The New York Yankees are unbeaten in four games this week against the Colorado Rockies and New York Mets, which is impressive as well as the minimum that should be expected from a team harboring serious World Series aspirations.

Yet the symbolic importance of this winning streak, regardless of the opposition, can’t be overstated for the Yankees, whose 4-0 surge coincides with the return of Aaron Judge following a 99-day (speaking of symbolic importance) absence due to a stress fracture in his right rib.

The Yankees aren’t winning their long-expected 28th World Series without Judge, whose presence is essential in an otherwise unimposing lineup.

Thanks to an impressive rotation and the meager state of the American League, New York managed to go 45-39 while Judge was sidelined, a span in which it went from 1 1/2 games behind the Tampa Bay Rays to four games back of the Rays in the AL East.

But the lack of Judge wore on those he left behind May 31, when he finally went on the shelf after battling discomfort in the rib area for more than a month.

Cody Bellinger, who ranks first amongst Yankees position players in WAR, hit .271 with eight homers and an .855 OPS through Judge’s final pre-IL game. He batted but just .257 with four homers and a .660 OPS during Judge’s absence, a span in which Bellinger also missed 26 games with a strained left hamstring.

First-time All-Star Ben Rice, the Yankees’ second-best position player per WAR, was hitting .306 with 17 homers and a 1.056 OPS when Judge went down. He batted .230 with 19 homers and a .768 OPS while playing all but six of New York’s games without Judge.

Jose Caballero, who is third on the Yankees in position player WAR, hit .263 average with four homers, 14 stolen bases and a .705 OPS through May 31 but .215 with nine homers, 17 thefts and a .633 OPS with Judge on the shelf.

Judge is 3-for-10 without an extra base hit or an RBI in his first three games — he sat out Thursday’s series finale against the Rockies — but the Yankees have scored 27 runs this week. Rice and Bellinger are batting a combined .367 (11-for-30) with three homers and six RBIs in the last four games — including two homers and four RBIs in Friday’s 6-4 win over the Mets.

A reinvigorated Rice and Bellinger, coupled with trade deadline revelation Luis Garcia Jr. (who is batting .314 with seven homers and an .886 OPS since being obtained from the Washington Nationals), can help Judge provide the thump the Yankees had in 2024, when Judge teamed up with Giancarlo Stanton and Juan Soto on a World Series run.

Stanton (calf injuries) and Soto (getting booed every time he steps foot in Yankees Stadium after signing with the Mets) are long gone, so the Yankees aren’t getting back where they’re expected to go without Judge. But the path looks a lot more navigable since Tuesday.

The strategic decision to campaign colts Warwoven and Paradoxium separately has yielded outstanding results for trainer Bjorn Baker, with both horses achieving decisive victories in their respective races, delivering a significant two-state stakes race double.

While Paradoxium was showcasing sustained speed to capture the Group 3 Poseidon Stakes (1100m) at Flemington, a couple of hours later, Warwoven demonstrated remarkable tenacity to overcome his rivals in the Group 2 Run To The Rose (1200m) at Rosehill, thereby strengthening his claims for the upcoming Golden Rose.

Following a wide draw in the San Domenico Stakes (1100m) where he finished fifth to the impressive Guest House, Warwoven benefited from a superior barrier on Saturday. Jockey Rachel King settled him prominently, and the three-year-old colt proved tenacious, refusing to yield once he gained the advantage.

“He’s such a good colt. He’s come back bigger and stronger,” stated Baker’s racing manager, Luke Hilton. “Bjorn gave him a really good base into that first-up run, but just the tricky gate, he gave him some time, let him find his feet early on and he really let go late. I said to him yesterday, ‘do you think we put him forward today?’ And he said, ‘yep, put him forward. He’s ready.’ It worked out well. Great ride Rach, and he’s a quality colt.”

Warwoven’s odds for the Golden Rose (1400m) subsequently plummeted from $11 to $6, with Hilton confirming the Group 1 feature as a primary objective.

A potential clash with Guest House, who previously defeated Warwoven in the San Domenico Stakes (1100m), looms. Hilton acknowledges the challenge posed by the favourite but stresses the pivotal role the barrier draw will play.

“It’s hard after seeing what he did a couple of weeks ago,” Hilton admitted regarding Guest House. “I think it will come down to gates. One thing we know about our horse is he’s bombproof. He can go forward, he can take a sit. He’s got a few things in his armour he can use. He’ll give him a good run for his money, and it’ll be a good race in a couple of weeks.”

In a determined performance, Warwoven ($8) dug deep in the final stages to hold off the previously unbeaten St Gotthard ($2.60 fav) by a neck. Under Focus ($6) secured third place, a further 1-1/4 lengths adrift, after a tardy start.

Rachel King highlighted the colt’s versatility as a key asset and anticipates further development following his Saturday effort.

“He leaves you a bit speechless. His acceleration today was unbelievable,” King commented. “He just shows his versatility. First-up we knew it wasn’t grand final day, and he was always going to improve with the run. Today, he was straight on the ‘bunny’, relaxed beautifully. He was so mature for a young, relatively inexperienced colt.”

Paradoxium is set to contest shorter sprints, with a likely return to Sydney for the Roman Consul Stakes (1200m) on October 10, followed by a campaign in Melbourne for the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington.

Betting markets are already buzzing for the Golden Rose; explore the top online bookmakers for the most competitive racing betting markets.

As the fans disappeared from Old Trafford, so did plenty of optimism for the upcoming season. With just four points from the opening four games, it’s beginning to look like the same old story once again for Manchester United.

The nature of a derby game means that sometimes a team can’t learn many lessons, whatever the result. Unfortunately for Michael Carrick, that was not the case today as his side delivered a dismal performance to lose 1-0 to 10-man Manchester City.

United were on the end of a controversial VAR decision as Erling Haaland gave his side a memorable win at Old Trafford, but while the refereeing will dominate the headlines in the immediate aftermath, it was a poor outing from the hosts.

Much has been made of the defensive frailties in Michael Carrick’s side, and that was evident again as Haaland snuck in to steer his side into the lead on the hour mark. It was a poor goal to concede, but it threatens to mask the other glaring issue in this United side – an incoherent and under-performing attack.

For all the talk of leaking goals far too easily, it is also true that United struggle to create chances. They are far too reliant on counter-attacking, often looking out of ideas when asked to control possession and pile pressure on teams. For all the encouraging play in midfield, there is a lack of invention and cutting edge in attack, especially if Bruno Fernandes has an off day.

It’a been a theme of the season even after just four games. Parts of the win over Ipswich were encouraging, though even then the quality of the opposition has to be considered, with a penalty and a lucky deflection helping to turn the tide of the game. There were no goals against the back five at Hull, while Bryan Mbeumo took matters into his own hands for the opener against Everton.

Barring Marcus Rashford, this is not an attack that looks to take on a man and beat him. Even when it’s worked into crossing positions there is rarely anyone to aim at, with a lack of a striker telling this afternoon before Benjamin Sesko came on. Matheus Cunha has offered little so far this term, and the false nine experiment is verging on bewildering now that Sesko is seemingly fully fit. Even set-pieces, so often a reliable weapon last season, rarely produce any real threat.

United might have thought they were blessed as Phil Foden was sent off in the first half after lashing out at Bruno Fernandes, but it felt at times like the one-man advantage worked against them. City might have offered counter-attacking opportunities if both teams had had 11 men – instead, the advantage only served to expose more shortcomings.

The sending off left City needing to climb a mountain of sorts, though United’s defensive frailties showed once again, even with a one-man advantage. Patrick Dorgu’s poor header kicked off the move, with City working it wide before Josko Gvardiol’s deflected cross arrived at the feet of Haaland, who fired in at the back post.

United toiled in attack as they tried to find an equaliser, with their attacking play frenetic and uninspired.

The inspiration can often be provided by a moment of magic from Fernandes, or individuals such as Mbeumo’s last week. It was almost the case again as Marcus Rashford hit the post from a free-kick and Kobbie Mainoo’s long-range effort also rattled the woodwork, but there was no sustained pressure from the hosts.

United too often look toothless in attack without moments of individual quality carrying them through, and that was the case again as City eased to their first win at Old Trafford in three years.

The visitors can thank Gianluigi Donnarumma for a superb stop to deny Mbeumo in the 95th minute, but it would have been a goal that the hosts did not deserve. After 95 minutes of abject attacking, their first clear-cut chance of the game came seconds before the final whistle.

In the end, a contentious refereeing decision and a great City performance will steal the headlines, but they won’t be enough for United to hide behind this time; it won’t take many more displays like that before questions start to be asked of Michael Carrick.

Sheza Alibi has firmly established herself as one of Australia’s premier racehorses with a commanding performance in the Makybe Diva Stakes held at Flemington.

The mare, trained by the formidable partnership of Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman, etched her name in the record books as the first female galloper to win the Makybe Diva since the prestigious event attained Group 1 status back in 2013.

Sent to the post as the commanding $1.60 favourite, with Luke Nolen expertly guiding her, Sheza Alibi delivered a dominant display, pulling away to win by a decisive 2-¾ lengths. Autumn Boy ($20) claimed the runner-up position, while Another Wil ($101) finished a further neck back in third place.

The race dynamics unfolded perfectly for Sheza Alibi. Her swift departure from the barriers on Saturday allowed Nolen to position the mare advantageously, traveling just off the leaders.

Coleman highlighted that Sheza Alibi can occasionally be slow to react at the start, a trait that was evident when she was outstanding in the Doncaster Mile at Randwick in April, and also in her first-up run when she drew an inside barrier and finished second to Autumn Glow in the Winx Stakes at Randwick.

“She began better today, she put herself there, travelled sweetly,” Coleman remarked. “It was a beautiful ride by from Luke and he had her in that position where she was going to be able to get mobile when he needed to.”

“She loves defying history, this girl, and I think she’s going to continue to do it as her career progresses. She looked like she did that quite easily today, when you look at the horses that she was up against. She is very, very special and it means so much to our stable.”

Coleman further stated that Sheza Alibi has shown considerable physical improvement compared to the mare that secured two Group 1 victories in the previous season.

“She’s probably come back more of a finished product this time around. She’s always been a lovely horse to look at, but she has developed, is bigger and stronger and hopefully we continue to see that.”

With the esteemed Cox Plate at Flemington on the horizon this year, Coleman was queried on whether that major race was being considered for Sheza Alibi.

However, with the substantial $10 million prize pool on offer in The Golden Eagle (1500m) at Randwick a week later, Coleman indicated that this contest remains a highly appealing prospect.

“I would say we’re still geared towards the Golden Eagle but never make decisions on race day,” she commented.

Nolen, who famously partnered the legendary Black Caviar for the majority of her 25 undefeated victories and has been associated with numerous Moody-trained Group 1 champions, confessed that he is uncertain of Sheza Alibi’s ultimate potential.

“We don’t know her ceiling yet, so that’s the exciting part of it. Outwardly she doesn’t stand out, even as a trackworker she doesn’t stand out, but she’s all racehorse.”

The Makybe Diva Stakes is a highlight of the Australian racing calendar, and you can find the latest betting sites for all the action.

David Benavidez was ringside to witness Jai Opetaia’s latest knockout win as a fight between the pair of cruiserweight world champions becomes more appealing.

Opetaia became the first man to stop Noel Mikaelian this weekend in Las Vegas, earning a stoppage in the ninth round after grinding the Armenian down.

Benavidez beat Gilberto Ramirez back in May to win the WBA and WBO belts in his cruiserweight debut, joining Opetaia as the best in the division. The match-up has gathered steam ever since, and the Mexican-American star stepped into the ring post fight at the T-Mobile Arena to challenge Opetaia.

The pair verbally agreed to a fight on Cinco De Mayo weekend next year, with Benavidez likely to return in December of this year to prepare.

Benavidez: “Let’s do it right here next year for Cinco De Mayo.”

Opetaia: “Done. It’s done”

Benavidez: “Respect, he’s a strong fighter but there can only be one monster. He likes war and I’m the exact same way so it will be one hell of a fight.”

Speaking on Nina Drama’s Kick stream minutes prior, Benavidez assessed the action more candidly and was unimpressed by Opetaia’s showing.

“I’m not impressed at all. I thought Jai Opetaia was better. He’s [not] the boogeyman. He’s a great fighter, but he’s not on my level.”

Despite Mikaelian entering the ring as WBC champion, legal issues and mandatory orders mean that it appears Opetaia has not walked out as the new beltholder. He holds the Ring Magazine and Zuffa Boxing belts, having previously been stripped of his IBF belt due to issues with his first fight under the Zuffa banner.

India beat Sri Lanka to clinch Asia Cup title (Image: BCCI)

India Women are back on top of Asia. Harmanpreet Kaur’s side produced a commanding all-round performance to beat Sri Lanka Women by 72 runs in the Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026 final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, reclaiming the continental crown and avenging their defeat in the 2024 final.After opting to bat first, India posted an imposing 183/5 in 20 overs, powered by a sensational opening partnership between Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana. The Indian bowlers then completed the job in emphatic fashion, bowling Sri Lanka out for 111 to seal a comprehensive victory.The victory gives India a record-extending eighth Women’s Asia Cup title and underlines their dominance in the continental tournament.

Shafali, Smriti set up India’s commanding total

India’s innings was built around a devastating opening stand between Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana.Shafali smashed 68 off just 39 balls, striking nine fours and two sixes, while Mandhana contributed a fluent 59 off 39 deliveries. Together, they added 129 runs for the opening wicket, putting Sri Lanka under immense pressure from the outset.Their aggressive batting gave India the perfect platform before Sri Lanka’s bowlers fought back with wickets in the middle overs. Gunalan Kamalini, however, provided the finishing touch with a quick-fire 15 not out from just five balls, including a huge six on the final delivery, taking India to 183/5.

Sri Lanka keep themselves alive before collapse

Sri Lanka’s chase did not begin smoothly as they lost an early wicket, but Chamari Athapaththu and Vishmi Gunaratne briefly revived their hopes with a fighting 58-run partnership. Athapaththu looked to take the attack to the Indian bowlers, while Gunaratne provided valuable support. However, with the required run rate climbing rapidly, both batters were forced to take greater risks.The breakthrough came at a crucial stage as Athapaththu was dismissed for 36 before Gunaratne followed for 20 in the same over. Their twin dismissals effectively broke Sri Lanka’s resistance and swung the final decisively India’s way.

India’s spin attack dismantles Sri Lanka

Once the partnership was broken, Sri Lanka’s middle order simply could not withstand India’s relentless bowling attack. The visitors slipped from 63/3 to 103/7 as wickets tumbled in quick succession. India kept attacking the stumps and denied Sri Lanka any opportunity to rebuild the innings.Shree Charani was the star with the ball, finishing with outstanding figures of 4/20 from her four overs. Her spell proved decisive as India continued to squeeze the Sri Lankan batters.Deepti Sharma also played a key role in the bowling effort, adding two crucial wickets to her already impressive tournament tally. She entered the final among the leading wicket-takers of the competition, with 11 wickets in four matches.Sri Lanka were eventually bowled out for 111 on the final ball of their innings, falling 72 runs short of India’s imposing target.

Skyhook is now firmly in contention for a start in the $10 million Group 1 Golden Eagle following a brilliant return to racing at Rosehill Gardens this past Saturday.

Champion jockey Kerrin McEvoy managed to overcome a wide barrier draw, positioning Skyhook perfectly for a triumphant performance in the Group 2 $300,000 Theo Marks Stakes over 1300 metres.

Trainers Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou have had Skyhook’s campaign mapped out for months, aiming for the Golden Eagle (1500m) at Royal Randwick on October 31. They were not swayed by the outstanding win of the mare Sheza Alibi in the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington.

TAB Fixed Odds reacted to Sheza Alibi’s Flemington triumph by firmed her into $1.60 favourite for the Golden Eagle, while Skyhook is listed on the third line of betting at $11.

“What if Sheza Alibi doesn’t come for the Golden Eagle?” Alexiou asked. “You never run away from one horse and the Golden Eagle has been our aim for some months now. Since his Brisbane campaign we have basically worked backwards from the Golden Eagle and we thought how we could get him there in his best form.”

Ryan confirmed that the Golden Eagle is the singular focus for Skyhook, meaning the striking chestnut will not participate in the Group 1 $1.5 million Epsom Handicap (1600m) at Royal Randwick on October 3.

“There will be no Epsom,” Ryan stated. “If he went to the Epsom he would have to run in the Shannon Stakes the Saturday before and I don’t think he is a back-up horse. We might look at the Alan Brown Stakes which is four weeks away so this means he could go to the Shannon in two weeks. But this horse has won Group races as a two, three and four-year-old now and the aim is to try and win a Group 1 with him.”

Skyhook, the $2 favourite, secured the one-out, one-back position early, advanced three-wide on the turn, and ultimately won by one-and-a-quarter lengths from Magnatear ($26), with Verona Rose ($7) a short neck behind in third.

McEvoy indicated that Skyhook feels “bigger and more developed” and is set for his best racing preparation.

“Behind the gates, he was walking around like he owned the place,” McEvoy commented. “It’s always a good sign for a horse moving forward in a preparation. His trials have been pleasing and it was a nice kick-off point today. We got into a good trailing spot, and he was able to produce a nice finish.”

This victory represented Skyhook’s fifth win from 14 starts, pushing his career earnings past the $1 million mark, with considerable potential for more.

“The trip to Queensland late last season has done him the world of good, he has really grown up and come of age,” Alexiou said. “Kerrin off-set the wide barrier pretty quickly, he got into a nice position early, it was a nice first-up run and he’s won well. He is not really a sit-sprint horse, he has a high cruising speed which he can kick off from and sustain his sprint. When Verona Rose came alongside him, I was a bit worried for a few strides but he asserted his authority late.”

Alexiou stated that Skyhook’s recovery from the Theo Marks Stakes win would be the deciding factor in finalising his race program for the Golden Eagle.

“We will let the dust settle, get over today and see how he gets through the week,” Alexiou advised. “There are a few options, the Shannon Stakes, Alan Brown, Silver Eagle – we will let him get over this first and then make up our minds. He’s a pretty athletic horse and doesn’t need a lot of work so he could get there with one more run, that wouldn’t worry us.”

Skyhook’s impressive return has put him in good stead for the Golden Eagle. Explore the latest online bookmakers for betting options.

Manchester City were victorious against Manchester United at Old Trafford thanks to Erling Haaland’s winner

Erling Haaland was Manchester City’s hero against Manchester United in the derby. The forward did excellently to turn home Josko Gvardiol’s cross at the back post and send the away end wild.

However, the goal was initially ruled out for offside. VAR checked the decision and initially found that Haaland was in line with Gvardiol. The Stockley Park officials then turned their attention to Enzo Fernandez.

The former Chelsea midfielder made an approach to head the ball goalwards and, had he touched it, would have been offside. However, after checking the replays, Fernandez did not touch the ball and Michael Oliver reversed his decision and the goal stood.

The Premier League Match Centre explained their decision-making post-match. On X, they wrote: “VAR checked the referee’s call of no goal for offside – and determined that Haaland was in an onside position and recommended that the goal was awarded.

“The VAR also deemed that while in an offside position, Fernandez didn’t play the ball.” That is the official decision but what did you think?

But was it the right call? You can have your say in our poll below: