Super Falcons head coach Justin Madugu says his players understand what is at stake as Nigeria prepare to face Cameroon in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

Nigeria, the defending champions, will meet the Indomitable Lionesses at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca on Sunday, with a place in the semi-finals and qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup at stake.

Madugu said the Super Falcons are fully prepared for the important encounter and determined to continue their title defence.

“It’s an important match because we all know what is at stake, the ticket for the World Cup. After the World Cup ticket, you have the semi-finals, which will also enable you to continue your quest for retaining the trophy,” Madugu said.

“We’ll go in there fully prepared, give it our best and ensure that we carry the day.”

Nigeria have faced Cameroon twice in recent friendly matches, but Madugu believes those games will have little bearing on Sunday’s quarter-final.

He noted that both teams have changed since those meetings, with some players who featured previously no longer in the squads.

“The last two games we played against Cameroon were preparatory games, and a lot of things went into those matches,” he said.

“There were players that were not involved then who are here now for both teams, so we’re not using those games to assess the current team.”

The Super Falcons conceded goals during the group stage, but Madugu remains confident that his team can improve defensively while maintaining their attacking strength.

“We have been working to ensure that those mistakes and loopholes that caused those goals are corrected. Yes, we conceded goals, but we equally score goals, so it’s still positive for us,” he said.

The coach also confirmed that there are some injury concerns in the squad, with the medical team working to get the affected players ready for the match.

Meanwhile, midfielder Toni Payne said the Super Falcons remain determined to qualify for the World Cup and continue their pursuit of another WAFCON title.

“Everyone in the team, including myself and the staff, are really confident going into this game,” Payne said.

“We know it’s going to be a physical game, but that’s something that we’re always prepared for.”

Payne also insisted that Nigeria’s hunger for success has not reduced despite their long history of winning the competition.

“I don’t think anyone gets tired of winning. We appreciate all the accomplishments we’ve made, but we’re just as hungry as ever,” she said.

The Super Falcons will secure a place in the semi-finals and qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup if they defeat Cameroon on Sunday.

The match is scheduled to kick off at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.

Eight-year-old galloper Eliyass has rolled back the clock with a tenacious all-the-way victory at Randwick, providing apprentice jockey Shannen Llewllyn with a significant early success as she prepares to shift her indentures to trainer Ciaron Maher.

Llewllyn, based in Newcastle, is scheduled to join Maher’s stable for a three-month loan period starting August 17. She wasted no time in making a favourable impression for her new mentor, executing a well-judged frontrunning ride on Eliyass.

The former Tulloch Lodge gelding had not celebrated a win since taking out the 2024 Kingston Town Stakes (2000m). He missed a substantial part of the previous season after undergoing surgery with screws inserted into both fetlocks.

Saturday’s Premier’s Cup Prelude (1800m) was just the second start for Eliyass on his comeback journey, following an unplaced performance in last month’s Civic Stakes (1400m). Maher’s assistant trainer, Jo Gerard-Dubord, indicated that the horse had rediscovered his winning form ahead of expectations.

“We knew the horse was going very well. We thought he was probably still a run away, especially with such a big weight,” Gerard-Dubord said.

“But he’s one of those horses. When they like winning and they’ve got a bit of class like him, it takes them a long way. He is back on track.

“It’s only his second run in over a year, so he will improve again, and he’ll be right at the right time of year.”

Gerard-Dubord confirmed that Eliyass is likely to be pointed towards the Group 3 Premier’s Cup (2000m) at Randwick in a fortnight. He also mentioned the Group 2 Hill Stakes (1900m) on October 10 as a potential long-term spring target.

“We’re very grateful to be sent a horse like him,” he stated.

“He’s had his issues, but look at his record. He’s a winner, and hopefully we’ll have a lot more fun with him.

“There’s a lot more to come in terms of fitness. In time, a race like the Hill Stakes is a good prizemoney race.”

Eliyass was settled towards the rear of the field in his first-up run over a shorter distance. However, with the step up in distance on Saturday, Llewllyn was instructed to ride him more positively.

The 25-year-old apprentice followed instructions precisely, with Eliyass ($26) setting the pace and holding on for a neck victory over Matusalem ($16). Chris Waller’s charge Tazima ($2.15 favourite), a stablemate of the runner-up, finished a short head behind in third.

“He was travelling really keenly out in front, and I didn’t have to ask much of him until the three hundred (metres),” Llewllyn reported.

“I thought he would tough it out. I know he keeps sticking his head out, and that’s what he did.”

Australian betting sites will be closely monitoring Eliyass’s campaign following this impressive return to winning form.

Aaron McKenna produced a composed and dominant performance against previously unbeaten Etinosa Oliha to claim the IBF world middleweight title in his first professional fight on Irish soil at Dublin’s 3Arena.

The Monaghan fighter extended his perfect professional record to 21-0 after controlling much of the 12-round contest to claim a unanimous decision victory at Zuffa Boxing 10.

McKenna earned scores of 118-110, 117-111 and 116-112 on the judges’ scorecards to hand the now 22-1 Italian his first professional defeat.

Afterwards, McKenna reflected on fulfilling a childhood ambition after nine years as a professional without fighting in Ireland.

“A new world champion. I said it for years,” McKenna told Sky Sports.

“Since I was six years old, I thought about this moment my whole life, so for it to finally happen at 27, it goes to show everyone, don’t give up, always stay true to yourself, and you can do anything.”

McKenna admitted Oliha provided a sterner challenge than expected and welcomed all challengers.

“Oliha was definitely strong. I made it harder than it should have been, but I got the job done.

“It doesn’t matter [who’s next], anyone. I’m easy to find now that I have a belt. I want to collect every belt in boxing. I’m the best middleweight in the world, and super-middleweight; I don’t mind jumping up either.”

Oliha began positively and applied pressure during the cagey opening rounds, enjoying particular success in the second as McKenna looked to establish his jab from the back foot.

McKenna, known as ‘The Silencer’ gradually found his rhythm, repeatedly landing his jab and uppercut while using his range effectively to avoid Oliha’s heavier attacks.

The 27-year-old increasingly took control, forcing Oliha onto the ropes and landing combinations to the head and body.

Oliha continued to march forward, but McKenna’s movement and defence largely nullified the Italian’s pressure as he continued to land the cleaner shots.

A clash of heads left McKenna bleeding in the 11th, but he remained composed and landed several clean shots in response.

Oliha pushed forward in search of a dramatic finish in the final round, but McKenna continued to frustrate him with his jab before the final bell prompted celebrations from the Dublin crowd.

Also in this edition: Gary Hunt’s bronze medal in high diving, Léon Marchand’s withdrawal from the individual medley events, Paris Saint-Germain’s draw against Manchester United in the UEFA Super Cup and its agreement with Ferran Torres, Chelsea and Real Madrid’s wins in their respective pre-season friendlies, the elimination of the Lebrun brothers at the WTT Champions in Yokohama, the end of Arthur Rinderknech’s run in Montreal and the death of Jorge Messi, Lionel Messi’s father.

Trainer Jason Warren is contemplating another Stakes race engagement for Flyer before she retires to pursue her stud career.

Flyer secured an unexpected, long-priced victory in the MSC Signs Handicap (1200m) at Caulfield Heath on Saturday. Warren confirmed that the mare is slated to be served by Toronado during the upcoming breeding season.

The win, which marked a double for jockey Jye McNeil, saw Flyer ($21) claim victory by a head over Welcometotheshow ($41), with the strong favourite Custom ($1.75) finishing a short neck behind in third. This outcome represented one of the day’s most significant upsets for punters.

“We thought she was a terrific chance today,” Warren commented.

“Her price was good and I hope the team at Rosemont had something on.

“She’s a stable favourite and she’s heading to the breeding barn this year.

“I think we’ll be looking for an early cover, but in saying that, she’s probably earned herself another run before she goes to stud.

“She’s got a date with Toronado, I believe. She’s going to make a terrific broodmare, just like her mother (Miss Toorak Flyer) did.”

Flyer made a winning debut as a two-year-old and subsequently won the Group 3 David Coles Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville in her juvenile season.

After a two-year drought, she returned to winning form at Caulfield on May 30.

Warren attributed Flyer’s previous run, a midfield finish over 1200m at Flemington on July 18, to specific circumstances.

“She likes soft tracks and things didn’t work out for her last start,” Warren explained.

“She began too well at Flemington on the big, wide-open track and she needed to come back here around a bend.

“It’s nice to get another winner for Rosemont as they support our stable so well and she’s been a terrific horse for them.”

Warren operates dual facilities, with a stable at Mornington and a country setting at Bass on Westernport Bay, noting that the Bass property has been conducive to Flyer’s well-being.

“We take them all down to Bass after they race and she had her final gallop at Mornington on Tuesday,” Warren stated.

“She spends time in the paddock between runs, and you can see your reflection in her coat, she’s that healthy.

“She’s a happy mare and it’s all about keeping her happy.”

For those keen to get involved in the action, exploring the available online bookmakers can provide opportunities to bet on the upcoming races.

Tottenham Transfer Plans Hinge on Cody Gakpo and Savinho Developments

Tottenham are pushing to strengthen their forward line before the transfer window closes, with Cody Gakpo and Savinho firmly in focus as work continues behind the scenes. The situation around both players remains fluid, but current indications suggest any meaningful progress may depend on movement elsewhere in the market.

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Roberto De Zerbi has made attacking additions a priority and Spurs are understood to want at least two more signings before the September 1st deadline. Within that search, Gakpo has emerged as one of the leading options. Tottenham’s interest is genuine and long-standing, yet there is little expectation of an immediate breakthrough.

Photo: IMAGO

Cody Gakpo Situation Depends on Liverpool Business

Liverpool’s current position is clear. They would prefer to retain Gakpo and, as things stand, there is no encouragement for clubs attempting to test that resolve. The Netherlands international is admired in North London and there is a belief he could be open to the move given uncertainty surrounding how he fits under Andoni Iraola, especially if Liverpool add further attacking competition this month.

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That said, any deal is likely to require patience. Liverpool are not actively looking to sell and their valuation is thought to be in the region of £72m, a figure designed to reflect both the player’s quality and the difficulty of replacing him late in the window.

As one update put it: “Liverpool’s preference is to keep (hold of Gakpo), that won’t change unless they add one if not two attack-minded players. Then possibly towards the middle or the end of the window… Cody Gakpo’s position could change a little bit.”

That same line of thinking was reinforced further: “But, for now, it’s been described to me by sources as a ‘fool’s errand’ to negotiate with Liverpool for Gakpo now because they’re going to reject everything until such a point where they know one if not two players are going to come in.”

Barcola and Mbaye Could Shape Outcome

Liverpool’s own recruitment work could prove decisive. Internal planning is understood to include a strong interest in Bradley Barcola, with Ibrahim Mbaye also among the names being monitored. If one arrives, the picture may soften slightly. If two are secured, Tottenham could find the landscape changes more significantly.

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For now, Spurs are waiting and watching, aware that timing may become as important as finances. The view around the market is that Liverpool will not alter course until incoming business gives them certainty in the same area of the squad.

Savinho Talks Also Need Market Movement

Tottenham’s pursuit of Savinho is developing on a separate track, but there are similar complications. Personal terms are not believed to be the main obstacle. Instead, the key issue is Manchester City‘s need to line up a replacement before sanctioning an exit.

The position was summed up succinctly: “Tottenham are serious about Cody Gakpo, and that would be in addition, according to my information, to Savinho, who Spurs are also working on.” There was also a further clarification on the Brazilian’s case, with the latest view being: “But before that one unlocks, it’s less about the finances and it’s more about Man City lining up a replacement.”

Tottenham remain active on both fronts. Gakpo is a serious target, Savinho remains in play, and the final weeks of the window could yet open doors that currently appear firmly closed.

When it comes to Fantasy football rankings at the quarterback position, Josh Allen is in a class of his own. He’s finished first or second in positional points in each of the last six years, as not even the likes of Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson or Joe Burrow can match his consistency. But only one manager can select Allen — who has an ADP of No. 22 overall — in 2026 Fantasy football drafts, and if that is not you, then you’ll have to consider alternatives with your Fantasy football picks 2026.

Arranging players within tiers is 2026 Fantasy football advice than can be applied for every position. Utilizing Fantasy football ADP can assist in ranking the aforementioned QBs with the likes of Lamar Jackson (ADP of 41), Drake Maye (49), Joe Burrow (54) and Jayden Daniels (61) but classifying them into groups could prevent you from reaching on a player when you’re on the clock.

Before crafting your 2026 Fantasy football draft strategy, be sure to check out the 2026 Fantasy football positional rankings and cheat sheets from the proven computer model at SportsLine.

Last year, the model accurately predicted Daniel Jones’ huge season in his first year in Indy. It also called Terry McLaurin’s down year, predicted Tetairoa McMillan’s breakout campaign and projected De’Von Achane to be one of Fantasy football’s elite running backs in 2025.

The same model has a proven track record providing Fantasy football tips, identifying A.J. Brown as a sleeper in 2020, nailing Jonathan Taylor’s monstrous season in 2021 and correctly predicting C.J. Stroud would take a step back in 2024. Additionally, it’s called past Fantasy football sleepers like Derrick Henry in 2019, Christian McCaffrey and Alvin Kamara in 2018 and Davante Adams in 2017. 

Now, SportsLine has simulated the entire NFL season 10,000 times and released its latest Fantasy football positional rankings 2026, along with plenty of sleepers, breakouts and busts at every position. Head to SportsLine now to see them. 

Top 2026 Fantasy football QB rankings

Here’s a look at SportsLine’s top 2026 Fantasy football QB picks:

1. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills: Last season, Allen had his fewest passing yards (3,668) and passing touchdowns (25) over the last six years but still finished as No. 1 Fantasy quarterback. That displays how high of a Fantasy floor the 2024 NFL MVP has. His 41 rushing TDs over the last three years are second most in the league, regardless of position, and he has at least 500 yards on the ground in seven of his eight NFL seasons.

2. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens: Due to both injuries and attrition, Jackson had a down year in 2025 but remains as explosive as anyone at the position. He’s one who plays his best with something to prove as after his last injury-plagued season in 2022, he responded by winning the MVP the next year. With a new OC in Baltimore in Declan Doyle — who unleashed the best of Caleb Williams last year — Jackson is poised to bounce back and reward those who select him in Fantasy football drafts.

3.  Drake Maye, New England Patriots: Maye is coming off an runner-up MVP season despite having both a below average offensive line and an underwhelming wideout group. Both units have been upgraded, with the latter adding A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs. Coming off a season with 4,394 yards and 31 touchdowns through the air, plus 450 yards and 4 touchdowns on the ground, Maye’s 2026 stats should again put him in the MVP conversation. See more top QBs here.

Top 2026 Fantasy football RB rankings

Here’s a look at SportsLine’s top 2026 Fantasy football RB picks:

1. Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons: Robinson made great strides in his efficiency last year as despite having just one more touch than he had in 2024, he produced 411 more scrimmage yards. He’s coming off a year in which his 1,478 rushing yards ranked fourth in the NFL, while he led all running backs in both receptions (79) and receiving yards (820). Robinson, like the next two players on this list, got a huge contract extension during camp, proving their value to their respective teams. 

2. Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions: With the departure of David Montgomery, Fantasy managers may finally see Gibbs reach his full potential. In the six career games Gibbs has played without Montgomery, the former’s averaged 152.3 scrimmage yards with 10 total touchdowns. Even with somewhat limited touches, the back has produced at least 1,800 scrimmage yards and 18 touchdowns in each of the last two seasons. 

3. Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts: Taylor’s 90.5 rushing yards per game are the highest amongst any active player, and he’s also coming off his second season in which he led the NFL in touchdowns (20). He’s shown the ability to produce with or without competent quarterback play, and an added incentive for Taylor in 2026 is that he’s in a contract year. See more top RBs here.

Top 2026 Fantasy football WR rankings

Here’s a look at SportsLine’s top 2026 Fantasy football WR picks: 

1. Puka Nacua, Los Angeles Rams: Nacua has improved his receiving yards per game each season of his three-year career, leading the NFL with 107.2 yards in 2025. Outside of the game in which he got injured in last year, Nacua had zero Fantasy duds all season long as he had at least 72 yards or a touchdown in each of the other 15 games he played in.

2. Ja’Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals: Through the first five seasons of an NFL career, Chase’s 520 catches and 6,837 yards both rank second, while his 54 touchdowns rank fourth. His production isn’t tied to Joe Burrow being healthy and under center which should bring any Fantasy manager confidence in utilizing an early pick on the wideout.

3. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seattle Seahawks: The reigning Offensive Player of the Year has the potential to top the amazing numbers he put up last year when he led the league with 1,793 receiving yards. He now has an even better rapport with Sam Darnold after a full year working with him, and Seattle will likely lean on the pass more in 2026 after ranking just 29th in attempts last season. See more top WRs here.

Top 2026 Fantasy football TE rankings

Here’s a look at SportsLine’s top 2026 Fantasy football TE picks:

1. Trey McBride, Arizona Cardinals: The TE1 last season, McBride actually got off to a slow start when Kyler Murray was Arizona’s quarterback. But he went off with Jacoby Brissett throwing him passes which has McBride maintaining his status atop the positional rankings. The tight end averaged 8.1 catches for 80.3 yards with 10 total touchdowns in 12 games with Brissett as starter, compared to 5.8 catches for 55 yards and just 1 touchdown in five games with Murray.

2. Brock Bowers, Las Vegas Raiders: Bowers’ numbers took a step back as a sophomore with him both playing through injury and missing five games due to injury. Even with that his Fantasy points per game ranking actually increased, as he finished second in FPPG in 2025 after placing third among TEs in 2024. He remains the focal point of a Raiders offense which doesn’t have a single wideout who reached 700 yards last year.

3. Colston Loveland, Chicago Bears: When Cole Kmet missed a Week 8 game due to injury, Loveland filled in as the team’s top tight end and never relinquished that role. The rookie ranked second in positional Fantasy points from Week 8 through Week 18 and then had a 137-yard playoff game. If you extrapolate Loveland’s numbers over his last 13 games, including the postseason, over a 17-game schedule, he’d post a stat line of 81-1,083-8. See more top TEs here.

How to find proven 2026 Fantasy football rankings

SportsLine has ranked almost every Fantasy-relevant player at every position and you can see their entire 2026 Fantasy football positional rankings now. You can only see their top sleepers, breakouts and busts at every position at SportsLine.

So who are the top players at every position and who is being underrated? Visit SportsLine now to get 2026 Fantasy Football cheat sheets for every single position, all from the model that regularly outperforms human rankings.

For Sakshi Chaudhary, the road to Commonwealth Games gold was built on far more than one successful night in the boxing ring.

The 25-year-old Indian boxer had endured injuries, missed major international events and made a significant change in weight category before finally getting her opportunity at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. When that moment arrived, Chaudhary delivered, defeating England’s Ruby White 5-0 in the women’s 51kg final to secure a historic gold medal.

After her triumph, however, Chaudhary was also quick to acknowledge the role played by former India captain Virat Kohli, who supported her career through the Virat Kohli Foundation.

“He has been my sponsor. So I would like to thank him too,” Chaudhary said, while also revealing that Kohli’s advice had helped her deal with the pressure surrounding the Games.

Kohli’s Support Went Beyond Financial Backing

Kohli’s association with Chaudhary dates back several years. According to the information shared by the Virat Kohli Foundation, the boxer was inducted into its athlete support programme in 2019, when she was still working towards establishing herself on the international circuit.

For an athlete competing in a sport that does not command the same commercial ecosystem as cricket, sustained financial support can be crucial. Training, equipment, coaching, travel and participation in international competitions can place considerable demands on athletes and their families.

Chaudhary’s comments suggest that Kohli’s involvement was not limited to sponsorship. She said the former India captain encouraged her to avoid dwelling on the pressure of the occasion and instead concentrate on her performance inside the ring.

A Comeback Built Through Setbacks

Chaudhary’s Commonwealth Games triumph came after a difficult period in her career.

Injuries forced her to miss the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham as well as the 2023 Asian Games. She had also narrowly missed out on qualification for the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.

Instead of allowing those setbacks to derail her career, Chaudhary made another major decision. She moved down from the 54kg category to 51kg, beginning another fight to establish herself in a highly competitive weight class.

Her selection for the Commonwealth Games was ultimately secured after she defeated two leading domestic contenders — world champion Nikhat Zareen and Asian champion Minakshi Hooda, in the selection trials.

By the time she reached Glasgow, Chaudhary had already fought through several hurdles simply to earn her place on the Indian team.

The Final That Delivered Gold

The biggest test came in the final against England’s Ruby White.

Chaudhary produced a commanding performance to win the bout unanimously, with all five judges scoring the contest in her favour.

The 5-0 victory gave her her maiden Commonwealth Games gold medal and completed a remarkable turnaround after the injuries and selection disappointments that had defined parts of her career.

Her achievement was also part of a historic performance by India’s boxing contingent, which collected a record seven gold medals at the Games.

For Chaudhary, however, the medal represented something more personal: proof that the setbacks that once threatened to derail her career had not defined it.

The Role of the Virat Kohli Foundation

The Virat Kohli Foundation has supported athletes across disciplines, including sportspersons from boxing, athletics, tennis, swimming and para-sports.

Its stated approach has included supporting promising athletes before they become household names, when access to consistent resources can make a significant difference to their development.

Chaudhary’s association with the foundation began in 2019, years before her Commonwealth Games breakthrough.

That timeline is significant. Support for athletes is often most valuable before they reach the biggest stages, when they are still attempting to establish themselves and may not yet have access to substantial commercial opportunities.

In Chaudhary’s case, that backing came during a period in which she was still building her career. Her eventual Commonwealth Games gold provides a striking example of how long-term athlete support can intersect with talent, coaching, determination and competitive opportunity.

More Than a Celebrity-Athlete Connection

The story of Chaudhary and Kohli also points to a broader issue within Indian sport.

Cricket continues to dominate India’s sporting landscape commercially, while athletes in disciplines such as boxing often have to navigate a very different financial environment. For many of them, support from foundations, sponsors and government-backed programmes can determine how consistently they can train and compete.

Chaudhary’s journey illustrates why such support matters.

Kohli’s backing did not win the Commonwealth Games final for her. The gold medal came after years of training, recovering from injuries, changing weight categories and beating some of India’s leading boxers to earn selection.

But having financial and motivational support during the difficult stages of that journey can give an athlete the space to keep pursuing the goal.

For Chaudhary, that journey has now culminated in a Commonwealth Games gold medal — and she has made sure to acknowledge one of the people who helped her stay on that path.

Her Glasgow triumph is therefore not simply the story of a boxer winning a gold medal. It is the story of an athlete who kept rebuilding after setbacks, found support before achieving mainstream recognition and ultimately reached the biggest stage to deliver when it mattered most.

Ninja proved himself the class act in Sydney’s first stakes race of the 2026 season, the Group 2 $300,000 Missile Stakes (1200m), outclassing a small but select field.

The Michael Freedman-trained sprinter clocked a blistering race record of 1 minute 08.28 seconds, a time that would have been highly competitive in many renewals of The Everest.

Adding intrigue to his Everest prospects, Ninja is part-owned by John Camilleri, who holds a slot in the lucrative race through his Fairway Thoroughbreds banner.

“Any trainer with a half-decent sprinter dreams of going to The Everest at this time of year and why not!” Freedman commented. “He seems to have come back in great order and his form has been so consistent. If he continues to take the next step then we have got to dream big.”

Under jockey Tommy Berry, Ninja ($5) overcame a wide run to settle outside the leader, Way To The Stars, before launching a decisive finishing burst in the straight to defeat Napoleonic ($9) by just over a length. The favourite, Angel Capital ($2.20), finished third.

Berry, who achieved his third Missile Stakes win, equalling the race riding record, expressed his admiration for the horse’s potential.

“I thought he was very impressive today,” Berry said. “I was trying to get cover early but it didn’t quite work out so I sat on him, waited until the speed came out of it and I was able to get across. He relaxed really well, he came back under me, and he was travelling coming up the rise. He’s very talented and he’s in for a good preparation.”

Following the dominant performance, TAB Fixed Odds dramatically shortened Ninja’s price for The TAB Everest (1200m) at Royal Randwick on October 17, moving him from $26 to $15. The current $1.60 favourite is Hong Kong’s Ka Ying Rising.

The Missile Stakes has a proven track record as an Everest launchpad, notably with Alizee in 2019.

Alizee, a multiple Group 1 winner, took out the Missile Stakes as the $1.30 favourite before running seventh in The Everest behind Yes Yes Yes.

Eduardo captured his first stakes victory in nearly two years in the 2020 Missile Stakes and went on to contest three Everests without success. He finished third to Nature Strip in 2021.

I Am Me, raced by Dean Watt’s Dynamic Syndications, won the Missile Stakes in 2023 but missed an Everest start that spring, instead winning the Sydney Stakes on Everest day.

She later earned an Everest selection the following year after winning the Concorde Stakes and The Shorts, ultimately finishing unplaced in the world’s richest turf race.

Ninja was noticeably blowing after the Missile Stakes, indicating he has significant improvement left in the tank with over two months until The Everest.

Freedman stated that he would assess Ninja’s recovery before considering a run in the Group 1 $1 million Winx Stakes (1400m) at Royal Randwick in two weeks, where he would likely face the highly-rated Autumn Glow.

“He is having a decent blow after the race but he had to do it a bit harder than what we were anticipating,” Freedman explained. “But to his credit he is a very exciting horse. I told John (Camilleri) early in the week that this horse is going really well. He wasn’t screwed right down for today but he looks to have a good spring ahead. In the back of my mind, depending on how he goes in this race and more importantly how he pulls up, I’ve been thinking of going to the Winx Stakes. I think we can pick our way a little bit now, there’s also a couple of nice races in Melbourne, too.”

With Ninja now firmly in the mix, the betting markets for The Everest are sure to be dynamic, offering exciting opportunities for online bookmakers.

A decade on from Jose Mourinho’s brutal summer clear-out at Manchester United, we take a look at where the 15 players he axed have ended up

Jose Mourinho made an immediate impact when he took over at Manchester United in the summer of 2016. Following Louis van Gaal’s exit, the Portuguese manager quickly assessed the squad he inherited and sought to reshape the dressing room to fit his own preference.

He was backed heavily in his first transfer window, spending around £145million on four high-profile signings: Paul Pogba, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Eric Bailly. To make space for the new additions and trim down the squad, Mourinho also oversaw a major clear-out.

A total of 15 players were shown the door – either sold, released at the end of their contracts or sent out on loan moves that effectively ended their time at the club. A decade on from that busy summer, The Manchester Evening News looks at what happened to all the players Mourinho moved on for a combined £8.5m.

George Dorrington

The young goalkeeper was released by United in the summer of 2016 at the end of his contract. He immediately signed for Huddersfield Town after a successful trial but never managed to make the grade at the highest level. Now 29, Dorrington has largely fallen into footballing obscurity, with his last known involvement in the game coming for non-league side Mangotsfield United.

Nick Powell

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Once tipped for greatness by Sir Alex Ferguson, Powell was allowed to leave for Wigan Athletic on a free transfer upon the expiration of his contract. He rebuilt his career in the EFL, spending four years at Stoke City before moving to Stockport County, where he helped them win the League Two title in 2023/24. Now 32, the attacking midfielder is currently playing for Bradford City in League One.

Oliver Rathbone

Rathbone left the United academy on a free transfer to join Rochdale, where he quickly established himself. His performances earned him a move up the football pyramid to Rotherham United, where he became a fan favourite. Today, the 29-year-old is a well-respected midfielder, currently playing for promotion hopefuls Wrexham in the Championship.

Joe Rothwell

The academy graduate left Old Trafford on a free transfer to join Oxford United after failing to make a senior appearance for the Reds. He climbed the EFL ladder with impressive spells at Blackburn Rovers and Bournemouth, earning a taste of Premier League football before enjoying promotion-winning loan spells at Southampton and Leeds. Rothwell, now 31, plays for Sheffield United.

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Guillermo Varela

Mourinho sent the Uruguayan right-back on loan to Eintracht Frankfurt for the 2016/17 season, though the move ended sourly when he was suspended by the German club for getting an unauthorised tattoo.

He left United permanently for Penarol in 2017, where he won two league titles, and later had stints with FC Copenhagen and Dynamo Moscow. Now 33, Varela is playing in Brazil with Flamengo and recently represented Uruguay at the World Cup.

Victor Valdes

The legendary former Barcelona goalkeeper was famously frozen out by Louis van Gaal and was released by the club in the summer of 2016 upon the expiration of his contract. Valdes spent one season at Middlesbrough, making 28 Premier League appearances, before Boro were relegated. He announced his retirement in the summer of 2017 and has since moved into coaching.

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Donald Love

Love was sold to Sunderland in a £5.5m joint deal alongside Paddy McNair just weeks into Mourinho’s reign. His time in the North East was hampered by relegation, leading to spells at Shrewsbury Town, Salford City and Morecambe. Now 31, the defender has carved out a solid career in the lower tiers of the Football League and currently lines up for Accrington Stanley in League Two.

Paddy McNair

McNair was shipped off to Sunderland in that same £5.5m double deal. He fared much better after leaving Wearside, enjoying a long, successful stint at Middlesbrough, where he made just shy of 200 league appearances.

The Northern Ireland international recently had a brief stint in MLS with San Diego FC before returning to England to join Hull City in January 2026, winning the EFL Championship play-offs and earning promotion to the Premier League.

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Cameron Borthwick-Jackson

Despite showing initial promise under Van Gaal, Mourinho immediately loaned the left-back to Wolves, which sparked a series of underwhelming loan moves. He was eventually released in 2020 and spent time bouncing around the lower leagues with clubs like Oldham Athletic and Burton Albion. Aged 29, his fall down the football pyramid has seen him land at Macclesfield FC.

James Wilson

The striker was loaned out to Derby County by Mourinho in August 2016, but a serious knee injury cut his spell short. He eventually left Old Trafford for good to join Aberdeen, before dropping into the English lower leagues to turn out for Salford City, Port Vale and Northampton Town. Aged 30, Wilson is currently a free agent.

Tyler Blackett

Blackett was sold to Reading by Mourinho in August 2016, linking up with former United defender Jaap Stam on a permanent deal. The defender later spent time at Nottingham Forest, FC Cincinnati and Rotherham United before becoming a free agent. At 32, he recently restarted his career in the US by signing for USL Championship side New Mexico United.

Andreas Pereira

Pereira was loaned out to Spanish side Granada during Mourinho’s first window, kicking off a series of loans that later included Valencia, Lazio and Flamengo. He finally cut ties with United in 2022 to join Fulham, where he spent three impressive seasons as a Premier League starter. Now 30, Pereira returned to Brazil to sign for Palmeiras, having earned a total of 10 caps for the Selecao.

Will Keane

After serious injuries derailed his United career, Keane was sold to Hull City for around £3m in the summer of 2016. He had to drop down to League One with Wigan Athletic to rebuild his confidence in 2020, winning the 2021/22 League One golden boot award. The 33-year-old led the line for Preston North End before spending time on loan at Reading last season. He is currently without a club.

James Weir

Weir made just one senior appearance for United, sharing a debut against Arsenal with Marcus Rashford, before being sold to Hull City for an undisclosed fee on deadline day in 2016. Unfortunately, a run of injuries severely hindered his progress, leading to a brief stint at Bolton Wanderers before he opted to rebuild his career abroad in Slovakia and Hungary.

The 31-year-old midfielder hung up his boots in 2024, completed a university degree and swapped the pitch for a completely new career path as an independent travel agent.

Dean Henderson

Perhaps the most successful player on this list since his move, Henderson was sent out on loan to League Two side Grimsby Town during this window, beginning what would be a meticulous development path.

He rose through the ranks via loans at Shrewsbury and Sheffield United to eventually challenge David de Gea for the United number one jersey. Henderson, 29, left Old Trafford permanently in 2023 for Crystal Palace, where he has won the FA Cup and the 2025/26 UEFA Conference League and was included in the England squad that secured a bronze medal at the 2026 World Cup.