Trainer Bjorn Baker has concluded a remarkable week with a significant local victory.

His rapidly improving gelding, Midnight Dynamite, triumphed in Saturday’s Listed Civic Stakes (1400m) at Royal Randwick.

This win follows closely on the heels of Overpass’s gallant third place in the King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot. Overpass is slated to compete again this week in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (1200m).

Baker, who was trackside in England for Overpass’s debut, left the horse in the skilled care of his racing manager Luke Hilton. Baker returned to Sydney on Thursday night to oversee his domestic stable.

“It was a great trip, and he ran so well, Overpass,” Baker stated. “We’ve got a pretty special horse here too in Midnight Dynamite. He is putting together a marvellous record for Darby Racing, and he was dominant today.”

Midnight Dynamite is amassing an impressive record, with eight wins from twenty career starts and three victories from his four starts this preparation.

Baker admitted that the horse’s consistent improvement has caught the stable by surprise, and he feels the four-year-old has not yet reached his peak.

“He’s been a horse who has surprised us, just how well he is going, and how he keeps improving,” he said. “When he gets in better grade, if he ever hits a really wet track, he’s going to be very tough to beat.”

The Winter Stakes (1400m) at Rosehill on July 4 is the probable next target for Midnight Dynamite, and jockey Jason Collett shares Baker’s positive assessment of the gelding’s potential for further advancement.

“He is only getting better,” Collett remarked. “This preparation he has gone to another level so that says time is a good thing for him. He ticks a lot of boxes, and he’s going through the handicaps nicely.”

Midnight Dynamite ($2.60 favourite) secured victory by 1-3/4 lengths over Whinchat ($19), who had dictated terms up front and fought on gamely, with Cool Jakey ($5) a further short neck adrift.

Looking for the best betting markets for the race? Visit our recommended betting sites.

Every four years the world’s best attacking players strut their stuff as their nations try to win football’s ultimate prize.

And even if they are not successful in lifting the World Cup, they can etch their name in history by scoring the most goals in the competition.

So how many World Cup Golden Boot winners can you name?

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Gaethje intends to defend his 155-pound title after winning at the White House

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Jun 20, 2026

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Jackson Radley completed a significant day for apprentice jockeys at Flemington on Saturday, particularly those from Tasmania, by guiding Seafall to a notable victory.

Radley continued his positive association with the mare trained by Ben, Will, and JD Hayes, securing a win in the $150,000 The David Bourke (1620m) race. This event serves as a qualifier for the $200,000 Listed Winter Championship Final, which is scheduled in two weeks’ time.

The mare’s successful run came two races after Radley had already captured the $150,000 Bruce Gadsden Handicap (1420m) aboard Stylish, a stablemate from Lindsay Park.

Both of Radley’s wins occurred after fellow Tasmanian apprentice Jabez Johnstone had celebrated victories aboard Ciaron Maher-trained favourites Decalogue and Ten Commandments.

“It definitely keeps us competitive, that’s for sure,” Radley commented on the presence of Tasmanian rivals on the mainland, where he has been based since last year.

“It’s good to do this, especially for the Lindsay Park team.

“It’s already been talked about, them leaving me on a couple of their horses in the Finals Series races and I haven’t had a good day at Flemington before, so I’m glad to get a couple of winners on the board.”

Radley was pleased the mare Seafall had the advantage of the long Flemington straight on Saturday, enabling her to secure a win in a close finish with Al Duca and Highlights, making it four wins from her last five outings.

“I always thought I was going to reel them in, but any other track than today I probably wouldn’t have got there,” he said.

Radley’s two winning rides were not longshots – Seafall was dispatched at $5.50 and Stylish at $7 – but they were less popular with the betting public than Johnstone’s mounts.

After winning the second race on the $3.40 favourite Decalogue, Johnstone then guided the day’s shortest-priced favourite, Ten Commandments ($2.10), to victory in the fifth race.

“Obviously none of this would have been possible without the support I’m getting and Ciaron Maher and his team and I can’t thank them enough,” Johnstone said.

“He’s given me really good support and put a lot of trust in me.”

Apprentices secured more than half of the Flemington races on the day. The card commenced with Ryan Houston winning aboard Fontein Jewel for Ben Brisbourne and concluded with Luke Cartwright scoring on Obvious for Greg Eurell.

Betting markets for the Winter Championship Final are now open; check out the best Australian betting sites for your wagers.

Rico Verhoeven has revealed exactly what he makes of Oleksandr Usyk‘s punching power after their battle last month.

Usyk was defending his heavyweight crown against kickboxing star Verhoeven at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, and despite it being perceived as a huge mismatch heading in, it nearly resulted in one of the biggest upsets in boxing history.

Verhoeven performed much better than most fans expected, winning a number of rounds and even being ahead on one of the official scorecards as the bout entered the 11th round.

It was in that round where Usyk was able to finally land a big shot that dropped Verhoeven, and while the Dutchman was able to get back to his feet, a further flurry in the corner led to referee Mark Lyson stopping the contest, though it wasn’t without its controversy.

Many onlookers felt the fight was stopped prematurely, and it also transpired that the bell had already rung to signal the end of the round before the stoppage occurred.

It led to an official appeal from Verhoeven, but he has since revealed that he was unsuccessful with that challenge, but is still keen to land an immediate rematch with his Ukrainian rival.

Verhoeven has now reflected on Usyk’s power in an interview with TalkSport, and even though he may have been dropped and ultimately stopped by the unified champion, the kickboxing star revealed that he has been hit harder in his career.

“He’s a very technical and intelligent fighter, and his power is good. Nothing crazy, but he has a punch on him.

“He’s not the hardest I have been hit by; that would be Semmy Schilt. He hit way harder; he was a big guy with a lot of power.”

Verhoeven met Schilt in a kickboxing battle in 2012, losing by unanimous decision. Schilt had 50 kickboxing bouts, winning 43, and while only 20 may have come by knockout, he stood at 6ft 11in and weighed over 20st, so it’s clear why his power was so noticeable.

Conor Benn continues demand his mandated shot at WBC welterweight world champion Ryan Garcia, and former three-division world champion Shane Mosley has offered his prediction for the fight.

After Garcia’s win over Mario Barrios in February to pick up the belt, the WBC confirmed Benn as mandatory challenger, despite the Brit not fighting at the weight since 2022.

Though the champion said the fight is booked for September 12 in Las Vegas, subsequent legal action from his promoter Golden Boy to block any discussions that don’t go through them has complicated plans.

If the fight does happen, there is little doubt it will be an all-action affair, and, speaking to Mill City Boxing, Mosley forecasted a stoppage win for Garcia, believing the Californian to be ‘too fast and too strong’ for the British challenger.

“I like the fight, I think that Ryan beats him because he is too fast and too strong for Conor Benn but publicity wise, in terms of selling tickets [it’s a good fight]. I think that Ryan will be the victor in that fight.”

“He might stop him, right-hand, left-hook or left-hook, right-hand – either one.”

Mosley then went on to say that Benn has not learned or improved in recent fights, and that the superior amateur pedigree of Garcia, who won 15 national championships before turning pro, will shine through on fight night.

“I think that he [Benn] has elite power and he comes for the kill. So he is elite, but he hasn’t had the [amateur] background like Ryan. He is just coming with brute power and strength and his mentality is [to be a] killer. Sometimes, you need more than that, you need the boxing skills to go along with all of that.”

“I’m thinking in terms of skill, knowing how to move backwards and forwards and just different basics that I don’t think that he has actually learned yet. He has just jumped in there and started fighting.”

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Chris Waller, the trainer, was responding to media requests after Joliestar’s narrow defeat in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (1200m) when he was informed that His Majesty, King Charles III, desired his presence.

As Almeraq’s trainer, jockey, and owner received their trophies for the sprinter’s unexpected victory, Waller, his wife Stephanie, and their children Tyler and Nikita, were introduced to the King and Queen. Even in defeat, Waller was a figure of interest.

“Aussie Tom” Marquand guides Almeraq to victory in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes, saluting at $26 fixed odds in a thrilling finish! 💰👏

A huge effort from Joliestar as well, finishing with a gallant third-place finish! 🇦🇺👏 pic.twitter.com/SxlYfmWPSH

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) June 20, 2026

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Joliestar had come extremely close to a memorable Royal Ascot win, yet Waller presented himself with the composure of a winner.

“My only fear was to make sure she brought her Australian form to Royal Ascot – and she really did, she stood up today,” Waller remarked.

“We didn’t win today but she ran very bravely. Huge accolades to the winner, it was a tough finish and she came off third best.

“But a top three finish is better than a pass mark, it is a fantastic result.”

It was English trainer William Haggas who once again thwarted Australian ambitions, as his stable’s second choice, Almeraq, a 25/1 outsider according to leading Aussie betting sites, overtook Joliestar in the final strides.

Joliestar, the Chris Waller-trained mare and 15/8 favourite, took the lead around the 400m mark and held off challengers until Almeraq, under the guidance of “Aussie” Tom Marquand, mounted a late run to secure victory by a nose.

The finish was entirely international, with the top four finishers separated by less than half a length. Japan’s Satono Reve (5/2) narrowly captured second place, Joliestar was a short head behind in third, and France’s Stolen Kiss (33/1) was another head back in fourth.

Overpass, the Bjorn Baker-trained sprinter, who had performed creditably for third in the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot on Tuesday, was unable to replicate that performance on Saturday. After leading until approximately 400 metres out, he faded to finish 13th, beaten by more than six lengths.

Waller and jockey James McDonald came close to another famous Royal Ascot triumph, but Joliestar’s narrow defeat means no mare has won the Jubilee Stakes this century, with the exception of Australia’s iconic Black Caviar in 2012.

“I think she has gained more admirers in defeat,” Waller added.

“Honestly, it is a huge relief to come all this way and have her perform at her best.

“She fought out a great finish which was typical of the week. We have seen some great finishes and unfortunately that was one of them and we have just missed out.

“The cover that we expected during the race didn’t quite eventuate and left us a little bit exposed.

“But James has done a fantastic job, he got her to bounce, got her to travel, got her to quicken.

“The winner has come off our backs but she was very brave. We did ourselves proud, we almost got it.”

McDonald, who has been widely praised by the British media for his exceptional riding at Royal Ascot this week, offered no excuses for the mare’s defeat.

“Joliestar ran superbly, I am so proud of her,” McDonald stated. “I do not really think anything could have gone better as it really unfolded well for us.”

Cambridge Stud’s Sir Brendan and Lady Jo Lindsay, who own Joliestar, were processing their mare’s narrow loss when they were also invited to meet the King and Queen.

“She has tried her best and just wasn’t quite good enough on the day,” Sir Brendan Lindsay commented.

“I came here full of hope and we have left here pretty happy. James said she slipped going down the hill and that might have been the difference because on the line she was as strong as anything.

“We would have liked to have won but we can’t be disappointed with her third.

“She tried her best and I know everyone in New Zealand and Australia are just as proud of her as we are.

“We just had a life’s experience, Jo and I just met the King and Queen. That was a real treat, a real honour. Life is not too bad.”

Haggas has achieved considerable success at Royal Ascot this week, securing four victories, with Almeraq’s Group 1 triumph being his most notable achievement.

The esteemed English trainer once again served as a spoiler, a role he has frequently adopted in Sydney in recent years.

Haggas prepared Addeybb to defeat Verry Elleegant in consecutive Queen Elizabeth Stakes races in 2020 and 2021. Two years later, Haggas returned with Dubai Honour to win the Queen Elizabeth, ending Anamoe’s winning streak.

Verry Elleegant was the reigning Australian Horse of the Year when beaten by Addeybb in 2021, and Anamoe secured the coveted title after his loss to Dubai Honour.

Lake Forest, a name familiar to Australian racing followers, achieved an upset victory in the Golden Eagle two years ago. He finished a close fifth to stablemate Almeraq in the Jubilee Stakes.

Haggas informed Racing And Sports that Almeraq is unlikely to be a target for the $20 million The Everest at Royal Randwick on October 17.

“I doubt that would be a target for this horse. You never say never but there are some good sprints here at home we can look at,” Haggas said of Almeraq.

Haggas revealed that Almeraq’s racing career has been marked by a severe fall the sprinter sustained in a race at York last year, resulting in jockey Jim Crowley sustaining serious injuries.

Almeraq only resumed racing with a narrow victory in the Listed Cathedral Stakes at Salisbury last month, but he displayed dominant form at Royal Ascot.

“As you know, Almeraq had a fall at York last year and poor Jim [Crowley] got injured,” Haggas recounted.

“Almeraq was pretty shook up after York. It is quite hard to fall in a race like that at speed, and for a young horse going at speed it was difficult, but we gave him a lot of time. Now, it is onwards and upwards.”

In the background, Waller continued his media interviews. His consistent message was that Joliestar had been brave, he was proud of her effort, and the Royal Ascot experience was highly memorable.

Waller was then invited to Royal Ascot’s distinguished winner’s room for a celebratory drink. Despite the defeat, Waller was a highly sought-after figure.

Given the thrilling nature of the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes, the racing odds for future Group 1 contests will be closely watched by many.

  Netherlands close to qualification
 

The Dutch are now in the strongest position in the group after their emphatic 5-1 victory over Sweden.

With four points already secured, Ronald Koeman’s side need only avoid defeat against Tunisia in their final group match to guarantee automatic qualification.

A victory over Tunisia would almost certainly secure top spot in Group F regardless of results elsewhere.

Sweden still control their destiny

Despite suffering a heavy defeat against the Netherlands, Sweden remain firmly in the qualification race.

The Scandinavians have three points from two matches and know that victory against Japan in their final fixture would take them to six points and guarantee progression to the Round of 32.

Even a draw could potentially be enough depending on results elsewhere and the ranking of third-placed teams.

However, the 5-1 defeat has damaged Sweden’s goal difference, which could become important later.

Japan’s opportunity arrives

Japan have played only one match so far and remain in a promising position despite drawing with the Netherlands.

The Samurai Blue face Tunisia before their final showdown against Sweden.

If Japan defeat Tunisia, they would move to four points and place themselves in an excellent position to qualify.

Two positive results from their remaining matches could even see them challenge for top spot in the group.

Tunisia face a must-win situation

Tunisia’s heavy opening defeat to Sweden has left them with little margin for error.

The North Africans must first defeat Japan to keep their qualification hopes alive.

Failure to win would leave them needing a miracle on the final matchday and potentially relying on third-place calculations.

A victory over Japan, however, would completely reopen the group and set up a dramatic final round.

Why tiebreakers could be crucial

One of the biggest changes at the 2026 World Cup is that FIFA now prioritises head-to-head results before overall goal difference.

If teams finish level on points, the order of tiebreakers is:

Step 1: Head-to-head criteria 

Points earned in matches between tied teams

Goal difference in those matches

Goals scored in those matches

Step 2: Overall group performance 

Goal difference

Goals scored

Fair-play record

Step 3 

FIFA World Ranking

This means direct encounters such as Japan vs Sweden could effectively become knockout matches, with the head-to-head result carrying greater weight than overall goal difference.

Group F outlook

The Netherlands have placed one foot in the Round of 32 after their dominant display against Sweden, but the battle for the remaining places is far from settled.

Japan still have the advantage of a game in hand, Sweden know a win likely sends them through, and Tunisia retain an outside chance of mounting a comeback.