Sports

The Weekly A-Z

Posted on | Posted by Digby Beacham

A – ALEX AND THE ASHES

It was a battle between Alex Carey and Josh Inglis for the right to succeed former Australian skipper Tim Paine behind the stumps for the first Test against England. In the end, selectors opted for Carey, who boasts a more extensive international CV than the WA product, and has been groomed for this opportunity for several years. That’s not to say Carey is a lock long-term. Selectors said yesterday that  the elegant left-handed batsman and extremely competent gloveman was assured of his berth for the first two Tests. A squad beyond that has not yet been finalised. Carey wouldn’t want to slip up.

B – BEAUTIFUL RESULT

Good things happen to good people. The age-old saying applied to Jason Miller yesterday when Beauty In Me broke her maiden status under a quality ride from William Pike. It was Beauty In Me’s third start and richly deserved after a gallant runner-up effort behind Cold Shizzle at her most recent outing. The victory helped soften somewhat the cruel blow Miller endured over the weekend just gone when he lost his stable star Naughty By Nature to a paddock accident. A better man in WA racing than Jason Miller you will not find.

C – CERISE AND WHITE

Think big-time racing silks in Australia and the Godolphin blue and dark blue of Coolmore are two that spring to mind. Closer to home however, it is impossible to get away from the cerise and white of Peters Investments. Rarely does a weekend go by when those colours aren’t crossing the post first either at Ascot or Belmont. It was the case again last weekend, highlighted by Graceful Girl’s dazzling Winterbottom Stakes victory, and it would take a very, very, very brave person to suggest they weren’t be to the fore again tomorrow.

D – DEVASTATING

We were given a timely reminder this week at how precious life is. The drowning of popular jockey Chris Caserta underlines that fact. Caserta had looked to rebuild his career in Queensland and was doing a good job of it. Sadly, his decision to go for a late-night dip at Surfers Paradise on Wednesday was one that cost him his life. To his friends, family and fellow racing participants, our best wishes head your way.

E – EMPIRE REIGNS SUPREME

Western Empire has done exactly that thus far in his preparation, strolling to an arrogant victory in the Group 3 Asian Beau Stakes (1400m) before putting his name up in lights with one of the more emphatic wins we have seen in the Group 1 Railway Stakes (1600m) late last month. On a solid day’s racing around the country tomorrow, the four-year-old Grant and Alana Williams-trained gelding will be the headline act when he steps out in the Group 1 Kingston Town Classic (1800m). His prohibitive $1.35 quote suggests bookmakers are in for some serious pain.

F – FINAL FRONTIER

The Perth Scorchers had dominated the WBBL landscape for several seasons. Dominate could be an overstatement, but they were a powerful opponent. That much was evident from their ability to make two grand finals in six seasons. They left empty-handed, yes. But they had still been able to advance to the showpiece match. It was a case of third time lucky last weekend when the Scorchers reached the summit with a 12-run win over the Adelaide Strikers at a stifling Optus Stadium. It is now over to the men, who start their BBL campaign against the Brisbane Heat on Wednesday night.

G – GIRL POWER

This applies specifically to Graceful Girl, the lightly-raced four-year-old mare who caused an upset in the $1 million Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) last weekend, and her co-trainer Alana Williams. Graceful Girl was seemingly ticking over nicely ahead of her grand final. But Alana felt she needed some longer work and told husband and fellow co-trainer Grant that. A future Hall of Fame trainer himself, Grant took the advice on board and changed tack slightly. The result? Yet another Group 1 victory for Williams Racing.

H – HAVE SADDLE, WILL TRAVEL

Glen Boss was hanging up the boots, breeches, safety vest, skull cap and whip. He was done. Last Saturday’s ride aboard Spanish Mission in the $750,000 Zipping Classic (2400m) was his last. The ultimate showdown was characteristically open to the media pre and post-race. The scenes were magnificent, even though the former English stayer didn’t salute as an odds-on favourite. Then came the offer to ride at the uber-rich Saudi Cup international meeting in February. With huge prizemoney up for grabs, Bossy didn’t hesitate to commit. Who knows whether it might tempt him to continue riding into the rich autumn races in Sydney.

I – IRRELEVANT

The International Tennis Federation has hit the crossroads … at speed. Its decision to overhaul the format of the Davis Cup has led to a seemingly non-descript tournament that was once the envy of all with a passion for the game. Australia’s rich history in Davis Cup is well known, but you need to be a rusted-on follower of the sport now to monitor the competition these days. Tucked away at the back end of a congested schedule and not containing any home-and-away ties, the tribal element which made it great, the Davis Cup is withering on the vine.

J – JACKED UP

It has been a quarter of a century since we last saw a Tasmanian team flying their State’s flag in the NBL. The Hobart Devils’ demise was sealed in 1996 because of financial difficulties, ending a turbulent existence. Tonight at MyState Bank Arena, the Tasmania JackJumpers will launch a new era when they host the Brisbane Bullets. The JackJumpers showed glimpses during the NBL Blitz and while it is unrealistic to expect them to make the play-offs in their debut season, they have enough talent on the roster to cause an upset or three throughout the 2021-22 campaign.

K – KEEP YOUR HANDS TO YOURSELF

How will Steve Smith conduct himself now that he has been elevated to an official leadership position within the Australian Test side? Let’s hope his stint as vice-captain doesn’t attract the headlines which were associated with his captaincy in Cape Town, leaving gaping wounds to the most popular summer sport in this country. I’m not sure it will, but there are still going to be those who will be less than impressed if Smith is directing traffic from the slips cordon in his role as vice-captain to Pat Cummins. It is best if he is not seen and not heard.

L – LIFE MEANS LIFE

For those who feel David Warner should be allowed to hold a leadership position in Australian cricketing circles given Steve Smith’s job as Test vice-captain, it’s best you sit down and have a stiff drink. Warner was quite rightly banned for life for ever being considered to either captain or vice-captain his country in the wake of his inexcusable act in Cape Town. To this day, he has never fully explained his actions. If Warner feels so strongly about the so-called injustice inflicted upon him, here’s a suggestion … retire.

M – MERITORIOUS

Rarely have we drilled down on a horse that has won a C1 1000m event at Belmont. In fact, probably never have. That changes today. Bitofmerit showed a lot of merit when smashing his rivals on Wednesday, clocking a slick 58.47 for the trip, roughly two lengths quicker than what Eeeyore Wayz, who wasn’t disgraced in a Group 3 Prince Of Wales Stakes (1000m) last year, recorded later in the day. The three-year-old peeled off an 11.08sec last 200m fraction. Low. Level. Flying. It is wonderful to see Michael Campbell with another terrific galloper.

N – NEANDERTHAL

Something is seriously wrong with Brandon Smith and the NRL environment if his appearance on a podcast, in which he uttered the F-bomb more than 60 times and even dropped the C word also is tolerated. Smith claimed he was just being himself in lifting the lid on a drinking culture at the Melbourne Storm while giving strong hints that it was his desire to become a Sydney Rooster in 2023. It was behaviour from yesteryear and should have led to his sacking. Not a big fine. Not a suspension. Not a suspended sentence. SACKING. Especially given his role in the post-season white-powder saga involving Cameron Munster.

O – ON POINT

A little bit of water has to flow under the bridge before Belinda and Luke McCarthy can be crowned Inter Dominion-winning trainers and drivers. But it’s fair to say they have given themselves every opportunity to enjoy the spoils following the December 11 final at Menangle. The husband and wife operation has claimed five of the first six heats over the opening two nights of the Inters and are already guaranteed of having four runners in the final, including WA star King Of Swing.

P – PENG, POLITICS, PUNISHMENT

The saga surrounding the wellbeing of Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai shows no signs of abating. Conversely, it is gathering momentum. The WTA did the right thing this week when it announced it had suspended all tournaments in China and Hong Kong. Naturally, China officials hit back, saying the stance was political and it had no intention of buckling to the pressure. Then the IOC released a carefully worded statement saying it had made contact for a second time with Peng, while being extra cautious in the knowledge that Beijing is set to host the Winter Olympic Games early next year.

Q – QUENCHING THE THIRST

Jamie Kah has been idle for longer than she would have liked. But the motor is purring again and she will look to go through her gears over the next 24-48 hours when she makes a long-awaited return to the saddle. Roundly criticised for her role in the Mornington Airbnb saga, Melbourne’s leading jockey from last season has 10 rides at Mornington, Moonee Valley and Pakenham as she looks to re-establish herself as a dominant force in the riding ranks.

R – RED TIME

It’s that time of the year. When RAC Arena transforms from a quiet, state-of-the-art venue into a hostile environment as the Red Army cram inside to watch their beloved Perth Wildcats go about their business. The Wildcats this season will look vastly different to what we have become accustomed to. That is inevitable when a five-time championship-winning coach like Trevor Gleeson is no longer at the helm. But former Boston Celtics assistant Scott Morrison on the sidelines looms as a terrific replacement and any NBL side with Bryce Cotton in the line-up is competitive, regardless of his support cast.

S – SEVENTH HEAVEN

Is Lionel Messi at the peak of his powers? Probably not. But if there has been a drop-off from the remarkably high levels at which the Argentine has operated at for the bulk of his career, it is clearly not that obvious. Messi this week took out his seventh Ballon d’Or award as the world’s best footballer. It wasn’t as clear-cut as some of his other victories, but again rubber-stamped the diminutive dynamo as an irresistible force in the world game. Messi, 34, now calls Paris Saint-Germain home after his departure from Barcelona.

T – TIGER SIGHTING

It had been a while since we had caught a glimpse of the most famous Tiger in the world. Fortunately, that changed this week when arguably the greatest golfer the world has ever witnessed, conducted a press conference — nine months after being involved in a serious car accident that was major news right around the world. As a result of his injuries, Woods said his days as a full-time player on the PGA Tour were over. However, he did express a desire to play in next year’s Open Championship at St Andrews. We can only hope.

U – UNIQUE

When you tune into Sky Channel tomorrow night and see only two dogs preparing to line up in race nine at Cannington, don’t be alarmed. There haven’t been any mass scratchings. To the contrary. Vice Grip and Fernando Star will contest a two-dog match race for the right to win The Dogs WA slot in the Phoenix, where the runners will chase a $750,000 winner’s cheque. Fernando Star (1) will jump from inside Vice Grip (1) and you could argue that his $3.40 quote is a good price in a two-dog race.

V – VACCINATION DEBATE

As sure as night follows day, the discussion surrounding vaccinations to guard against the coronavirus continues to be had. And much of the sporting talk surrounds Novak Djokovic and his presence at the Australian Open. We know that only vaccinated players will be allowed to contest the year’s first major and Djokovic says his current status is private. Reading between the lines, that means he is unvaccinated. As for his father’s claim that the demands from Australian officials over the requirements are akin to blackmail … absolutely nonsense.

W – WET BEHIND THE EARS

Queensland in summer can be a little bit hit and miss in regards to weather. That said, their spring was atrocious also — unless you were a duck. The big wet in the Sunshine State has wreaked havoc in the lead-up to the first Test at the Gabba and while there is an expectation of some better fortune ahead of day one next Wednesday, the forecast of storms in and around the metropolitan area from midway through next week is a bitter blow to all cricket enthusiasts.

X – X-FACTOR

There were a few good judges believing last Saturday’s Group 3 Kevin Heffernan Stakes (1400m) wasn’t beyond Sinawann. Having been beaten just over three lengths at Group 3 level during the Melbourne Cup carnival, his first run in Australia for new trainers Anthony and Sam Freedman, it was expected he would come forward. And come forward he did, storming home in the straight to gun down heavily backed favourite I Am Superman. As a son of the all-conquering stallion Kingman, the five-year-old entire’s career is going to have its fair share of fanfare.

Y – YOUR TEAM NOW

Michael Carrick can be very comfortable with his last act as a Manchester United person. Carrick engineered a 3-2 win over Arsenal this morning, delivering the Old Trafford faithful the result they desperately wanted. He then informed the players that he would leaving the club, resigning as first-team coach. Carrrick’s decision ensures that his successor, interim coach Ralf Rangnick, who was in the stands watching on, will be able to go about his business with a clean slate.

Z – ZOOM ZOOM

Christmas comes early for all the petrolheads around the country this weekend when the Bathurst 1000 is staged. Unlike last year, which was disrupted by COVID-19, there are no limitations on crowds and Mount Panorama is expected to be well attended. It’s doubtful that the capacity of 56,000 will be reached, but an attendance figure north of 30,000 should be reached. The 161-lap marathon is set to start at 9.15am, WA time, on Sunday.




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