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Schiller fancies 2026 Australian derby outsider dezignation strongly

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Tyler Schiller’s premier Group One engagement on the opening leg of The Championships at Randwick is Briasa, protector of the T J Smith Stakes crown, but he sees greater potential in his two lesser-noticed alternatives.

Besides that, the expert hoop connects with Paul Preusker’s Steparty ($19) in the Doncaster Mile (1600m) and Dezignation ($151) from Matt Smith’s stable for the ATC Australian Derby (2400m), both of whom he deems capable of major impacts.

Positioned as the extreme roughie in the Derby contest, Dezignation nevertheless surged to claim fifth from this weekend’s adversary Storm Leopard ($5) in the Tulloch Stakes (2000m), distinguishing himself through confirmed suitability for the full distance over many foes.

Having taken the mount on the gelding for the debut time in that prep run, Schiller departed favorably inclined.

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“He sneaks in off a really good run in the Tulloch,” Schiller said.

“He got back and was taken off the bridle a long way from home, and he stayed on super strong. He just needed a bit further, which he is going to get this weekend.

“As long as he backs up, he’s going to have a really good chance, and he’s got a lovely barrier compared to his outside barrier the other day.

“If it’s a good staying test, he is going to be in the finish.”

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Steparty similarly escapes the limelight in the Doncaster Mile, where talk dominates around impressive filly Sheza Alibi.

A repeated Group 1 podium finisher, the five-year-old has sampled Sydney runs earlier, including second in the 2024 The Ingham (1600m) via the Doncaster path.

Following successive victories in Tasmania this February, he enters Saturday’s showcase after a near-miss fifth to Tom Kitten during the All-Star Mile (1600m) at Flemington, aided by a favorable gate six for a conservative ride.

“He’s a really nice horse. He’s got a great attitude and he’s another one flying under the radar,” Schiller said.

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“He got beaten a length and a bit in the All-Star Mile off a tough, wide run, and he’s going as good as ever.

“Fingers crossed, barrier six is a lovely barrier in the Doncaster. Hopefully he can bounce and get a bit of cover somewhere and save himself for late. He drops a lot in weight, so I think he might surprise a few people.”

Across recent three weight-for-age efforts, Steparty managed 59kg, dropping to 51.5kg for Randwick.

Schiller pursues an initial Derby conquest alongside a follow-up Doncaster Mile after Celestial Legend’s success under him two years ago.

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3 players who could score the most runs in today’s SRH vs LSG match

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The SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) will lock horns with the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the 10th game of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. The Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium will host the afternoon game on Sunday, April 5. The Ishan Kishan-led side will look to continue their good form after beating the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by 65 runs in their previous game. The batting unit, including openers Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, and Heinrich Klaasen, will look to deliver again against the Super Giants.

Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant’s LSG will be keen to fight back after losing to the Delhi Capitals (DC) by six wickets in their opening game this season. The batting unit looked dismal as they were bundled out for 141 in 18.4 overs.

Here are three players who are likely to emerge as the leading run-scorers in the SRH vs LSG IPL 2026 match:

Abhishek Sharma

Abhishek Sharma - Source: GettyAbhishek Sharma - Source: Getty
Abhishek Sharma – Source: Getty

Abhishek Sharma enjoys a promising record against LSG in IPL. The southpaw slammed 59 runs off 20 balls against them last year. He previously smashed an unbeaten 75 off 28 deliveries against the same franchise in 2024. The 26-year-old also boasts a promising record in Hyderabad, amassing 521 runs in 19 innings with the help of one century and three fifties. When Abhishek gets going, he is tough to stop. The Punjab-born player slammed 141 off 55 balls against Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the same venue last year. In the IPL, he has 1871 runs in 79 matches at a strike rate of 163.69, comprising one ton and nine fifties. Overall, in T20s, the left-hander has 5,296 runs in 183 games, comprising eight centuries and 32 fifties.

Travis Head

Travis Head - Source: GettyTravis Head - Source: Getty
Travis Head – Source: Getty

Like Abhishek Sharma, his SRH opening batter, Travis Head, also enjoys a good record against LSG in the IPL. The Aussie opener has slammed 89* (30) and 47 (28) in his two innings against the Lucknow-based franchise. Interestingly, both his knocks came at the same venue in Hyderabad. The 32-year-old has amassed 459 runs in 12 innings at a strike rate of 181.42, including five fifties at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. In the IPL, Head has 1203 runs in 40 matches at a brilliant strike rate of 170.88, including one century and eight 50s. Overall in T20s, he has scored 4609 runs in 176 games, comprising two tons and 27 half-centuries.

Nicholas Pooran

Nicholas Pooran - Source: GettyNicholas Pooran - Source: Getty
Nicholas Pooran – Source: Getty

LSG’s Nicholas Pooran has a stunning record against LSG in the IPL. The wicketkeeper-batter has amassed 356 runs in 10 matches at a strike rate of 202.27, including two half-centuries. In his last four innings against the Super Giants, he has returned with scores of 45 (26), 70 (26), 48* (26), and 44* (13), respectively. In Hyderabad, Pooran has 183 runs in four innings at a stunning strike rate of 244, including the aforementioned 70.

Pooran has amassed over 10,000 runs in T20s. The left-hander has 10,379 runs in 444 matches at a strike rate of 147.89, including four tons and 63 fifties. In the IPL, he has scored 2301 runs in 88 innings at an even higher strike rate of 168.57, hitting 14 fifties.