Sports

The Weekly A-Z

Posted on | Posted by Digby Beacham

A – AUDITION TIME

WA Champion Fillies Stakes day at Ascot doesn’t come with all the fanfare that we will witness over the next three weekends with the running of the TABtouch Masters. It is very much the entree ahead of the main course. But it is seriously tasty, nonetheless. Four black-type races headline the nine-event card, including reigning Winterbottom Stakes champion Elite Street’s presence in the Colonel Reeves Stakes, while progressive four-year-olds Kissonallforcheeks, Kaptain Kaos, Triple Missile, Graceful Girl, Secret Plan, Iseered Iseered, Hot Zed, Acromantula and Nowhiteflag will also be showcasing their talents with a view to bigger races. And it might pay to keep a close eye on the sizzling Machino mare Wilchino, who chases an eighth win from only 11 starts.

B – BATTLE OF THE SEXES

Strap yourself in for a great deal of commentary surrounding the WA Guineas hopes of the premier three-year-old filly in the State, Treasured Star, and seemingly the clubhouse leader from the opposite sex, It’sarayday. The pair headline the betting for next weekend’s $500,000 feature, with the first salvo being fired this week from Grant and Alana Williams, who decided to apply blinkers to Treasured Star for the Group 2 event. It’sarayday, a slashing winner of the Listed Fairetha Stakes (1400m), won’t be wearing any shades, but his future remains very bright indeed.

C – COVID CHAOS

Given COVID continues to impact so many lives here in Australia, we shouldn’t be surprised that the odd scare is going to hit our professional sporting clubs. That was the case this week when it was revealed Hawthorn youngster Finn Maginness tested positive to the virus and needed to self-quarantine. The shock came around the same time Carlton announced a member of their AFLW program had also tested positive.

D – DOUBLE STANDARDS

WA Premier Mark McGowan has enjoyed considerable support from the masses for his ability to thwart COVID entering the State for a prolonged period. But he is now facing increasing pressure to display more empathy and consistency in his messaging for his response to concerns over the staging of the fifth Ashes Test at Optus Stadium in January. Despite keeping the borders shut until WA reaches a 90 per cent vaccination for those aged 12 years or over, McGowan believes he can work his magic to allow Australia and England players, and their significant support staffs, into the State to play a Test. It’s little wonder that his mixed messaging has proven frustrating to those wanting to reunite with their families in time for Christmas.

E – EXACERBATING

Petrol continues to be added to the Ben Simmons saga, fanning the flames. It is either from the Philadelphia 76ers or by those closest to Simmons with his best interests at heart. One of those is his high-profile agent Rich Paul, who said the 76ers’ willingness to speak openly about the Australian’s reticence to be involved in the programme has only added to his mental health issues. This is a standoff which has gone on for longer than many expected and does not appear to have an end date.

F – FYFE’S FREO CONCERNS

Injury stories surrounding an AFL player in the summer don’t normally cause too much of a ripple. Neither they should. There is ample time for players to rehabilitate and get going again either in time for the start of the new campaign, or soon after it has commenced. However, Nat Fyfe is not just any AFL player. A dual Brownlow medallist, Fyfe is Fremantle’s best player and a long-serving skipper. His shoulder issues, which were laid bare in an interview this week, were alarming. So much so that the conversation over whether Fyfe can retain the captaincy has started to take shape. Dockers supporters will be hoping Fyfe’s renowned recuperative powers can come to the fore.

G – GO FIGURE

Disgraced ex-trainer Ben Currie seemed somewhat incredulous this week that his wish to re-enter the racing scene as a stablehand was denied by the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission’s licensing and registration department. Who would have thought? Maybe it would be prudent for Currie to actually sit down and consider his actions which led to a two-year ban in the first place. If you behave like a grub, you invariably get treated like one.

H – HOME AND HOSED

The Socceroos’ first game on home soil in 763 days, against Saudi Arabia in Sydney on Thursday night, didn’t go as planned. Australia were heavy favourites to take care of their visitors, but their task to play a clinical brand of football coach Graham Arnold desire was thwarted by atrocious conditions, with rain hosing down to leave the pitch sodden. Sadly, the frustration of the scoreless draw was compounded by a serious knee injury to defender Harry Souttar.

I – INSATIABLE

Brae Sokolski clearly doesn’t believe in resting on your laurels. Having made a sumo wrestler like splash in the horse ownership space in a short period of time and fresh off celebrating Verry Elleegant’s Melbourne Cup triumph and Incentivise’s enormous effort in the same race after claiming three Group 1 victories in the lead-up, Sokolski has loaded the bases. He yesterday, along with good friend Ozzie Kheir and others, agreed to terms to buy Spanish Mission, the English stayer who was a courageous third in the Melbourne Cup. The six-year-old, who is proven on top of the ground, will be trained by Peter Moody. If Moody weaves his magic with Spanish Mission similar to what he has done with Incentivise, Sokolski will be doing even more impromptu press conferences in 2022.

J – JOURNEY CONTINUES

It was only a matter of time before Steven Gerrard found his way back to the EPL. The former Liverpool and England defender was this week appointed the new manager of Aston Villa, replacing the sacked Dean Smith at the Midlands club. Gerrard, who signed a three-and-a-half year deal, returns to England after a successful stint at the helm of Scottish giants Rangers, highlighted by last season’s league title triumph.

K – KISS OR KAPTAIN

Round two of the stoush between Kaptain Kaos and Kissonallforcheeks is nearly here. The two quality sprinter-milers met at Ascot on October 9 when Kissonallforcheeks emerged triumphant on a day when Clint Johnston-Porter produced a peach and Michael Grantham’s charge had legitimate excuses. Since then, Kaptain Kaos has won a Listed Northam Cup, while Johnston-Porter’s decision to fire his mare to the top in the Group 3 Asian Beau Stakes (1400m) at her next outing proved a mistake. Their clash in the RJ Peters Stakes (1500m) tomorrow, with the winner assured of a Railway Stakes start, will be intriguing.

L – LIAR

Aaron Rodgers is arguably the most gifted quarterback to have ever played in the NFL. He doesn’t have as many Super Bowl rings as Tom Brady, Joe Montana, Terry Bradshaw or Troy Aikman. But as a pure passer and for his ability to make the most ridiculous of throws at key moments, he is the benchmark. In a country which loves the word “legacy” when assessing an athlete’s career, Rodgers is now in an unenviable position. His bickering with the Green Bay Packers over summer was childish and unbecoming of someone with his standing, while his lies (he says “misleading comments”) over his vaccination status led to a furious response and a $300,000 fine of the Packers by the NFL. Rodgers has some ground to make up.

M – MOMENTOUS

It has been nearly a quarter of a century since the Australian cricket team toured Pakistan. Little wonder the announcement this week that Australia intended to venture back there in 2022 for a series consisting of three Tests, three ODIs and one T20 was met with universal support. Karachi, Rawalpindi and Lahore will stage the Tests, starting in early March, with Lahore the base for the white-ball matches. Australian last toured Pakistan in 1998-99 when Mark Taylor made an epic 334 not out in Peshawar. Since then, Pakistan’s “home” series against Australia have been held overseas. It is a significant step forward.

N – NO JOKE

Nikola Jokic would love his time again. In fairness, had Markieff Morris not fouled him mid-court late in the clash between Denver and Miami this week, the Serbian probably doesn’t react the way he did. Jokic crashed into the back of an unsuspecting Morris, sending the Heat big man crashing to the floor, sparking a melee which had the potential to seriously escalate. Jokic was suspended for one match without pay and would later apologise, while Morris copped a $68,000 sanction.

O – OPEN AND SHUT

End of discussion. Nothing stirs the passion in cricket fans than a home Ashes series. And it wouldn’t be a summer at home against the old enemy without robust debate surrounding the composition of the final XI. A piece of the puzzle was put to bed yesterday when selection chairman George Bailey all but declared Marcus Harris would partner David Warner at the top of the order for the first Test at the Gabba. The left-hander has flashed potential previously and with Will Pucovski’s latest concussion denying him important time in the middle, the Australian selection panel was quick to make a decision. Love the clarity surrounding the call.

P – PERFECT 10

James McDonald was the talk of the town after he rode four winners on Derby Day last Saturday week. The narrative quickly turned to whether he could eclipse great mate and mentor Brett Prebble’s Melbourne Cup carnival record of nine winners over four days. Another two winners on Cup day, highlighted by Verry Elleegant’s famous win, lifted him to six before another two victories on Oaks day got him within striking distance. The Kiwi then went past Prebble with his triumphs in the Group 1 features on the final day, aboard Nature Strip in the Darley Sprint Classic (1200m) and Zaaki in the Mackinnon Stakes (2000m). The pair’s embrace shortly after they went past the post in the Mackinnon will be an image that is seared into the memories of all those who truly love their racing.

Q – QUALITY OF THE HIGHEST ORDER

With the Group 1 Mares Classic (2536m) on the horizon, you would expect the lead-up race to be loaded with talent. And that is exactly what we have got for tonight’s Group 2 Norms Daughter Classic (2130m). Wainui Creek will start favourite after coming up with the pole, but it would be silly to dismiss the prospects of the Ross Olivieri-prepared Born To Boogie, Balcatherine and Savvy Bromac.

R – RED TIME

There will be those who make a case for Red Can and Iseered IseeRed in tomorrow’s Group 3 Colonel Reeves Stakes (1100m). Equally, there will be those who feel tomorrow’s assignment is beyond them, given the presence of Elite Street, Graceful Girl and Stageman. What is not up for debate though is Red Can Man and Iseered Iseered know where the finishing line is. Red Can Man has won eight of his 24 starts for more than $620,000 in prizemoney, while Luke Fernie’s exciting young gelding Iseered Iseered has chalked up six wins from just 10 starts and is unbeaten in three outings over the 1100m. It is a cracking race. In fairness, the Colonel Reeves always is.

S – SAFE AND SOUND

Buzzoom delivered local stallion Safeguard his maiden black-type win with her devastating performance in the Listed Burgess Queen Stakes (1400m) at Ascot on Melbourne Cup day. The flawless filly is perfectly placed to go a step further and provide her sire with his maiden Group success in tomorrow’s Group 3 WA Champion Fillies Stakes (1600m). Having never finished further back than third in nine starts, it is no shock that punters see Buzzoom as the safe way home in this year’s edition.

T – TRANS TASMAN T20

At stages in their respective semi-finals in the T20 World Cup, New Zealand and Australia were on their knees. You could have got any old price about them advancing to the showpiece match on Sunday night. But thanks to Daryl Mitchell’s unbeaten half-century, the Black Caps gunned down the Poms and then Australia climbed from the canvas opposed to Pakistan after Matthew Wade’s heroics, setting up a juicy encounter in the final between the Trans Tasman rivals.

U – UNDER WATER

While we enjoy the spectacular spring weather that has finally arrived for the weekend, spare a thought for those involved with the meetings at Newcastle and Cranbourne tomorrow. Having finally emerged from lockdown and a raft of restrictions, officials from both clubs have been keeping more than a keen eye on the weather forecast all week ahead of The Hunter in Newcastle and Cranbourne Cup day south of the border. For those doing their form on the both cards, in particular at Cranbourne, factor in horses effective on soft ground,

V – VACCINATION HESITATION

Liam Jones has a decision to make. And a big one at that. Jones has not yet been vaccinated against COVID-19 and with Victoria requiring all authorised workers to be fully vaccinated by November 26, it’s fair to say time is not on his side. Jones is not due to report back to Blues training until December 6, but he will not be allowed to train with his teammates unless his stance changes. There is the very real prospect the Blues will place him on their inactive list, maybe even delist him, unless he has a change of heart. Welcome back to senior coaching Michael Voss.

W – W.B.S

There was never really any doubt. How could there be? Nature Strip headed to Flemington last weekend chasing a second Darley Sprint Classic, fresh off his pulsating victory in the $15 million The Everest (1200m) at Randwick. James McDonald fired the hulking son of Nicconi to the top and rated him perfectly, with Nature Strip doing what he does best — carving out fractions that leave rivals gasping for air. He is the World’s Best Sprinter. Period!

X – X-FACTOR

Los Angeles Rams recruit Odell Beckham Jnr has it in spades. It is why his arrival at the Rams after forcing his way out of the Cleveland Browns has garnered so much attention. He joins a roster littered with headline acts, including Von Miller, Aaron Donald, Matthew Stafford and Jalen Ramsey, that has been built for success right here, right now. If Beckham can park his ego at the door of the Rams’ facility and make a meaningful contribution, the Rams can win the NFC.

Y – YOUNG AND FREE

Greyhound enthusiasts are quite rightly enthused about the final of the Group 3 Young Stars (520m). Cosi Dagostino was confident this week about Momentum bouncing back after having his colours lowered by Unsee This in the heats, especially given his talented chaser came up with box four and the Shayne Williams-trained Unsee This to his immediate outside in five. When you factor in other runners Jimmy’s Decision, Panadero Opal, Amplified and Mambo Monelli, it’s impossible to draw any other conclusion that this year’s final is dripping in quality.

Z – ZAAKI’S REMINDER

It had been a month since we had seen Zaaki fail as a raging odds-on favourite in the Group 1 Might And Power. Craig Williams was criticised for his lack of aggression aboard the import, who was believed to be back on track and ready to take out the Cox Plate. A virus that kept climbing on race morning left trainer Annabel Neasham with no option but to scratch him, leaving him perhaps a little vulnerable for the Mackinnon Stakes (2000m) at Flemington last weekend. Vulnerable my backside. With regular rider James McDonald back aboard, Zaaki made a one-act affair of the final Group 1 of the Melbourne Cup carnival and left us all wondering what a weight-for-age showdown with Incentivise, Verry Elleegant and Anamoe in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) in April would look like.




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