One of the most hilarious viral moments over the weekend was Caitlin Clark’s reaction to Reggie Miller comparing her to Payton Pritchard. Some people thought that it was disrespectful coming from an Indiana legend, while others just can’t stop teasing Clark on social media.
In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, it seemed like Clark was feeding into her memeable reaction to the comparison. She retweeted a post by the NBA showing Pritchard’s midrange basket against the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night. She also dropped a few smirking emojis just for fun.
“😏😏😏,” Clark tweeted.
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While Payton Pritchard is not a bad comparison since he can shoot the basketball, Caitlin Clark has usually been compared to Steph Curry. Clark has range, though her court vision is an underrated part of her game. She led the WNBA in assists as a rookie.
Clark failed to show off her improvement in her second season in the league due to injuries. She was limited to just 13 games after suffering multiple muscle-related injuries, mainly to her hamstring and groin. She also had a sprained ankle while recovering from a groin injury that kept her from returning for the playoffs.
The Indiana Fever went to the WNBA semifinals without her, pushing the eventual champions Las Vegas Aces, to five games. Even Game 5 was a nailbiter, with the Aces needing overtime to dispatch an injury-plagued Fever squad.
Clark returned to the court last December after being invited by Team USA to participate in a mini-camp as part of their preparation for this year’s World Cup.
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Sophie Cunningham reacts to Caitlin Clark’s reaction to Reggie Miller’s comparison
Caitlin Clark was a guest analyst on NBC Sports’ “Sunday Night Basketball” over the weekend. Clark helped cover the LA Lakers vs. New York Knicks matchup, alongside NBA legends such as Reggie Miller, Carmelo Anthony, Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady.
Speaking on the “Show Me Something” podcast, Sophie Cunningham shared her honest reaction to Caitlin Clark’s analyst debut, as well as Miller’s comp.
“First of all, I think she did a really good job,” Cunningham said, according to Sports Illustrated. “She was a natural up there. … I mean, she’s a dweeb. She knows the game, so that’s no shock.”
Cunningham added that Miller didn’t compare Clark to Payton Pritchard as a sign of disrespect. It was a genuine take from the Indiana Pacers legend. Miller even called Clark the best shooter in Indiana history, over himself and Tyrese Haliburton.
While most football fans are excited to see the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks match up in Super Bowl LX, there is one fan base that could be staring at this game as the worst matchup possible.
The New York Jets haven’t seen the playoffs in 15 years, the worst mark of any professional sports team in the U.S. And fans certainly weren’t happy to see a 3-14 finish in the first season under head coach Aaron Glenn.
But to make matters worse, the Patriots, their AFC East rival who were with them with back-to-back four-win seasons, turned around quickly with Mike Vrabel at the helm and Drake Maye turning into an MVP candidate in just his second season.
Sam Darnold of the Seattle Seahawks walks on the field after the NFC Championship NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, in Seattle. The Seattle Seahawks won 31-27 against the Los Angeles Rams.(Getty Images)
The Jets and their fan base spent years being tormented by Tom Brady and the Patriots, and to have New England back in the “Big Game” this quickly isn’t ideal.
Then, on the other sideline in Santa Clara will be the Seahawks, the No. 1 seed in the NFC this year led by quarterback Sam Darnold — the Jets’ No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Darnold is the first quarterback from that draft, which included Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson and Baker Mayfield, to reach the Super Bowl. Jets fans pictured Darnold wearing the green and white, beating the Patriots on his way to the Super Bowl.
Things never turned out that way for Gang Green, but one former Jets quarterback believes there’s only one way for fans to root for something in this Super Bowl.
“I think there’s probably a lot of people that are still rooting for Sam,” Ryan Fitzpatrick told Fox News Digital, while discussing his trip to Aruba with his wife, Liza, after partnering with the Aruba Tourism Authority.
“Sam would be the first to say he didn’t play well enough, but it’s very hard when there’s not an infrastructure and people around you to be successful as a quarterback in this league. I think Jets fans should be happy and proud to see Sam come out on the other side, because it’s not easy.”
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Sam Darnold of the New York Jets looks on during a game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on Dec. 20, 2020 in Inglewood, California.(Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Darnold’s time in New York lasted only three seasons despite his draft selection, culminating in up-and-down weeks and unfortunate memes, including his most infamous against the Patriots where he said he was seeing “ghosts” on the field.
After stints with the Carolina Panthers and San Francisco 49ers, Darnold was able to rekindle his career in Minnesota, leading the Vikings to a 14-win season last year. That allowed him the chance to pick where he wanted to go in free agency this past offseason, and he chose the Seahawks after they traded away Geno Smith.
Darnold clearly made the right move.
If Fitzpatrick were still a Jets fan — he actively roots for the Buffalo Bills, the team he played for before joining New York — it would be easy to root for Darnold’s success.
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But even though Fitzpatrick himself was beaten by the Patriots for years during his career, he does find himself reluctantly rooting for them on Sunday.
“The hard thing for me in this one, I mean I’ve hated the Patriots forever. Even though I was in Boston, I was at Harvard, they had a good, little run while I was there. I was still never a Patriots fan, and then it’s like I spent eight years of my career in the AFC East just getting beat up by them every single year,” he explained. “The fact that they’re good again and find themselves back in the Super Bowl after Tom leaving and Bill leaving, and now having Mike Vrabel and Drake Maye.
Ryan Fitzpatrick on set during the TNF on Prime pregame show prior to an NFL football game between the Denver Broncos and the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on Dec. 25, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri.(Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
“It’s a hard realization, but I love Mike Vrabel so much. I was with him in Houston, I get to play golf with him at the American Century in [Lake] Tahoe every summer. He’s a great dude. I love his family, I love his kids, I love him. So, actually, I feel like I’m rooting for New England in this game, which pains me to say.”
ONE HAPPY ISLAND, ONE HAPPY FITZ
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After a long football season, Fitzpatrick and his wife, Liza, visited Aruba for some well-earned relaxation to reset and recharge before the Super Bowl.
He partnered with the Aruba Tourism Authority, which showcases the island’s commitment to responsible tourism, which includes protecting the island’s natural environment, celebrating local culture and inviting guests to travel mindfully through the Aruba Promise and Guest Guidelines.
Fitzpatrick did that and loved every minute of it, as he experienced the outdoor lifestyle that Aruba, nicknamed “One Happy Island,” has to offer.
Ryan Fitzpatrick and his wife, Liza, enjoyed their time in Aruba after the 2025 NFL season.(Aruba Tourism Authority)
“My wife and I — seven kids. So, we very rarely get away. So, when we get away, we gotta make sure it’s the right spot, and this one hit. It has the white-sand beaches, it has the resort, which is great. But it also has the adventure. I’m not a guy that likes to just sit on the beach and get the tan all day long. There was hiking, we were swimming in a natural pool, we went and searched some caves a little bit.
“The great thing for my wife and I, right away you feel relaxed. Then, we come home and there is this air of happiness and rejuvenation that we’re feeling. It stayed with us.”
The timing of Everton’s decision comes as a surprise, just hours after the transfer deadline closed and they added Roma midfielder Zara Kramzar to their ranks.
Sorensen has been involved in recruitment and many of their additions over the past two windows have suited his requests.
But the feeling a change of direction was needed has been lingering at Everton for several months.
Supporters have grown increasingly frustrated by their performances with Sorensen seemingly still unsure on his best XI and often using players out of position.
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His experimental style has been effective before and he should be praised for his management last season when Everton’s injury crisis left a thin squad amid a time when the club were awaiting the completion of the Friedkin Group takeover.
However, expectations grew this year when investment came, signings were made and the squad had enough quality to be challenging further up the table.
They have been dragged into an unnecessary relegation battle and Everton have acted now in the hope that they can do enough to stabilise their position before rebuilding in the summer.
Sorensen’s overall time at Everton has shown his capabilities as a coach but the inability to field a consistent team has harmed his progression.
CSR:
Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores watches from the sideline during the NFC Wild Card matchup against the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, as the postseason unfolded on Jan. 13, 2025. The moment captured Flores overseeing Minnesota’s defensive adjustments amid playoff pressure, with communication and situational control at a premium throughout the game. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
Brian Flores will return to the Minnesota Vikings in 2026 as the defensive coordinator, and while he cooks that meal on defense, he might just get to buy the groceries. With general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah out as general manager, Flores is expected to have a significant personnel impact in free agency and the draft.
If Minnesota leans defense early, Flores’ fingerprints could be all over the March plan and April board.
Minnesota signed Flores to a monster extension and will have to earn it by obtaining the right players.
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Brian Flores Could Wield Rare Roster Influence in 2026
Rejoice: Flores is back — with more power.
Minnesota defensive coordinator Brian Flores tracks the action from the sideline during the second half as the Vikings faced the Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Oct. 6, 2024, managing calls and communication in a rare London setting while Minnesota navigated crowd noise, travel fatigue, and the challenges of an international regular-season game environment. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Kwesi Disharmony
Star Tribune‘s Ben Goessling noted on Adofo-Mensah last weekend, “Adofo-Mensah’s background led some around the NFL to view him with skepticism, and he acknowledged several times during his tenure that he was learning on the job, in everything from player evaluation to leading his front-office staff.”
“Rob Brzezinski stepped in to assist in some trade negotiations, while coach Kevin O’Connell served as an emissary during tense discussions such as Danielle Hunter’s 2023 hold-in. Sources spoke of frustration from the team’s scouting staff and from defensive coordinator Brian Flores, who let his contract expire before signing a new deal Jan. 21.”
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Folks had wondered for months why the Vikings hadn’t signed Flores to an extension. It now appears that he wasn’t necessarily fond of Adofo-Mensah.
Goessling added, “The Vikings’ lack of draft success seemed to be a constant stressor, leaving the roster without the depth it needed to weather injuries and forcing Brzezinski to cover draft mistakes with cleverly structured contracts that were lucrative enough to woo players to Minnesota without putting the Vikings back in cap purgatory.”
Adofo-Mensah did not draft well, the Vikings must hit on rookies as soon as this April, the team will not hire a new general manager until after the draft, and Flores might be the last man standing to make the call when Minnesota is on the clock.
Think about it: Who else would it be?
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Flores a De Facto Defensive GM?
Without the buck-stops-here guy — Adofo-Mensah from 2022 to 2025 with his general manager title — drafting defensive players or finding them in free agency is now up to Brzezinski, O’Connell, and Flores. Well, take one wild guess who’s the best defensive mind of the trio. It is, of course, Flores.
Brzezinski does not have an advanced personnel background, at least compared to his capologist magic. O’Connell will presumably run the show on offense, and that leaves Flores for defense.
It’s actually a coach’s dream — the ability to pick his players for his scheme. While other coordinators might have input, Flores may now has the keys to the city. No wonder he returned to Minnesota.
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Follow the Money
How is this theory plausible? It’s the money. Minnesota will pay $6 million per year, a record-shattering sum and one deserved for a coach who habitually fosters Top 3 defenses. Why would a coordinator get so much? Foremost, there’s the production. He immediately transformed Minnesota’s defense into a contender from the jump when hired in 2023.
Then, it just makes sense that the guy who’s pulling down the supreme coordinator contract would take on quasi-general manager responsibilities. He probably loves it, but think about it: if the franchise needs Flores to determine the right players from free agency and the draft, shouldn’t he be paid extra handsomely for his services? That’s how the world works.
Flores’ new giant contract reflects that of a man who is about to lead a Top 5 defense and choose the right players from free agency and the draft.
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New England linebackers coach Brian Flores patrols the sideline during the AFC Championship matchup against Jacksonville at Gillette Stadium on Jan 21, 2018, observing defensive alignments and situational responses as the Patriots battled for a Super Bowl berth in a tense, weather-influenced postseason environment with constant pressure from a physical Jaguars offense throughout the night. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
NBC Sports‘ Mile Florio noted on Flores’s salary: “Because coaching pay lacks the transparency of player pay, it’s impossible to know with certainty how much anyone makes. It was reported that Raiders offensive coordinator Chip Kelly received $6 million per year. Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio makes $4.5 million annually.”
“With Kelly now fired, those numbers would make Flores the highest-paid coordinator in the league. Minnesota’s willingness to spend that much on Flores may help explain the reluctance of the Cowboys to enter the bidding. Yes, we’d be surprised by the amount of the check that owner Jerry Jones would write to guarantee a Super Bowl win. We’d be surprised, because it’s so small.”
Translation to … Who in the Draft?
Let’s pretend that Flores gets his way, and the Vikings spend their 1st-Round pick — No. 18 — on a defensive player. Flores will have options. These players might blend the best player available at No. 18 and the club’s long-term roster need:
CJ Allen (LB, Georgia)
Caleb Banks (DT, Florida)
Brandon Cisse (CB, South Carolina)
Mansoor Delane (CB, LSU)
Colton Hood (CB, Tennessee)
Kayden McDonald (DT, Ohio State)
Jermod McCoy (CB, Tennessee)
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (S, Toledo)
Sonny Styles (LB, Ohio State)
Aveion Terrell (CB, Clemson)
Dillon Thieneman (S, Oregon)
Peter Woods (DT, Clemson)
LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane celebrates following a second-half play against Clemson at Memorial Stadium on Aug 30, 2025, reacting to a pivotal moment as the Tigers tested coverage discipline, composure, and athleticism during an early-season road environment charged with intensity and momentum swings from both sidelines under national attention and crowd noise pressure applied. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images
Cornerbacks, especially, will be plentiful at Minnesota’s spot, and the franchise hasn’t successfully drafted one in 11 years.
The Minnesota Vikings finished the 2024 season with a record of 14-3 and a playoff spot. They finished the 2025 season 9-8 and on the outside looking in at the playoffs. They have spent some time since being eliminated looking inward to divine what went wrong. And late last week they decided that at least part of the blame goes to general manager Kwesi Adolfo-Mensah—despite receiving a new contract before the season began.
Kwesi was relieved of his duties on January 30. And while the disappointing 2025 campaign was not all his fault, by any stretch of this imagination, plenty of blame can be laid at his feet. Since becoming the GM in 2022, Kwesi has produced uneven drafts at best and woefully unproductive ones annually. He made risky trades with division rivals, left holes in the roster that required plenty of free agents to fill, depleted the team’s depth with spotty drafting while producing the oldest roster last season and spending near the most money over the salary cap coming into the next one.
When you throw in some rumored/reported in-fighting with other members of the Vikings staff, it sounds like the timing of the firing (which many pundits were confused by) comes later than it perhaps should have. In fact, at least one of
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the fellas at the Vikings Territory Breakdown podcast, Joe Oberle, senior writer at vikingsterritory.com and purplePTSD.com and Mark Craig, NFL and Vikings writer for the Star Tribune and startribune.com) put Kwesi on the hot seat shortly after the team was eliminated from post season play. So, now without a new GM yet named, the Vikings begin again. Tune in to check out our discussion of it all. Skol!
Listen to Vikings Territory Breakdown here or on your favorite podcast network.
Joe Oberle is a veteran sportswriter/editor/reporter and has covered the Vikings since 2008. The author of three books, he … More about Joe Oberle
Tyson Fury is eyeing up another return to the top of heavyweight boxing, with his comeback fight against Arslanbek Makhmudov formally announced. Now, Derek Chisora has named the man whom he believes should be in in his corner, rather than current trainer SugarHill Steward.
Fury underwent a two-and-a-half year hiatus after defeating Wladimir Klitschko to win the unified heavyweight world titles in 2015, piling on the pounds and making a return to the throne seem impossible.
However, with the help of Ben Davison, Fury reduced his weight and went unbeaten in five contests within 15 months, which included a draw in a legendary clash with Deontay Wilder when bidding for the WBC heavyweight crown.
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Although, for the rematch with the American, the 6’9” Briton switched trainer, appointing SugarHill Steward and adopting the front-footed ‘Kronk’ style of fighting.
This led to a sensational display where a new-look Fury knocked Wilder out in a performance for the ages, to reclaim the heavyweight throne in impressive fashion back in 2020.
Since then, Fury has remained with Steward, including for the two consecutive defeats to Oleksandr Usyk in 2024, which put an end to Fury’s undefeated record and led to his retirement.
In an interview with Seconds Out, Chisora explained that he believes Fury requires another change of approach and suggested that he should re-appoint Peter Fury, in an attempt to rediscover the style that he used to defeat Klitschko over a decade ago.
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“He needs to go back to his uncle. Go to Peter Fury and he will get that [herky-jerky style back]. He needs to get rid of SugarHill [Steward] and get back to his uncle, if he wants to get that [style], the way he won the world title.”
After a 100% winning start in his interim role, Michael Carrick is now odds-on to lead Manchester United into the first match of the Premier League season according to bookies Betfred
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Michael Carrick’s future at Old Trafford seems to be secured for the foreseeable if the bookies is anything to go. The former midfielder has succeeded Ruben Amorim on an interim basis and has resurged Man United form to now find themselves going into the weekend looking for their fourth successive win.
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The football has improved drastically and there seems to be a harmony along Sir Matt Busby Way which has not been seen or heard for what feels like forever. Since losing to Brighton, under Darren Fletcher’s interim, in the FA Cup third round – securing their shortest season in more than 100 years – United have gone to beat Man City, Arsenal and Fulham in the Premier League and are due to face Tottenham Hotspur at home this weekend too.
Confidence has reached a level that United have not seen in a while as they sit in the top 4 places which is something they failed to achieve at all last season. Bookies Betfred now has Carrick – a former Spurs player himself – lined up to lead the team out at the start of next season at 8/11 and in the lead by some margin ahead of the other candidates potentially lined up for the job.
Betfred’s Robert Ford said: “Punters continue to back Michael Carrick to be managing Manchester United next season as his price continues to be slashed after starting his tenure as interim boss with three successive victories. Carrick remained at even money after the club’s late win against Fulham on Sunday before returning to odds-on at 4/6 on Tuesday. This morning his price has been cut again into 8/11.
“Outgoing Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner continues to be Carrick’s closest rival in the market, despite drifting out to 7s from 5/1. Current England boss Thomas Tuchel and former Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate, have both been pushed out from 12/1 from 10s and have been joined at the same price by Marseille’s Roberto De Zerbi, who’s been cut from 16s.
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“The victory against Fulham has resulted in Manchester United having their odds slashed to finish in the top four this season, as they’ve been cut into even money from 11/8 to return to the Champions League next season, with Arsenal, Manchester City, Aston Villa and Liverpool still ahead of them in the odds.”
Next Man United Manager odds
Michael Carrick – 8/11
Oliver Glasner – 7/1
Gareth Southgate – 12/1
Roberto De Zerbi – 12/1
Thomas Tuchel – 12/1
Julian Nagelsmann – 16/1
Mauricio Pochettino – 16/1
Unai Emery – 16/1
Xabi Alonso – 20/1
Andoni Iraola – 25/1
Enzo Maresca – 25/1
Luis Enrique – 25/1
Marco Silva – 25/1
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – 25/1
Xavi Hernandez – 25/1
Eddie Howe – 33/1
Kieran McKenna – 33/1
Zinedine Zidane – 33/1
18+ | Gamble responsibly |gambleaware.org| Odds subject to change | Odds supplied by Betfred
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Resilient galloper Sandpaper has added another black-type victory to his record, leading throughout to claim the Listed Carrington Stakes at Randwick for trainer Bjorn Baker and syndicator Darby Racing.
Given a perfect ride by Nash Rawiller, Sandpaper was heavily supported into $2.70 favouritism and proved too strong late, holding off stablemate Thunderlips ($14) by a long neck, with Matcha Latte ($6.50) finishing third.
The win followed a midfield effort in The Buffering (1400m) at Eagle Farm, a run Baker’s racing manager Luke Hilton felt had plenty of merit.
“He was really tough in Brisbane. He never got any peace. They were three-wide attacking him the whole way and I thought he held his own and boxed on really well,” Hilton said.
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“Bjorn just gave him that bit of extra time between runs when he came back, and he looked fantastic in the yard.
“His work during the week was super and Nash gets on with him well.”
Rawiller completed a treble on the program, having earlier partnered Promitto and Kingdom Undersiege to victory.
The jockey admitted there was a nervous moment when the challengers loomed in the straight, but Sandpaper refused to give in.
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“He’s a tough bugger,” Rawiller said.
“The way they all got to him at the top of the rise, I thought geez, I’ve been a bit pretty here.
“But I think they get tired chasing him and when he gave that kick, he is just so tough and honest.
“The stablemate probably had him there at the hundred and I think they had a little chat together and he said, ‘mate, you’re not getting past me’.”
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Those assessing the Carrington Stakes form can review the latest betting markets for the race following the Randwick feature.
Oregon OT commits Drew Fielder and Avery Michael both probably have a ways to go before they will be starters for the Ducks.
Brian Smith breaks down their film.
On today’s episode of Locked On Ducks, Jay Stephens of ‘Locked On Buckeyes’ joins to talk about DB transfer Aaron Scott Jr.
Is he a lock to start at the outside corner?
Oregon LB Bryce Boettcher was the leader of the defense in 2025 as the “quarterback of the defense” for the Ducks. Who will jump into that role in 2026?
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04:13 “Weight vs. Athleticism in Linemen” 10:00 Oregon Recruiting Linemen for Athleticism 13:28 Aaron Scott Jr.’s Immediate Impact 19:35 Debating Cornerback Position Fit 25:14 Linebacker Leadership and Future Picks 30:25 Malik Benson’s Iconic Moments
John Virgo, the legendary snooker player and commentator, has died at the age of 79.
Virgo was one of the best snooker players in the world during the 1970s and 1980s, winning the UK Championship in 1979 and reaching the semi-finals of the World Championship the same year.
But he truly became a household name after retiring from playing, starring alongside host Jim Davidson in hit snooker gameshow Big Break and becoming perhaps the sport’s most well-known commentator – with his iconic catchphrase “where’s the cueball going?” being instantly recognisable.
He was commentating for the BBC as recently as last month at the Masters but passed away at his home in Spain, as confirmed by the World Snooker Tour (WST).
“Everyone at World Snooker Tour is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of legendary snooker player and broadcaster John Virgo, aged 79,” WSt said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones. Rest in peace, JV.”
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Tributes soon began pouring in for one of snooker’s best-loved figures, led by a touching note from World Seniors Snooker chairman Jason Francis.
John Virgo was one of the best snooker players in the world during his pomp (Getty Images)
Virgo (right) then became even better known presenting Big Break alongside Jim Davidson (PA)
Francis wrote: “Heart breaking to share the news that we’ve lost the great ‘JV’ John Virgo this morning, he passed away in Spain.
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“Rosie and Brooke-Leah would like everyone to know. Our hearts go out to them both, Gary and the grandchildren.
“JV was doing what he loved to do right up until the end, entertaining everyone. Such an important person in my life but in our sport in general. An amazingly loyal friend to me, and someone you felt was sat with you at the match when he was commentating on TV.”
Big Break host Davidson was also quick to add his best wishes following the news.
“Heartbroken to hear that my great mate John Virgo has passed away at 79. What a character, what a talent,” Davidson wrote on Instagram. “From our time together on Big Break, to the snooker commentary chair, you brought so much joy to so many. Rest easy, John. You will be missed.”
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Virgo (right) commentated on snooker for the BBC for many years (PA)
And Virgo’s BBC commentary colleague Joe Perry described him as “one of the best people” in snooker.
Perry said: “Absolutely gutted to hear the very sad news that John Virgo has passed away. Without doubt one of the best people I’ve ever met through snooker.
“It was always an honour to work alongside him and a pleasure to be in his company. Thoughts go out to his friends and family. What a horrible day! RIP JV.”
John O’Shea admits Napoleonic has a significant task in the Group 3 Eskimo Prince Stakes (1200m) scheduled for Rosehill this Saturday in 2026.
The Wootton Bassett colt, from a late champion sire, confirmed his elite status with a 4-¼ length thrashing in the Group 3 Red Anchor Stakes (1200m) on Cox Plate day.
With Tom Charlton as co-trainer, O’Shea rested the Pinecliff Racing-owned colt after that win and reports strong maturation, highlighted by a recent Randwick trial victory.
“He’s great, I’m really happy with him,” O’Shea said.
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“He’s trialled up well and made a bit of psychical improvement from last season so we’re looking forward to Saturday.
Satisfied with the return to track work, O’Shea notes the Eskimo Prince Stakes and Autumn pursuits will test Napoleonic anew, especially versus benchmark Tempted.
“She’s the benchmark,” O’Shea said.
“She should’ve nearly won an Everest. In terms of 1200 metre sprinters in Australia, especially three-year-olds, there’s none better than her.
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So we’re respectful of her, and we know that we’re going to have to be right at the best of our game to be competitive.”
O’Shea anticipates less flair than the Red Anchor but values the gauge on Napoleonic versus top three-year-olds.
“That was his day, fourth up, he’d had a good foundation going into it,” O’Shea said.
“It was a good day for him to let rip. Saturday is a bit different, he’s got a long campaign ahead, so whatever he does he’ll improve off, but he’s done enough work to run well.
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The stable’s strategy for Napoleonic allows versatility, even eyeing Brisbane Winter carnival options.
Is he a lock to start at the outside corner? 
