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Blind Raise targets Caulfield Guineas 2026 Prelude

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As the Spring Carnival intensifies, fewer opportunities arise for horses to avoid facing their strongest rivals.

Trainers Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young are fully aware of this situation as they plan a serious challenge for the Caulfield Guineas with their charge, Blind Raise.

The Caulfield Guineas, a 1600m feature race set for October 10, has the Caulfield Guineas Prelude (1400m) this Saturday as a critical preparatory event.

Blind Raise is slated to be one of nine runners in Saturday’s race. He faces an disadvantageous draw in barrier nine, but arrives at the contest off the back of a winning performance first-up at Sandown.

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The son of Ace High began his career impressively, winning his first two starts as a two-year-old. A subsequent winter campaign in Brisbane was curtailed after a single outing where he finished ninth in the Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) at Eagle Farm, being found to have mucus.

A spell in the warmer Queensland climate enabled the gelding to recover from his ailment before Blind Raise commenced his spring campaign.

Blind Raise entered his first-up run lacking full fitness, having completed only one trial, yet his class was undeniable in securing a 1-¾ length victory.

“He came through it well as he was a bit above himself at Sandown,” Busuttin stated.

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“He’d had just the one run trial leading into it and in the parade ring, it was noticeable he was sweating up and was up and about which is unlike him.

“We were happy with his trial and thought he could do it, but thinking they can do it and actually doing it, is two different things.

“With that run under the belt and then taking him to Caulfield on Tuesday, he should be a bit calmer.

“It will be another challenge on Saturday, and we’ll see how he goes this time, but I would imagine he will be very competitive.”

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The Caulfield Guineas is the gelding’s main objective this spring, and he also remains in contention for the Cox Plate (2000m) at Flemington on October 24.

Busuttin believes Blind Raise will show further improvement from Saturday’s run and should be at peak performance by Caulfield Guineas Day.

“His coat is nowhere near where we would like it to be,” Busuttin noted.

“We have just under a month to the Caulfield Guineas to get that right.”

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Anthony Joshua confirms whether he knocked out Tyson Fury in sparring: “I was hungrier back then”

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When asked to recall his fabled sparring session with Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua admitted that he was incentivised to knock ‘The Gypsy King’ out.

The two British heavyweights are now due to collide later this year, having completed their respective warm-up fights in July and seemingly agreed to a date and location.

Fury fulfilled his end of the bargain by stopping a 46-year-old Mariusz Wach in seven rounds, while Joshua suffered two first-round knockdowns before halting Kristian Prenga in the following frame.

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Based on these performances, most will make Fury a sizable favourite but, in reality, neither fighter is thought to be anywhere near his prime.

Rather, the best time for them to collide would have been around five or six years ago, when Fury was the WBC champion and ‘AJ’ had reclaimed his unified crown.

It was back in 2010, though, that the pair first encountered one another, with Fury in the development phase of his pro career and Joshua having just won an ABA title.

Back then, Joshua had read in a copy of Boxing News magazine that Fury was offering a glittering prize to whoever could knock him out in sparring and, just as luck would have it, he was presented with an opportunity to do so at his amateur boxing club.

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In an interview reposted by The Stomping Ground, Joshua revealed that he did pursue the knockout but was ultimately unsuccessful.

“I remember reading: Tyson Fury’s going around different gyms sparring and, if anyone can knock him out, they get to keep his Rolex.

“I’m hungry … I was hungrier back then. So I remember him popping in the gym, and then coach says, ‘All right, Josh – you’re sparring’. Me and him just had a straight war, so what I learned about Fury was that we’ve got the same heart – we’re both fighting people and we go to war.

“I didn’t manage to knock him out; we both hit each other with some big shots.”

If Joshua and Fury do indeed meet later this year, fans will soon discover whether ‘AJ’ could earn the knockout in a professional environment.

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CampGee Football Academy Officially Launches in Akwa Ibom

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A new football academy, CampGee Football Academy, has been officially launched in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, with a focus on discovering and developing young football talents.

The academy announced its establishment in a statement on Saturday, September 19, 2026, saying it was created to provide young players with the right environment to improve and pursue careers in football.

CampGee Football Academy said its development programme will cover the technical, tactical, physical, emotional and psychological aspects of the game, both on and off the pitch.

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Based in Uyo, the academy said it will provide opportunities for young footballers to train, compete and develop their abilities in a professional environment.

The academy also said it has assembled experienced coaches and backroom staff with expertise in areas including medical care and psychology to support the players’ development.

According to the statement, CampGee’s vision goes beyond football, as it also aims to raise disciplined, confident and responsible young people with the character and mindset needed for success in football and life.

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The academy said it hopes to contribute to grassroots football development in Nigeria by creating opportunities for young players and helping them build their careers.

Meanwhile, SportsRation reports that CampGee Football Academy will participate in the NLO Playoffs in Umuahia, Abia State.

The playoffs are scheduled to begin on Monday, September 21, 2026, giving the newly established academy an early opportunity to test its players against other teams.

With its launch and participation in the NLO Playoffs, CampGee Football Academy is set to begin its journey in Nigerian football.

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PRESS STATEMENT

CAMPGEE FOOTBALL ACADEMY IS BORN

We are delighted to officially announce the birth of CampGee Football Academy, a football academy established with a clear purpose: to discover deserving football talents and provide them with the right environment to grow and reach their full potential.

CampGee Football Academy exists to give young players a structured pathway to develop technically, tactically, physically, emotionally and psychologically both on and off the pitch.

Based in Akwa Ibom State, in the serene and sports-friendly atmosphere of the capital city, Uyo, the Academy is committed to creating opportunities for young footballers to learn, compete, improve and pursue their dreams in a professional environment.

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Our team of coaches is vastly experienced and carefully selected to guide, train and develop players, helping them understand the demands of modern football while nurturing their individual abilities.

Our back room staff are men and women of proven track record, tried and tested in different fields, such as medical, psychology etc.

Our vision goes beyond football. We believe in developing disciplined, confident and responsible young people while helping them build the skills, character and the resilient mindset needed for a successful future in the game and in life.

We look forward to contributing our quota in building the youth, creating value and contributing holistically in grassroots football development in Nigeria.

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That is why CampGee Football Academy is born.

Signed:
Management
CampGee Football Academy

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Asian Games 2026 Live Updates: India eye medals in teqball, shooting; hockey, cricket campaigns begin

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Asian Games 2026 Live Updates: India’s campaign at the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 will gather pace on Sunday, September 20, with athletes competing across several sports. India will be in action in teqball, shooting, cricket, hockey, badminton, table tennis and wushu. There will also be medal opportunities for the Indian contingent.

Quimcy Dsouza has two medal chances

Teqball player Quimcy Joaquim Dsouza will have two opportunities to win a medal for India on Sunday. She will first compete in the women’s singles bronze-medal match against Japan’s Yuina Sakamoto. Quimcy will then team up with Mohamed Anas Imran Beg in the mixed doubles bronze-medal match. They will face Vietnam’s Hoang Minh Tan Nguyen and Gia Nghi Trinh.

The Indian pair had lost to the Vietnamese combination in the quarterfinals. They will now have another chance to finish on the podium.

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Shooters eye medals

India will also have medal hopes in the women’s 10m air rifle competition. Elavenil Valarivan, Sonam Uttam Maskar and Vidarsa K Vinod will compete in the event. The individual qualification and women’s team medal event will begin at 6:15 AM IST. The individual final is scheduled for later in the morning, subject to qualification.

India women face Bangladesh in semifinal

The Indian women’s cricket team will take on Bangladesh in the second semifinal of the women’s T20 competition at 10:30 AM IST. India will look to reach the final and continue its bid to defend the gold medal it won at the 2022 Asian Games.

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Hockey teams begin campaigns

India’s men’s and women’s hockey teams will also start their Asian Games campaigns on Sunday. The Indian women’s team will face Uzbekistan in its Pool B match at 7:30 AM IST. The men’s team will then take on Indonesia in its Pool A opener at 11:30 AM IST.

Badminton, table tennis and wushu

India’s table tennis teams will also be busy, with the women’s team facing Indonesia and Singapore, while the men’s team will take on Indonesia and Iran in their group matches.

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The Indian women’s badminton team will begin its campaign against Kazakhstan in the first round.

In wushu, Aparna will compete in the women’s 52kg Round of 16, while Vikrant Baliyan will feature in the men’s 75kg Round of 16.

The men’s Changquan final will also be a medal event on Sunday.

With medal opportunities in teqball, shooting and wushu, along with key matches in cricket and hockey, September 20 will be a busy day for the Indian contingent at the Asian Games.

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Match of the Day – Alan Shearer on Nicolas Jackson’s performance

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Match of the Day pundit Alan Shearer praises the performance of Aston Villa’s Nicolas Jackson, saying Tottenham’s centre-halves “couldn’t keep up” with the 25-year-old striker.

MATCH REPORT: Premier League – Tottenham Hotspur 2-3 Aston Villa

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How Newcastle unpicked Hull's back three – Shearer

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Alan Shearer talking on how Newcastle United unlocked Hulls defence in there 2-1 win on Match of the Day.

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Victor Osimhen Set to Miss Nigeria’s Upcoming AFCON 2027 Qualifiers

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Nigeria have suffered an injury setback ahead of their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, with Victor Osimhen expected to miss the matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.

The striker is still recovering from a groin injury suffered during Galatasaray’s 3-2 win over Istanbul Basaksehir on September 4.

Despite not playing since the injury, Osimhen was included in Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle’s 24-man squad, with hopes that he would recover in time to play for Galatasaray against Trabzonspor.

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However, those hopes have now faded.

Galatasaray left Osimhen out of the squad for the Trabzonspor match as he continues his treatment. He has also been training separately from the main group and has missed the club’s recent matches against Sporting CP and Kocaelispor.

Reports say Galatasaray have informed the Super Eagles technical crew about Osimhen’s condition, with the Turkish champions keen for the forward to have more time to recover.

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Nigeria will host Madagascar in Uyo on September 25 before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau on September 29.

With Osimhen likely to miss both games, Chelle will have Tolu Arokodare, Akor Adams and newly invited George Ilenikhena as his main options in attack.

Nigeria will therefore begin their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign without their leading striker.

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LeBron James’ Lakers Jersey Retirement Looks Likely Despite Fan Disapproval

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LeBron James has left the Lakers for Philadelphia, but his Los Angeles legacy remains strong. John Ireland expects his jersey to eventually hang in the rafters.

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FSU 21, Alabama 13: Seminoles looking to pull off upset on the road

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Well, that’s not a first half that many were expecting.

Florida State currently leads Alabama 21-13 in a lightning-delayed matchup. After first seeing kickoff pushed back, the game was suspended with 2:36 left in the first half immediately following an Alabama touchdown.

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From the first drive on, Florida State hasn’t looked anything like it has in the first two games of the season — a major compliment. The Seminoles have consistently generated negative plays and pressure in the backfield, shutting down Alabama on third down while excelling on the offensive side of the ball, especially through the air.

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Quarterback Ashton Daniels, while throwing an ill-timed interception early on, has been the catalyst for multiple explosive plays. Currently, he’s 7-for-8 with 156 yards and a touchdown, including a score on the ground. Ousmane Kromah scored the Seminoles’ second touchdown.

Alabama, 1-for-11 so far on third down, has largely been unable to deal with the defensive game plan Tony White has been overseeing. The Tide have been able to pull off some big plays through the air when Keelon Russell has found receivers downfield with rushers in his face, but through 30 minutes, nothing has come easy.

The Crimson Tide finally found the endzone on a touchdown drive towards the end of the second quarter, going 75 yards in 12 plays.

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Meanwhile, the Seminoles are averaging 10.8 yards per play (22.3 per completion) and have apparently shaken off their third-down woes, currently converting 100% (4-for-4) against an Alabama defense that entered the day leading the nation in third-down conversion percentage.

When play resumes, FSU will have 2:36 left in the second quarter to try to add onto its lead and then begin the second half on offense. There will be no halftime.

FSU 21, Alabama 13: Halftime stats

Total Yards: FSU 216, Alabama 169
Pass Yards: FSU 156, Alabama 142
Rush Yards: FSU 60, Alabama 27
Penalties: FSU 0-0, Alabama 2-10
1st Downs: FSU 8, Alabama 9
3rd Downs: FSU 4-4, Alabama 1-7
4th Downs: FSU 0-0, Alabama 2-2
Total Plays: FSU 20, Alabama 33
Avg Yds/Play: FSU 10.8, Alabama 5.1
Avg Yds/Completion: FSU 22.3, Alabama 10.1
Avg Yds/Rush: FSU 5.0, Alabama 1.9
Sack-Adj Rush Yds (Avg): FSU 60 (5.0), Alabama 38 (2.9)
Red Zone: FSU 3-3, Alabama 1-1
Time of Possession: FSU 9:54, Alabama 17:30
Turnovers (Def. Points Off): FSU 1 (3), Alabama 0 (0)
Fumbles-Lost: FSU 0-0, Alabama 0-0
Sacks (Def. Yds): FSU 1 (11), Alabama 0 (0)
TFL (Def. Yds): FSU 6 (19), Alabama 2 (3)

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England sweep Sri Lanka 3-0, replace India at top of T20I rankings | Cricket News

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England sweep Sri Lanka 3-0, replace India at top of T20I rankings
Image credit: England Cricket

England beat Sri Lanka by eight wickets in the third T20I at Old Trafford in Manchester on Saturday to complete a 3-0 series sweep.The hosts chased down Sri Lanka’s 125-run target with 62 balls to spare. The win also helped England move back to the top of the T20 world rankings, replacing India.It was England’s 15th straight T20 win over Sri Lanka.

Buttler leads easy chase

Sri Lanka were bowled out for 124 with seven balls left in their innings.Pathum Nissanka top-scored with 36 off 24 balls, while Kamindu Mendis made 35 off 28. Will Jacks, Jofra Archer and Player of the Match Sonny Baker took two wickets each for England.England lost opener Aneurin Donald for 13, but Jos Buttler and Harry Brook quickly took control.Buttler smashed an unbeaten 62 off 32 balls, while Brook made 33. England reached 126-2 in just 9.4 overs.Buttler had earlier become the first batter to score 15,000 career T20 runs on Thursday.

Brook, Asalanka reflect on series

Brook finished as the highest run-scorer and was named Player of the Series.“I think everybody stepped up in this series,” said Brook. “Every game has been slightly different and we’re playing the conditions extremely well.”Sri Lanka’s bowling also struggled, giving away nine wides, including two that went for four.Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka called the series a major disappointment for his team.“A very disappointing series for us in both the major departments, batting and bowling… this is an important eye-opener for us of where we stand right now in T20 cricket comparing to the best teams in the world,” said Asalanka.“This is a time to get together as players, support staff, and our Sri Lanka cricket board as well to find solutions for these T20 problems. These are the best 15 players right now so we have to find solutions in the right way.”England had won the first T20I in Southampton by 119 runs, with Brook scoring an unbeaten 114.England will next face Sri Lanka in three ODIs, starting at Durham’s Chester-le-Street on Tuesday.

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Ali Siddiqui’s Prediction for Vikings-Bears in Week 2

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For the second consecutive week the Minnesota Vikings will be facing an NFC North foe.

They won 39-22 last week over the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. This Sunday they will be facing the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Chicago won 59-37 on the road against the Carolina Panthers last week.

Predicting the Vikings and Bears in W2

Minnesota leads the all-time series 69-59-2, including winning eight out of the past ten meetings.

NFL: Carolina Panthers at Chicago Bears
Oct 6, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) looks on against the Carolina Panthers during the fourth quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images.

These two teams last faced each other in the Windy City during Week 1 of last season.

J.J. McCarthy in his Vikings (and NFL) debut went 13/20 for 143 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. He also rushed for a touchdown. Jordan Mason rushed for 68 yards on 15 carries. Justin Jefferson caught four passes for 44 yards and a touchdown.

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Minnesota won 27-24 after trailing 17-6.

Kevin O’Connell expressed confidence in his young quarterback. “You are going to bring us back to win this game,” O’Connell said he told McCarthy.

After the thrilling win, many were excited about McCarthy and felt he just may end up being the Vikings’ guy for years to come. Well, a lot has changed since. McCarthy missed a total of seven games the rest of the season due to multiple different injuries and was inconsistent. He started this season as the third quarterback.

On defense, Josh Metellus had a team-high six tackles. Javon Hargrave recorded each of the team’s two sacks.

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NFL: Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings
Dec 31, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft (85) runs after the catch against the Minnesota Vikings safety Josh Metellus (44) in the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports.

For Chicago, Caleb Williams went 21/35 for 210 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed for 58 yards and a touchdown on six carries. Rome Odunze caught six passes for 37 yards and a touchdown. D.J. Moore caught three passes for 68 yards.

On defense, Noah Sewell recorded a game-high nine tackles. Nahshon Wright returned an interception 74 yards for a touchdown.

The Vikings finished the season at 9-8 and missed the playoffs for the fourth time in six seasons. Chicago won the division at 11-6 and advanced to the second round of the playoffs where they fell to the Los Angeles Rams at home. The previous week they defeated Green Bay at home, making it their first playoff win since 2010.

Minnesota has won six in a row at Soldier Field, but this game will not be an easy one to win by any means. They do have a chance, but it will be tough.

Both teams have a good shot at winning the division and while it is only Week 2, the winner of this game could very possibly be the division winner at the end of the season. This will be a very good test for Minnesota’s defense. Chicago’s offense did great last week and should be good the rest of the way. They have plenty of weapons. Their defense though really struggled at Carolina and will be facing a good Minnesota offense.

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NFL: Buffalo Bills at Chicago Bears
Aug 17, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson on the field before a game against the Buffalo Bills at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

Carson Wentz looked good last week after Kyler Murray left the game in the first quarter due to concussion.

Murray has been limited in practice this week. It would be best to let him recover for another week and let Wentz start. After this week they should go back to Murray given he was originally named the Week 1 starter and see what happens after that.

This will be a good early test for both teams.

Prediction: Bears win 24-17.


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