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Almost An Angel heads to 2026 Dequetteville Stakes in Adelaide

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Robbie Griffiths along with connections pondered extensively before selecting an Adelaide Stakes race to obtain key ‘Black Type’ for Almost An Angel.

The filly, aged two, was removed from the Group 3 Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes (1200m) at Flemington, preferring the Listed Dequetteville Stakes (1050m) over at Morphettville on Saturday.

She broke her maiden at Caulfield Heath in November, then fifth in Blue Diamond Prelude (1100m) at Caulfield, prior to 11th placing in the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) on February 21 to winner Streisand.

Almost An Angel had been set for Group 2 VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) at Flemington March 7, but wide draw and eye infection caused withdrawal.

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According to Griffiths, he favored trialing Almost An Angel on Flemington’s straight Saturday but recognized Morphettville as superior for her ‘Black Type’ quest.

“We’re keen to get ‘Black Type’ because she’s got the talent and deserves to have it,” Griffiths said.

“She ran fifth in the (Blue Diamond) Prelude and if she runs fourth, she gets the big black writing next to her name.

“Damian Lane was pretty happy with her that day and said we should have a throw at the stumps in the big one and she drew poorly and got into a bad spot, so it was a forgive run.

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“She was in the Sires’ but she drew wide and had a bit of an eye infection, so we decided to miss that and switch our attention to one these races.

“We sent her down the beach, she’s done some steady work, and here we are.”

There are benefits and downsides to both Saturday fixtures, Griffiths pointed out.

“She’s never been down the straight, so that was a negative, but the 1200 metres would suit,” Griffiths said.

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“But in saying that she’s won at 1000 (metres) at Caulfield Heath and she was terrific at 1100 (metres) at Caulfield, so you would think 1050 metres on a big track at Morphettville would be good.

“There is the travel over to Adelaide, but Morphettville is the better option, so we’ll head over and give it a shot.”

On Saturday, Luke Currie rides Almost An Angel.

Discover racing betting markets ahead of the Dequetteville Stakes action.

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Bundesliga giants eyeing up summer move for Chelsea academy graduate Josh Acheampong: Reports

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Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich have pencilled down Chelsea youngster Josh Acheampong as a potential summer signing, as per reports. The England youth international has impressed since breaking into the senior team at Stamford Bridge, leading to interest from around Europe.

A report from BILD (via Tribal Football) has revealed that Bayern Munich are eyeing up a move for the versatile 19-year-old. The reigning Bundesliga champions were keen on him in the winter of this year, but did not make a move, preferring to wait until summer.

Josh Acheampong enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in the 2024-25 season, featuring prominently for his boyhood club as they won the UEFA Conference League. The teenager was wanted by several clubs in England and Europe, including Real Madrid, as his contract situation dragged on at Stamford Bridge. He signed a long-term deal with the club until 2029 during the season.

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Acheampong has seen his game time increase this season, appearing 24 times across all competitions for the Blues and scoring twice. The England U-21 international has found regular minutes hard to come by, with Chelsea having five other centre-backs in their senior squad.

Bayern Munich view Acheampong as a right-back, and intend to sign him to play in the position. They have their sights also on Feyenoord youngster Givairo Read, but are prepared to swoop for Acheampong as an alternative target.

The teenager may be interested in a move to Bayern Munich, where young players have thrived in recent seasons. The opportunity to play regularly at right-back, which is where he earned his first-team debut at Chelsea, may also tempt him to make the move.

Chelsea boss wanted by Crystal Palace in case of axe: Reports

Chelsea coach Liam Rosenior is a target for Crystal Palace in case the Blues decide to part ways with him, as per reports. The 41-year-old took over as head coach at Stamford Bridge in January, replacing Enzo Maresca after a stint abroad with Strasbourg.

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Football Insider reports that Palace, who are in the market for a new coach after Oliver Glasner’s summer exit was confirmed, have their eyes on Rosenior. They have watched the Englishman for a while and are impressed with his work so far as a coach, and are willing to bet on him.

Liam Rosenior enjoyed a fine start to life at Stamford Bridge before a run of four successive losses saw his side dumped out of the UEFA Champions League. He could face the sack in the coming weeks if results do not improve, but he will likely make a quick return if this happens.