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Clayton Douglas Targets 2026 Group 1s after Top Reward’s Return in Autumn Stakes

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With Top Reward, trainer Clayton Douglas nurtures Group 1 dreams for the 2026 autumn series, starting the colt’s campaign in a Stakes race at Caulfield.

The son of Shamus Award resumes in Saturday’s Group 2 Autumn Stakes (1400m), having had two spring appearances before a rest period.

Top Reward claimed his maiden win at 1500m on debut at Mornington in October, then tackled Stakes company, running third—six lengths off the winner Sheza Alibi—in November’s Group 2 Sandown Guineas (1600m) at Caulfield.

Tuesday saw Douglas join Top Reward and stablemate Mr Waterville for a gallop at Caulfield to gear up for the colt’s return this Saturday.

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Douglas envisions the Group 1 Australian Derby (2400m) in Randwick during April for Top Reward, via the 1800m Group 2 Autumn Classic at Caulfield on February 21 after his opening run.

“He’s a lovely colt. He’s got a lovely brain about him and he’s got nice ability,” Douglas said.

“It was good to get those couple of runs into him in the spring and he’s come back a more furnished colt now.

“We’ll probably look to step him up to 1800 metres second-up, which may be better for him, but he’s a lovely, clean-winded horse and I’m looking forward to seeing how he goes first-up.

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“He could be a Derby colt, but we’ll take each run as it comes, but over the next eight to 12 weeks, there are plenty of options for him, but so long as he keeps stepping up to the mark, well keep putting it to him.”

Two jump-outs have preceded Top Reward’s return, with Douglas noting the 1400m on Saturday might suit less ideally.

“He’s got good gate speed, so I wouldn’t think he would be too far away,” Douglas said.

“But there might be something that’s a bit sharper than him on Saturday but going forward he might be a horse to look out for.”

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Mr Waterville from the same stable is in contention for the 1600m benchmark 84 on Saturday, Friday’s Colac Cup (2000m), and the Listed Premier’s Plate (2006m) at Morphettville Saturday.

Yet to race for Douglas, the Irish-bred Mr Waterville was initially handled by Chris Waller in Australia.

“He trialled well here last week and to me he’s a horse that would prefer to kick off over 10 furlongs, that’s probably more suitable for him,” Douglas said.

As the hurdles season nears, Douglas pointed to potential over jumps for Mr Waterville.

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Top Reward’s Autumn Stakes clash offers plenty of value in the racing betting markets, perfect for punters.

The post Clayton Douglas looking for a Top Reward first appeared on Just Horse Racing.

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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.