Although Craig Williams doesn’t hold the record for most wins in the Winter Championship Final, no jockey has dominated the day it is run quite like the popular veteran rider.

His sole success in the $200,000 Listed Flemington feature came aboard Magic Consol, part of a record haul at the 2018 Finals Day meeting.

It resulted in six wins for the day, the most by any individual rider at a Melbourne meeting. This surpassed the record he shared with several other riders, achieved with five wins at the same fixture two years prior.

He also rode a treble at the 2015 meeting and a double in 2020. Much to the dismay of Williams’ jockey room rivals, that significant meeting was the last time he participated in the event that has risen to become the jewel in the Victoria Racing Club’s winter crown.

He missed three editions, from 2022 to 2024, due to his humanitarian efforts in Ukraine. This followed being stood down from the 2021 meeting due to an inadvertent Covid protocol breach.

In that year, Williams returned from Brisbane three days before parts of Queensland were declared a Covid red zone, back-dated to days when Williams was still in the Sunshine State, meaning he was unable to ride.

Williams has only himself to blame for missing last year, and his mind was far from Flemington while the Finals Day features were being decided.

‘I was suspended last year, so I went and did some (ten pin) bowling,’ he said.

That’s the way Williams operates when forced to miss a major meeting due to suspension. He was famously at the movies when the 2011 Melbourne Cup was run, in which he was scheduled to ride the winner, Dunaden.

The 49-year-old’s focus is now firmly on Finals Day this year, as he strives to secure his 10th Victorian Metropolitan Jockeys’ Premiership.

Williams leads Jamie Mott by five wins with eight metro meetings remaining before the season concludes on July 31.

He has rides in all nine races at Flemington, seven of which are on either the first or second line of betting.

Al Duca is the $2.90 favourite for the 1600-metre Winter Championship Final, entering the race off a narrow second to Seafall in The David Bourke at the same track on June 20.

‘He’s only had one blemish and I think they blamed the track being a bit firm at Bendigo,’ Williams said of the gelding now in the care of Clayton Douglas.

‘He had a freshen up going into the other day, when he went down fighting.

‘He was great, he’s tenacious and he’s going to take a lot of beating.’

Williams’ shortest-priced ride of the day comes up in the first race, the $150,000 Next Generation Sprinters Series Final (1200m), in which he rides Stars Of Dom.

It will be his first ride on the Lindsay Park-trained daughter of Exceedance, who has metro second placings to her name from her only two starts to date. Williams was buoyed by a trackwork report from fellow rider Blake Shinn.

‘Blake actually worked her on Monday or Tuesday and said that she’s going really well,’ Williams said of the $2 favourite.

‘She’s had two starts, really good form references and been beaten by nice horses when she was beaten both times.’

Williams’ other favourite is Losesomewinmore, who he will reunite with for the first time since partnering the Richard and Chantelle Jolly-trained gelding to victory in July last year.

‘He’s won five times down the straight, so he’s a great straight horse,’ Williams said.

‘If he produces the acceleration that he did two starts ago they’ll have to beat him and, his run the other day, they felt there were excuses for him the way the track conditions were.’

Marwooba is challenging Star Of Macedon for favouritism in Race 2, Decalogue is second favourite for Race 4, as is Wuddzz in Race 6 and Lucky Lucky Boom is an equal second elect in the last race.

Miss Aria is on the $5 third line of betting in Race 3, while Blethyn Williams’ roughie for the day is a $15 chance in the Creswick Sprint Series Final, which is Race 8.

Check out the latest racing odds from top Australian betting sites for the Winter Championship Final.

Declan Rice is likely to be available to start England’s World Cup last-16 tie against Mexico on Sunday despite an ongoing injury issue.

The Arsenal midfielder has been playing with a neural problem that affects his hamstring and lower back and was substituted in injury time of the 2-1 win over DR Congo in the last 32.

Speaking after that game, manager Thomas Tuchel said: “I asked him. He said: ‘I can do it for the team but I am in terrible pain.’ When Declan tells you he is in terrible pain then you know he cannot take it any more.”

Though Rice is likely to be available to start against Mexico, there remain doubts about Reece James’ availability, with the Chelsea right-back having sat out two matches because of a hamstring injury.

It is understood James is yet to return to full training in the build-up to the game against Mexico, which is scheduled for 18:00 local time on Sunday (01:00 BST on Monday), though could move because of the weather.

Back-up right Jarell Quansah, who missed the win over DR Congo with an ankle issue, has stepped up his recovery but it is not known yet if he will be available.

LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the fourth quarter of an NBA game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena on January 28, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Getty Images via AFP)

Paul said he has fielded a number of calls from NBA teams, telling James they were a tribute to his career and expected skill at 41.

“These calls I’m getting are a true testament to how you have respect in this game,” Paul said he told James in an edition of the agent’s “Game Over” podcast released on Friday.

A large whiteboard showed teams Paul said would be a logical fit for James, including the Golden State Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, Denver Nuggets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat and Minnesota Timberwolves.

In hyping the case for his client, Paul also mentioned Dallas, Boston, San Antonio and New York, saying James would be bound for the Knicks had they not won the NBA title last month.

“If the Knicks hadn’t have won, there wouldn’t even be no board. He would be going to the Knicks,” Paul said.

Philadelphia made a strong case by landing Jaylen Brown from Boston in a reported deal that cannot be signed or confirmed until next week under NBA free agency rules.

Adding James to a starting squad of Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe and Brown would create a formidable lineup, Paul notes.

“How could not have (his) attention when you have Maxey, Edgecombe, Brown and Embiid?” Paul said, adding that James “unlocks everything there” and “everything changed” when Brown went there.

Paul also looked at the Miami Heat, who added Giannis Antetokounmpo to Bam Adebayo, Davion Mitchell and Andrew Wiggins, as well as Denver and Minnesota.

Asked about some of the longshot mentions such as San Antonio or Boston, Paul said if a club wasn’t in consideration, “they wouldn’t be on the board.”

Golden State, represented on the board by Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, was tucked away in a distant corner rather than listed among the contenders with double the number of reasons for James to land there.

“Think what you want,” Paul said. “This is just my board.”

More years for James?

When it comes to the future of James, who turns 42 in December, Paul also teased another tidbit.

“Who says this is going to be his last year?” Paul said.

Muliple moves were reported by ESPN on Friday with the Lakers trading Deandre Ayton to Washington for Jaden Hardy and two future second-round NBA Draft picks.

Hardy signed an $8.1 million player option for next season last week but the Lakers obtained Walker Kessler from Utah in a four-year sign and trade deal worth $130 million to fill their needs at center.

Novak Djokovic (AP Photo)

LONDON: Late in the opening set of his Wimbledon third-round match, Novak Djokovic, slightly off balance, flung himself to his right to meet a volley, placing it perfectly for a winner. Seconds later, the supple 39-year-old was back on his feet, taking a bow on Centre Court before turning to the crowd and asking for more love. In the stands, his son Stefan leapt up in animated celebration, completing what is increasingly becoming the Djokovic show.More than three hours later, after 225 points and 41 games of gripping tennis, Djokovic was taking another bow. This time, both he and his opponent Arthur Rinderknech were sprawled on the grass after the Serbian flicked a winner past the giant Frenchman to seal victory. Djokovic was the first back on his feet, striding around the net to embrace and applaud Rinderknech, nine years his junior, whose fearless performance had pushed the 24-time major champion further than he would’ve liked.Djokovic, who walked out in his GOAT blazer looking every inch the seven-time Wimbledon champion, shifted gears at just the right moments to earn a 7-5, 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (4) victory over the 30-year-old Frenchman and book his place in the fourth round, where he will face the world No. 132 and qualifier Roman Safiullin.“A bit of luck, a bit of skill, in the end,” Djokovic said when asked how he had got the job done. “It was pretty much a flawless tie-break from my side. I did everything I could. I think I served extremely well, only in the tie-break. For most of the match, I struggled with that serve.”“But it was also due to his quality. He’s very tall, he hit some incredible serves. It was a really tiring, really close match. Sometimes you just have to find a way to win, and I’m happy I did that today.”Friday’s victory, which featured 107 winners — 67 of them from Rinderknech — saw Djokovic draw level with Roger Federer‘s record of 105 singles match wins on the men’s draw at Wimbledon. The pair trail only Martina Navratilova, who holds the all-time mark with 120 victories at the grass-court major.At this stage of his career, Djokovic prefers to conserve energy. The seven-time champion said he hopes his body continues to cooperate as the tournament progresses.“I think I’ve done everything I needed to do today, under circumstances that weren’t maybe as good for me as they were in the second round, and it was still enough to win,” he said. “At this age and stage in my career, every day brings something new and unpredictable for me. I’m hoping that I will come out at my best in a few days’ time.”

Fonseca, Jodar bow out

It was not the best of days for the two 19-year-olds left in the men’s draw. Rafael Jodar and Joao Fonseca, seeded 23rd and 24th respectively, were both outplayed by qualifiers Shintaro Mochizuki and Safiullin.Fonseca, sluggish in both movement and shot-making on the day, looked like someone forced to function without their morning coffee as he bowed out 3-6, 3-6, 3-6 to comeback man Safiullin.Safiullin, who was ranked as high as No. 36 and reached the Wimbledon quarter-finals in 2023, had to cut short his 2025 season in September after injuring his knee. He arrived at this year’s championships without a tour-level win in 2026. But after battling through qualifying, the Russian has reeled off three strong victories, over Andrey Rublev, Botic van de Zandschulp and now Fonseca, to book his place in the round-of-16.Jodar, meanwhile, went down 6-1, 6-7 (5), 4-6, 4-6 to Shintaro Mochizuki, the world No. 151.

The Minnesota Vikings’ first regular season game is about 10 weeks away — yes, we’re that close — and the club will inevitably make some roster moves before go-time. So, we’re here to predict those, especially during the quiet time of the NFL calendar when the World Cup, NBA free agency, and Wimbledon have taken center stage.

Ranked in no particular order, these are the moves we reasonably expect to see from the purple team and new general manager Nolan Teasley.

Brian O’Neill’s Extension Should Be the First Move on the Board

1. Brian O’Neill’s Contract Extended

O’Neill’s contract situation is straightforward. As he is set to become a free agent in 2027, the Vikings should proactively address his future to maintain continuity on their offensive line. Extending O’Neill, a crucial component of the trenches, is a rational step. Offering new guaranteed money just makes sense.

While O’Neill will turn 31 soon and concerns about aging players are common, he has shown no marked decline in performance. Offensive tackles, particularly those as consistent as O’Neill, often age more gracefully than players in positions that endure greater abuse.

O’Neill has been the Vikings’ most reliable offensive lineman since 2018, known for his durability and steadiness. The Vikings face a clear choice: extend O’Neill or let him walk next March.

Prediction: Vikings extend O’Neill on a three-year, $66 million deal.

2. OLB Leonard Floyd Signed

With Jonathan Greenard’s departure, the Vikings have a clear need for an additional outside linebacker. They just do. What happens if Andrew Van Ginkel or Dallas Turner get hurt? Start the season with Turner and Bo Richter as the main EDGE rushers?

The trade of Greenard and a 7th-round pick to the Eagles for a 2026 3rd-Rounder and a 2027 3rd-Rounder, while a decent return, altered their pass-rushing depth. With Greenard, their pass rush was formidable; without him, the primary burden falls on Van Ginkel and Turner, with considerably less-experienced backups.

That’s where Floyd could prove invaluable. Floyd’s familiarity with Kevin O’Connell (2021 Los Angeles Rams Super Bowl season) could put this deal over the top. Bringing him in would add a veteran who can play a high volume of snaps, which would be crucial if injuries accumulate.

The move is not about a blockbuster signing, but rather a strategic acquisition to prevent the EDGE room from becoming dangerously thin by midseason.

SI.com‘s Will Ragatz noted on Floyd as an option for the Vikings in May, “Floyd was the 9th overall pick by the Bears out of Georgia back in 2016. He’s never been a Pro Bowler but has had a strong ten-year career in the NFL. After four years in Chicago, he had the three best years of his career with the Rams from 2020-22.”

He’s now in his mid-30s, but Floyd has never had a season with fewer than 36 QB pressures. Floyd overlapped with Kevin O’Connell in LA for two seasons and would be a big addition for the Vikings if they can get him on something like a one-year, $8 million deal.

Prediction: Vikings extend Floyd to a one-year, $6 million deal.

3. Blake Brandel’s Deal Extended by 2 Years

Brandel’s trajectory as O’Connell’s starting center in 2026 is notable, especially given his standing just a few years ago. Despite opportunities to draft a center this offseason, the Vikings waited until Round 7 to select Gavin Gerhardt from Cincinnati. It seems Brandel is “the guy” at center in 2026.

His contract also expires after the 2026 season, and the team’s apparent trust in him is evident. His ability to play multiple positions on the offensive line is damn near sacred, considering the OL injuries that emerged all over the place last year.

The Vikings prioritize versatile players like Brandel. He’s been with the franchise since 2020 and might as well stick around for a couple of years.

Prediction: Vikings extend Brandel on a two-year, $12 million deal.

4. Vikings Sign OG Daniel Brunskill or Liam Eichenberg

Unless the Vikings convert third-year tackle Walter Rouse to guard — that’s a real possibility — the guard depth is a bit skinny. Minnesota would basically rely on Joe Huber, an undrafted free agent from 2025, as the main go-to if something happened injury-wise to Donovan Jackson or Will Fries.

Meanwhile, O’Connell now has Frank Smith on his coaching staff, who previously served as the Miami Dolphins’ offensive coordinator for four seasons and is now Minnesota’s new assistant head coach. Needing guard help, Smith could call on a lineman from his Miami days. Brunskill and Eichenberg are free agents.

Brunskill played 176 offensive snaps last year, with a 60.6 Pro Football Focus grade to show for it. Eichenberg didn’t play at all last year due to injury, and his career could be in jeopardy.

Prediction: Vikings sign Brunskill to a one-year, veteran minimum deal.

Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker

The team sheets are officially in here at Miami Stadium, and both managers have thrown massive curveballs ahead of this high-stakes Round of 32 clash!

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has completely flexed his squad depth, making nine sweeping changes to the side that wrapped up the group stage against Jordan. The headline news, however, is exactly what the Miami crowd came to see—captain Lionel Messi reclaiming his throne in the starting eleven after being rested. He is flanked by Lautaro Martínez and Thiago Almada in a lethal-looking frontline.

On the other side of the trenches, Cape Verde boss Bubista isn’t sitting back defensively either. He has made five bold changes to the setup that earned a historic draw against Saudi Arabia. Dynamic options like Steven Moreira, Sidny Cabral, Laros Duarte, Nuno da Costa, and Jovane Cabral all march into the XI as the ultimate underdogs aim to pull off a historic heist.

Here is how both teams line up for this epic knockout fixture:

Argentina Starting XI (4-1-2-3):

• Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martínez

• Defenders: Facundo Medina, Lisandro Martínez, Cristian Romero, Nahuel Molina

• Midfielders:​ Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández, Rodrigo De Paul

• Forwards:​​ Thiago Almada, Lautaro Martínez, Lionel Messi (C)

Cape Verde Starting XI (4-1-4-1):

• Goalkeeper: Vozinha

• Defenders: Sidny Cabral, Diney Borges, Roberto Lopes, Steven Moreira

• Defensive Midfielder: Kevin Pina

• Midfielders: Ryan Mendes, Deroy Duarte, Laros Duarte, Jovane Cabral

• Forward: Nuno da Costa