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Begg optimistic about Zakouma in 2026 Mornington Cup bid

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Grahame Begg highlights two hurdles for his charge Zakouma as the stayer chases victory in the Mornington Cup.

The Listed Mornington Cup (2400m) on Saturday delivers a ballot waiver into the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) come October, serving as an excellent target for Zakouma, perfect in three appearances this campaign.

Begg expresses apprehension regarding the tight turn at Mornington, but the real issue is obtaining a berth.

Zakouma is listed 21st among entrants for the capacity field of 14 runners and four reserves.

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Wednesday brings the final field confirmation.

“He’s a pretty nice horse and if he can get a run, he’ll definitely run, but that will be the challenge, getting a run,” Begg said.

“He’s so lowly rated, he’s only got a benchmark rating of 78, but he is a promising horse.

“Having a look at the form, there is a bit of a tail to the race, there’s plenty of horses that are out of form, but they’ve got a higher benchmark on previous form from previous campaigns.

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“He looks like he’ll run the trip, but the biggest thing for him would be getting around Mornington because he likes to be relaxed in the early part of his races.”

In the event of a start, Daniel Stackhouse takes the mount on Zakouma, with Begg eyeing a 2000m benchmark 100 at Flemington on Anzac Day as the alternative for the gelding.

Begg mentioned a Mornington Cup triumph on Saturday would see Zakouma rested for a Caulfield Cup campaign, deeming it improbable to extend much past the subsequent Flemington outing.

“The Andrew Ramsden would be unlikely, and we would be unlikely to travel interstate at this stage,” Begg said.

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“We’d prefer to just stay in our lane.”

Begg was runner-up in the 2021 Mornington Cup via Nonconformist, who then was second to Incentivise in the 2026 Caulfield Cup.

Zakouma launched his season with a win at Caulfield Heath over 1600m, then at Sandown (1800m), and latest over 2000m on heavy at Flemington March 28.

Visit the racing betting markets ahead of the Mornington Cup.

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Meet the stars behind the film and the roles they play

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Normal (2026) is an American action film written by Derek Kolstad, directed by Ben Wheatley and dramatizing a story originally by Kolstad and Bob Odenkirk. Normal (2026) had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in late September 2025 and its US theatrical release on April 17, 2026. Normal (2026) is a story about a small-town sheriff who discovers a bigger criminal network, which leads to a series of violent incidents.

The film setting is a peaceful town that suddenly gets out of control with Normal (2026) mixing action with a multi-layered story about corruption, crime, and survival.

The movie features Bob Odenkirk as Sheriff Ulysses, alongside Henry Winkler as Mayor Kibner and Lena Headey as Moira, supported by a cast including Reena Jolly, Ryan Allen, Billy MacLellan, Brendan Fletcher, Peter Shinkoda, and Jess McLeod.


Who stars in Normal (2026)?

1) Bob Odenkirk as Sheriff Ulysses

Bob Odenkirk - Source: GettyBob Odenkirk - Source: Getty
Bob Odenkirk – Source: Getty

Bob Odenkirk stars as the main character, Sheriff Ulysses, in Normal (2026). He is a well-known actor, writer, and producer who has won several awards, including Primetime Emmy Awards and has been nominated in most major categories several times. Odenkirk started his career as a writer for Saturday Night Live from 1987 to 1991.

He then moved on to work on The Ben Stiller Show, where he won an Emmy for writing. Besides, he was a writer for Late Night with Conan O’Brien and an actor in The Larry Sanders Show. Odenkirk became famous for his role as Saul Goodman in Breaking Bad and its spin-off Better Call Saul, for which he was nominated multiple times for the Emmy Awards.

Besides the TV-series, he has been a part of Fargo and was also recognized for a guest role in The Bear. In the movie industry, Odenkirk has featured in Nobody and its sequel, while also having supporting roles in Little Women and The Post.

Read More: Who was Nadia Farès married to? Children and all you need to know as French actress dies aged 57

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2) Henry Winkler as Mayor Kibner

Henry Winkler- Source: GettyHenry Winkler- Source: Getty
Henry Winkler- Source: Getty

Mayor Kibner is portrayed by Henry Winkler in Normal (2026). Winkler is a seasoned actor who has enjoyed a lengthy career in television and film, earning multiple Emmy and Golden Globe awards. In the early phase of his career, Winkler gained recognition for his role as Fonzie in Happy Days, which was on air from 1974 to 1984.

This acting effort catapulted him to become a well-known figure on television. As a result, he diversified into both the media of film and television. You can see him in projects like Scream, The Waterboy, and Click.

Recently, he has been active on the small screen with roles in Arrested Development, Parks and Recreation, and Barry, the latter of which won him an Emmy Award. Besides acting, Winkler has also been a director, producer, and author. For example, he has written a children’s book series that is based on his own experiences.


3) Lena Headey as Moira

Lena Headey - Source: GettyLena Headey - Source: Getty
Lena Headey – Source: Getty

Lena Headey portrays Moira in Normal (2026). She is an English actress whose career has encompassed television and film, earning her international fame. Playing Cersei Lannister in Game of Thrones is probably Headey’s best-known work, a character for which she received several Emmy nominations and garnered great critical praise.

Additionally, she starred as Queen Gorgo in 300, one of her many cinema appearances, and The Purge is another example. She enjoys a diversified filmography featuring a variety of action, drama, and fantasy titles.

The Brothers Grimm and Imagine Me & You are among her earlier films while quite recently, television productions include Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles. Not limiting herself to live performances only, Headey has lent her voice to animated series and video games.

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The movie was released in theatres on April 17, 2026.