Trainer Danny O’Brien has outlined an ambitious spring program for Sass Appeal, with three Group 1 races firmly in focus as the talented mare resumes at Flemington this Saturday.

The So You Think filly is set to kick off her preparation in the VRC Membership Renewals Open (1410m) after a stellar three-year-old season that culminated in a victory in the Kewney Stakes.

Sass Appeal has competed in just five races, achieving a runner-up finish on debut at Sandown before securing four consecutive wins, including her Group 2 success at Flemington in March.

O’Brien made the strategic decision to conclude her autumn campaign immediately after that win, believing a timely spell would position her perfectly for the spring season.

The stable has earmarked the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes, the Toorak Handicap, and the Empire Rose Stakes as her major spring objectives.

“She went to the paddock early in the autumn after the first Saturday in March as she had raced through the summer, so we weren’t keen to do too much more with her,” O’Brien stated.

“The benefit of going out early was we were able to have her ready for the early part of the spring as we are hoping to get her to a Sir Rupert Clarke or a Toorak Handicap.

“She needs to win a race or two between now and those races to get her rating up to that sort of level and this looks a good starting point on Saturday.”

Although Sass Appeal was also entered for the Aurie’s Star Handicap, O’Brien felt the 1410m assignment was a more suitable option.

The mare also benefits from the weight allocation, carrying 53kg compared to what she would have shouldered in the Group 3 sprint.

“She already has a good record at the 1400 (metres),” O’Brien commented.

“She’s won twice at the course and distance, so we thought we would stick with what she does best and is already proven at. It’s a lower rating race than what the Aurie’s Star is, a Group 3, and she is a lot better handicapped in this.”

O’Brien plans to give Sass Appeal one more lead-up run in another Benchmark 100 over 1400m at Caulfield on August 29 before stepping her into elite company.

“There’s only time to have two runs before potentially running in the Sir Rupert Clarke,” O’Brien explained.

“She can run this weekend and then go four weeks to Memsie Stakes Day to a similar race there, another 1400-metre at Caulfield and then it’s a three-week gap to the Sir Rupert Clarke. After that it’s potentially the Toorak Handicap into the Empire Rose.”

Despite the substantial prizemoney and the recent elevation of The Golden Eagle to Group 1 status, O’Brien’s preference is to keep Sass Appeal racing in Melbourne throughout the spring.

Find the best betting sites for the Flemington races.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has moved its 2026 Elective Congress by one day, with the election now set to take place on Sunday, September 27, 2026, in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

The congress was first scheduled for Saturday, September 26, and will elect members of the NFF Executive Committee, who will lead the federation for the next four years.

The decision was approved during an extraordinary General Assembly held virtually on Wednesday after the NFF Executive Committee proposed the change.

NFF President, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, said the date was changed because of the Super Eagles’ opening qualifier for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations against Madagascar.

According to Gusau, after talks with CAF, the match was fixed for Friday, September 25, 2026. He explained that many candidates contesting the NFF election are expected to be involved with the Super Eagles, making it difficult for them to travel to Lafia in time for the congress the next day.

“In view of this development, the Executive Committee considered it necessary to seek the approval of Congress for a one-day postponement of the Elective Congress,” Gusau said.

The proposal received full support during the virtual meeting after it was moved and seconded by members of Congress, confirming Sunday, September 27, 2026, as the new date for the NFF Elective Congress.

San Diego Padres right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. delivered one of the best defensive highlights in Thursday’s game against the San Francisco Giants. The 27-year-old robbed slugger Rafael Devers of a home run with a spectacular leaping catch against the wall at Petco Park.

The play came in the first inning with Tatis covering 94 feet to haul the homer. In the end, Rafael Devers had to settle for a sacrifice fly as the Giants took a 1-0 lead. The Giants eventually won the game 4-1.

The video of the catch quickly went viral, with fans taking to social media raving about Fernando Tatis Jr.’s jaw-dropping catch.

“This is unapologetically exceptional ☺️😊”

“What a catch. You are right hit it to the wrong guy.”

“That catch was actually insane ngl, what a play 😤”

“Guess the ball was just trying to get a better view of the skyline.”

“That’s the kind of defensive play that changes games. Tatis Jr. is simply unreal. 👏⚾”

“Wrong guy to test! 😤”

Ironically, it wasn’t the first time Fernando Tatis Jr. had denied the Giants’ $313.5M star’s of a home run. Tatis robbed Devers of a homer at Pecto Park last August, making Thursday’s catch feel like a deja vu to the Giants infielder.

Fernando Tatis Jr. fuels Padres’ push with career-best five-hit night

A couple of days ago, San Diego Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr. put together a career-best five-hit performance in the team’s 8-7 walk-off win against the Colorado Rockies. Tatis played a crucial role in the team’s victory while shortstop Xander Bogaerts delivered the decisive sacrifice fly.

Tatis’ continued production will be vital if the Padres hope to stay in the postseason race. They are currently third in the NL West standings, trailing the Arizona Diamondbacks and the division-leading Los Angeles Dodgers with a 55-54 record.

So far in 2026, Tatis Jr. has recorded eight home runs and 49 RBIs while averaging .285 with a .353 on-base percentage and .745 OPS in 108 games. Other than last year’s and Thursday’s home run robbery being similar, Tatis also went on an absurd stretch, robbing four home runs in 27 home games.