Entry into a revered trainers’ group beckons for Danny O’Brien as Closer To Free tackles Saturday’s Golden Slipper.

Winning the $5 million Group 1 Rosehill feature would let the Melbourne mentor fulfil the Australian racing Grand Slam.

No other trainer in Australia matches Chris Waller’s haul of the Golden Slipper, Melbourne Cup, Caulfield Cup and Cox Plate.

David Hayes, now Hong Kong-based, is the lone other active completer.

Lee Freedman joins deceased legends Bart Cummings, Tommy Smith, Colin Hayes, Jack Denham and Maurice McCarten as the others.

The eight achievers all grace the Australian Racing Hall of Fame, fuelling O’Brien’s anticipation for his top tilt at the richest two-year-old race worldwide.

“You don’t get many opportunities in a Slipper, because you’ve got to have the right horse,” O’Brien said.

“We haven’t had that many of them, so it’d be fantastic if we could tick that last box.”

Post his 2019 Melbourne Cup with Vow And Declare that sealed Melbourne’s Slam segment, O’Brien skipped Golden Slipper fields.

Master O’Reilly delivered his 2007 Caulfield Cup, Shamus Award the 2013 Cox Plate.

O’Brien’s single prior Golden Slipper brush was Running Tall’s 11th at $41 behind Sepoy in 2011.

Through the season’s opening stretch, O’Brien expected 2026 sidelines, until Closer To Free joined early February.

Bought for $60,000 at last Inglis Classic Sale, the Street Boss colt debuted for Wangaratta’s Adrian Corboy, transferring post Sean Buckley’s buy after January 29 Caulfield trial.

Late $150,000 fee on Monday earned his Golden Slipper spot despite missing early entries.

Other late entries: Magic Night Stakes winner Pembrey and Black Opal champ Music Time.

Qualification stemmed from Group 1 Blue Diamond runner-up finish after Group 3 Blue Diamond Prelude debut success.

Since February 21 Blue Diamond, he’s Sydney-based from month’s start, excelling in March 10’s 1030m Rosehill trial.

Saturday’s rider Jamie Melham trialled him, impressing O’Brien with the colt’s unflappable Sydney transition.

“He travelled up well, he’s settled well, he trialled well and he’s a very straight-forward colt,” he said.

“Nothing seems to bother him. Everything he does, he just takes in his stride. He’s got a great attitude.

“Jamie Melham jumped on him for the first time the other morning and she was very impressed with him.

“We just need, hopefully, a nice enough barrier and we’ll see what the weather does, but there’s not too many boxes left to tick with him. He’s ready to go.”

Barrier draw Tuesday morning sets the Golden Slipper field, Closer To Free at $11 all-in.

Discover competitive racing betting markets ahead of the Golden Slipper showdown.

MIAMI — The Venezuela offense was held at bay for six innings, but then the big rally happened in the seventh and for the first time in the history of the event, Venezuela is going to the finals of the World Baseball Classic. It won on the strength of a three-run seventh inning by the final score of 4-2 over the Cinderella story that was Italy.

Here’s what to know about the Monday night semifinal as we also look ahead to Tuesday’s championship game pitting Venezuela against Team USA. 

Italy’s duo of starters worked for six innings

Italy decided to go with Aaron Nola as the starter in this one and then use its No. 2 starter, Michael Lorenzen, in relief. This meant that if Italy was able to win, it would be using a bullpen game in the finals against USA, a pretty dicey proposition. It almost worked. Through six innings, the only run for Venezuela came on a solo homer from Eugenio Suárez and, well, he does that. The philosophy for Italy manager Francisco Cervelli was clearly that you have to get to the finals first before figuring out how to pitch in the finals. Things worked out well for most of the game and just fell off the rails late …

That seventh inning rally

The leadoff walk to Gleyber Torres was innocent enough, especially given that Lorenzen struck out the next two batters. Then a hit-and-run worked perfectly as Jackson Chourio singled up the middle. That put runners at first and third for Ronald Acuña Jr. He hit a grounder in the hole to the right of shortstop Sam Antonacci, who couldn’t make the play. That gave Acuña an infield single along with the game-tying RBI. Maikel Garcia followed with a single to take the lead and then Luis Arraez singled home another run. Just like that, Venezuela had a 4-2 lead.

Venezuela’s bullpen was huge

The two runs Italy scored in the third inning were due mostly to three straight walks from Venezuela starting pitcher Keider Montero. Once Montero was removed from the game, the Venezuelan bullpen completely dominated the Italian offense — which had been among the most powerful offenses in the WBC prior to Monday. A tip of the cap to Ricardo Sánchez, Luinder Avila, Angel Zerpa, Eduard Bazardo, Andrés Machado and Daniel Palencia for their stellar work. They combined for 7 ⅔ innings of scoreless ball, only allowing three hits. 

USA sends Nolan McLean to mound

The Venezuela lineup isn’t quite as scary looking as the Dominican Republic lineup on paper, but it’s pretty stout. Acuña, Garcia and Arraez start things off before Suárez in the cleanup spot. The lineup is so loaded that William Contreras hits eighth, Chourio hits ninth and Willson Contreras is a bench player. Salvador Perez wasn’t in the lineup Monday either. 

McLean has only made eight career MLB starts, but he was dominant in those starts. It’s bound to be a very fun matchup of power vs. power. 

Venezuela to start Eduardo Rodríguez

The USA offense is loaded with power. Bobby Witt Jr. will hit leadoff before Bryce Harper, Aaron Judge and Kyle Schwarber. Cal Raleigh, who hit 60 homers last season, has batted either sixth or seventh when he’s in the lineup. Pete Crow-Armstrong, who was a 30-30 guy last year, hits ninth. The bench is loaded, too. 

Rodríguez is a capable MLB pitcher who once finished sixth in Cy Young voting. He has posted an ERA north of 5.00 each of the last two seasons, however. He was last a good starting pitcher in a full season in 2023. 

Then again, the USA lineup has been shut down by some pitchers in the WBC that one wouldn’t think would shut them down, such as Lorenzen in the Italy game in pool play. It’s just one game. Anything can happen and Rodríguez has talent and MLB pedigree. He also has World Series experience (2018 with the Red Sox), so the gigantic stage shouldn’t be an issue.

The bullpen issue for Venezuela

Thanks to tournament rules, Team USA, having played Sunday and getting the day off Monday, has a pitching advantage. Every USA pitcher is technically eligible to pitch. Venezuela, meanwhile, will be limited by back-to-back rules.

It doesn’t quite seem fair to have a setup like this, but those are the rules and that’s how everything shook out. Advantage USA on this one. 

Apologies in advance, a power outage has put a damper on the night at Pensburgh HQ but nothing could slow the Penguins on this night. Pittsburgh went into the NHL’s best team’s barn and took a monster 7-2 win.

There were a couple changes in the lineup; Evgeni Malkin returned from suspension, as expected. Less expected was Justin Brazeau’s quick return from injury, helping to spell for Blake Lizotte leaving the lineup for this game due to an injury of his own.

Manchester City have a couple of injury worries ahead of their Champions League round of 16 second leg vs Real Madrid

Pep Guardiola kept his Manchester City team firmly under wraps when he spoke to the media ahead of the Champions League round of 16 second leg against Real Madrid. The City boss confirmed he had already picked 10 of the 11 players who will start Tuesday night but did not mention any names.

Erling Haaland appeared to tweak his groin in the draw at West Ham on Saturday but he was able to finish the match so he should be fit. As for the visitors, they could welcome Kylian Mbappe to their starting line-up this evening.

The Frenchman returned to training in Madrid on Monday and has travelled to England. Jude Bellingham has also been included in the squad to take on the Blues.

Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our City WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. You can also join our City Facebook page by clicking HERE and don’t miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.

With this in mind, MEN Sport has taken a closer look at the City injury news.

John Stones

Injury: Ankle

The England international has struggled with injuries. He felt his ankle in training so was left out of the West Ham game as a precaution. Stones started a week ago at Newcastle in the FA Cup and should be back in the squad for Tuesday.

Potential return date: March 17 vs Real Madrid

Rico Lewis

Injury: Ankle

Lewis was pictured training with the squad last week but did not make the trip to Madrid or the London Stadium. “Rico still has a little bit of swelling in the ankle,” said Guardiola ahead of the trip to West Ham.

Potential return date: March.

Savinho

Injury: Hamstring

The winger was taken off at half time in the defeat to Real Madrid and while that was a tactical change, the Brazilian felt his hamstring and was deemed not fit enough to travel to West Ham. He is expected to be fit for the second leg against Real on Tuesday.

Potential return date: March 17 vs Real Madrid

Buy Carabao Cup Final VIP tickets

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

From £1,399

Seat Unique

Buy tickets here

The Carabao Cup Final will see Arsenal v Manchester City at London’s Wembley Stadium this March.

Max Alleyne

Injury: Knock

Alleyne was in the travelling squad for the first leg but did not make the team for the game at West Ham. He has been struggling with a knock picked up against Salford City in the FA Cup fourth round.

Potential return date: March 17 vs Real Madrid

Josko Gvardiol

Injury: Leg

Gvardiol is a long-term absentee for City having fractured his leg in the January draw with Chelsea. The defender is in a race against the clock to be back before the end of the season and this summer’s World Cup.

Potential return date: May/June

It’s time for the Minnesota Vikings to draft a rookie running back, and that man might just be Wake Forest’s Demond Claiborne next month. The club met with Claiborne over the weekend, using a Top 30 visit.

Minnesota may not be done scouting mid-round help at running back.

For now, Claiborne projects as a 5th-Round talent, so the Vikings won’t have to move heaven and earth to get him.

Demond Claiborne Brings the Burst

Minnesota needs youth in the RB pipeline.

Vikings Meet with Claiborne

Get to know Claiborne’s name because there’s a better-than-average chance that he lands in Minnesota.

Draft insider Ryan Fowler tweeted Monday, “Source: The Minnesota Vikings are hosting Wake Forest RB Demond Claiborne for a 30 visit. Dynamic ball-carrier ran 4.37 in Indy & was a two-time All-ACC selection. 907 rushing yds & 10 TDs in ‘25.”

Sporting News‘ Billy Heyen added, “The Minnesota Vikings have an experienced backfield returning for the 2026 NFL season. Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason are both expected to be back on the field. One thing they lack a bit of at this point, though: speed.”

“Claiborne ran a 4.37-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. Yep, he can move. Claiborne is originally from the state of Virginia, and he measures at 5-foot-10 and 188 pounds. He also broad jumped 10 feet, 2 inches at the NFL Combine. He’d certainly be a nice get for the Vikings to be able to learn behind the veterans while also adding a new element of speed to their offense.”

Minnesota has one 5th-Round pick lined up next month, which might be the perfect spot to nab Claiborne, according to the Consensus Big Board.

The Scouting Report

Claiborne played 44 games at Wake Forest, tabulating 3,023 yards from scrimmage and 28 total touchdowns. He averaged 5.1 yards per carry and caught 28 passes out of the backfield in 2025. The Demon Deacon is known for his speed and breakaway ability, but also has weaknesses, including fumbles and a smaller stature at 190 pounds.

Draft Huddle‘s Janik Eckardt on Claiborne:

His speed and elusiveness make him an appealing option for teams seeking a complementary back who can generate explosive plays. Offenses that emphasize outside runs, space concepts, and change-of-pace rushing packages could maximize Claiborne’s skill set. Additionally, his experience as a return specialist may help him carve out an early role on special teams while he develops as an offensive contributor.

Demond Claiborne is an explosive, elusive running back whose quickness and burst allow him to generate big plays in space. His ability to cut suddenly, accelerate through gaps, and outflank defenders makes him a dynamic option as a complementary back. While improvements in ball security, receiving consistency, and interior power will be important for his development at the next level, Claiborne’s speed and agility give him the tools to contribute as a change-of-pace back and special teams weapon in the NFL.

The best comp for Claiborne entering the pros is probably Raheem Mostert. Maybe a side dish of Matt Breida.

Time to Grow for a Rookie RB

For 15 years, the Vikings enjoyed a luxury most teams only dream of. From 2007 to 2022, they consistently boasted a dominant ground game, led by either Adrian Peterson or Dalvin Cook — the 2014 season, marred by Peterson’s suspension, being the only exception. For over a decade, the running back position produced consistently and required little attention.

Those days are over.

Now, with the Vikings retaining Jordan Mason while restructuring Aaron Jones’ contract, they appear to be aiming for incremental improvements rather than a significant overhaul. However, Kevin O’Connell’s offensive scheme inherently de-emphasizes the running game. The numbers bear this out:

Even when the Vikings’ rushing attack is effective, they rarely commit to it, preferring to focus on the passing game and establishing a rhythm for the quarterback. The run is relegated to a secondary role.

This approach, however, has its limitations, particularly in the playoffs. Postseason success often hinges on a strong running game to control the clock, shorten possessions, and protect leads. Contenders typically run the ball more than half the time, a mark the Vikings haven’t approached under O’Connell, at least not yet.

Which brings us back to the draft. The Vikings once relied on superstar running backs to anchor their offense. Perhaps the next one will be a rookie — a standout college player capable of reigniting that explosive ground game. It could be a transformative addition. Claiborne would be a step in the right direction.

The Other Options in the Draft

If the Vikings want a rookie running back in 5.5 weeks, but it’s not Claiborne, these are the Top 8 options listed alphabetically:

• Kaytron Allen (Penn State)
• Jonah Coleman (Washington)
• Emmett Johnson (Nebraska)
• Jeremiyah Love (Notre Dame)
• Seth McGowan (Kentucky)
• Jadarian Price (Notre Dame)
• Nick Singleton (Penn State)
• Mike Washington Jr. (Arkansas)

Minnesota has nine picks this go-round, so there’s really no excuse not to draft a halfback. The Top 30 visit indicates Claiborne is in play.

Brentford squandered a two goal lead against Wolves as Tolu Arokodare’s late equaliser dented their quest for a European place next season.

Michael Kayode and Igor Thiago, fresh from his call-up to the Brazil squad, put the Bees 2-0 up against the bottom side.

Adam Armstrong pulled one back before half-time before Arokodare hauled Wolves level in a frantic second half.

Rob Edwards’ revitalised side almost snatched a third straight win – their first away from home – but Arokodare’s header hit the crossbar.

The draw offered little use to either the team battling for survival or the unlikely Champions League hopefuls.

A win for Brentford would have taken them to within a point of sixth-placed Chelsea and two behind Liverpool in fifth.

As if to prove that point, the club played a pre-match video montage of various pundits – Alan Shearer and Micah Richards among them – predicting they would be relegated this season.

open image in gallery

They went ahead in the 22nd minute as Kayode, usually the player tasked with launching the ball into the box with his long throw-ins, got on the end of Keane Lewis-Potter’s cross.

The 21-year-old former Fiorentina right-back slipped in between two Wolves defenders to bullet a header home for his first goal in English football.

Thiago only learned of his international call-up shortly before kick-off and he was able to toast it in style after being set up superbly by Dango Ouattara.

Goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher’s clearance was brilliantly brought down by Ouattara – he of the failed Panenka penalty in the FA Cup at West Ham a week ago – who then burst past Yerson Mosquera before squaring for his strike partner to tuck away his 19th Premier League goal of the season.

Thiago almost had another before half-time from a Kayode long throw, flicked on by Sepp van den Berg, but his header clipped the crossbar.

Instead Wolves grabbed a lifeline – in the match at least – when Jean-Ricner Bellegarde strode forward and found Armstrong, who cut inside Nathan Collins before tucking away his first Wolves goal.

Edwards’ side are certainly not going down quietly and Armstrong had already struck a post before Joao Gomes swung in a cross and Arokodare stooped to powerfully head home.

Moments later the Nigerian almost won it for Wanderers, but this time his header crashed back off the crossbar, while for Brentford Reiss Nelson’s header was off target in stoppage time.

FIFA has published an interview with Sébastien Desabre that strongly suggests DR Congo national football team are firmly recognised as Africa’s representative in the inter-confederation play-off for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The interview, released on FIFA’s official platforms, repeatedly refers to the Congolese national team as the side preparing for the decisive match that could secure qualification for the tournament in North America.

That description appears significant because FIFA had earlier confirmed the line-up for the play-off competition, listing DR Congo as the African participant. The latest interview reinforces that position and treats the Leopards as the team representing the continent in the final stage of qualification.

For the Nigeria Football Federation, the development could be a worrying sign. Nigeria had previously lodged a protest over the outcome of the qualification process, hoping the decision might be reviewed. However, the tone of the interview suggests that FIFA is moving forward with DR Congo as the officially recognised side.

According to FIFA, the Congolese team need to win one final match to secure a place at the World Cup. Their opponent will be either Jamaica national football team or New Caledonia national football team in the play-off final scheduled for Guadalajara, Mexico, on 31 March.

Before that decisive match, DR Congo will play a friendly against Bermuda national football team on 25 March as part of their preparations.

With just one match separating his team from a historic qualification, Desabre said his players are ready for the challenge and are focusing on their own performance.

“We’re not afraid of anyone. We’re going to give it our all,” Desabre said.

“As a minimum, we need to replicate the kind of performance we delivered against Nigeria national football team.”

He added that his team have already studied their possible opponents.

“We know all about Jamaica and New Caledonia. We’ve been scouting them. We’ll also have the chance to watch them play in Mexico on 26 March, but for now we’re focusing on our own players.”

DR Congo reached this stage after defeating Nigeria in a dramatic encounter that ended 1–1 before the Leopards won 4–3 on penalties.

Desabre also spoke about the pressure of being one match away from the World Cup but stressed the need for calm and focus.

“We all want to go to the World Cup, but we can’t let our emotions get the better of us. What matters is playing well and giving everything on the pitch.

“We need to perform well on the day to make Congo proud. The Congolese people are passionate about football, and many of them are going through difficult times. I know the whole nation will stop to watch the match on 31 March. We hope we can give our fans the lift they deserve.”

Although the interview does not directly mention Nigeria’s protest, FIFA’s presentation of DR Congo as the team preparing for the play-off final reinforces the organisation’s earlier position.

If the Leopards win the decisive match in Guadalajara, they will secure qualification for the expanded 2026 World Cup. It would be the country’s first appearance at the tournament since 1974, when the nation competed under the name Zaire.

MCG will play host to Thursday’s
Round 2 AFL game between Hawthorn Hawks and
Sydney Swans. The game kicks off at 7:30 pm with Hawthorn Hawks heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Hawthorn Hawks vs.
Sydney Swans
game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Thursday March 19, 2026 at 7:30 pm

Where: MCG

Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE

Hawthorn Hawks vs Sydney Swans Odds

Hawthorn Hawks vs Sydney Swans Preview

Hawthorn host Sydney in what shapes as one of the most intriguing match-ups of the round. The Hawks have been one of the competition’s fastest improving teams, building their game around quick ball movement and strong pressure. Sydney, however, remain one of the AFL’s most consistent sides with a powerful midfield and dangerous forward line capable of punishing turnovers. The contest around stoppages will be critical, with both teams relying heavily on their midfield depth to generate scoring opportunities. Hawthorn’s ability to control territory and maintain defensive pressure will be key if they are to challenge the Swans. Sydney’s experience in tight contests could prove decisive, but the Hawks have shown they are capable of matching top sides.