Muhammad Ali had just one name that came to mind when deciding on the greatest boxer of all time.

Many boxing fans place Ali himself in that conversation, after an iconic career that saw the legendary figure become a three-time world heavyweight champion.

He was involved in some of the most memorable fights of all time, claiming victories over George Foreman in the ‘Rumble In The Jungle’ and Joe Frazier in the ‘Thrilla In Manila.’

Ali competed for the final time in 1981, hanging up the gloves with a record of 56 wins from 61 fights. He became world heavyweight champion for the first time in 1964, but it was a man who last competed in 1965 that Ali deemed as the best ever.

Speaking in a resurfaced video, Ali shared his admiration for Sugar Ray Robinson, describing him as his hero.

“Sugar Ray Robinson, he’s still my idol. Pound for pound I still say Sugar Ray Robinson was the greatest of all time.”

Robinson’s incredible career saw him win 174 of his 201 professional fights. He was involved in notable battles with Jake LaMotta, who he faced six times, along with the likes of Henry Armstrong and Randolph Turpin.

At one stage Robinson had a record of 129 wins from 132 fights, going on a 91-fight unbeaten streak in the process. He held the world welterweight title from 1946 to 1951, and became world middleweight champion on five occasions.

Ali isn’t the only boxing legend that viewed Robinson as the greatest in history, with namesake Sugar Ray Leonard also sharing the same belief.

The Minnesota Vikings have plenty of holes to fill this offseason, and they only want to allocate so much money through free agency. After making the necessary moves to be cap compliant going into the league year, their focus can turn to spending.

Minnesota Gains Flexibility before the Draft

James Pierre’s deal won’t be official until Wednesday, but grabbing a cornerback right away sends a message. Not only is it possible the Vikings got a steal after the former Pittsburgh Steeler had a breakout season, but they do so at just an $8.5 million outlay.

Beyond replacing Jeff Okudah with a much higher upside option, the addition of Pierre is notable. Plenty of mock drafts had the Vikings looking at cornerbacks with the 18th overall pick in April’s draft. What sort of player would be there, and which options would be available, is uncertain.

One thing that is for certain is that Minnesota does not need to be pigeon-holed into a position. By grabbing Pierre, the Vikings have their starting cornerbacks accounted for at this point. That shouldn’t stop them from adding developmental depth, but they aren’t forced into grabbing a Day 1 starter.

The more situations that Rob Brzezinski and Kevin O’Connell can find like this before the draft, the better. With the 18th pick, the available options will be fluid for the next handful of weeks. Having the opportunity to draft the best player available or to change strategy to move around is something a team needing to get younger should be excited about.

It’s already clear that Minnesota is interested in adding running back help, and they could address that position through the draft as well. There are rarely targets worthy of a first-round pick at that position, and this year’s crop is plenty deep.

If the Vikings could grab a center in free agency, they would also knock off a position of need with a pay scale that is often affordable. Pierre was the start of that line of thinking, and replicating more of it through the deals ahead may set the stage for a draft that rights the wrongs of the former general manager.

Ted Schwerzler is a Minneapolis based blogger that covers the Minnesota Twins and Vikings. Sharing thoughts constantly on Twitter, … More about Ted Schwerzler

The Cheltenham Festival is back as the horse racing season gathers pace with the four-day spectacle one of the highlights of the sport’s calendar.

The Festival begins with Champion Day on Tuesday before Ladies Day makes its Festival return on Wednesday ahead of St Patrick’s Thursday and Gold Cup Day bringing the event to a close on Friday 13 March.

This year’s edition looks set to be an unpredictable affair with big names like Constitution Hill, Marine Nationale and Galopin Des Champs out of the running and fewer clear favourites on show.

Tuesday’s Champion Hurdle is set to be a blockbuster event with Dan Skelton’s The New Lion taking on Willie Mullins’ Lossiemouth in a field of four or five contenders with each in with a chance at earning glory.

You can find all the latest Cheltenham odds and free bet offers with Independent Sport, and here is the full list of winners and scheduled race card:

Tuesday 10 March – Champion Day

1.20: Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1)

Old Park Star, Mighty Park, Talk The Talk, El Cairos, Mydaddypaddy, Leader Dallier, Sober Glory, Baron Noir, Too Bossy For Us, Eachtotheirown, Koktail Brut, Sageborough

2.00: Singer Arkle Challenge Trophy Steeple Chase (Grade 1)

Kopek Des Bordes, Lulamba, Kargese, Steel Ally, Jax Junior, Mambonumberfive, Hansard

2.40: McCoys Contractors Juvenile Handicap Hurdle Race (Registered as the Fred Winter) (Premier Handicap)

Saratoga, Winston Junior, Manlaga, Ammes, Glen To Glen, Munsif, Mustang De Breuil, Madness Delle, Pourquoi Pas Papa, The Mighty Celt, Bibe Mus, Ole Ole, Barbizon, Dignam, Hardy Stuff, Harwa, Bertutea, Mino Des Mottes Quinta Do Lago, Kylcot, Lord, Macktoad, Bandjo, Paddockwood

3.20: Trustmarque Ultima Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap)

Jagwar, Iroko, Myretown, Quebecois, Hyland, Handstands, Johnnywho, Blow Your Wad, Konfusion, Blaze The Way, Leave of Absence, The Short Go, Resplendent Glory, Imperial Saint, Knight of Allen, The Doyen Chief, Search For Glory, Patter Merchant, Margarets Legacy, Filanderer, Eyed, Stolen Silver

4.00: Unibet Champion Hurdle (Grade 1)

Lossiemouth, The New Lion, Brighterdaysahead, Golden Ace, Poniros, Alexei, Anzadam, Tutti Quanti, Workahead

4.40: Sun Racing Plate (A Handicap Steeple Chase) (Premier Handicap)

Madara, McLaurey, Will The Wise, Downmexicoway, Zurich, Down Memory Lane, Booster Bob, No Questions Asked, Peaky Boy, Jipcot, Omoore Park, Midnight It Is, Dee Capo, Guard Your Dreams, Theatre Native, Riskintheground, Jungle Boogie, Boombawn, Moon Durange, Grandeur Dame, Western Zephyr, Yes Indeed, Embittered

5.20: National Hunt Steeple Chase Challenge Cup (Novices’ Handicap Steeple Chase) (Class 2)

Backmercaskme, Newtone Tornado, Wade Out, Iceberg Theory, One Big Bang, King Of Answers, Walking On Air, Grand Geste, Pic Roc, Kurasso Blue, Holloway Queen, Guard The Moon, First Confession, Union Station, Will Do, Silver Thorn, Holokea

Wednesday 11 March – Ladies Day

1.20: Turners Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1)

No Drama This End, Sober, King Rasko Grey, Ballyfad, Skylight Hustle, Sortudo, Act Of Innocence, I’ll Sort That, Shuttle Diplomacy, Bossman Jack, Taurus Bay, Laurets d’Estruval, Klimt Madrik, Walks In June, Saint Baco, Came From Nowhere, Soldier Reeves, Hurricane Pat, Riskaway, Fortune Timmy, Free Spirit, Zeus Power

2.00: Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase (Grade 1)

Romeo Coolio, Kaid d’Authie, Final Demand, Wendigo, Koktail Divin, The Big Westerner, Oscars Brother, Western Fold, Kitzbuhel, Salver, Now Is The Hour, Argento Boy, Predators Gold, Thomas Mor, Rushmount, Joystick

2.40: BetMGM Cup Handicap Hurdle (A Handicap Hurdle Race) (Premier Handicap)

Storm Heart, Kateira, Kopeck De Mee, The Yellow Clay, Iberico Lord, I Started A Joke, Jingko Blue, Bunting, Puturhandstogether, Ballyadam, Guard Duty, Lucky Place, Farren Glory, Chart Topper, Beckett Rock, Forty Coats, Colonel Mustard, Give It To Me Oj, HMS Seahorse, Franciscan Rock, Buddy One, Sony Bill, Dargiannini, Rambo T, Minella Rescue, Intense Approach

3.20: Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Steeple Chase

Favori De Champdou, Stumptown, Desertmore House, Vanillier, Final Orders, The Goffer, Conflated, Pied Piper, Fakir d’Oudairies, Latenightpass, Velvet Elvis, Famous Bridge, Horantzau d’Airy, Minella Crooner

4.00: BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase (Grade 1)

Majborough, L’Eau du Sud,Il Etait Temps, Quilixios, Irish Panther, Found A Fifty, Saint Segal, Captain Guinness, Libberty Hunter, Brookie

4.40: Debenhams Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Handicap Steeple Chase Challenge Cup (Premier Handicap)

Be Aware, Vanderpoel, Inthepocket, Ryan’s Rocket,Jazzy Matty, Ballysax Hank,Release The Beast, Personal Ambition, Jasko Des Dames, Addragoole, Calico, Touch Me Not, Special Cadeau, Western Diego, Break My Soul, Relieved Of Duties, Rubaud, Golden Joy, Jour d’Evasion, Boothill, Martator, The Other Mozzie

5.20: Weatherbys Champion Bumper (In Memory of Sir Johnny Weatherby) (Grade 1)

Love Sign d’Aunou, The Irish Avatar, Keep Him Company,Quiryn, The Mourne Rambler, Bass Hunter, Mets Ta Ceinture, Our Trigger, Broadway Ted, It’s Only A Game, Charismatic Kid,The Wager, With Nolimit, Boycetown, Diamant Dore, Wilde’s Legacy, The Skecher, Moonverrin, Vango Can Go, Of Land And Sea, Chicker, Tally Ho Back

Thursday 12 March – St Patrick’s Thursday

1.20: Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2)

Bambino Fever, Oldschool Outlaw, Carrigmoornaspruce, Selma De Vary, Echoing Silence, La Conquiere,Charme De Faust, Mille Et Une Vies, Highland Crystal, Kingston Queen, Future Prospect, Full Of Life, Diamond Du Berlais, Place De La Nation, White Noise, St Irene, Jackie Hobbs, Amen Kate, Manganese, Blue Velvet, Chosen Comrade, Louve D’Irlande, Al Fonce, Scavengers Reign, Belle Montrose

2.00: Jack Richards Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase (Grade 2)

Koktail Divin, Meetmebythesea, Regent’s Stroll, Slade Steel, Jordans Cross,Sixmilebridge,Stencil, Wingmen, Kim Roque, The Bluesman, Kiss Will, Kdeux Saint Fray, King Alexander, Gold Dancer, Joystick, Ol Man Dingle, Western Diego, Jipcot, Relieved Of Duties, Karl Des Tourelles, Moon Rocket, King Of Kingsfield, Western Knight, Dr Eggman, Where’s My Jet, Ben Solo, Intense Approach, Old Cowboy, Koukeo, Lisnagar Fortune, Moore Park, Downmexicoway, Quebecois, McLaurey, Knight Of Allen, Will The Wise

2.40: Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle (Grade 1)

Wodhooh, Jade De Grugy, Feet Of A Dancer, Take No Chances, Jetara, Murcia, Dream On Baby, Nurse Susan, Lavida Adiva, La Pinsonniere, Sunset Marquesa, Siog Geal, Sotchi, Lossiemouth

3.20: Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle (Grade 1)

Teahupoo, Kabral Du Mathan, Honesty Policy, Bob Olinger, Ma Shantou, Ballyburn, Impose Toi, Hewick, Home By The Lee, Feet Of A Dancer, Doddiethegreat, Gowel Road, Gwennie May Boy

4.00: Ryanair Chase (Grade 1)

Fact To File, Heart Wood, Banbridge, Il Etait Temps, Romeo Coolio, Impaire Et Passe, Firefox, Jonbon, Gaelic Warrior, Energumene, JPR One, Matata, Master Chewy, Croke Park

4.40: Pertemps Network Final (A Handicap Hurdle Race) (Premier Handicap)

Supremely West, Electric Mason, Minella Emperor, C’Est Different, Impose Toi, Melbourne Shamrock, Ace Of Spades, Absolutely Doyen, Bold Endeavour, Staffordshire Knot, Kikijo, Lavida Adiva, Letos, Gowel Road, Yeah Man, Champagne Chic, Minella Sixo, Ikarak, Red Dirt Road, Classic King, Onewaywest, Ambion View, Duke Silver, Eyed, Millstream Lady, Turndlightsdownlow, Idem, Lihyan, Idy Wood, Ike Sport, 3Found A Diamond, Ontheropes, El Capitaine

5.20: Rosconn Group Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap Steeple Chase (0-145)

Jeriko Du Reponet, Waterford Whispers, J’Arrive De L’Est, Herakles Westwood, Kim Roque, Prends Garde A Toi, Road To Home, Daily Present, Hyland, Weveallbeencaught, Will Do, The Enabler, Patter Merchant, Gericault Roque, Il Ridoto, Hunter Legend, Sandor Clegane, King’s Threshold, Search For Glory, Excello, Ask Brewster, Kish Bank, Monbeg Genius, Glengouly, Lucky Lyreen, Kelce, Uncle Bert, Binge Worthy, Insurrection, Lord Accord, Olympic Man, Hung Jury, Cave Court, Chavez, Rexem, No Time To Wait

Friday 13 March – Gold Cup Day

1.20: JCB Triumph Hurdle (Grade 1)

Proactif, Selma De Vary, Minella Study, Maestro Conti, Macho Man, Mon Creuset, Charme De Faust, Highland Crystal, Kai Lung, Minella Academy, Apolon De Charnie, Forty Fifty, Manganese, Madness d’Elle, North Shore, One Horse Town, Noemie De La Vis, Barbizon, Tenter Le Tout, Fantasy World, Lord Byron, Indian River, Wolf Rayet, Berto Ramirez, Tillmouth

2.00: William Hill County Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap)

Murcia, Khrisma, Karbau, Mondo Man, Sinnatra, Roc Dino, Tellherthename, Puturhandstogether, Sixandahalf, Bowensonfire, Hello Neighbour, Absurde, Workahead, Celtic Dino, Jubilee Alpha, Serious Challenge, Ndaawi, Zillow, Joyeuse, Wilful, Helvic Dream, Secret Squirrel, Wellington Arch, Helnwein, Williethebuilder, Tripoli Flyer, Its Bilbo, Jump Allen, Captain Ryan Matt, Ooh Betty, Bowmore, Charlus, The Kemble Brewery, Hot Fuss, Hamlet’s Night, Wreckless Eric, Sticktotheplan, Sony Bill, Bubble Dubi, Jack Hyde, Welsh Charger, Afadil, Pinot Gris, Cracking Rhapsody, Gibbs Island, Messerschmitt, Ballykinlar, Balko d’Ange, Rubber Ball, Brendas Asking

2.40: Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Steeple Chase (Grade 2)

Dinoblue, Panic Attack, Spindleberry, Only By Night, The Big Westerner, Diva Luna, Jade De Grugy, July Flower, Telepathique, All The Glory, Piper Park, Shakeyatailfeather

3.20: Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1)

Doctor Steinberg, Thedeviluno, No Drama This End, The Passing Wife, Spinningayarn, Espresso Milan, Kazansky, Jalon d’Oudairies, 412Klimt Madrik, Kripticjim, 1Mondoui’boy, Riskaway, Fruit De Mer, Moneygarrow, King’s Bucks, Doctor Du Mesnil, Road Exile, Hipop De Loire, Shuttle Diplomacy, Ubatuba, Park Princess, Johnny’s Jury, Laurets d’Estruval, Minella Emperor, Frankie John, The Price Of Peace, Treasure Memory, Kicour La, Whiskey Yankee, Tackletommywoowoo, Swindon Village, Kasino Des Mottes

4.00: Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Steeple Chase (Grade 1)

Gaelic Warrior, The Jukebox Man, Jango Baie, Inothewayurthinkin, Haiti Couleurs, Grey Dawning, Spillane’s Tower, Envoi Allen, Banbridge, Affordale Fury, Firefox, Stellar Story, Gold Tweet, L’Homme Presse

4.40: Princess Royal Challenge Cup Open Hunters’ Steeple Chase

Wonderwall, Its On The Line, Panda Boy, Con’s Roc, Wrappedupinmay, Stattler, Music Drive, Chemical Energy, Barton Snow, Willitgoahead, Golden Son, Gracchus De Balme, Shearer, Carnfunnock, Solitary Man, Kings Jet, Linelee King, Take All, King Alex, What A Glance, Pyleigh Court, Paul Marvel, Haven’t Time, Willewonga, Lift Me Up, Yippee Ki Yay, D’Jango

5.20: Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle

Kel Histoire, Roc Dino, A Pai De Nom, Air Of Entitlement, East India Express, He Can’t Dance, Jump Allen, Wendrock, Nurse Susan, Act Of Authority, Fiercely Proud, Open Secret, Andashan, Its Bilbo, Zanndabad, Siog Geal, Coyote Spirit, John Barbour, Stede Bonnet, Sa Fureur, Fasol, Zillow, Grimaud, Saint Le Fort, De Temps En Temps, Frankie John, Turndlightsdownlow, Newbrook Diamond, Jack Hyde, Idy Wood, Moon d’Orange, La Pinsonniere, Lavender Hill Mob, Farfromnowhere, Karl Des Tourelles, Sony Bill, No Ordinary Joe, Da Capo Glory, Sonigino, Hamsiyann, Charlus, The Nagger Reidy, Hot Fuss, Ballykinlar, Glynn Brae, Sainte Lucie, Intosomethinggood, Kalium, Olympic Man, Intellotto, Lisnagar Fortune, Minella Rescue, Spirits Bay, Rubber Ball

How can I watch the Cheltenham Festival on TV and is there a live stream?

You can watch the first six races of each day at the Cheltenham Festival with ITV1, while full coverage of the Festival, including the final race of each day is available through a Racing TV subscription.

Both ITV and Racing TV provide live streams for the coverage through their apps and websites, while fans can of course tune on via the traditional television broadcast.

Can I still get a ticket and how much do they cost?

You can secure access to the first three days of the festival through a daily Club Enclosure ticket from £103.50, while Friday is sold out.

Tattersalls tickets will cost from £73.80 on each of the first three days but again Gold Cup day has sold out.

The cheapest way to experience the festival is through the Best Mate enclosure with a day ticket for the first three days priced from £54.

All details can be found with tickets available to purchase through the Jockey Club here.

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  Latest episode

After three consecutive Premier League runners-up finishes, Mikel Arteta was left searching for answers.

What would it take to turn his Arsenal team into champions? The squad needed more depth. The mentality had to be tougher.

The club responded by signing eight new players. Yet the most important summer arrival may well have been the least conspicuous. Arteta turned to one of his oldest and most trusted allies: former Argentina, Paris St-Germain, Real Madrid and Manchester United defender Gabriel Heinze, who replaced outgoing assistant Carlos Cuesta.

Arteta and Heinze first met at PSG in 2001 under the management of Luis Fernandez.

“They were great boys,” says Fernandez, who signed Arteta from Barcelona in January 2001 and Heinze from Real Valladolid six months later.

“It was a pleasure to manage them. What’s great is they haven’t changed. They’re exactly the same today; loyal, hard-working people. When I see what they’re doing at Arsenal, I’m very proud.”

It feels highly significant that at this key moment in Arteta’s managerial career, he turned to a figure who had performed the role of a big brother to him at PSG.

Arteta was just 18 when he left his homeland. He recently described his 18 months in Paris as “an experience that will stay with me forever, that shaped who I wanted to be as a player and ignited in me something to become a manager”.

That PSG team was packed with star names and strong personalities. As well as Heinze, Arteta shared a dressing room with Ronaldinho, Mauricio Pochettino, Jay-Jay Okocha and Nicolas Anelka.

The first months were difficult for the shy, introverted Spaniard, despite the presence and support of his parents.

“It was very tough,” remembers Yves Ribardiere, PSG’s player liaison officer back then. “Mikel was living in a hotel that was quite basic. It was winter, the weather was cold and grey. He was in this small room and had a lot of time to kill. I used to stay with him to make sure he didn’t get too down.”

PSG’s Spanish speakers also helped smooth the transition. Pochettino, then 28, took Arteta under his wing before Heinze arrived. “Mauricio was like a father figure,” recalls ex-PSG defender Didier Domi. “Gabi was closer to Mikel’s age and more like a brother.”

Heinze is four years older than Arteta, but there was an immediate chemistry between the two. “They were together at training, and also spent time together away from the pitch with their families,” recalls Fernandez.

“Gabi was a fierce competitor and always wanted to do better than his opponent. Mikel was more an elegant player with real technical qualities,” adds the PSG legend who captained the club to their first league title in 1986 and won the European Cup Winners’ Cup as coach a decade later.

Edouard Cisse insists the duo also had plenty in common. “They were both intense and passionate,” explains Cisse, who partnered Arteta in PSG’s midfield. “Gabi gave everything, even in training. He had to win. Mikel was calmer. But you knew not to rub him up the wrong way. He had that tough Basque edge.”

Gervonta Davis appears to be on the brink of confirming his return to the ring.

Davis was last in action in March 2025 when he was held to a majority decision draw against Lamont Roach in a defence of his WBA lightweight title.

It was a controversial result, with many feeling that Roach did enough to get the nod, especially after a knockdown wasn’t awarded in his favour after ‘Tank’ voluntarily chose to take a knee in round nine.

The 12 months that followed have left many questioning if Davis would ever be back in action at all. A planned exhibition with Jake Paul in November was cancelled due to the Baltimore man being named in a civil lawsuit regarding domestic allegations, just the latest in a string of issues outside of the ropes.

Further drama materialised after an arrest warrant was issued for ‘Tank’ citing similar accusations, leading to him to be stripped of his WBA lightweight title.

Despite all of that, Davis does now look set to return, after it was reported by Mike Coppinger that he is in advanced talks for a clash against Isaac Cruz, a man that ‘Tank’ named as his number one target late last year.

Davis has already secured a win over Cruz, who was last in action in December when he fought to a majority decision draw with former ‘Tank’ foe Roach – the man most feel should be getting the chance to face him again.

Five Iranianwomen’s national team players were granted humanitarian visas in Australiaamid fears of persecution back home.

“Australians have been moved by the plight of these brave women,” Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said at a press conference on Tuesday.

“They’re safe here, and they should feel at home here,” he added.

According to Albanese, all other members of Iran’s squad are welcome to receive help, but it was up to them to accept the offer.

Australian police took the five Iran squad members from their hotel in Gold Coast, moving them to a “safe location” after their asylum requests.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, who met the five players upon the completion of their humanitarian visas, said they were “excited” about their future lives in Australia.

“I don’t want to begin to imagine how difficult that decision is for each of the individual women, but certainly last night it was joy, it was relief,” Burke said.

Trump calls for players to be granted asylum

This came after US President Donald Trump said he had spoken to Albanese about the players. Trump also posted on his Truth Social account that Australia should give the players asylum and that the US would take them in if Canberra wouldn’t.

Trump added they’d be killed should they return back home.

The reason for the call was the fact that Iran’s players received attention for not singing their country’s national anthem ahead of their first Asian Cup game against South Korea.

Many believed the move was in criticism of the Iranian regime amidst the US-Israel war on the country.

Back in Iran, the Iranian national team faced criticism, with some accusing them of being “wartime traitors,” sparking worries over the players’ safety.

The following game, against hosts Australia, the Iran players sang the anthem while saluting, a move many critics of Iran’s Islamic regime believed they had been forced to carry out.

After Iran’s elimination from the Asia Cup due to the loss to the Philippines, calls around the world grew to make sure the footballers would be granted asylum in Australia, preventing them from facing the potential backlash and sanctions back in Tehran.

Edited by: Dmytro Hubenko

Following Sass Appeal’s three successive victories at Flemington, trainer Danny O’Brien will forego Sydney options.

Sass Appeal notched the Group 2 Kewney Stakes (1600m) on Saturday via Jordan Childs’ expert handling.

Childs guided the filly from a wide draw to settle behind Pillow Fight, striking decisively at the 300m mark.

With 200m to go, Sass Appeal, sent out at $2.35, drew clear by 2-¾ lengths from $14 shot Pillow Fight, as Salty Pearl ($2.60) trailed by another 1-¾ lengths for third.

Defending Kewney winner Treasurethe Moment headed north to Sydney, prevailing in the Vinery Stud Stakes and Australian Oaks, before a spring return victory in Caulfield’s Memsie Stakes.

The filly has triumphed in all four of her debut-season starts, leading O’Brien to favour a rest before spring engagements.

“Often with the three-year-old fillies you want to make hay while the sun shines against their own age, and sex, and make the best of what you’ve got before they turn four,” O’Brien said.

“But I think this horse will measure up to the older horses. With that in mind, she’s had a five start prep and I’m keen to give her a break and see her back here in the spring.”

O’Brien highlighted the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) at Flemington amid Melbourne Cup week as attractive.

“The handicap races like the Sir Rupert Clarke and the Toorak Handicap are good options for her on the way through as well,” he said.

Sass Appeal’s racing profile frustrates competitors, O’Brien explained, given her record when crossing the lead.

“She makes it look easy when she’s got that tactical speed early and you get that good position in running,” O’Brien said.

“It’s a lot easier to watch than horses back in the field.

“Once they took positions today and I looked wherever everything else was, there hasn’t been a horse come from behind her and finish in front of her.

“The only horse she ultimately had to get past was the leader, and she did that and put a space on them.”

For the best racing betting markets, check sites offering odds on Sass Appeal’s spring targets like the Empire Rose Stakes.