Lagunanini, under the guidance of Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young, pursues an unusual milestone at Caulfield.

She intends to mirror her brother McGaw by capturing the $1 million The Showdown (1200m) on Saturday.

In common, McGaw and Lagunanini had maiden successes entering The Showdown – his from Pakenham, hers from Sale – but their resemblances diverge after shared ancestry.

The Brownes, Emma-Lee and David, got McGaw for $14,000, while Busuttin and Young invested $160,000 in Lagunanini.

The steep price, more than 10-fold the Brownes’ spend, appears judicious now that McGaw is a Group 2 champion, lifting Lagunanini’s future broodmare worth.

“He was very athletic and raw whereas she was solid and looked like a real runner,” Young said.

“We loved her the first time we saw her. She’s got a great body on her, and she’s done nothing wrong since coming into the barn.

“We gave her that first prep and then tipped her out and gave her a bit of a long break.

“The penny has dropped this time and she’s handling the pressure.”

Caulfield on Saturday presents the test, with Young trusting the filly’s poise to aid her progress.

“It will be a big day, different atmosphere, but I think she will handle it, no problem,” Young said.

“We can’t question her professionalism. Beau (Mertens) knows her, he won on her, and she’s usually very sensible at the races and trials beforehand.

“She doesn’t get too worked up, but it is a two-year-old race, and you never know what can happen.”

Plans for a Tuesday gallop at Caulfield were shelved in favour of wrapping up at Cranbourne.

Lagunanini holds her spot in Rosehill’s Golden Slipper next Saturday week, is accepted for the Magic Night Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill Saturday, and nominated to ATC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) at Randwick April 4 plus Percy Sykes Stakes (1200m) next.

“We put her in up in Sydney as well, just in case we drew wide, as we just wanted another option, but we’ll head to Caulfield after getting the ace draw,” Young said.

“There’s Stakes races coming up interstate that may suit her, but we’ll get through Saturday first and see where we go.”

Betting fans can check online bookmakers for The Showdown opportunities featuring Lagunanini.

Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr., a 2025 first-round pick, was charged with three felonies by the Miami-Dade (Florida) State Attorney from a Feb. 7 incident involving WNBA player Rickea Jackson. 

Court documents revealed Pearce was charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing and eluding police and resisting an officer with violence to his or her person, all of which are felonies. 

A fourth charge of felony aggravated stalking was changed to a misdemeanor, while a charge of aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer was dropped. 

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Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. warms up before a game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium Nov. 2, 2025. (Brian Fluharty/Imagn Images)

Pearce, a finalist for Defensive Rookie of the Year after a successful 2025 season with the Falcons, was arrested near Miami last month after allegedly fleeing officers and crashing his car after what police called a domestic violence incident with Jackson, a 2024 All-Rookie team honoree with the Los Angeles Sparks. 

Jackson was the fourth overall pick of the WNBA Draft out of Tennessee, and she has had early success in her career. 

WNBA PLAYER ‘WILLING TO TESTIFY’ AGAINST EX-BOYFRIEND JAMES PEARCE JR AFTER ALLEGED DOMESTIC DISPUTE

Pearce is alleged to have crashed his car into another vehicle being driven by Jackson and struck a police officer while he tried to flee law enforcement, ESPN reported, citing a criminal complaint from the Miami-Dad State Attorney’s office. 

Jackson told police she noticed Pearce was following her in a white luxury vehicle, and when she stopped at a red light, the Falcons rookie tried to open her car. Jackson said she started to drive toward the Doral Police Department while Pearce was allegedly following her. Then, as she got closer to the police station, she alleged Pearce cut her off and collided with her head on.  

An officer reportedly pulled a gun on Pearce once Doral authorities responded to the incident in an attempt to force him to get on the ground. However, he allegedly got back into his car and drove away. 

After crashing his vehicle and being accused of resisting arrest, Pearce spent a night in jail before posting a $20,500 bond and being released on Feb. 8. 

Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium Dec. 21, 2025. (Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images)

Jackson has since filed an injunction for a protective order against Pearce in Miami-Dade County. She wrote that she was in fear for her life, and if the court didn’t intervene, “James will kill me.”

Jackson also alleged previous verbal and physical abuse from Pearce occurred “on more than one occasion.” She claimed he threatened to kill, harm and injure her, according to court documents. 

Pearce’s attorneys said last month their client “maintains his innocence and urges the public to understand that while allegations have the power to shape a narrative, that it is hardly the full, complete story.”

“We look forward to vigorously defending our client and remain confident that he will continue contributing positively to both his team and the community he serves so well,” the attorneys added at the time. 

Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. is interviewed after a game against the New Orleans Saints Jan. 4, 2026, in Atlanta.  (AP Photo/Danny Karnik, File)

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A permanent injunction hearing is scheduled for April 21 after the court initially granted Jackson her request for protection. Pearce is not allowed to have contact with Jackson or be within 500 feet of her home or place of employment or 100 feet from her vehicle. 

Pearce played all 17 games for the Falcons, racking up 10½ sacks, 26 combined tackles and five passes defended. 

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This week’s Q&A takes a look at Manchester City’s plans for the summer transfer window with the transformation of the squad set to continue.

06:00, 13 Mar 2026

Manchester City looked to have put the disappointment of their 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest behind them as they produced a dominant display against Newcastle in the FA Cup last weekend. And then they travelled to Madrid.

A 3-0 defeat to Real Madrid leaves them needing a miracle in the second leg next week and before then they have another tough trip down to face West Ham in the Premier League on Saturday night. With so much going on at the club, we’ll be hosting weekly Q&A sessions with our chief City writer Simon Bajkowski.

The day of the week it comes out on may change depending on what City’s schedule looks like, but essentially this is your chance to get an answer on anything you want – simply pop your question here at any time of the week and Simon will pick them all up and wrap everything up in one place.

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.

This week we are looking at the summer transfer window as well as the state of play with some club greats. After three transfer windows that have transformed the squad, it looks like there will be more change ahead.

What are the potential signings Man City will make in the summer transfer window? Will we only have a midfielder and a right-back? Ali

What is the plan for this summer window mainly about Livramento, Elliot Anderson, winger situation and what is the future of Vitor Reis? Santanu Bhunia

These questions didn’t come in after the Champions League defeat to Real Madrid, but it feels like a natural place to start. After another mauling at the Bernabeu, let’s cheer ourselves up with some transfer talk about how the team could be better next season. That’s partly tongue in cheek, but we are getting towards the stage where City will want to be closing on exactly the summer business that they think they can do.

Elliot Anderson is a priority in a midfield that needs at least one more body in it. He won’t be cheap but has proven himself to be one of the most reliable Premier League performers in a Forest side that are one of the most volatile in the division, and his goal at the Etihad recently topped off another excellent performance. City face competition for him, and United will fancy their chances if they can promise Champions League football, but City will be confident they can land him. Other factors will determine if another midfielder is needed.

The next obvious position is right-back, although it is not clear that they will definitely sign one. They have certainly looked at a few players in the position, in the younger age bracket so not coming in as first-choice, but then they did that last summer and ultimately opted against. Links with Newcastle’s Tino Livramento have again been dismissed, which is perhaps another indicator that City aren’t convinced about spending a lot of money on the role (although Livramento’s injury record has also been poor over the last two seasons).

Everyone is happier with Matheus Nunes at right-back now he himself has committed to the position, and Guardiola was happy enough with Abdukodir Khusanov there to use him at the Bernabeu. Vitor Reis is pushing for a return to Manchester with his performances at Girona and Guardiola may decide that having more centre-backs that can be shifted out wide is better than signing a specialist who will not be as adept covering the middle.

Any word of a Bernie 1-year extension? E

Still nothing. It’s not impossible, and it has happened before with other players where they have come to an agreement late in the year to stay for another campaign. But it is not looking any more likely than it has done all season. Silva wanted to stay this season and wants to leave his mark as captain, but he seems happy enough with leaving the club in a good place again without needing another haul of trophies before he goes off to pursue another challenge while he still has plenty to offer.

How much longer are you staying Pep? Another 10yrs please. Norman

This also came in before the Champions League game, and there are more fans who are open to him leaving at the end of the season after that 3-0 defeat. That won’t be the way the board see it though, who still regard Guardiola as the best man for the job. Given City entered March alive in four competitions, they would probably argue that it has already been a successful season – particularly given last year and the changes over the last three transfer windows – regardless of whether City win anything or not. That may not be how everyone sees it, but there is a valid point in there.

Guardiola’s interview before the Madrid game with TNT leaned more into an exit at the end of the season as he reminisced about the grounds that he will miss when he leaves. There were also some people who took his very attacking lineup at the Bernabeu to be an attempt to claim one final emphatic victory on what could be his last time in the dugout at the ground of Barcelona’s most bitter rivals. Guardiola knows, though, that he is nearing the end, even if he stays another year and will also be well aware of the speculation surrounding his future, so can choose to lean into it when he wants. He certainly isn’t being as reflective and retrospective as he was last season amid City’s struggles.

Hello, Simon! There are a lot of rumours about Rodri potentially leaving for Real Madrid. The latest news about his contract was during the summer transfer window. My question is: what is the current situation with his contract? Is there a chance he will extend his contract or will he leave for a new challenge? He is my favourite player on the team, so I am very concerned about his future. Ulugbek

Hi Ulugbek, Rodri is an interesting one – not least because he is coveted by Real president Florentino Perez, a man who has been used to getting what he wants for decades. A new City contract has not been seen as urgent this season while the player has been working his way back from injury, but the club are now relying on banking the goodwill they feel they have to get Rodri to extend.

They will not want his deal to go far into the final 12 months next season and if they are to lose him will want a substantial fee given the support and patience that he has had around his injury problems. The World Cup is another potential complication though with Rodri spending a big chunk of the summer with teammates from Spain, and he will also have to weigh up how long he can thrive in a Premier League that is increasingly physical. I wouldn’t say City are worried about losing Rodri, but the longer it goes without any significant breakthroughs in contract talks the doubts may start to creep in.

Crystal Palace once again failed to get the better of AEK Larnaca following their 0-0 draw at Selhurst Park yesterday.

Palace hosted Larnaca in the first leg of their Europa Conference League match-up.

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Unfortunately, the Eagles failed to convert their chances as Zlatan Alomerovic’s heroics in goal kept them at bay.

Palace stars like Tyrick Mitchell, Evann Guessand, Jean-Philippe Mateta, and Brennan Johnson were all guilty of spurning decent chances.

Despite the disappointment of not securing a win at home, Palace boss Oliver Glasner will be impressed by the application.

He will take encouragement from the fact that they did not lose, unlike when they faced Larnaca in the group stage.

Also, his shock decision to play Johnson as wing-back in the absence of Daniel Munoz paid remarkable dividends.

Johnson joined in the January transfer window from Tottenham Hotspur but has struggled to make an impact for the Eagles.

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He does not particularly fit into any of the number 10 roles in Glasner’s 3-4-2-1 set-up. However, playing him on the flank brought him closer to his natural position.

He was very influential in proceedings, especially in the second half.

Johnson created one big chance, played two key passes, and completed two of his three attempted dribbles. He won two fouls and recorded six progressive carries.

The 24-year-old was dribbled past twice, but still won 4/7 ground duels and showed diligence in his defensive duties.

The expectation was that Nathaniel Clyne would start in Munoz’s absence, but Glasner took a gamble that paid off.

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“Wherever the manager needs me to play I’m happy to do so – it’s a privilege to play for this club,” Johnson remarked on playing as a wing-back (via the BBC).

Johnson has not gotten off to the best of starts in a Palace shirt, but this performance will offer some encouragement that he could be useful.

The Welshman thrived in this role and could keep his place in the side if Munoz is out for a long period of time.

The return of Kerrin McEvoy from foot injury accelerates with seven rides lined up at Rosehill Gardens and Group 1 possibilities looming in coming weeks.

Sidelined for six weeks due to a foot break from a January 15 barrier trial blunder, the Melbourne Cup winner three times got back aboard last Saturday for one ride, then handled four at midweek Warwick Farm.

Another set of four rides awaits at Friday’s Kembla Grange Classic before the Saturday Coolmore Classic meeting, with McEvoy declaring himself fit and attentive.

“The foot feels good and it’s nice to be back and have a few rides on Saturday,” McEvoy said.

“I’ve had a few trials as well, and I’ve been able to get enough loading in the gym and on the bike. I have been swimming a lot, but there is nothing like race fitness.”

On his Rosehill slate, McEvoy rides Signor Tortoni for trainer Ron Quinton in the Maurice McCarten Stakes (1100m); the four-year-old merits the Group elevation after successive wins in milder races, latest at Saturday’s venue and distance.

“Ron said he’s been in good order since, and he looks a good chance for me,” McEvoy said.

“Ron has been patient. He’s let him race into this type of company and to get there, he has been winning along the way.

“It’s nice to see him in good form and I’m looking forward to riding him.”

McEvoy connects with River Of Stars, second in the Caulfield Cup, for the Sky High Stakes (2000m), where despite stronger form at extended distances, the step up from 1400m first-up will suit.

“You can expect a more forward run getting up to that trip. She is second-up with a trial in between,” McEvoy said.

“She was second in the Caulfield Cup last prep, so she is one to keep an eye on with improvement to come.”

McEvoy sits out the day’s marquee Group 1 Coolmore Classic (1500m) but targets big races including the Golden Slipper (1200m) and The Galaxy (1100m) in two weeks’ time.

“I’ve been confirmed for (2025 Golden Slipper winner) Marhoona in The Galaxy, which is a nice pick up for me,” he said.

“I’m hoping to get on one of Chris Waller’s in the Doncaster Mile, and I’m also riding one of his in the Slipper, Hidrix.

“I’m looking forward to getting a nice win in the coming weeks.”

Discover the finest betting sites offering racing betting markets for the Coolmore Classic.

Phoenix Suns (39-27, seventh in the Western Conference) vs. Toronto Raptors (36-29, seventh in the Eastern Conference)

Toronto; Friday, 7:30 p.m. EDT

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Raptors -4; over/under is 218.5

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BOTTOM LINE: Phoenix visits the Toronto Raptors after Devin Booker scored 43 points in the Suns’ 123-108 win against the Indiana Pacers.

The Raptors are 17-16 on their home court. Toronto ranks fourth in the NBA with 28.8 assists per game led by Immanuel Quickley averaging 6.1.

The Suns have gone 17-14 away from home. Phoenix is 17-20 against opponents with a winning record.

The Raptors score 113.4 points per game, 2.4 more points than the 111.0 the Suns allow. The Suns are shooting 45.4% from the field, 1.0% lower than the 46.4% the Raptors’ opponents have shot this season.

TOP PERFORMERS: Scottie Barnes is shooting 49.9% and averaging 18.8 points for the Raptors. Quickley is averaging 2.5 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

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Collin Gillespie is scoring 13.4 points per game and averaging 4.2 rebounds for the Suns. Royce O’Neale is averaging 2.7 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Raptors: 4-6, averaging 111.4 points, 39.3 rebounds, 26.1 assists, 9.6 steals and 4.2 blocks per game while shooting 46.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 109.9 points per game.

Suns: 7-3, averaging 108.2 points, 44.2 rebounds, 23.6 assists, 8.8 steals and 4.1 blocks per game while shooting 43.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 105.4 points.

INJURIES: Raptors: Scottie Barnes: day to day (illness), Collin Murray-Boyles: day to day (thumb).

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Suns: Grayson Allen: day to day (knee), Dillon Brooks: out (hand), Mark Williams: out (foot).

___

The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

If Aaron Rodgers takes too long to decide his retirement fate — or just retires — the Pittsburgh Steelers will reportedly turn to former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins in free agency, according to NFL insider Jason La Canfora.

Pittsburgh’s Rodgers delay may have opened another path for Cousins.

Unsurprisingly, Rodgers is taking his sweet time on the retirement decision, and that may bode well for Cousins, who is available after the Atlanta Falcons severed ties this week.

The Steelers Could Become a Real Option for Cousins

Cousins is unemployed for the first time in his NFL career.

La Canfora: Cousins to PIT Is the Fallback Plan

It might be two-old-warhorse race in Pittsburgh.

La Canfora wrote this week, “The Steelers will not be waiting nearly as long for word from veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers about his intent to play football as they did a year ago, and the team is working to procure other options at quarterback in the meantime.”

“Former Vikings playoff quarterback Kirk Cousins is among the top options for Pittsburgh if Rodgers is not back, according to league sources, while the team is legitimately high on the upside of second-year quarterback Will Howard as well. The Steelers cannot afford to let Rodgers drag the process out too long, although the team is also unlikely to take a chance on some of the other back-up options floating around.”

In addition to Rodgers or Cousins, the Steelers could explore drafting a rookie passer in April, such as Ty Simpson, Carson Beck, Garrett Nussmeier, or Drew Allar.

Waiting on Rodgers

Rodgers told the media last summer that 2025 would likely be his final season, but after his team suffered a one-and-done fate — that felt all too predictable — he wouldn’t commit to retirement or a return. That was hours after the Steelers’ loss. He said that the time wasn’t appropriate for the decision, needing time to process everything.

Two months later, Rodgers still hasn’t made a decision, but he mentioned last week that Pittsburgh hadn’t extended him an offer. Eventually, Rodgers must decide to return for Year No. 22 or walk away. Until then, nobody knows the identity of Pittsburgh’s QB1.

La Canfora added about the Steelers’ offseason mindset: “The Steelers were not interested in Miami former starter Tua Tagovailoa, according to sources, given his injury history, suspect play in recent years and well-documented failures to produce in cold weather.”

“The Steelers remain in the mode of reaching the postseason, and continue to add assets on offense, acquiring receiver Michael Pittman from Indianapolis. Contrary to some offseason reports, the Steelers have no interest in trading DK Metcalf, whom they acquiring from Seattle a year ago, never entertained any trade talks concerning him and plan to pair him with Pittman.”

Most fans didn’t see a Pittman trade coming, but he will pair nicely with Metcalf.

La Canfora continued, “Cousins is a quick learner, performed much better in the second half of the season with Atlanta and is now fully recovered from an Achilles injury that marred much of his time with the Falcons.”

“Pittsburgh would ideally pair a proven veteran starter with Howard, who they believe improved significantly in their first year as a pro after being selected in the sixth round and has potential starting upside but needs more time to develop.”

Cousins, Mike McCarthy, and the Weapons

If Cousins gets tapped on the shoulder by Pittsburgh, he’ll work with McCarthy, whose resume with quarterbacks is quite stellar.

Cousins would also work alongside these weapons:

• DK Metcalf (WR)
• Michael Pittman (WR)
• Jaylen Warren (RB)
• Rico Dowdle (RB)
• Kaleb Johnson (RB)
• Pat Freiermuth (TE)
• Darnell Washington (TE)
• Roman Wilson (WR)

The Steelers also finished 2025 with a Top 10 offensive line, according to Pro Football Focus, which Cousins might need because he can’t operate off schedule too often at age 37.

Other Cousins Spots?

If Pittsburgh is not an option for Cousins, several other teams may be interested:

• Cleveland Browns
• Indianapolis Colts
• Las Vegas Raiders
• Minnesota Vikings
• New York Jets

The San Francisco 49ers are also worth monitoring. General Manager John Lynch could make a surprising move — perhaps trading Mac Jones to a team like the Browns for draft capital — and then offer Cousins a reasonable contract. Head Coach Kyle Shanahan has long admired Cousins, and their rapport is well-established.

Alternatively, Cousins could remain patient. Each season, starting quarterbacks inevitably suffer injuries. By waiting, Cousins could position himself as an appealing solution for a team suddenly in need of an experienced replacement. The scenario is not without precedent. In 2025, for example, the Colts and Bengals experienced quarterback injuries, and a dependable veteran like Cousins would have been a valuable asset.

Furthermore, waiting allows Cousins to bypass training camp and join a team midseason, potentially providing a spark.

Cousins will turn 38 in August.