Salty Pearl stands out as the most resilient filly currently in training, handled by Ciaron Maher.

Having navigated a tough spring with Group 2 successes, the dependable filly pursues Group 1 riches in the Australasian Oaks (2000m) at Morphettville on Saturday.

Saturday’s effort will be her sixth this season, initiated in January atop a four-run spring lead-up.

She has handled rapid returns well in the past, yet this occasion introduces significant travel to prove her mettle.

Limited to Melbourne fixtures so far, Salty Pearl shipped to Sydney last time, securing third in the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill on March 28, now en route to Adelaide four weeks hence for the Australasian Oaks.

Jack Turnbull, National Assistant Trainer at Ciaron Maher Racing, mentioned breaking the Adelaide haul with a Ballarat stop.

“It is hard to travel and maintain form, but she did it for Sydney and the question mark is whether she can back up in Adelaide,” Turnbull said.

“We can break the trip up by stopping over in Ballarat and then it’s only five hours from there, so it’s not a huge ask.

“She’s just a wonderful horse to train.

“She’s incredibly consistent. She doesn’t take any extra work to manage. She’s hardy to train, which is fantastic.

“She had a jump-out last week and ran a really good race in the Vinery, so she will head to the Oaks.”

Stablemate Paltrow Miss joins her in the Oaks, differing greatly in career starts.

The filly contests her mere fourth race Saturday, launching in New Zealand then Maher’s team, victorious first-up at Sandown and second at Caulfield subsequently.

“She’s obviously a lot less experienced, but profiles as a horse that warrants going over there,” Turnbull said.

“She still has a bit to learn, but she’s showing good ability.

“It will be tough for her, but she’s only three once, it’s the right time of year, so we’ll give her that chance.”

Craig Williams takes over on Paltrow Miss, while Ben Allen continues with Salty Pearl.

View the latest racing betting markets ahead of the Australasian Oaks showdown.

In past seasons, Flemington’s Listed Anzac Day Stakes has unearthed quite a few useful racers.

The 1400m two-year-old feature has been won by the likes of Epimeles (2024), Tijuana (2022), Chaillot (2019), Vassilator (2017), Merchant Navy (2017), Long John (2013) and Confectioner (2003).

It provides perfect timing for an inexperienced galloper aiming to extend in trip distance and staying local rather than venturing interstate.

Grahame Begg’s charge Profligate is primed for just that, entering her sophomore start on Saturday en route to a spell for spring preparation.

On April 2, she triumphed at 1200m during her debut run at Pakenham.

“I wanted to give her another run before I turn her out and there really wasn’t another race to run her in,” Begg said.

“It’s not easy to win first-up at 1200 metres, let alone being your first start in a race, and to be truthful she wasn’t wound right up for it.

“She had jumped out well and showed us she was ready to go to the races and anything she did there was going to be a bonus.

“She was pretty raw but got the job done, so I thought ‘let’s roll the dice’ and run her over 1400 metres on Saturday on the big track, which will suit her, and there’s the added bonus of some Black Type.

“She can go for a break afterwards. It gives her a little bit more exposure and in previous years some nice horses have won it and gone on to do nice things.”

Profligate struck Begg as an understated filly set to develop physically, whom he termed a ‘big, tally leggy girl’.

“She’s a half-sister to Encap who ran third in the Doncaster last year and I liked her as a type, an athletic filly and she could develop into a spring filly, if we aim her right,” Begg said.

“I wouldn’t suggest she’s going to be a middle-distance horse, but she might be one to run up to a mile.

“You certainly don’t have to be running against the ones early in the spring as there’s plenty of options for a three-year-old in the spring, and the autumn which can then set them up as four-year-olds.”

Head to the betting sites for racing odds on the Anzac Day Stakes.

Lamine Yamal has been sidelined for the remainder of the season after suffering a torn hamstring, FC Barcelona confirmed. Despite the setback, the young forward is expected to recover in time for the upcoming World Cup.

The 18-year-old picked up the injury during Barcelona’s 1-0 victory over Celta Vigo at Spotify Camp Nou. Yamal had converted a penalty in that match before experiencing discomfort, which later led to medical tests confirming the issue.

Recovery Plan and World Cup Outlook

Barcelona stated that Yamal will follow a conservative rehabilitation program, opting against surgery. While he will miss the club’s final six matches of the campaign, the club remains optimistic about his availability for the World Cup.

Spain national football team are set to begin their tournament journey on June 15 against Cape Verde national football team. They are also scheduled to face Saudi Arabia national football team and Uruguay national football team in Group H.

Impact on Barcelona’s Title Charge

Yamal’s absence presents a challenge for Barcelona as they push to secure the league title. However, they remain in a strong position, holding a nine-point lead over Real Madrid with six games remaining.

Key Fixtures Ahead for Barça

Before the Clásico, Barcelona face difficult away trips against Getafe CF and CA Osasuna. Their remaining schedule includes matches against Deportivo Alavés, Real Betis, and Valencia CF.

Barcelona are also without Raphinha, further limiting their attacking options. The team will rely heavily on players such as Ferran Torres, Robert Lewandowski, and Marcus Rashford to maintain their momentum.

Yamal’s Impressive Season Despite Setbacks

Although he has dealt with fitness concerns, including a sports hernia earlier in the season, Yamal has remained a key contributor. He has made 45 appearances across competitions, scoring 24 goals and providing 17 assists.

His absence may be felt in the final stretch, but Barcelona will hope to finish strong while preparing for his return on the international stage.

Tilak Varma, Jamie Overton clash at Wankhede. (Video grab)

Tensions flared at the Wankhede Stadium as the IPL 2026 clash between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings witnessed a heated on-field altercation involving Tilak Varma and Jamie Overton, with skipper Suryakumar Yadav also stepping into the confrontation.The flashpoint occurred on the final ball of the 10th over during Mumbai Indians’ chase. Tilak nudged a slower delivery from Overton towards mid-wicket and initially called for two. However, Suryakumar turned it down, forcing the batter to settle for a single. What followed was an intense verbal exchange that quickly caught the attention of players and officials alike.Heated mid-pitch exchange sparks dramaAs Overton moved across after his follow-through, Tilak appeared irritated, claiming his vision had been obstructed. “I can’t see the fielder,” the stump mic picked up the young batter saying, clearly unhappy with the bowler’s movement in his line of sight.Overton did not hold back, responding immediately, and the situation escalated within seconds. Suryakumar, known for his calm demeanour, surprisingly joined the exchange, defending his teammate as the confrontation grew more animated.Sensing the tension, on-field umpires rushed in and separated the players before matters could spiral further. Play resumed shortly after, but the incident added a fiery edge to an already high-stakes encounter between the two five-time champions.WATCH:Handshake heals as CSK dominateDespite the mid-game flare-up, cooler heads prevailed after the match. During the customary post-match handshakes, Tilak and Overton were seen sharing a brief hug, putting the incident behind them in the true spirit of the game.On the field, however, it was a one-sided contest. CSK rode on a sensational unbeaten century from Sanju Samson, who smashed 101 off just 54 balls to power his side to 207/6.MI’s chase never took off as Akeal Hosein starred with a four-wicket haul, bundling the hosts out for just 104 and sealing a massive 103-run win. Contributions from bowlers including Overton ensured CSK stayed in control throughout.The victory propelled CSK up to fifth in the standings, while MI slipped to eighth, their campaign taking another hit.

Sir Alex Ferguson was Manchester United’s most feared and respected figure – but one person at the club was able to regularly mock him and get away with it

Sir Alex Ferguson used to rule over Manchester United with uncompromising control.

However, there was one person who could get past his tough, unyielding persona. According to club legend Rio Ferdinand, that person was Ferguson’s favourite dinner lady, Carol.

At the peak of his powers, Ferguson ranked among the most fearsome figures in football. His hard-nosed approach to management created a culture of absolute authority, ensuring players and staff remained disciplined and respectful.

Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our United WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. You can also join our United Facebook page by clicking HERE and don’t miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.

Carol, however, wasn’t intimidated by his presence and once even poked fun at his trousers. “I remember once he walked in wearing a smart pair of cream chinos as I was talking to Carol,” Ferdinand told the Sun in 2020.

“She stopped our conversation and just said to him ‘What are you wearing?!’ It made us all laugh.”

He added: “Carol was a very funny lady. I loved speaking to her and having a laugh over a cup of tea at the training ground. She would treat everybody the same, academy players, Premier League champions or Sir Alex Ferguson, one of the biggest names in the history of football.”

Carol has been a long-time dinner lady at United’s Carrington training complex. Ferdinand, who spent ten years at Old Trafford, caught up with her again in 2020 through a BT +1 initiative designed to combat loneliness over Christmas.

Reflecting on that time, he said: “During the 12 years I spent at Manchester United I saw Carol almost every day at the training ground. She was part of the fabric of the club and always there through the good and bad times.

“I saw her more than I would see some members of my family. But then after I retired, I didn’t see her for a couple of years… so the chance to reconnect with her was amazing. We’ve built a genuine friendship over the years. When you meet a person like Carol, you don’t forget them.”

While Ferguson was happy to let Carol joke with him, he showed no patience for any sign of defiance from his squad.

Advertisement

Across his 26-year tenure at United, Ferguson fell out with several high-profile figures – including Roy Keane, David Beckham, Jaap Stam and Ruud van Nistelrooy – disputes that usually resulted in those players leaving the club.

Yet it was arguably this strict environment of discipline and control that drove Manchester United to the pinnacle of English and European football – and helped them remain there for over two decades.

During Ferguson’s stint in charge, the club secured 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups, four League Cups and two Champions League trophies.

He built an era of unmatched domestic success that reshaped what sustained excellence looked like in the modern game – though even such a dominant dynasty still had space for the charm and humour of a grounded dinner lady.

Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.

Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.

News that Bryce James, the second-oldest son of LA Lakers star LeBron James, has reportedly declared for the 2026 NBA draft is false.

On Thursday, the popular X satire account, NBACentel, tweeted that the younger James would enter the upcoming draft. No report from a credible source or a reputable outlet has confirmed this information. The X account is a parody of NBACentral, which posts basketball news.

Bryce James committed to the Arizona Wildcats in January 2025 and was part of coach Tommy Lloyd’s recruits alongside top prospects Koa Peat and Brayden Burries. In February, Lloyd said the 6-foot-5 guard will redshirt his freshman season to give him options for his career.

“The redshirting decision was just a long play, to give Bryce the most options in his career as his career unfolds,” Lloyd said. “I have real strong belief that Bryce will be a contributor at Arizona in the near future. He’s really shown a lot of progress, not only learning our system but just physically maturing.”

Before the announcement of his redshirt year, James did not appear in a single game for Arizona, which had a deep roster. James will likely make his collegiate debut next season due to the expected departures of guards Burries and Jaden Bradley.

What did LeBron James say about potentially playing with Bryce James in the NBA?

LeBron James currently plays with his eldest son, Bronny James, with the LA Lakers. Bronny was the No. 55 pick in the 2024 draft. Last season, LeBron and Bronny became the first father-son duo to play in an NBA game together.

Before this season began, James was asked about potentially playing with his other son, Bryce James.

“No, I’m not waiting on Bryce,” James said in September. “I don’t know what his timeline is. He’s his own young man now. He’s down in Tucson. We’ll see what happens this year, next year, but he has his own timeline. I’ve got my timeline. I don’t know if they quite match up. We’ll see.”

There is a possibility that LeBron James, who is in his league-record 23rd season, could play with both of his sons in the NBA. However, the four-time champion has not said anything concrete about his future beyond this season.