes day next weekend. It is one hell of an entrée.

O – ONE MORE TO GO

Queensland were meant to be fodder for NSW in the State of Origin series opener at Adelaide Oval this week. Yep, you guessed it. The Maroons overcame a 10-0 deficit to stun the Blues and now find themselves one win away from owning bragging rights until at least midway through next year.

P – PASTURE

That is where Clairvoyance has been put out to after trainer Darren McAuliffe scratched her for a third time in as many weeks yesterday morning. The strapping daughter of Nostradamus had been one of the favourites for the Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) later this month, but couldn’t shake a hoof issue, leaving McAuliffe with little option but to pull up stumps.

Q – QUEEN’S FAREWELL

The searching spring campaign of boom WA mare Arcadia Queen will come to a close tomorrow at Flemington following the Group 1 Mackinnon Stakes (2000m). A brilliant winner of the Caulfield Stakes (2000m), she nearly fell in the Cox Plate on a surface that didn’t suit. She has come up with a perfect draw, will appreciate the spacious surrounds of Flemington and fingers crossed the track is rated a good 4. Go girl!

R – REFRESHING

Good on Fremantle football operations manager Peter Bell speaking with honesty about the Jesse Hogan situation. When quizzed on how the Dockers assessed their decision to sign Hogan on a three-year deal, only to trade him out after two seasons to GWS in exchange for selection 54 in the national draft, Bell was blunt. “We had hoped it would’ve turned out a lot better,” he said. “It’s a very obvious statement to say it cost us a lot, so as a football club, we take accountability for that.”

S – SPECIAL K

The footprint of Godolphin in WA will become more pronounced tomorrow at Ascot when Kementari steps out in the Group 2 WAROA Lee-Steere Stakes (1400m). Special K as he is affectionately known by some (there are other names which are probably not best said) brings the best formlines, but also a reputation of a non-winner. Given he hasn’t saluted for more than 970 days, it is hard to argue with that. But he does add a great deal of interest and will look a picture in the yard as one of the best looking horses in this country.

T – TAKE A MINUTE

To consider the accomplishment of Irish trainer Joseph O’Brien. The 27-year-old son of Aidan clinched his second Melbourne Cup this week when Twilight Payment led throughout. It is even more remarkable when you consider his father has been trying for years to win the famous race without success. Throw in training Group 1 winners for fun in his homeland, the UK and America and it’s hard to argue O’Brien Jnr’s CV at the end of his career won’t be something to behold.

U – UNVEILED

It took a lot longer than cricket fans had hoped, but we now have direction surrounding the upcoming Big Bash League season. The BBL fixtures were released yesterday, with all 56 games outlined. However, venues in Tasmania, Canberra, Adelaide and Queensland were only finalised for the first 21 matches leading into New Year’s Eve. If the COVID-19 numbers continue to diminish and restrictions eased, there is an expectation all States will see BBL action.

V – VALE VAN DYCK

The feelgood story of Jye McNeil winning his maiden Melbourne Cup aboard was soured somewhat by the death of Northern Hemisphere star Anthony Van Dyck after he fractured a fetlock in the straight. It added to the recent bleak record of the plight of overseas horses and prompted inevitable questions surrounding …

W – WERRIBEE’S WORTH

The quarantine facility, situated south-west of Melbourne, has hosted the swag of international raiders for several years now, but the demise of Anthony Van Dyck, on top of the death of other overseas contenders, has brought it into focus. Depending on who you listen to, the track is too hard and the circumference of the course too tight as opposed to what Northern Hemisphere horses are accustomed to training on. It might be neither, but Racing Victoria is obligated to forensically look at all variables.

X – X-FACTOR

The two black-type events at Ascot tomorrow garner significant attention as they should, but races six and nine boast two horses who are going to have their share of admirers. Invictus Domini hits town after winning two Geraldton races by more than 18 lengths, while Elite Street in the last will look to replicate the jaw-dropping figures that netted him a 72+ 1000m victory last month. The upside to both looks enormous.

Y – YOUNG GUNS

Cannington will look slightly different tomorrow, yet remain eerily similar at the same time. The start time of the first race at 3.54pm is considerably earlier than normal, but the all-conquering David Hobby kennel will no doubt have a part to play in the Young Star heats thanks to the presence of Sunset Toxic, Sunset Nuclear and Sunset Spitfire.

Z – ZAC’S BACK

West Coast wasted little time striking a deal during the exchange period with Greater Western Sydney to acquire Zac Langdon. The Dampier product bolsters the club’s forward-line and midfield stocks after 31 games in three seasons with the Giants. He will appreciate the opportunity to get to work at the feet of Josh Kennedy and Jack Darling.