The Flat is back with the Lincoln meeting at Doncaster and I’ve got five to follow for Saturday’s racing tips, including an each-way contender in part 1 of the spring double.
Doncaster tips: Saturday Lincoln meeting
Spycatcher can retain Cammidge Trophy
A field of 12 goes to post for this Listed sprint, with the winners of the 2024 renewal, Montassib and last year’s race, SPYCATCHER both back for more and it’s the latter who earns the vote.
Admittedly, William Haggas has had his recent runners performing closer to their optimum than Karl Burke’s string has but we’re back on turf now and the latter can often be a strong starter himself.
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Spycatcher won the race in the absence of Montassib a year ago, as the Haggas-trained runner was away from the track from October 2024 until last September. He faced a stiffish task in the Champions Sprint at Ascot last October and was then beaten almost five lengths by Spycatcher over C&D (heavy) at the November meeting.
That win now means that the selection has to concede 5lb to his chief rival but there are still reasons to think there’s a good chance of that. He acts on the forecast good to soft ground, he goes well when fresh and his two C&D successes read well in terms of his penchant for this track. At his price on betting sites at the time of writing, he looks an each-way bet to nothing, with a decent chance that he’ll win it again.
Empirestateofmind has the potential to hit the right key in Spring Mile
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A typically open renewal of this traditional early season cavalry charge. Several will fancy their chances and there should be plenty of pace on this straight mile, with an interesting runner from a high draw being EMPIRESTATEOFMIND.
He’s a big price, on account of a couple of lesser efforts at the back end of last season. However, his strike rate is reasonably good, he acts on good ground or slower and this is his optimum trip.
He’s back on the mark from which he won an Ayr handicap last summer and, with the Quinn yard’s runners in decent nick, he could run a big race at a big price. He looks a small stakes each-way play. Try to get five places on horse racing betting sites if you can.
A quality field of just five line-up and the pick of them is DOCKLANDS on both official ratings. He also looks the pick in terms of his form profile, dropping back in grade to Listed level here, having dined at the top table in Group 1 company on his last six starts.
He was good enough to win the Queen Anne at Royal Ascot, and he has run with great credit in three others. He finished behind the reopposing Qirat when Ralph Beckett’s runner produced that famous shock success in the Sussex Stakes last July but overall, his profile is, as the ratings suggests, superior.
They race off level weights and although he’s yet to win after a break, he has gone very close more than once and I don’t think his efforts when fresh are a great concern. He looks capable of picking up this first prize of over £34,000 and getting 2026 off to a flyer.
Greek Order a tasty each-way option in the Lincoln
Only one favourite has obliged in the last decade in this traditional first leg of the spring double, while half of the ten winners in that period carried double figure SPs.
William Haggas and Charlie Appleby have both trained two of those ten successful runners, while three of the last four winners have come from a single figure draw. I have a huge amount of respect for the Haggas-trained Eternal Force, who is towards the head of the market on betting apps and tries to complete a protracted four-timer here. He still looks well treated and comes out of stall six, so a big run looks on the cards.
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However, at a sporting price and drawn lowest of all, GREEK ORDER is back on a handy mark himself. Although exposed, he’s proven over the trip, has run well when fresh on several occasions and he acts on any ground, so conditions on the slow side won’t be a problem.
He sees out further than this, which with the pace on here will be no bad thing, while he represents an in-form trainer in Michael Bell. I think he’s probably overpriced and I’ll be having an each-way play to as many places as I can find. If the first-time visor works the oracle, then he could be bang there at the business end.
Masters Legacy can end a three-year drought at Uttoxeter
An open-looking handicap chase where several come into it having won last time out, and all four of them are respected in siding against them with MASTERS LEGACY.
Trained by Philip Hobbs and Johnson White, the 11-year-old can’t have been the easiest to train, given the gaps between his appearances on the track at times. He’s had wind surgery on three occasions and when you consider that, it’s easy to see why there’s an inconsistency about his CV.
Having said that, at his best, he’d be a shoo-in from this mark of 114 and he wouldn’t need to be at that level to win this. He sees out three miles well, acts on good ground or slower and his return from nearly a year off saw him finish fourth in an Ascot handicap chase last November, form which looks good in the context of this race.
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It’s fair to say he ran a stinker at Hereford around three weeks later and perhaps that race came too soon for him. His record shows that he can (although not always) go well when fresh and he’s been given 108 days off since that latest run, which could pay dividends.
A further 4lb drop won’t do any harm and with headgear on for the first-time, he may prove good enough to end a drought of over three years. I certainly think if he’s anything like that Ascot run in terms of performance, he looks likely to be in the shake-up and he can be backed each-way.
Free horse racing bets
Each Saturday, Virgin Bet run a money-back offer relating to one of the races being shown on ITV Racing that day. This week, that race is the 14.08 at Kempton.
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If you decide to have a wager on that race at Kempton and your selection doesn’t win, you’ll receive your stake back in free bets.
There’s no need to opt in to the offer, just place a wager on the race and if your selection doesn’t win, you’ll receive a free bet refund, up to a maximum of £10.
Only the win part of any each-way bets will be credited back to Virgin Bet punters.
Responsible gambling
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If you plan to have a bet on the racing, make sure to gamble responsibly.
It’s vital that bettors take steps to remain in control of their time and budget when using gambling sites. The same applies whether you’re using the betting sites UK, slot sites, casino sites, casino apps, or any other gambling medium.
Even the most knowledgeable racing punter can lose a bet, so always stick to a budget and never chase your losses.
It’s particularly important not to get carried away by any free bets or casino bonuses you might receive, both of which are available in abundance on gambling sites, but must be approached with caution.
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You can stay in control by making use of the responsible gambling tools offered, such as deposit limits, loss limits, self-exclusion and time-outs.
You may also want to visit the following free organisations to discuss any issues with gambling you might be having:
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5′ Barcelona go through on the left with Marcus Rashford, who swings a low cross into the box. However, Real Madrid left-back Fran Garcia recovers in time to prevent any danger.
A minute later, Barcelona attack again, but this time it’s Raul Asencio who recovers and makes a superb tackle! Remember, Asencio came in last-minute after Dean Huijsen felt discomfort during warm-up.
NU setter Greg Ancheta, left, celebrates during a win over FEU in the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball Finals.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Feeling the weight of the pressure, Greg Ancheta endured tearful nights, crying quietly in bed as he dealt with self-doubt without his teammates knowing.
Tasked with steering National University’s loaded offense bannered by Alas Pilipinas stars Leo Ordiales and Buds Buddin, Ancheta admitted the journey was far from easy, but one he eventually overcame through trust given by coach Dante Alinsunurin and his teammates and, more importantly, belief in himself.
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“There were times when I’d lie in bed crying alone. I just didn’t show it to my teammates or the people I shared a room with,” Ancheta said in Filipino.
“But I held on to Coach Dante’s reminder that I can’t rely only on the coaches if I want to play. I need to have my own identity as a player. I’m also thankful because they gave me their trust, and from there, I just kept working hard.”
After losing their last two games in the elimination round and finishing with a 10-4 record, Alinsunurin lamented that their set plays became one of their problems.
“There’s really a story behind that because I kept telling him that he needed to challenge himself. I wanted to push him and see what he was capable of because I knew he could help carry us to a championship,” said Alinsunurin of Ancheta.
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“In that situation, I really tried to bring out more from him. I told him he shouldn’t just depend on the coaching staff or the people teaching him. What’s important is that he learns how to decide for himself — not only in volleyball, but also in life.He needs to build his own identity as a player,” he added.
It lit the fire under Ancheta as he unleashed 30 excellent sets in NU’s win over University of Santo Tomas in the playoff for the No.2 spot. He then dished out 23 in their Final Four victory against UST to reach the title round for the 11th straight time.
In the finals opener, Ancheta anchored NU’s five-set comeback with 31 excellent sets and paced NU’s successful “six-peat” with 20 excellent sets in their 26-24, 25-22, 25-22 sweep of FEU to rule the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball tournament on Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.
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“It feels really good because I was able to overcome all the challenges that came my way,” Ancheta said.
Alinsunurin, now an eight-time champion coach, credited his playmaker for accepting the challenge.
“With what he showed in the semifinals and finals, he was really impressive. I knew he was ready, and he performed very well,” he said.
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After overcoming the quiet battles no one else saw, Ancheta found tranquility with NU’s latest championship.
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“I want to thank coach Dante, who stood by my side and allowed me to fight for myself, too,” said Ancheta. “At this point, I feel like I don’t have anything left to prove except to give my best every game. Maybe this is the most meaningful championship I’ve won.”
The Indianapolis Colts selected former Georgia linebacker CJ Allen in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft with the 53rd overall pick. The franchise posted a clip of the 21-year-old working out at rookie camp on Saturday.
“CJ in motion,” the caption read.
Thanks for the submission!
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Fans flocked to the comment section to share their reaction to the video.
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“I seen dads at a cookout move faster,” a fan said.
i seen dads at a cookout move faster
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“Dude moving like a Amazon package handler,” one fan commented.
“10 and 11 personnel going to have CJ in hell,” another fan added.
“he is still just as slow fjejxbjanxjzjd,” one fan posted.
“Did he just learn how to run today?” Another fan said.
“Delete this bro looks 40 years old,” one comment read.
As the Colts’ rookie minicamp got underway on May 8–10, 2026, Allen’s athleticism was a major talking point. Throughout the 2026 draft process, many scouting reports labeled the linebacker as an average athlete. Reports suggested he had slow lateral speed and slow change of direction.
Many argued that he often looked split-second late on film when reacting to zone passes or chasing down fast ball carriers.
CJ Allen reveals the story behind wearing No. 53 with the Colts
After wearing No. 3 throughout his standout career at Georgia, CJ Allen needed a new number in the NFL because Colts kicker Spencer Shrader already wore it.
Indianapolis assigned Allen No. 53, and at first, he saw it as a standard linebacker jersey. Later, he was selected with the 53rd overall pick in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft after the Colts traded down from No. 47.
The jersey also holds major franchise history as former Colts All-Pro linebacker Shaquille Leonard wore No. 53 during his dominant run with the team. He won AP Defensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2018 and earned three first-team AP All-Pro selections while wearing the iconic number. Allen now hopes to create his own legacy in Indianapolis.
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The former Georgia star appeared in 41 games with 30 starts from 2023-25, recording 205 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, 11 pass breakups, one interception, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.
His impressive 2025 campaign included 88 tackles, 8.0 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks, helping him earn First Team All-America and First Team All-SEC honors.
‘DDD’ had previously held the IBF crown, where he notably claimed a fifth round knockout win over Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium back in September 2024.
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Posting on social media, Fury has now compared those two fights, believing that the performance from Dubois against Wardley, along with some of his other recent outings, raise question marks about the chin of Joshua after he was dropped several times by ‘DDD.’
“Well, I’ve just been sat here thinking after Dubois’ unbelievable fight last night. Dubois fought Big Baby Miller, stopped him but never put him down.
“Then he fought Hrgovic, stopped him but never put him down. He fought Wardley last night in an unbelievable fight, stopped him and never put him down. He hit Usyk with some big bombs, never put him over. But yet he fights Anthony Joshua and pummels him to the floor five times.
“I’m not saying Anthony Joshua’s chinless, but they’re the facts. Take it as you wish and as you will. Everybody else never went over, not a singular person, Big Baby Miller, Hrgovic, Usyk or Wardley but Joshua goes down five times. Chinny!”
To the surprise of many, including UFC president Dana White, middleweight rivals Sean Strickland and Khamzat Chimaev embraced in a moment of sportsmanship in the immediate aftermath of their back-and-forth 25-minute title fight at UFC 328.
The pair of popular-yet-polarizing pugilists exchanged insults and threats online and in person in the months, weeks and days leading up to their anticipated clash, and Chimaev even kicked Strickland two days before the event at a press conference.
But unlike when Khabib Nurmagomedov and his team attacked Conor McGregor and his team following their UFC 229 lightweight championship grudge match in 2018, or when Nick Diaz and Joe Riggs brawled in the hospital after already fighting for three rounds in the cage in 2006, Strickland and Chimaev buried the hatchet.
Once Strickland’s name was read aloud by UFC in-cage announcer Bruce Buffer following a split-decision result, the men who used to train together on occasion before their heated rivalry shook hands and embraced.
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Chimaev kissed Strickland on the forehead, their respective teams exchanged pleasantries, and Chimaev even wrapped the belt around Strickland, who is now a two-time UFC middleweight champion.
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“What an awesome display of sportsmanship by Khamzat to put that belt around your waist,” Joe Rogan said to Strickland before their post-fight interview.
White was asked about Strickland’s and Chimaev’s post-fight conduct, which was the opposite of what fight fans had witnessed all week leading up to UFC 328.
“I was ready for the exact opposite,” White told reporters after the event in Newark, N.J.
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At one point during the height of his stardom, McGregor notoriously yelled into the microphone after one of his victories that he wanted “to apologize…to absolutely nobody!” for the way he had been conducting himself.
Strickland, on the other hand, was apologetic for some of the comments he made about Chimaev and some members of his fan base.
“I just want to apologize to my American fans, to my Muslim fans and my Christian fans,” Strickland said after he was crowned champion a second time. “I went too (expletive) hard. I’ll admit it. I respect all you guys. Chechnya (where Chimaev is from) has great fighters. They’re savage. He’s a (expletive) savage.
“I should be a better (expletive) example but I try to sell these fights for you (expletives). I appreciate you.”
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The 35-year-old from California did later clarify that all the contentiousness between he and Chimaev, 32, was real and not manufactured in the moment as it was happening.
After the fight, however, was different.
“When you go and fight another man, your soul is just exposed,” Strickland said at his post-fight media availability. “When you’re (expletive) bleeding, and he’s bleeding, and like I want to quit, he wants to quit. We don’t want to be there. You just have this level of respect for one another that it like transcends race, religion, nationality, country. After, you kinda become someone’s brother after you and him try to die, win or lose.”
There have been 13 different men to wear the undisputed title in the UFC’s 185-pound division over the years, but Strickland became just the second two-time middleweight champion, joining his old rival Israel Adesanya.
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Strickland first became a UFC champion in September 2023 when he upset Adesanya at UFC 293 in Australia. His first reign didn’t last long as he lost two decisions to Dricus Du Plessis, who couldn’t defend the title against Chimaev at UFC 319 last summer.
Wins over Paulo Costa and Anthony Hernandez put Strickland back in a position to fight for the title again and he took full advantage.
“That (expletive) would not go back,” Strickland said while complimenting Chimaev’s durability shown in absorbing 118 significant head strikes. “I’m hitting him with everything and he just keeps coming forward. Crazy.”
The final round of the match ultimately decided the winner.
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All three judges scored Round 1 for Chimaev, Rounds 2 and 3 for Strickland and had Chimaev evening things up after four. Two judges gave the fifth round to Strickland with one seeing it for Chimaev, who fell to 15-1 in mixed martial arts after suffering his first defeat.
Strickland improved to 18-7 in the UFC with the win. This was the ninth time Strickland, who leads all active UFC middleweight in average fight length, has gone the distance in a five-round fight since 2022. He is 6-3 in those contests.
Although the UFC 328 headliner and judges’ decision were extremely close, it does not appear an immediate rematch will be an option.
Chimaev, who previously competed in the UFC’s 170-pound division, informed White at the Prudential Center after the fight that he plans on now leaving the 185-pound division and moving up to the 205-pound weight class going forward.
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The former champion did also send the new champ a “see you soon again” message on social media, so you never know what the future of the compelling middleweight division may hold.
Feb 13, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Carlos Rodon (55) works out during spring training practices at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
The New York Yankees returned left-hander Carlos Rodon from his minor league rehab assignment on Sunday and reinstated him from the 15-day injured list.
Rodon is expected to make the start on Sunday in Milwaukee as New York attempts to avoid a sweep in the three-game series.
In a corresponding move, the club optioned right-handed reliever Kervin Castro to Triple A-Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Rodon, 33, had loose particles removed from his left elbow in addition to the reduction of a bone spur on Oct. 15, just days after the Yankees’ season ended.
He set a career high with 33 starts in 2025, posting a record of 18-9 with a 3.09 ERA. He earned All-Star accolades and finished 10th in MLB with 203 strikeouts and a WHIP of 1.05.
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According to Inside Edge, his batting-average against at home was .154, best in MLB.
He did struggle in a pair of postseason starts, allowing nine runs in 8 1/3 innings.
Rodon made three minor league rehab starts without a decision and put up a 3.38 ERA. That ERA ballooned after his final tune-up for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Tuesday, when he allowed six runs (five earned) on seven hits in 6 1/3 innings in an 83-pitch outing. He walked two and struck out four.
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“This being probably my third time through a lengthy rehab process, I have some experience, although most people don’t want to really say that,” Rodon told the New York Post on Saturday. “Just (leaning) back on those times and working on the craft and trying to get back here and help the team.”
Rodon is 2-1 with a 2.42 ERA in five career starts vs. Milwaukee. He has beaten the Brewers in his lone start against them each of the last two seasons, allowing a combined two runs on six hits in 11 1/3 innings.
Rodon enters his 12th major league campaign and fourth with the Yankees.
A three-time All-Star, Rodon has a career record of 93-72 with a 3.73 ERA and 1.22 WHIP. In 231 appearances (226 starts), the Miami, Fla. native has fanned 1,409 batters and walked 477 in 1282 innings.
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Castro appeared in only one game for New York, allowing one earned run in two innings in the 6-0 loss to Milwaukee on Friday.
Robert Lewandowski is only on the bench for Barcelona as Marcus Rashford starts
Barcelona XI: J. Garcia; E. Garcia, Curbasi, Martin, Cancelo; Pedri, Gavi; Torres, Olmo, Fermin; Rashford.
Harry Latham-Coyle10 May 2026 18:57
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Team news – Real Madrid
Vinicius Jr leads Real Madrid from the left of the forward line.
Real Madrid XI: Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Rudiger, Huijsen, Garcia; Camavinga, Tchouameni, Bellingham; Brahim Diaz, Gonzalo, Vinicius Jr.
Harry Latham-Coyle10 May 2026 18:55
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England manager is ‘the impossible job’ – but is it the dream role for a German?
The World Cup, of course, is looming ever larger into view. Have you got your ears around Copa Independent, our NEW football podcast, yet? No? Why not? In the latest episode, Miguel Delaney, Lawrence Ostlere and Kieran Jackson dig into why being England manager is just so hard…
Harry Latham-Coyle10 May 2026 18:45
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Arsenal v PSG is a battle of contrasts, with a much deeper significance
We’ll get back to the build-up to tonight’s Clasico in a moment, but it’s been a big week in Europe. Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain will meet in a Champions League final of contrasts, as Miguel Delaney explains.
Harry Latham-Coyle10 May 2026 18:35
Hansi Flick insists Barcelona are focused on themselves
Speaking on Friday, Hansi Flick insisted that Barcelona will not be preoccupied with matters in the opposition camp and must focus on their own game.
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“The only thing we have to focus on is our own display,” he said. “We’ve had a fantastic season as a team. We want to play our game, with our style and as a team.“It’s important for the supporters, for the players and also for us, the staff. We want to win the title, the second in a row. Nothing else matters. We’re fully focused on that.”
(Reuters)
Harry Latham-Coyle10 May 2026 18:22
Best wishes to Hansi Flick
We must send our condolences to Barcelona manager Hansi Flick, who lost his father this weekend.
“FC Barcelona and the entire blaugrana family wish to send all our love to Hansi Flick after the passing of his father,” the Catalan club posted on X. “We share in your sorrow and our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.”
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Real Madrid said: “Real Madrid CF, its president and its Board of Directors deeply regret the passing of the father of Hansi Flick, FC Barcelona coach.
“Real Madrid wishes to express its condolences and affection to his family and all his loved ones. Rest in peace.”
Harry Latham-Coyle10 May 2026 18:05
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Kylian Mbappe hits back at critics over injury recovery ahead of El Clasico
Kylian Mbappe, meanwhile, is the subject of significant ire from Real Madrid supporters, who feel he isn’t exactly rushing back from a hamstring injury with the World Cup around the corner. The France forward insists otherwise:
Harry Latham-Coyle10 May 2026 17:47
Alvaro Arbeloa urges Real Madrid to ‘channel anger’ against Barcelona
Alvaro Arbeloa has urged his Real Madrid players to show the right kind of fight in Sunday’s El Clasico against Barcelona.
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A turbulent week could end in the most miserable way possible for Real, with bitter rivals Barca needing just a point to clinch the title in La Liga with three games to spare.
The Catalan outfit are currently 11 points ahead of second-placed Real, who are lurching from crisis to crisis.
Harry Latham-Coyle10 May 2026 17:40
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Kylian Mbappe absent again due to hamstring injury
Kylian Mbappe will be missing for Real Madrid today, again, as he is not in the travelling squad. With little left to play for, perhaps it is not worth the risk to rush him back before the end of the season?
Harry Latham-Coyle10 May 2026 17:30
Trio hoping to impress as battle for World Cup spots heats up
Three players will have a chance to impress on the biggest stage this evening, with Jude Bellingham, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Marcus Rashford still fighting for places – and potentially even a starting berth – in the England squad for this summer’s World Cup.
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While Jude Bellingham has marked himself out as a near-certain starter in midfield for the Three Lions, both Alexander-Arnold and Rashford have more work to do to be included in the squad, let alone to secure a spot in the starting XI.
England boss Thomas Tuchel seemingly does not have a lot of confidence in Real Madrid full-back Alexander-Arnold, with the German previously criticising the defensive aspect of his game. However, his hand may be forced by the injury to Tino Livramento, who could miss the rest of the season with a back problem.
Rashford could benefit from a similar situation, though more due to a general lack of competition in the left-wing position. While Anthony Gordon should also be on the plane to the USA, Rashford could benefit from the Newcastle man’s recent lack of form as the pair fight to start on the left in England’s opener against Croatia in Dallas on 17 June.
Just a swift check of Athanatos’s history alerted Kerrin McEvoy that he held a real shot in the $500,000 The Coast, proven correct as the interstate challenger proved too tough to pass.
The elite rider had not previously partnered the four-year-old gelding, but his near-two-length defeat when runner-up to fourth against Transatlantic in last spring’s Toorak Handicap (1600m) suggested to McEvoy that repeating it would secure a placing at worst.
“I was pretty confident when I got the booking and looked at his runs,” McEvoy said.
“I gave ‘Stokesy’ (trainer Phillip Stokes) a call yesterday and he backed it up. He said, ‘he’s in good form’. “
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“I got confidence out of the fact the last time he went to the mile was in the Toorak, and as we know it’s a competitive handicap, a Group One, and he wasn’t beaten far.”
Starting from midfield on Saturday, McEvoy kept Athanatos ($11) close to the speedsters, with the gelding powering home in the final stages to beat front-runner Sarrismo ($2.90 fav) by a length.
Grand Omaha ($51) filled third, half a neck adrift.
At Morphettville for the Goodwood program, Stokes explained how connections selected Saturday’s The Coast (1600m) at Gosford as a key trial en route to the Five Diamonds (1800m) in Sydney later in the year.
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“Next prep we’re going to aim up for that,” Stokes told Racing And Sports.
“This was a big prizemoney race, and the owners will be wrapped.
“I’m getting a bit of a handle on Sydney now. It’s something we want to explore more and have more of a presence up there, so it’s important to identify horses to send up.
“He might be a horse we now have to look at Brisbane with.”
Such a large part of scoring well comes from hitting short-game shots close to the pin. From both personal experience and working with students, I’ve seen how common it is to leave these shots short, making the putt much harder to convert.
Here are some common reasons why this happens and how to improve.
1. Using your most lofted club
It’s easy to assume that the most lofted club should always be used around the green, but this often leads to shots coming up short. The more lofted the club, the larger the swing required to get the ball to the pin. Especially when there is more green to work with or a longer overall distance, consider using a lower-lofted club instead.
2. Inconsistent contact
High, lofted pitch shots require solid technique and confidence. Proper posture and grip play a huge role in making consistent contact.
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Because pitch shots often require a larger swing, it’s important to maintain good posture by bending forward from the hips and allowing the arms to hang naturally. This helps deliver the club to the ground properly and promotes center-face contact.
3. Wedges lack enough bounce
Bounce is the rounded sole on a wedge that helps the club glide through the turf rather than dig into it. When the club interacts properly with the ground, you can swing more confidently and strike the ball more consistently.
If a wedge has enough bounce, even slight contact with the turf before the ball can still produce a respectable shot because the club continues to glide instead of digging.
When players occasionally skull a wedge shot because the club digs too much, they often become hesitant to make a full enough swing, which can lead to approach shots consistently coming up short.
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4. Pitching when you should be chipping
This may be the simplest adjustment you can make to get the ball all the way to the pin.
When there is more room for roll than required carry, it is usually safer and more efficient to hit a lower-running chip shot instead of a high pitch shot. Because the motion is smaller, even slightly imperfect contact can still produce a very good result.
5. Not using lower-lofted clubs
The smaller the stroke, the smaller the chance for error. Using a lower-lofted club — such as an 8- or 9-iron — can be a smart option when you have plenty of green to work with and a back pin location.
Let the club selection help the ball travel the distance rather than trying to force a larger swing. Lowering your scores can be as simple as calibrating your short game, including both chipping and pitching.
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