Sports
Sunday Overreactions: How creative should Maple Leafs get with No. 1 pick?
Two digits on a ping pong ball bouncing the right way is all it took to change the entire mood of a fanbase. A season filled with frustrations, bad decisions and disappointment for the Toronto Maple Leafs is melting away like the last remnants of snow on a warm spring day. Now, hope, optimism and enthusiasm fill the air, as the Leafs will have their pick of any player they like in the upcoming 2026 draft.
It’s something the team desperately needed. Toronto’s cupboards are bare. It wasn’t going to have a first-round selection for two of the next three years, and the future of Auston Matthews remains unclear. John Chayka noted how he and Mats Sundin were going to have to catch a moving train, and even though the draft lottery win doesn’t solve everything, it’s definitely given them a titanic boost.
Having the No. 1 pick also means the Leafs have choices and more flexibility. It’s a highly coveted selection, and while the obvious choice to most is to draft Gavin McKenna and not think twice, Chayka and Sundin could look for creative ways to utilize it and fill more holes on the roster.
Maple Leafs should explore trades, drafting someone other than Gavin McKenna
One of the most obvious needs for the Leafs is on the blue line, as they’ve been lacking a true No. 1 defenceman for, well, decades really. Had they simply kept the fifth pick, that’s likely the path they would’ve gone down, since there are a few talented blue-liners at the top of this draft. That said, could Toronto move down a few slots in a trade that includes a few other assets and still grab a high-end player like Chase Reid or Keaton Verhoeff on the back end?
There’s also a possibility the Leafs could consider trading the pick for multiple assets that could help them today. Would the St. Louis Blues consider moving Robert Thomas and the 11th overall pick, for example, for the right to the top selection? Thomas was on the block at the deadline but ultimately stayed put. We know the Leafs want to get back into the playoff mix immediately, and getting a quality, established centre would certainly help the cause.
Plus, Chayka’s resume shows he isn’t afraid to move high picks. While with the Arizona Coyotes, Chayka flipped the seventh overall pick for Derek Stepan. That was a bad swap, but it does point to the fact Chayka is willing to get aggressive with top-10 picks.
There’s also the possibility that the Leafs could keep the pick and draft someone other than McKenna. If there’s a defenceman they really covet, they could choose to take him at one, or they could look at another forward. Some value Ivar Stenberg ahead of McKenna and Caleb Malhotra, who plays centre, wouldn’t be far behind. Toronto has plenty of options worth considering.
There are some scenarios where it would make sense for the Leafs to consider doing something other than drafting McKenna, but making him their selection gives them the player with the highest upside, and it’s also what’s best long-term.
You can’t assume McKenna is going to have the same impact as a teenager like Macklin Celebrini and Matthew Schaefer did, but it really does feel like his ceiling is the highest in his class. He’s still going to be able to step in right away and play in Toronto’s top six, taking care of one hole the Leafs needed to address. McKenna would also instantly help a power play that has struggled to find consistency since Mitch Marner departed.
There are also only a handful of trade scenarios that would make sense to pass up for someone with McKenna’s potential. The talent level of players really drops once you get out of the top five in most drafts, so trading down wouldn’t be worth it unless you’re getting a handful of other assets. If you wanted to look at moving it for an established NHLer or two, they would have to be elite talents, and few teams would probably dangle those in this situation.
The Leafs also need to prepare for the scenario that this retool may not work. What if they are sitting in 11th or 12th in the East at the midway point of the season, and Auston Matthews decides he doesn’t want to extend? You’d almost certainly be heading towards a rebuild at that point, and it would be much better to start that off by building around someone like McKenna.
There will definitely be tempting opportunities for the Maple Leafs to consider regarding this No. 1 pick, but the safest and smartest play is to take McKenna.
The Lightning have major questions to address this off-season
It’s hard to believe a team as talented as the Tampa Bay Lightning has now exited the playoffs in the opening round four years in a row. The Lightning were close to breaking the streak against the Montreal Canadiens, but they came up short, and many of the issues from past years resurfaced. Andrei Vasilevskiy was really good for stretches, although he ultimately finished with a save percentage below .900 for the fourth consecutive post-season. As for Nikita Kucherov, he’s still factoring in on the scoresheet, though he’s tallied just two goals in Tampa’s past four playoff series. Kucherov is also now pointless in seven career Game 7s.
The majority of the Lightning’s core is 30 or older, and Darren Raddysh will be a UFA after a breakout season. Tampa is facing more questions this off-season than ever before, and if it doesn’t address them, its contention window could start shrinking quickly.
Raddysh’s situation looms largest for Tampa, as the emerging blue liner scored 70 points last season, and that offence would be hard to replace if he walks out the door. Retaining him would come with risk, though. Raddysh is likely looking for a massive raise on the $975K he made this year, and handing out big dollars with significant term for a 30-year-old with only one good offensive year could backfire. If he leaves, Victor Hedman would likely take back the power-play duties, though the unit could suffer without Raddysh.
When it comes to Vasilevskiy, Tampa may have to finally invest in a more capable No. 2 option to reduce the former Conn Smythe winner’s regular-season minutes. Vasilevskiy will turn 32 in July and has played a ton of hockey over the past several seasons, so prioritizing keeping him fresh for the playoffs going forward will be paramount. Jonas Johansson has handled the backup duties for the past three seasons, though the Lightning haven’t really been able to trust him. With the cap going up, it could be beneficial to invest in someone capable of playing 30-35 games to lighten Vasilevskiy’s workload a little.
The Lightning may have to target a centre, too. Brayden Point is one of the best in the business, but after him, things really drop off from an offensive perspective. Anthony Cirelli was nominated for the Selke this year, though his offence is on the low end for a top-six centre. Tampa and Kucherov are easier to defend without another high-end offensive pivot on their top two lines. It’s easier said than done, of course, but if it could add a centre who could make it more threatening in the offensive zone, Tampa would become more balanced and tougher to match up against.
General manager Julien BriseBois may not be able to tackle everything on his wish list. However, I’d argue that if he doesn’t upgrade in a couple of areas, it’s going to be tough for Tampa to compete with the younger up-and-coming teams in the East.
Mitch Marner has shed the narrative he can’t come through in the clutch
There is no denying Mitch Marner is a fabulous player and one of the best at his craft, but many, especially Leafs fans, will point to his shortcomings in the playoffs. At first glance, Marner’s playoff numbers in Toronto look good, though he did most of his damage earlier in a playoff series. The 29-year-old scored just once in a Game 5, 6 or 7 during his time with the Maple Leafs across nine playoff appearances. In this go-around with Vegas, though, things are starting off on a much better foot.
Marner scored twice in Game 6 versus Utah in the opening round, including the game-winning goal that sent the Mammoth home. He looks more comfortable this post-season without the weight of carrying several playoff disappointments like he did in a hockey-mad market in Toronto, and was dominant Friday night against the Anaheim Ducks, scoring a hat trick. Let’s also not overlook a couple of massive overtime goals he tallied for Team Canada at the 4 Nations and Olympics. Perhaps Marner has put the narrative that he can’t produce in the clutch behind him.
Marner has certainly been impressive for the Golden Knights so far this spring, but it’s still early. There’s a lot of hockey yet to be played, and one clutch outing in the first round against a first-time playoff team won’t completely erase the memories of past post-seasons. That said, the fact that Marner is playing a new position at times, and the most critical one on the ice for skaters, for that matter, while elevating a player like Brett Howden deserves a lot of praise. He’s given Vegas a lot more versatility and flexibility in its forward group. That could propel the Golden Knights on a deep run, where Marner would get more opportunities to deliver in the clutch and silence his critics once and for all.
What Frederik Andersen is doing this post-season is really incredible. The Carolina Hurricanes netminder has conceded just 10 goals in eight games thus far, barely giving up more than an average of a goal per game. Andersen’s save percentage is also sitting at .950, which is a massive increase from his regular-season number. The 36-year-old didn’t have a strong campaign, posting just an .874 save percentage with a goals against average of over three. This unexpected surge in play from Andersen has powered the Canes to an 8-0 record in the playoffs, as Carolina looks like it’s going to steamroll through the East. Even though there’s still more than two rounds to go, it really does feel like the Conn Smythe Trophy is Andersen’s to lose at this point.
There are some others that have really stepped up this post-season, but none are on the level of Andersen. Kirill Kaprizov, Quinn Hughes and Matt Boldy have all been excellent for the Minnesota Wild, but they are trailing the Colorado Avalanche in their series, and none have been so exceptional to unseat Andersen. Nathan MacKinnon and Jackson LaCombe have a case as well, although I don’t think you could argue either has been as far ahead of his peers as Andersen is. Goalies often end up winning the award, and it’s hard to believe Andersen wouldn’t claim it if this keeps up and Carolina goes on to win it all.
Following a strong performance at Caulfield, trainer Nick Ryan is mulling over Queensland options for Highvol, the gelding who ended his drought.
Success had eluded Highvol since his two-year-old double until Saturday’s Tobin Brothers Celebrating Lives Handicap (1600m).
Under Jamie Mott’s steer, Highvol ($16) set the pace and just held on by a nose against Tarntanya ($18), with Himalayan ($5.50) third.
The Listed Anzac Day Stakes (1400m) at Flemington fell to Highvol in his younger days, leading Ryan to plot a Brisbane winter raid.
An illness derailed Highvol‘s northern trip, forcing Ryan into a spring-focused approach.
He placed fourth late in the Stutt Stakes at Moonee Valley before Ryan chased the Victoria Derby with his three-year-old.
“He had a frustrating spring,” Ryan said.
“He ran super in the Stutt second-up, flying home, against these types of horses.
“He then almost won a Geelong Classic, and we pushed on to the Derby, but it flattened him a lot and I was very mindful of that and hence we didn’t rush him back for the autumn.
“I went and looked at him and said to the owners to give him some more time because he was quite tired after the Derby.
“He was second-up today. They went very slow last time, and he’s no good off a slow tempo, and when they sprinted, they left him flat-footed.”
Since the first-up run at Sandown a month ago, Ryan has worked Highvol hard to prepare for the 1600m grind.
“I said to Motty that I had screwed him down between runs and he’s at his best free rolling off a fast tempo and that’s what that was,” Ryan said.
“It was a bit of a dogfight late and he’s good in the soft, so there was a lot of positives.
“He’s a handy horse and he won his first two and we had plans to go to Queensland, but he got crook.
“He ticks the wet-track box, and he makes his own luck, so a trip to Queensland, anything is possible.”
Online bookmakers offer great betting sites for the Tobin Brothers Celebrating Lives Handicap action.
Lagos have booked their place in the final of the Ibom Air @7 Anniversary Football Tournament after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Calenport at the Uyo Township Stadium in Akwa Ibom State.
The match was attended by several top guests, including the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, and the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Football Association, Mr Samuel Umoh. Both officials were present to support Ibom Air Group General Manager, Marketing and Communication, Mrs Aniekan Essienette, who performed the ceremonial kickoff.
Calenport — a team made up of players from Calabar, Enugu and Port Harcourt — made history when Abasi-Ofon Akpaka scored the first goal of the competition in the 29th minute to give them the lead.
However, Lagos responded strongly before halftime. Elisha Asuquo, who had been a constant threat but wasted several chances, finally levelled the score just before the break.
In the second half, Asuquo completed his brace with a decisive strike to seal victory for Lagos and send them into the final. His brilliant performance earned him the Man of the Match award, which was presented by Elder Paul Bassey after full time.
Lagos dominated large parts of the game, with fans treated to exciting action and loud vuvuzela celebrations from the stands. Ibom Air also supported fans in attendance, adding colour to the lively atmosphere.
Remaining fixtures and anniversary activities
The tournament continues on Saturday with the second semi-final as Abuja face Uyo at the same venue, also kicking off at 4pm. The winner of that match will meet Lagos in the grand final scheduled for Saturday, May 23, 2026.
All matches in the competition will still be played at the Uyo Township Stadium, with organisers confirming tight security and entertainment activities for fans throughout the remaining fixtures.
The tournament forms part of celebrations marking the seventh anniversary of Ibom Air, the Akwa Ibom State-owned airline, which began commercial operations on June 7, 2019.
As part of the anniversary programme, there will also be continued fan engagement activities around the stadium, showcasing Ibom Air’s growing support for sports development in the state.
After the tournament, Ibom Air will round off the celebrations with a special exhibition match against Akwa United FC on May 30, 2026, at the Uyo Township Stadium.
Barangay Ginebra forward Justin Brownlee challenges TNT big man Bol Bol during their game in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Barangay Ginebra clinched the No. 2 spot with a 93-86 victory over TNT to end the PBA Commissioner’s Cup elimination round on Sunday night at Mall of Asia Arena.
The Gin Kings hiked their record to 9-3, setting up a quarterfinals date with the Phoenix Fuel Masters (6-6).
“I think they played a good game like they wanted to but I don’t think it’s a big deal that they lost,” coach Tim Cone said.
READ: PBA: Ginebra shows value of late games with win vs Rain or Shine
Barangay Ginebra’s RJ Abarrientos and Tim Cone after the win over TNT.
They now turn their attention to Phoenix in the quarterfinals. #PBA50 @inquirersports pic.twitter.com/hZrHjUcrTC
— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) May 10, 2026
“TNT can turn it around in a heartbeat and find themselves in the finals easily and that’s a team that everybody’s eyes have to be on.”
Ginebra closed out TNT with a 7-2 spurt capped by a basket by RJ Abarrientos for a 91-83 cushion with 48 seconds remaining.
Abarrientos finished with 17 points, four rebounds and three assists. Justin Brownlee recorded 18 points and 15 rebounds.
READ: PBA: Ginebra hits 21 3s, shoots down Rain or Shine
TNT suffered its third straight setback despite Bol Bol dominating with 33 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks. Calvin Oftana was the lone Tropang 5G local to hit double-digit scoring with 11.
TNT slid to the eighth seed with a 6-6 record and will face top seed NLEX (10-2), which ended the elims with a four-game winning streak. The top four tea
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Ospreys fans have long known that British and Irish Lions star Morgan and fellow Wales co-captain Dewi Lake would be leaving at the end of the season.
It was announced in December that Morgan and hooker Lake would leave to join Prem side Gloucester for the 2026-27 season.
Their decision was influenced by the current uncertainty around the long-term future of the four regions as a factor in the pair’s departure.
Morgan underlined his talismanic status for Ospreys, and showed how much he will be missed, by scoring the winning try as Ospreys edged Scarlets 27-20 in a fierce Welsh derby at the Brewery Field in Bridgend.
“It’s a great feeling to get the try and really special to win on my last home game for the Ospreys,” the flanker told S4C afterwards.
“My time here has been great. I’ve loved playing here and I’ve always said this group of boys are special. I’m grateful to everyone at the club, I’ve loved it.
“But I’m not finished yet. We’ve still got Leinster so I’m looking forward to coming back on Monday for another week with them before my last game.
“We knew it was going to be a tough game against Scarlets and in fairness they were very good.
“But I was proud of the boys’ effort throughout the 80 minutes and to dig out the win in the end.”
Fellow Wales back row Wainwright was unable to conjure a similar fairytale ending in his last game at Rodney Parade before joining Leicester, as Dragons succumbed 24-15 to Edinburgh.
“It was a special occasion for me tonight being my last home game here. I think going into next year, [there are] plenty of positives for the Dragons,” said the 28-year-old.
“Hopefully they keep the momentum going from what we’ve done this year because we’ve had some real good wins over the course of the season.
“Hopefully they can give the fans more to get behind next year.”
Wainwright ended his time surrounded by Dragons supporters, allowed onto the pitch to give him a heart-felt send-off.
St Helens withstood a strong second-half fightback from Leeds Rhinos to set up a Challenge Cup final reprise against old foes Wigan Warriors.
Saints looked to be cruising into the Wembley showpiece on May 30. They were 24-0 up after 50 minutes as Erin McDonald, Zoe Harris, Faye Gaskin and Emily Rudge all scored tries, with Gaskin impeccable on the conversions.
Leeds finally found their feet after a poor first half as Connie Boyd, Ruby Enright and Olivia Whitehead hit back with tries to give Lois Forsell’s side hope.
The comeback was simply not soon enough, however, and McDonald’s second try removed any lingering doubt that Saints would face Wigan in a repeat of last year’s one-sided final, which the Warriors won 42-6.
Wigan were in ruthless mood as they thrashed York Valkyrie on Saturday, but Saints quickly stamped their own personality on the second semi-final, held at the EcoPower Stadium in Doncaster.
McDonald was too powerful for a Leeds defence which lacked belief and conviction in the first 40 minutes, and the try inflicted the first points the Rhinos have conceded in the competition this season.
Saints defence, by contrast, was exceptional, their best moment being Rachael Woosey’s superb try-saving tackle on Whitehead, who also lost control of the ball when presented with another chance a few minutes later.
Gaskin’s delicate kick sent Harris through for another Saints try, and the half-time pep talk for the rattled Rhinos fell flat as Gaskin burst through three tackles and added the conversion for a personal tally of 14 points.
Leeds finally found their rhythm, their big pack making good yards, and dominated the last half-hour as Boyd forced her way over, Enright finished off the best passing move of the match, and more quick hands left Whitehead free to score wide out.
Mel Howard only kicked one of her three conversion attempts to ensure that the comeback was too little, too late, and McDonald powered over to complete the score two minutes from time.
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Jacob Fatu put an exclamation point on his desire to win the World Heavyweight Championship even as he was pinned in a loss to Roman Reigns at Backlash on Saturday night.
Fatu got that crazed look in his eye after Reigns pulled off the victory. Fatu was shocked and enraged as Reigns’ hand was raised in the win to retain his title. But Fatu made clear that his pursuit of gold and glory wasn’t going to stop at the premium live event.
ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON’T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!
Jacob Fatu wrestles Roman Reigns during WWE Backlash at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Fla., on May 9, 2026. (Kevin Sabitus/WWE/Getty Images)
The “Samoan Werewolf” took his frustrations out on Reigns, Raw general manager Adam Pearce and some of the producers who came out to stop his post-match assault. The attack included Fatu going after the referee, putting the Tongan death grip on Reigns and super-kicking anyone who got in his way.
Reigns got the last word in as he walked up the entrance ramp following the vicious assault.
“This is why we shoulda never let Jacob in this company,” Reigns told Cathy Kelley as he walked to the back. “You don’t belong here, Jacob. There is no order with you. This is your last night here.”
Jacob Fatu celebrates over Roman Reigns during WWE Backlash at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Fla., on May 9, 2026. (Kevin Sabitus/WWE via Getty Images)
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Reigns and Fatu battled throughout the night with a lot of the “Tribal Chief’s” damage seemingly being ineffective throughout the match. But one key mistake ultimately cost Fatu.
Fatu had Reigns in the Tongan death grip toward the end of the match. Reigns clung onto the referee and exposed a turnbuckle in the process. Reigns was able to thrust Fatu into the exposed turnbuckle and hit a spear.
Reigns pinned Fatu for the win, but it sparked the chaotic scene.
Roman Reigns enters the ring during WWE Backlash at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Fla., on May 9, 2026. (Michael Owens/WWE)
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Fatu was last seen holding the World Heavyweight Championship over Reigns, who was sprawled out on the mat. The first battle may have ended between the two, but the war is far from finished.
Sports
NBA player prop picks, odds: Model reveals three best 2026 NBA Playoffs prop bets for Sunday, May 10
The Timberwolves have lost two straight after upsetting the Spurs in Game 1, and forward Julius Randle has struggled on the offensive end of the floor, posting 12 points in each of his past two games. Randle’s recent performances mean he could be a focal point for NBA prop picks on Sunday. Randle finished with 21 points in Minnesota’s victory on May 4, and his over/under for total points scored against San Antonio in Game 4 is 17.5. The SportsLine Projection Model projects he’ll exceed that total against the Spurs, predicting he’ll finish with 20.1 points, and identifies it as one of Sunday’s top NBA player props and NBA best bets today.
For Game 4 of Knicks vs. 76ers, SportsLine NBA expert Doug Kralstein is high on Knicks forward Mikal Bridges to be an effective scorer. Bridges finished with 23 points in his last outing against Philadelphia, and his over/under for points in Game 4 is 15.5. Before locking in Sunday’s NBA prop picks and other NBA bets on betting sites like FanDuel, be sure to check out top picks from the proven computer model and team of experts at SportsLine.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in betting profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past eight-plus seasons. The model entered the second round of the 2026 NBA playoffs on a sizzling 26-9 roll (74%) on top-rated NBA spread picks this season. Anyone following its NBA betting advice at online betting sites and on betting apps could have seen huge returns.
Top NBA player prop picks on Sunday
- Mikal Bridges, Knicks, Over 15.5 points
- Karl-Anthony Towns, Knicks, Over 5.5 assists
- Julius Randle, Timberwolves, Over 17.5 points
Mikal Bridges, Knicks, Over 15.5 points
“Mikal Bridges looks like himself, and has been thrust into a role where his touches and shot attempts are up significantly for the Knicks,” SportsLine NBA expert Doug Kralstein said. “With New York leading 3-0, I doubt they have OG Anunoby play, and Karl-Anthony Towns has struggled to stay on the floor due to foul trouble. Bridges has served as the scoring complement to Jalen Brunson, the latter of whom will undoubtedly be the focal point of the Sixers defensive adjustments in Game 4.”
Karl-Anthony Towns, Knicks, Over 5.5 assists
“We are going to continue riding Karl-Anthony Towns’ assist prop as he is hitting it even in games in which he plays limited minutes due to foul trouble,” SportsLine expert David Bearman said. “KAT has 46 assists over the last six games, an average of 7.7 per game. He has 20 in 3 games in this series, not playing more than 27 minutes in any of the games, due to one blowout and two games with foul issues. Dating back to April 1 (13 games), he is averaging 6.3 a game, hitting 5+ in 9 of the 13 games.”
Julius Randle, Timberwolves, Over 17.5 points
Randle is coming off back-to-back disappointing performances on offense, scoring 12 points in each of his past two outings against San Antonio. Randle made just 25% of his field goals in the Game 3 loss, but the SportsLine Projection Model is expecting a bounce-back performance on Sunday. Randle averaged 21.1 points per game during the regular season, and scored 21.2 points per game at home. SportsLine’s model projects he’ll finish with 20.1 points on Sunday, easily exceeding the posted total of 17.5.
Echoing the excitement of her remarkable 2024 Queen Elizabeth Stakes victory, Pride Of Jenni produced a frontrunning masterclass to dismantle her Hollindale Stakes foes and notch up a superb win.
In Saturday’s premier event at the Gold Coast, the mare unleashed her signature bold style, opening up to roughly 16 lengths clear entering the final 800m and fending off the chasers.
Birdman ($4.20) rallied strongly from midfield to go down by three-quarters of a length to the favourite Pride Of Jenni ($3.30), with She’s A Hustler ($4.60) 2-1/4 lengths adrift in third.
Half Yours ($3.80), winner of the Melbourne Cup, closed well for fourth and ran with plenty of promise.
Ciaron Maher, the mare’s victorious trainer, was full of praise for Pride Of Jenni after opting to freshen her following fifth in the Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) at Randwick a month ago, building on her Melbourne near-misses in the All-Star Mile (1600m) and Australian Cup (2000m).
“I was mindful she had three very tough runs and given how well she went first-up, the only thing you can do is over-train her,” Maher said.
“We’ve just kept her fresh and when she stepped well, you know pretty quick whether you’re on. I thought, oh, that was nice, we might be on today.
“The track – you’d think the Gold Coast would suit her style – and it certainly did.”
The trainer also lauded jockey Declan Bates for his expert navigation of the eight-year-old, establishing rhythm upfront and preserving her well.
“She is sprinting flat out from the 1000. She is used to doing that, being off the bridle a long way out, but super from ‘Dec’ (Bates),” Maher said.
“She is just a marvel. Have a look at her, she is just a beautiful mare, and she’s got a great constitution.”
During last winter’s Queensland campaign, Pride Of Jenni competed once, fading in the Doomben Cup (2000m).
According to Maher, that Group 1 is targeted once more, with sharper condition anticipated.
“She looks in better form this year,” he said.
The Hollindale Stakes (1800m) continues to signal Doomben Cup prospects effectively, evidenced by Antino’s double last year and Zaaki’s in 2021.
Discover competitive racing odds on betting sites for the Hollindale Stakes and future events.
In rare heavyweight fights like Fabio Wardley vs Daniel Dubois, all the traditional safety measures can get lost in the drama and savagery of the night.
The corner, the referee and the doctors are ringside in boxing to make sure the fighters leave the ring healthy. But on Saturday night on the outskirts of Manchester, close to midnight at the Co-op Live arena, 18,212 fanatics played their part in an unforgettable fight that crossed several of the sport’s boundaries.
It was a bloodthirsty Saturday-night crowd, and they packed the new arena in anticipation of something special, something memorable, and something brutal – they got all three. The WBO heavyweight title was just a trinket attraction.
Wardley was rescued after 28 seconds of the 11th round, and Dubois was hauled away to celebrate the win; it was the end of a fight that took both men to the very extremes in a boxing business where total sacrifice does happen. Wardley against Dubois on Saturday had that feeling very early. It was not always easy to watch, but it was also impossible to look away.
The raw statistics are impressive enough, but they fail to tell the whole story; Dubois was down after 12 seconds of the first round, and again in the third. He survived on stiff legs and with petrified eyes. Wardley started to take a beating from about round six; the referee, Howard Foster, called the doctors up onto the ring canvas to inspect him at the start of the ninth and 10th rounds.
Wardley’s corner looked worried, but still he walked out at the start of each round for more. Wardley was cut, hurt, staggered repeatedly, and both eyes were closing – and still he kept swinging; Wardley has come back in fights he was losing before. That is his trademark, his signature in the boxing rings.
Saturday, however, was different. It was a lost cause and he was too damaged for a fairytale finish. Dubois was smart, accurate and hurtful. And still the crowd roared louder when the medics gave Wardley a clear to continue sign. That is raw, that is fanatical. Yes, it did feel Iike a barbaric fight to the end.
It is far too easy and convenient from the safe side of the ropes to condemn the brutality, too easy to find flaws with the outcome. In the boxing business, the fighters make those ridiculous sacrifices and people get dragged in – the corner, the ref, the doctors, the opposite team, and the wild-eyed paying public.
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On a calmer night, with less at stake, the fight would have ended earlier. On Saturday night, it finished only when Wardley was close to collapse, helpless in defence and still resisting. It was a stunning last stand and that is how some of our greatest fights end.
Nobody in boxing needs to make apologies for what they signed up for; this business is total. In the ideal world of sport, Wardley would have been rescued earlier, but Saturday’s glorious fight was not part of that “ideal” world; it was part of our heartless, savage, addictive and crazy sport.
The Independent’s Alex Pattle – also ringside in Manchester – admitted to feeling equal amounts of intrigue and discomfort in the later rounds. “The boxing fan in me wanted to see more action; the human side wanted an earlier, merciful end for Wardley.”
Working six feet from the canvas for Five Live with Richie Woodhall, we both wanted it stopped in about round nine, but we still urged the pair on as they fought for six more minutes and 28 unforgettable seconds. At 2am, I found Wardley’s blood splatters on my shirt; boxing is like no other bloody business.
Magnolia guard Paul Lee is being guarded by Meralco guard Aaron Black during their PBA Commissioner’s Cup game.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—After playing sparingly in Magnolia’s crucial win over TNT the last time out, Paul Lee got his rhythm back after helping the Hotshots handle the Meralco Bolts on Sunday.
Lee has coach LA Tenorio to thank for reminding him to take all the rest he needed before Magnolia’s final game in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup elimination round.
“I just took some rest and it was a big thing that after last game, we had a couple days of rest so I just took advantage,” he said after the 93-76 rout of Meralco. “I give credit to coach LA because he always reminded me to rest.”
READ:
‘MAGIGING READY KAMI’
Magnolia’s Paul Lee and coach LA Tenorio talk about their playoff position for the #PBA50 Comms. Cup quarterfinals. @inquirersports pic.twitter.com/AjASX2l4na
— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) May 10, 2026
Lee was shaken up during a rebound play against the Tropang 5G, exiting the game after just 23 minutes of action and finishing with only four points.
Against Meralco, the veteran guard posted 13 points, three rebounds and three assists as Magnolia extended its winning streak to three games.
Thanks to Lee’s efforts, Magnolia locked up the fifth seed and will face either Meralco or Barangay Ginebra in the quarterfinals.
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