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Ciaron’s Star filly grabs 2026 Pierro Plate for Maher stable

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Filly Ciaron’s Star on the rise has advanced her chances for the Golden Slipper with a determined triumph in the Pierro Plate (1100m) held at Randwick, yet her handlers seek further proof of that display before entering the $5 million event.

With Tommy Berry holding a forward spot, Ciaron’s Star ($5.50) powered clear late to hold off Better By Far ($5.50) by three-quarters of a length, leaving Persian Wonder ($14) a further 1-1/4 lengths adrift in third place.

Jo Gerard-Dubord, aide to trainer Ciaron Maher, stated the victory qualifies the filly for a prime Slipper preparatory race, and replicating it would probably secure her in the globe’s wealthiest two-year-old showdown.

“You’ve got a Sweet Embrace in two weeks, a Reisling in three weeks, so we will probably look at one or the other and decide from there,” Gerard-Dubord said.

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“She is very straightforward. Mentally, very mature. She was very good first-up, naturally she improved from that. She will just keep improving.”

Maher’s string includes Magic Millions Classic champion Unit Five and second-placed Tornado Valley, key comparables for the yard’s juvenile talent pool.

Gerard-Dubord sees no clear hierarchy among their best young ones, praising the depth and quality of the group.

“We have got a very good group of two-year-olds this year,” he said.

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“I wouldn’t say there is a standout. The two Magic Millions boys, (stakes placegetter) Spicy Miss, and we’ve got a couple more coming out in the next couple of weeks.”

The Pierro Plate faced a postponed jump-off as Caloocan Beauty underwent reshoeing past the barriers and resisted loading, prompting her delayed scratch.

Ciaron’s Star navigated the interruption calmly, starting briskly to track the speed, which Berry believed was crucial to success.

“That’s how these two-year-old races are usually won. They’re won at the start and she executed herself well,” Berry said.

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“Today was all about getting the win to get her close to a Slipper, and she’s got to keep improving the way she has, but she’s heading in the right direction.”

Find the best betting markets for the race among trusted Australian betting sites on Australian betting sites.

The post Maher filly Stars to win the Pierro Plate first appeared on Just Horse Racing.

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Kansas State coach Jerome Tang gets fired “for cause” 4 days after putting players on blast vs. Cincinnati game

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Jerome Tang chewed out his players after their 91-62 blowout home loss to Cincinnati on Wednesday. Four days later, he’s been fired “for cause” from the Kansas State coaching job.

According to ESPN, the basis for the for-cause firing is language in Jerome Tang’s contract that references any activity that brings “public disrepute, embarrassment, ridicule” to Kansas State. The school’s athletic director, Gene Taylor, made a statement about the decision.

“This was a decision that was made in the best interest of our university and men’s basketball program, Taylor said.

“Recent public comments and conduct, in addition to the program’s overall direction, have not aligned with K-State’s standards for supporting student-athletes and representing the university. We wish Coach Tang and his family all the best moving forward.”

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The Kansas State Wildcats have just one win in the Big 12 Conference this season. Tang followed up the public criticism by having the team play against No. 3-ranked Houston without player names on the back of their jerseys.

“These dudes do not deserve to wear this uniform,” Tang said after the 78-64 loss to the Cougars.

“There will be very few of them in it next year. I’m embarrassed for the university, I’m embarrassed for our fans, our student section. It is ridiculous. I have no answer. No words.”

The program will shortly name an interim coach while conducting a search for a full-time leader.

Jerome Tang disagrees with “for cause” firing

The Kansas State Wildcats hired Jerome Tang on March 21, 2022. He led the program to an Elite Eight appearance in his first season. However, he could achieve similar feats in subsequent seasons with the program.

Tang does not agree with being fired “for cause”.

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“I am deeply disappointed with the university’s decision and strongly disagree with the characterization of my termination, Tang told ESPN.

“I have always acted with integrity and faithfully fulfilled my responsibilities as head coach.”

The 2023 Naismith College Coach of the Year signed a contract extension through the 2029-30 season, and there is still $18.67 million remaining on that contract. He plans to fight the for-cause firing.