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Streisand set for 2026 Golden Slipper tilt

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Streisand has been absent from the track since the Blue Diamond, but post-race occurrences have reinforced her position for this Saturday’s Golden Slipper, Clinton McDonald notes.

The trainer out of Cranbourne expressed particular joy at Chayan confirming the Blue Diamond form with an impressive triumph in the Group 2 Reisling Stakes held at Randwick March 7.

Chayan placed second behind Streisand in the Group 2 Blue Diamond Prelude before fading behind her and others in the Group 1 Blue Diamond February 21, fueling McDonald’s optimism for Rosehill’s $5 million Group 1.

He considers the Magnus-sired filly the standout of her age group among fillies and relishes her shot at proving it across 1200 metres this weekend.

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“We’ve met her twice and beaten her twice,” McDonald said of Chayan.

“I feel my filly is the best filly in the land at the moment and she’s probably the best two-year-old, because she’s been the most consistent from the spring to the autumn.

“She’s had five starts for two seconds, two wins and an unlucky fifth on the track where you couldn’t make ground. She’s been consistently good the whole way through.”

Streisand earned victories in the Blue Diamond and Blue Diamond Prelude post a fifth in the Group 3 Blue Diamond Preview, having been edged out closely in last spring’s Listed Maribyrnong Trial and $500,000 Inglis Banner.

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Streisand and Shiki stand as the only pair in this year’s Golden Slipper with five outings, a factor McDonald deems advantageous for the four-week rest.

Just three horses in 40 years have taken the Slipper after four or more weeks off, Courtza included – trained by Ross McDonald for the 1989 Diamond/Slipper double.

Five two-year-olds total have doubled up on Blue Diamond and Golden Slipper wins, colt Sepoy managing it in 2011 as the latest.

Bon Hoysted, McDonald’s grandfather via his mother, prepped Manikato for the achievement in 1978.

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“I followed a bit of the same path as dad did with Courtza and we’re going straight to the Slipper (from the Blue Diamond), but we feel that she’s got the race smarts and the race sense to be able to do that,” he said.

Barrier 11 is Streisand’s spot in the Slipper, potentially becoming nine without the third and fourth emergencies, with her gate 10 Diamond win instilling McDonald with barrier confidence.

“It was a slow tempo, but she still sat wide and sprinted off it, so I think she’s in it right up to her ears,” he said.

“She can race on speed, she can race back, she goes on wet and dry. She’s got no chinks in her armour.”

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For the Blue Diamond, as before, Ben Melham partners Streisand while aiming for a repeat Golden Slipper glory after She Will Reign in 2017.

Visit premier betting sites to check the latest racing betting markets for the Golden Slipper.

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England squad: Thomas Tuchel explains squad selection

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England manager Thomas Tuchel explains his decisions for selecting Manchester United players Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo for his upcoming camp.

He also says it was a “tough decision” to not include Trent Alexander-Arnold in the expanded 35-man squad.

The Three Lions continue their World Cup preparations with friendlies at Wembley Stadium against Uruguay on 27 March and Japan on 31 March.

Teams must submit their final World Cup squads by Saturday, 30 May.

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READ MORE: ‘Last opportunity to impress’ – Tuchel names 35-man England squad

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Trent Alexander-Arnold’s England World Cup hopes in doubt, so what now for Real Madrid defender?

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Tuchel, who has made clear his love of the physical nature of English football alongside his want of a solid backline referenced Jarrell Quansah, Djed Spence and Tino Livramento as the players in front of Alexander-Arnold.

And although predominately a centre-back, Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa played at right-back in the comfortable win over Wales in October and is an option there too.

“A slightly different profile,” Tuchel said when asked by BBC Sport about what the other players bring.

“It’s not what Trent cannot offer us. I know very well what Trent can offer.

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“I suffered when he played against my teams with Liverpool. I know very well about his strengths and what he can give.”

Livramento played the second-half of Newcastle’s 7-2 defeat by Barcelona in the second leg of their Champions League tie on Wednesday, but he has already impressed the England boss.

Tuchel is big on players having “credit” for what they have previously done for him and Livramento played in England’s 5-0 away win against Serbia, arguably the most impressive performance since he took charge.

“It is a sporting decision that we stick with Quansah, Livramento and Spence who all can play in camp in the right full-back position,” added the German.

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“We have evidence with how good we were in September, October and November and the players who are in camp have to push for their ticket. They have to show again that they deserve this spot.”

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IPL 2026: KKR suffer Matheesha Pathirana blow, reveal fresh details | Cricket News

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IPL 2026: KKR suffer Matheesha Pathirana blow, reveal fresh details
Matheesha Pathirana (PTI Photo/Kunal Patil)

Matheesha Pathirana is set to miss the opening phase of IPL 2026, with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) head coach Abhishek Nayar confirming in pre-season press conference held on friday that the pacer is likely to be available only from mid-April. Pathirana, who was ruled out of the 2026 T20 World Cup due to a calf strain, is currently undergoing rehabilitation under the supervision of Sri Lanka Cricket. He had featured in just three matches in the tournament before being helped off the field during a game against Australia.

KKR await fitness update

Providing an update on the young fast bowler’s recovery, Nayar said: “The latest update that we know is he’s obviously with the Sri Lankan cricket board and they took out his rehab, and the latest communication that we’ve had is, hopefully, somewhere mid-April is when they feel he’ll be match fit. That’s what we know as of now.”

Sri Lanka Cricket issues NOC update for IPL 2026

Dushmantha Chameera, Pathum Nissanka, and Kamindu Mendis, who have successfully completed their physical performance tests, have been issued NOCs to participate in the IPL. Nuwan Thushara’s eligibility for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to participate in the IPL will be subject to the outcome of his Physical Performance Test.”Wanindu Hasaranga, Eshan Malinga, and Matheesha Pathirana, who have requested NOCs to participate in IPL 2026, are yet to undergo the Physical Performance Test, as they are still undergoing rehabilitation to recover from injuries sustained. The respective players will undergo the tests upon completion of their recovery and rehabilitation programs,” said SLC in a statement on Friday.

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“Firstly, it is a big blow” – Nayar

Nayar admitted that Harshit’s absence comes as a major setback for the KKR:“Firstly, it is a big blow, because Harshit has been an integral part of this team for the last couple of seasons, including the championship season. He’s grown a lot as a cricketer over the years, so it’s not easy to replace him.”He added that the team management is actively exploring replacement options: “Having said that, over the last few days, we’ve looked at a few bowlers. We’re trying to evaluate, with the help of the leadership group, who fits in and who can do that role to the best of their prowess.”“We’re still evaluating that and haven’t made that decision yet, but hopefully we’ll identify someone soon who can make a difference to this squad.”

Bravo backs squad depth despite setbacks

KKR mentor Dwayne Bravo struck a confident tone: “In any tournament with any team, once you lose some of the key bowling options, these are things you plan for, but also things you have to accept, the good thing about Indian cricket, especially at the moment, is that there is a lot of depth.”Bravo pointed to several Indian pacers who could step up: “So there are some guys, as the coach mentioned, that we are definitely looking at to fill the spot – the likes of Umran Malik.”“These guys are also players who have represented the national team at some point in time and have also played in the IPL before. They are young, exciting talents. So, for me personally, I’m happy to work with this group of fast bowlers.” he added.

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Bruno Guimaraes to Man United latest, £69m transfer ultimatum, Casemiro’s crucial role

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Bruno Guimaraes to Man United latest, £69m transfer ultimatum, Casemiro’s crucial role – Manchester Evening News