The Weekly A-Z

Posted on October 15, 2021October 15, 2021 | Posted by Digby Beacham

A – AIR (time) JORDAN

Fremantle and Geelong fans kept checking Twitter as the two clubs exchanged trade options over talented young West Australian Jordan Clark. At an impasse on the eve of Wednesday night, the last day of the exchange period, news surfaced that Clark and experienced Cats list manager Stephen Wells had been involved in an animated discussion. Both denied that was the case, but the headlines made for juicy reading. Fortunately for Clark, he was able to get his wish and leave the Cats and now enjoys the security of a four-year deal from Fremantle. Clark has a major role to play in a Dockers side that should be aiming up at the top eight in 2022.

B – BITTER BLOW

One has to wonder whether Will Pucovski will ever get a decent run at it. Questions surrounding his wellbeing were raised this week when it was revealed the brilliant young top-order batsman suffered yet another concussion, this time during a training session for Victoria. It was the 23-year-old’s 10th concussion and will deprive him of invaluable time in the middle ahead of the Ashes. Pucovski is reaching a critical juncture in his career.

C – CRYPTIC POST

Not sure what to make of Justin Langer’s LinkedIn post this week about the need to stay true to yourself and not bend to appease others. Before you take aim, the headlines swirling around Langer’s tenure are because he has been deemed by players and others close to the national set-up to be too demanding and inflexible. If Langer doesn’t change his ways, it would be a shock if his time as Australian cricket coach doesn’t end sooner rather than later. 

D – DEEP POCKETS

Ottavio Galletta forked out $1.9 million to purchase a Deep Impact yearling at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale early last year. When you factor in GST, insurance and Magic Millions race-day entry fees, the colt had cost Galletta more than $2 million before he walked out of the sale yards. He got all that back and much, much more last weekend when the colt, now known as Profondo, clinched the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) at Randwick for trainer Richard Litt and jockey Robbie Dolan. The world is most definitely Profondo’s oyster.

E – EYEBALLS

Is what the Grant and Alana Williams-trained filly Treasured Star is up to in any race she contests throughout the carnival here in Perth. The daughter of Toronado brained her rivals in a class 1 1100m race at Ascot on Wednesday. While the opposition might have been modest, there was a suspicion the distance could have been on the short side. It wasn’t. She peeled off some excellent figures to put herself in the frame for black-type assignments, highlighted by the Group 1 Kingston Town Classic (1800m) in early December.

F – FIRST OF MANY

It was no shock to see Sam Walsh take out his first John Nicholls Medal as Carlton’s best and fairest last night. That he only edged Jacob Weitering by 11 votes was. It would also be somewhat of a surprise if the young gun didn’t win multiple club champion awards given he has surpassed Patrick Cripps as the Blues’ No.1 midfielder. Even with the addition of Adam Cerra and George Hewett, Walsh is THE MAN at Carlton.

G – GYPSY KING

Tyson Fury is filthy on a good time. We have seen as much over the years, with his antics inside and outside the ring only endearing him to the boxing, and broader, community. What shouldn’t be lost though is the man with the larger than life persona is an absolute superstar at his craft. It is not a stretch to declare Fury the most pure heavyweight we have witnessed since the late, great Muhammad Ali. His bruising victory over Deontay Wilder last Sunday morning only enhanced his greatness.

H – HEAD AND SHOULDERS

Travis Head sent national selectors yet another message this week with an innings that will have no doubt led to raised eyebrows (of the good variety) and nods of approvals. Fresh off a superb 163 against WA in his only hit in a Sheffield Shield match last month, Head blasted a staggering 230 from just 127 balls in a domestic one-day fixture opposed to Queensland. It was ball striking of the highest quality and illustrated the skillset the left-hander possesses. 

I – INTRIGUE SURROUNDS

Ben Stokes. He wasn’t coming Down Under for the Ashes. Injury was one reason. His battle with mental health was another. Now it seems the goalposts have changed. Stokes has posted social media videos of himself gripping a bat fully, indicating he is progressing brilliantly from finger surgery. Is Stokes also now believing he will be in a better place mentally given the concessions afforded to the English touring party and some privileges as opposed to life in a strict bubble? I’m saying yes.

J – JAMES GANG

NBA action is fast approaching and we don’t have to wait long to see how the LA Lakers bounce back from their injury-interrupted campaign last season. LeBron James has new toys to play with in 2021-2022 following the addition of proven performers Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony. Time will tell whether LeBron and his teammates can propel the Lakers back into the Finals. Unsurprisingly, we get two cracking games on Wednesday to open the new season — the Brooklyn Nets v Milwaukee Bucks followed by the Lakers going head-to-head with the Golden State Warriors.

K – KICK OFF

Some of our brightest and best greyhounds will showcase their credentials under the bright Cannington lights tomorrow night when three Group 2 All-Star heats are staged. The likes of Destruction, Serong, Momentum, Bones Mccoy and Jimmy’s Decision will garner a lot of attention. Don’t miss the start times … 8.02pm, 8.20pm and 8.40pm.

L – LEGEND STATUS

How much rain is too much rain for Classique Legend in tomorrow’s $15 million The Everest (1200m) at Randwick? A quick look at his history would suggest the strapping son of Not A Single Doubt doesn’t mind a rain-affected surface. But when you consider he is first-up in his Everest defence, a good track would be the preference. With storms hitting NSW yesterday and more rain forecast today, punters might be looking around Classique Legend. That in itself is dangerous because as we saw last year, he is an out-and-out machine when at his peak. 

M – MOODY BLUES

Peter Moody could have been excused for being downcast after Incentivise drew barrier 20 for tomorrow’s Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m). But that is not the way Moody is wired. Forge ahead, rather than retreat. Look at why you can, not why you can’t. That is the veteran trainer’s motto and he predictably took a glass half-full approach, declaring jockey Brett Prebble would be able to assess the speed on his inside before opting whether to roll to the top or take a sit and park just behind the leaders. Having won back-to-back Group 1 races already this spring, Moody is adamant he has his charge ready to run the race of his life.

N – NO FORGETTING

It is again that time of the year where we reflect on the deeds of The Fighting Tiger, the one and only Northerly. The pride of WA will be honoured at Ascot with the running of the Group 3 Northerly Stakes (1400m), just hours after the Caulfield Cup (2400m), the famous handicap he claimed 19 years ago, is staged at The Heath. A deserved member of the Australian Racing Hall of Fame, Northerly won 19 of his 37 starts and amassed more than $9.3 million in stakes, a staggering figure when you consider he last set foot on a racetrack in 2004.

O – ON THE BRINK

Anamoe proved his bona fides last Saturday when a Damien Oliver peach enabled him to claim a second Group 1 in the $2 million Caulfield Guineas (1600m). As a dual Group 1-winning son of Street Boss, his place at stud is assured. He is a very good colt. He will be referred to as a great colt however should he handle the class rise and win next Saturday’s weight-for-age Cox Plate (2040m) at Moonee Valley. We know three-year-olds have a terrific record in the feature and there is a sense of timing about Anamoe.

P – PACIFIC TIME

Neville Parnham’s Group 1 performer Indian Pacific returns to the races tomorrow for the first time since his very brave placing in the Listed Belmont Newmarket (1200m) back in August. His recent trial was super and given he is likely to sit outside natural leader Mervyn, looms as the testing material. It is a high-class field featuring several Group 1 runners, of which he is one. Another is the reigning Winterbottom Stakes winner Elite Street, who resumes off no trial for an in-form Dan Morton yard. Cannot wait for this.

Q – QUARTERBACK OF NOTE

Josh Allen has not just entered the NFL MVP conversation. He has gatecrashed it. The Buffalo signal caller is the reason why the NFC East is at the mercy of the franchise, a season after he guided the Bills to their first divisional title and play-off win since 1995. The 25-year-old has already thrown for 12 touchdowns this season and was almost faultless in guiding his side to a 38-20 win over the vaunted Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium last weekend. The whole nation will get to witness his exploits on Monday Night Football this round against the Tennessee Titans. As Allen goes, so too do the Bills.

R – R.I.P

The rugby league community is in mourning after the passing of Norm Provan, the game’s 13th Immortal. Provan was a part of the dominant St George era during the midway point of last century, playing in 10 premierships. Yes, 10 premierships. Provan, affectionately known as “Sticks” for his angular 193cm frame, was a gentleman with a capital G. His standing in the game is reinforced by the fact the winning NRL side is awarded the Provan-Summons Trophy in honour of both Provan and Arthur Summons and the iconic photo of the pair following the 1963 grand final. Provan was 89.

S – SHAMBOLIC

If you know exactly what is occurring between Ben Simmons and the Philadelphia 76ers, I’m all ears. This is a balls-up. Like a proper balls-up. Simmons has regularly stated over the past few months that he wants to be traded. The Sixers, during the same period, have shopped him, but also said he is a required player. Simmons then started leaking six figures for his failure to roll up for training camp and take part in pre-season games. So Simmons flies to Philadelphia to complete a COVID-19 test and meet with staff. But not his teammates. Go figure.

T – TEN OUT OF 10

Jockey bashing on a weekend is a popular pastime. As such, it was absolutely magnificent to hear nothing but praise for Jye McNeil, much of it coming from the direction of keyboard warriors, following his ride aboard I’m Thunderstruck in last Saturday’s Group 1 Toorak Handicap (1600m). McNeil didn’t want to waste his low draw, while also being mindful to make Damian Lane work overtime aboard his main rival, Elephant. To achieve both, he had to put his horse in some very tight confines, some would say where angels fear to tread, in order to lift the gelding to a breakthrough victory at the elite level. It was masterful by McNeil.

U – UPSETTING

As we well know, winners are grinners and losers, well they can please themselves. Those who invested in Arcadia Grace for the 3YO Crown Perth Classic (1000m) at Ascot last weekend soon after the markets came out were on very good terms with themselves, believing they had snagged the overs. By the time Liwa had powered home down the centre of the track to gun down Spin The Knife, many were lamenting what might have been after Arcadia Grace, who actually blew in the market approaching jump time, was denied a clear path in the straight. 

V – VACCINATE OR VANISH

Without saying as much, that is exactly what the Brooklyn Nets have conveyed to Kyrie Irving. The NBA teams, coaches and officials bow down to the superstars of the league. Have done for a long time and it seems to have become even more prevalent in recent times. It looked like Irving, who is yet to be vaccinated, would be getting his own way and be a part-time Nets player this season considering the restrictions imposed by certain States in the US, including New York. But the Nets didn’t view that as viable and have told Irving as much, saying he is not welcome back into the fold until  eligible to be a full participant.

W – WET AND WILD

Congratulations to the 10,000 racing lovers who will be on hand at Randwick tomorrow for the running of the $15 million The Everest. Having the crowd figure doubled from 5000 only a week ago as COVID-19 restrictions eased in Sydney, is an important step forward. It might be prudent though for those attending to ensure they take an umbrella or seek shelter indoors, with wet weather forecast. The same applies south of the border, with strong winds set to accompany a downpour today and tomorrow at Caulfield. 

X – X-RATED

What on earth possessed Jon Gruden to make the racist, sexist, homophobic and misogynistic comments in a string of emails that led to his sacking as Las Vegas Raiders coach this week? No idea? You are not alone. Gruden’s inexcusable stance portrayed a middle-aged white man stuck in a different era. By different era, I mean one that let such language pass through without a second thought. Will Gruden’s fall from the grace be followed by others? Watch this space.  

Y – YEARNING FOR SUCCESS

Team Hawkes and Group 1 victories. Tick. By extension of that, Team Hawkes and peaking their horses on grand final day. Tick. The family training combination of John, Michael and Wayne were at it again on Wednesday when Yearning stormed down the centre of the Caulfield track to claim the $1 million Thousand Guineas (1600m). It was only her second win from seven starts and came less than a month after she broke her maiden status at Newcastle. 

Z – Zzzzs

We spoke earlier about the keyboard warriors lining up jockeys one by one every Saturday. Craig Williams was in their sights last weekend when he was aboard Zaaki, who went under in the Group 1 Might And Power (2000m) as a $1.20 favourite. Many felt he fell asleep at the wheel and should have put the import into the race, rather than sit quietly in a modestly-run race. What is not up for debate is Zaaki’s loss has opened up next Saturday’s Cox Plate (2040m) at Moonee Valley. He no longer has the race at his mercy.