The Minnesota Vikings have approximately 25-30 quarterback options in the open market this offseason, as the franchise seeks to add veteran oomph behind third-year passer J.J. McCarthy. Near the top of the list lives Kyler Murray of the Arizona Cardinals, and according to reports, Minnesota won’t even need to trade draft capital to get him.
A release would let Minnesota pursue Murray while keeping draft capital intact for roster upgrades elsewhere.
It’s becoming increasingly likely that Arizona will flat-out release the 28-year-old.
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A Kyler Murray Release Would Change Minnesota’s Plan
Minnesota’s quarterback choice nears.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) looks on during pregame warmups before facing the Cleveland Browns at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, Dec. 15, 2019. Murray prepared on the field as Arizona readied for the late-season matchup at home against Cleveland. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports.
Murray Likely to Be Released, Not Traded
Talking on ESPN airwaves, former NFLer Booger McFarlan opined on Murray late last week, “Realistically, I don’t think anybody’s going to trade for Kyler Murray. He’s gotten to a point right now where when you look at him as a 5’-10″-maybe quarterback who struggled throwing from the pocket. Yeah, he’s athletic, but he’s been hurt. I just think the market for him to go to another team is going to be small.”
“It’s clear the Arizona Cardinals don’t want Murray anymore. So, asking Monti Ossenfort to go into his David Copperfield hat and pull something out, I think I know he’s good. I don’t think he can do magic. So, to ask him to go and pull out a third, a fourth, or a fifth-round pick, I don’t know if you can give Murray away right now.”
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Revenge of the Birds‘ Barry Schuck added, “The ESPN Insiders are giving Murray a 5% chance of Murray getting traded to any NFL club. Rumors regarding moving him began right before the NFL trade deadline last year, but that came and went.”
“The whole roadblock is that mammoth contract Murray was given that every Arizona fan shouted was a huge mistake at the time of the signing. This story appears to be getting some footing regarding Murray wanting his outright release. And now, it appears some of it is coming from the Murray camp itself.”
Basically a Free QB in 2026
Murray signed the mega $230 million extension in 2022, and his guaranteed money has not run out. Put plainly, he’s still owed $36.8 million from the Cardinals — no matter what. Typically in the situation, because it’s not secret leaguewide that the player has been paid, the man signs a small contract with his new team after the release.
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For example, in 2024, when the Denver Broncos cut ties with Russell Wilson, he signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers for just over a million bucks because Denver had paid him for that season. That’s what’s going on with Murray in this scenario.
A trade, on the other hand, would put Minnesota, or any other team, on the hook for Murray’s remaining contract. That’s why it’s so crucial for Arizona to release him — if you want your favorite team to snatch Murray. A roster cut makes Murray free in NFL speak for 2026.
All the Tools
If Minnesota’s choice is between Murray and a lower-ceiling bridge quarterback, the superior option is clear. Murray’s statistics speak for themselves. Over a 17-game season, he averages roughly 3,997 passing yards, 30 total touchdowns, 11 interceptions, a 67.1% completion rate, and 623 rushing yards.
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Moreover, his career EPA+CPOE surpasses those of Baker Mayfield and Trevor Lawrence, demonstrating consistent production over multiple seasons.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray sits in the front row as Jonathan Gannon is introduced as head coach at the team facility in Tempe, Arizona, Feb. 16, 2023. Murray attended the news conference as the organization outlined its new leadership direction. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-Arizona Republic.
Admittedly, Murray has reached the playoffs only once in his seven years with Arizona. His team’s record hasn’t always reflected his individual talent.
But Murray possesses undeniable skills. He can throw the ball 65–70 yards, previously ran a 4.38, and demonstrates exceptional accuracy. He’s far more than just a novelty or a limited passer.
While he might not be a seamless fit for Kevin O’Connell’s system, the decision hinges on the alternatives. If the Vikings’ choice is between Murray and a quarterback in the mold of Jimmy Garoppolo, the potential outcomes are vastly different — a point even Murray’s detractors would likely concede.
Will Vikings Recognize the Value?
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Then, the main event: the Vikings must decide if Murray’s so-called aloof attitude is a legitimate character defect or a product of the Cardinals’ culture. The NFLPA leaked the annual report cards last week, and Arizona’s ownership received an ‘F’ grade.
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana, Mar. 1, 2023. O’Connell met with media and league personnel as Minnesota evaluated draft prospects and offseason priorities. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports.
Some fans have also questioned Murray’s scheme fit within O’Connell’s system. He’s not elite by the numbers throwing over the middle; can O’Connell accommodate Murray’s strengths, or will he remain rigid enough to tell the guy with 4.38 speed, supreme arm strength, and elite passing accuracy … no thanks.
If the Cardinals drop Murray, making him suddenly free to 31 teams, the Vikings, needing a quarterback, almost have to sign him due to the value.
Rangers International came from behind to beat Enyimba 2-1 in a tense Nigeria Premier Football League Matchday 35 Oriental derby at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.
The match started slowly, but Rangers soon began to control the game. Ikechukwu Mgbemena tested Enyimba goalkeeper Kelvin Ogunga with a long-range effort.
The home side continued to push forward, with Oputa Chibueze delivering dangerous crosses and Waheed Adebayo trying his luck from outside the box.
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Despite the pressure, clear chances were few. Adebayo missed a big chance after beating several defenders, while Enyimba’s Williams Wonah made a strong run but was stopped at close range.
Enyimba took the lead early in the second half against the run of play. Wonah scored from distance with their first shot on target, the first time Rangers had gone behind at home this season.
Rangers reacted quickly. Chidozie Iwundu, who had earlier hit the post from a free-kick, scored the equaliser in the 61st minute after a poor clearance by Enyimba. It was his ninth goal of the season.
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The comeback was completed when substitute Igwilo Chimobi sent in a cross, and Ifeanyi Onyebuchi headed home to give Rangers the lead.
Adebayo missed a late chance to make it 3-1, but Rangers held on to secure the win and end a three-match winless run.
The victory moves Rangers to the top of the NPFL table with 59 points.
Enyimba, whose three-game unbeaten run ended, remain 12th with 43 points. Rangers will next travel to face Bayelsa United, while Enyimba will host Remo Stars in their next match.
Apr 3, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels pitcher Reid Detmers (48) delivers during the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Liang-Imagn Images
Los Angeles Angels left-hander Reid Detmers will try to build on one of the best starts of his career when he takes the mound Monday night against the defending American League champion Toronto Blue Jays in the opener of a three-game series in Anaheim, Calif.
Detmers (1-1, 3.57 ERA) comes off a 7-1 victory over the Yankees in New York last Tuesday. He allowed one run on four hits and no walks over seven innings while striking out nine, including reigning American League MVP Aaron Judge twice.
Detmers, who had a scheduled Sunday start against San Diego pushed back a day to recuperate, left after throwing 99 pitches, 69 for strikes.
“He pitched great,” Angels manager Kurt Suzuki told the Orange County Register. “Using all his pitches, mixing it up. I thought (catcher Logan O’Hoppe) did a great job mixing it up with that. He pitched to all quadrants of the strike zone and attacked and kept them on their heels. It was awesome.”
“It was one of those games where everything felt good,” Detmers said. “Heater command was pretty good, but the changeup was really good. I was able to get the changeup in the zone, get some swings and misses, and it kind of freed everything else up.”
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Four of his nine strikeouts came on changeups that hovered around 85 mph.
“That changeup is the best I’ve seen from him,” said teammate Mike Trout, who got a good view of it from center field.
Detmers is 1-1 with a 4.76 ERA in six career appearances (three starts) against Toronto. He will face a Blue Jays team that has struggled offensively but erupted for eight first-inning runs Sunday in a 10-4 victory at Arizona.
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Toronto, which had scored a total of seven runs in four straight losses heading into the contest, started the game with eight straight batters reaching base, tying a franchise record accomplished twice before.
The first seven batters all reached base with hits, including Kazuma Okamoto’s two-run double and Nathan Lukes’ bases-loaded double to cap the outburst. Toronto had been just 1-for-20 with the bases loaded.
“That’s what we were missing, stringing the hits together and then hitting with runners in scoring position at that time,” Lukes said. “It was huge. It’s that little nudge that we needed, and we’ve just got to use it going forward.”
Toronto manager John Schneider credited a better approach at the plate for the big offensive turnaround.
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“I feel like for the past week or so, there have been pitchers pitching us deliberately on the edges and us not making great quality of contact,” Schneider said. “Today, I thought we did a really good job of forcing (Arizona starter Ryne Nelson) into the middle of the zone, whether it was early or later in the count. That’s what we’re talking about, having a little bit of intent when it is where you can handle it.”
Jays right-hander Dylan Cease (0-0, 1.74) is 1-2 with a 3.49 ERA in seven career starts against Los Angeles, and has struggled in four career starts at Angel Stadium, compiling a 0-2 record and 4.98 ERA.
After a week-long break, FC Barcelona will be back in action on Wednesday when they take on Celta Vigo at the Spotify Camp Nou in La Liga.
The break will have done the squad some good, allowing them to put behind the disappointment of the Champions League exit and focus on securing the La Liga title in the coming weeks.
Indeed, according to SPORT, Bernal has still not returned to training with the group. The midfielder continues his recovery from the ankle injury that has kept him out for two weeks and, for now, has not yet resumed work on the pitch alongside his teammates.
As such, he is now seen as a doubt for the game against Celta Vigo on Wednesday.
Still not back in training. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Bernal was injured in the La Liga match against Atletico Madrid last month after suffering a sprain to his left ankle.
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Although the club’s medical staff initially estimated an absence of around ten days for the teenage midfielder, Barcelona have opted for a cautious approach and have avoided taking risks.
In fact, he was not even included in the matchday squad for the second leg of the CL quarter-finals against the Colchoneros, despite travelling with the squad – a clear indication that the coaching staff preferred not to take any chances.
Hansi Flick had already confirmed that no risks would be taken with him, as he is considered a key and essential player for the final stretch of the season, during which Barcelona aim to secure the La Liga title.
For now, Bernal continues to train separately, and his return to group sessions will have to wait.
Martin O’Neill praised Kelechi Iheanacho after Celtic fought back to beat St. Mirren 6-2 after extra time and reach the Scottish Cup final.
Celtic looked in full control early in the match at Hampden Park, taking a 2-0 lead through Daizen Maeda and Anthony Ralston.
However, St. Mirren responded in the second half as Mikael Mandron scored to reduce the gap. He then struck again in stoppage time to make it 2-2 and force extra time.
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Celtic took charge in the added 30 minutes, scoring four more goals to seal a 6-2 victory. Iheanacho was the star, scoring twice, while Luke McGowan and Benjamin Nygren also found the net.
After the match, O’Neill praised the Nigerian forward for his impact.
“Kelechi has had a great career,” he said. “He has had injury problems, but he looks sharp and wants to do well. I have praised him a lot in the dressing room.”
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Celtic will now face Dunfermline Athletic in next month’s final.
The game will see O’Neill come up against Neil Lennon, his former player, in a repeat of the 2007 final which Dunfermline lost 1-0.
O’Neill said Iheanacho’s goal in extra time changed the game.
“We found something in extra time, and his goal gave us belief again,” he added.
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Celtic’s strong finish ensured they moved into the final in style after an exciting eight-goal match.
LAS VEGAS – Rhea Ripley’s path back to the top of the women’s division was a long one, but on Sunday night, she survived the storm and recaptured the WWE Women’s Championship at WrestleMania 42.
Ripley won the Women’s Elimination Chamber match back in February to earn a shot at a title. She chose to set her sights on Jade Cargill’s championship. What transpired next was a war of words between the two goddess-like figures in the pro wrestling industry.
Rhea Ripley is introduced before the WWE Women’s Championship match against Jade Cargill during WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on April 19, 2026.(Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Cargill vowed to bring the disrespect to Ripley, even turning B-Fab and Michin against Ripley in the process. The match at WrestleMania was supposed to be a one-on-one match, but Michin and B-Fab got involved in the action.
Cargill had the advantage for most of the match. And just as the referee was going to throw Michin and B-Fab out, Iyo Sky came to the rescue. She hit a springboard moonsault on B-Fab and Michin.
Jade Cargill is introduced before the WWE Women’s Championship match against Rhea Ripley during WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nev., on April 19, 2026.(Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Ripley hit Cargill with a headbutt and a Riptide. But she couldn’t get the pin on Cargill.
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Cargill hit Ripley with a boot, but it was almost to no avail. Ripley countered Cargill’s finisher, put her in the Riptide and pinned her for the win.
It marks the first WrestleMania loss for Cargill since she joined WWE.
Rhea Ripley is introduced before the WWE Women’s Championship match against Jade Cargill during WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nev., on April 19, 2026.(Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Ripley is now a two-time holder of the WWE Women’s Championship and a four-time women’s champion overall. Her last reign started on Night 2 of WrestleMania 37 when she defeated Asuka in Tampa, Florida.
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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.
Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya hasn’t had much going his way in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. While MI are languishing at the bottom of the 10-team points table, Hardik hasn’t been able to create much impact on the field, be it with the bat or with the ball. The all-rounder has even had his captaincy skills questioned, including his inability to get the best out of Jasprit Bumrah, the finest fast bowler in the world. Ahead of MI’s clash against GT, former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) star Aakash Chopra has asked Hardik when his last match-winning knock was for MI.
Hardik, widely considered as India’s most prominent pace-bowling all-rounder, has struggled this season. He has only scored 81 runs in 4 matches this campaign for Mumbai. Chopra, in a video on his YouTube channel, has asked some tough questions to the MI skipper.
“You have corrected the batting order now. I won’t talk about Surya because he played many match-winning knocks last time, but Hardik, I don’t remember when the last match-winning knock you played was. We have seen many good cameos, but that match-winning 70 or 80 runs where you win the match alone, Hardik is capable of that,” Chopra said.
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The former India opener also feels Mumbai need some fresh ideas to bring their campaign back on track. Chopra backed the promotion of Sherfane Rutherford to help MI overcome the current middle-order crisis.
“If you get less than that repeatedly, you think this is the time when Hardik does what he can do, because you are capable of doing that. They need fresh ideas and freshness, a little fearless approach, and Sherfane Rutherford should bat slightly up the order. All of that is required because the truth is that the five-time champions, the Mumbai Indians, are at No. 10 at this point in time,” he added.
At present, MI are placed 10th in the points table with just one win in 5 matches.
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Liv Morgan has addressed Dominik Mysterio’s loss to Finn Balor at WrestleMania 42. While Morgan was victorious against Stephanie Vaquer in Night 1, his Daddy Dom failed to beat Demon Finn.
The reigning AAA Mega Champion appeared confident ahead of his Street Fight against his former Judgment Day stablemate. However, The Demon had a different aura and energy that got Dirty Dom scrambling at the start.
Thanks for the submission!
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Dominik Mysterio had several chances of getting the win over Finn Balor, but The Demon was on another level on Sunday night. He hit a devastating Shotgun Dropkick to Dominik while a chair was around his neck before putting him away with a Coup de Grace through a table.
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In a post on Instagram, Liv Morgan seemingly doesn’t care about the outcome of Dirty Dom’s match.
“Always a winner in my eyes 🫶✨ @dominik_35,” Morgan wrote.
It will be interesting to see what’s next for Dominik and Liv for Monday’s post-WrestleMania episode of Raw. Liv is expected to celebrate her championship win, but Dominik and JD McDonagh were unsuccessful in their respective WrestleMania matches.
McDonagh failed to capture the Intercontinental Championship in the Six-Pack Ladder Match on Sunday.
Why did WWE make Dominik Mysterio vs. Finn Balor match a Street Fight?
The initial match between Dominik Mysterio and Finn Balor at WrestleMania 42 was just a singles match. A week later, WWE announced that Balor will be using The Demon in the match, marking the return of his alter ego after nearly three years.
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Fast forward to Sunday, and WWE made another change to the match, making it a Street Fight. According to Fightful Select, the company decided to add a stipulation due to the number of singles matches on the card.
“Fightful Select has learned that the street fight stipulation was added to Finn Balor vs. Dominik Mysterio within the last week due to the number of singles matches on the Wrestlemania 42 card,” the report said.
There were six matches on Night 2 of WrestleMania 42, five of which were one-on-one matches. Three of the five were title matches, while the opener was Brock Lesnar vs. Oba Femi, so adding a stipulation to a heated rivalry like Dominik vs. Finn wasn’t too complicated to make.
Bayern Munich secured yet another Bundesliga title after beating Stuttgart 4-2 at home on Sunday.
Top scorer Harry Kane scored his 32nd goal of the season after coming on as a second-half substitute as the Bavarians won their 35th German league title — 34 of them coming in the Bundesliga era.
“To finish the league off in the way we have with the goals we scored… credit to the lads… we still have a lot to play for… but all the hard work, this makes it all worth it,” said Kane.
Bayern Munich cruise to title
The win moved the Bavarian giants an unassailable 15 points clear of second-placed Borussia Dortmund with four games to spare.
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Germany captain Joshua Kimmich, who won his 10th league title with Bayern, called the victory “very special.”
“The way we did it, we were very consistent…and we haven’t achieved that form so often. I hope 10 more titles come on top of this,” he said.
The “Meisterschale” (“champions’ shield” in English) trophy is expected to be handed out after Bayern’s final game of the season at home to Cologne on May 16.
Vincent Kompany (center) became Bayern Munich head coach after Thomas Tuchel’s exit in 2024Image: Martin Agüera/kolbert-press/picture alliance
Another dominant campaign
Bayern have only suffered one defeat in the league this season, at home to fellow Bavarians Augsburg in January, and a league-low of four ties so far.
They have also scored 109 goals so far this season — another record.
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Bayern already clinched the Super Cup in August, also against Stuttgart, and will take on Bayer Leverkusen in the German Cup semi-final on Wednesday.
In Europe, Vincent Kompany’s team has reached the Champions League semi-finals, where they meet holders Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg on April 28.
“It is April 19 and we are in every competition. We have had lots of success with every player in the squad. We go to Leverkusen knowing anything can happen, but with real belief,” Kompany told DAZN.
Kompany, whose only previous job as head coach was at Premier League side Burnley, took over in 2024.
Kurt Angle has confirmed that a major WWE Superstar is now retired. The aforementioned star was in action at WrestleMania 42.
Night Two of WrestleMania 42 kicked off with a singles match between Brock Lesnar and Oba Femi, where the latter picked up the win inside five minutes. After the loss, Lesnar left his gloves and boots in the ring before embracing Paul Heyman and bidding an emotional farewell to the fans, leaving everyone speculating that he’s done with in-ring competition.
Thanks for the submission!
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Kurt Angle, who was one of Brock’s fiercest opponents back in the day, took to X to reflect on the shocking turn of events. The Olympic Gold medalist confirmed that the Beast Incarnate is indeed retired.
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“Love you my brother. There will only be one like you. Enjoy retirement Brock.”
Brock Lesnar picked Oba Femi as his WWE WrestleMania 42 opponent
Fans had been salivating at the thought of Brock Lesnar facing Oba Femi ever since the latter made his main roster debut. WWE fulfilled their wishes as the two powerhouses squared off at WrestleMania 42 in an enthralling bout. It was reported after the match that it was The Beast Incarnate’s choice to face Oba in what looks to be his final WWE match.
“It feels amazing, because it’s one thing to tell everybody what you are, and another to show everybody exactly what you are. I took 25 years of history, 25 years of dominance from the Beast and made it null, because I am what I say I am. The Ruler, the Destroyer, the Bringer of War, Oba Femi!”
There is still no confirmation from WWE regarding Brock Lesnar’s retirement. The Beast Incarnate could still swerve the fans and return to action down the line. However, his actions at WrestleMania 42 indicate that he has, indeed, donned his wrestling boots for the last time.
A clean sweep of Sydney’s Saturday Group 1s was sealed by Hall of Fame conditioner Chris Waller when his charge Fireball saw off stablemate Campione D’Italia in the $1 million Champagne Stakes (1600m) held at Royal Randwick on Saturday.
This outcome represented the final of eight unbroken Sydney Saturdays of Group 1 fixtures in the 2026 autumn carnival, during which Waller claimed at least one top-level success weekly.
No other figure in Australian racing history has matched this consistent elite performance, and Waller appeared mildly overcome when apprised of the record by Racing And Sports.
“These are the results our team works hard for all year,” Waller said.
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“We have had some tremendous results this autumn carnival and I can’t thank my team enough.
“To be able to win at least one Group 1 race each Saturday for eight weeks of the carnival makes me very proud.”
In Sydney’s autumn Group 1 schedule for 2026, Waller amassed 11 wins. Among the highlights of his major race mastery were:
James McDonald, Waller’s go-to jockey, had steered the trainer’s previous 10 Group 1 autumn winners, yet aboard Champagne Stakes favourite Campione D’Italia he couldn’t stretch that sequence further.
Fireball ($6.50), under Tim Clark, repelled Campione D’Italia ($2.15 favourite) by half a neck, while Diameter ($26) was a long head away in third.
Clark’s ride delivered his 27th lifetime Group 1 win on Fireball, the first such for Waller.
“He got a great run today.,” Clark said. “I was thinking before the race, I don’t want to get there too soon, but just how the race unfolded, I had to present him when I did.
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“The challenge came early enough that he had the opportunity to fight back and that he did. He’s obviously so tough and he’s been running in all the big races. I’m thrilled to get a good result for Chris and James Harron and all of his connections.”
James Harron paid $460,000 for Fireball, a Snitzel product and the sire’s 28th individual Group 1 hero, at the prior Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale.
Post-Champagne Stakes, Fireball’s stud prospects command over $20 million.
Waller praised Fireball’s resilience through a drawn-out preparation, affirming the colt’s right to Group 1 glory.
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“Full credit to the horse because he’s been able to deal with it,” Waller said.
“You wouldn’t know he’s deep into a ‘prep’, each run has had so much merit and not a lot of luck, so he deserved that today.
“He’s got there by telling us that he’s coping well with his racing. Distance-wise, I’ve never really been too concerned.
“I thought in the Golden Slipper, he was beaten at the 300m, but he was still strong through the line, then last start at 1400m, he didn’t have much luck. But today he was great.”
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Runner-up Campione D’Italia battled stoutly, fresh off a ATC Sires Produce Stakes victory a couple of weeks back, as another elite Snitzel Group 1 colt.
“A fantastic result as both colts are by Snitzel, he’s an amazing stallion,” Waller said.
“Campione D’Italia’s a young ‘lad’, he’s still learning his trade and he’ll be much better next season.”
Per McDonald, a cleaner run would have seen Campione D’Italia claim the Champagne Stakes.
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“He is an outstanding colt but is still a work in progress,” McDonald said.
“He has come a long way to win the Sires which was tremendous and he went down fighting today.
“With even luck through the midstages, he probably would have won the race.”
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