Huw Jones is adamant Scotland are not fazed by sharing a heavyweight World Cup group with the might of Ireland and South Africa.
The fact the draw was made in 2020 has led to a top-heavy pool B containing three of the five best teams in the world on current form.
With Ireland ranked number one, and world champions South Africa fourth on the list, the burgeoning Scots – despite being up to fifth themselves – will be up against it to reach the knockout phase.
However, three tightly-contested games against second-ranked France this year – including last Saturday’s agonising 30-27 defeat in Saint-Etienne – allied to strong periods against the likes of New Zealand and Ireland over the past year – have given the Scots genuine hope that they can finish in the top two in their section and progress to the latter stages.
“It is a tough pool, and if people see us as underdogs we don’t mind that,” said centre Jones. “We know how good we can be and a game like Saturday’s, against a side ranked second in the world, gives us a lot of confidence.
“We think we can beat anyone, it’s just about putting together a complete performance. We’re not fazed by the group, we’re really looking forward to it, but we know we need to be at our best to beat the top teams and get out of our pool.”
The Scots have lost 32-21 and 30-27 in their two away matches against the formidable French this year, while they defeated Les Bleus 25-21 at Murrayfield earlier this month.
All three matches against the highly-fancied World Cup hosts incorporated strong fightbacks from Gregor Townsend’s side and Jones feels if they can cut out the minor issues that are leaving them trailing in the first place, they are playing well enough to fancy their chances against any opposition.
“We weren’t really happy with our first-half performance at home to France but we were a lot better in the second half,” said Jones.
“Then in Saint-Etienne, against France’s strongest team, it was a more complete performance in terms of the full 80 minutes, although it’s still about those small margins for us.
“We feel like we’re there and thereabouts but there’s also stuff we can work on. I think Saturday will spur us on to improve even more.
“We always want to win but I think a narrow loss like that away to one of the top teams in the world is good for the confidence. We know we can go toe-to-toe with the best and we feel we can win those games.
“We take confidence from that but we also know there are areas we have to tighten up in and not make a couple of silly errors that can cost us close games.
“Going out to France twice this year and running them so close in those games gives us real confidence, especially as the World Cup is out there.”
As long as there are no slip-ups against Georgia in their final warm-up match at Murrayfield a week on Saturday, the Scots will head out to France at the start of September on the back of an encouraging summer campaign in which they have already defeated Italy and France in Edinburgh.
“We’re feeling good,” said Jones. “It’s been a tough pre-season.
“The fitness is there and the game fitness is coming along. We’ve got one more game against Georgia to really sharpen up and then we’re into the tournament.
“I think we’re in a really good place but we want to win that game against Georgia and put in a really good performance, which will give us confidence going into that first game against South Africa.”
Alflaila could be supplemented for the Irish Champion Stakes rather than take on fellow Shadwell-owned runner Mostahdaf in next week’s Juddmonte International at York.
Trained by Owen Burrows, Alflaila is on a four-race winning streak and landed the Group Two York Stakes over the same course and distance as the International last time out.
The highlight of the opening day of the Ebor meeting would look a logical next step but Angus Gold, Shadwell’s long-serving racing manager, feels it could be prudent to split the pair up.
“It’s unlikely at this stage that we would run the two against each other, I would think,” he said.
“God willing, Mostahdaf stays in good shape – he’ll be the one to represent there. Obviously, we will leave Alflaila in just in case something went wrong.
“Sheikha Hissa may decide to run the two together. But at the same time if he didn’t go there, we may look to supplement Alflaila for the Irish Champion.”
The John and Thady Gosden-trained Mostahdaf is second favourite behind Paddington currently, but his rating of 128 makes him one of the best in the world.
“Mostahdaf was very impressive at Ascot. We’ve freshened him up, just given him a little break after Ascot and hope we can get him to York in as good a form as he was at Ascot,” said Gold.
“Frankie (Dettori) rode him the other day and was very happy with the horse. And John and all the team there have been happy. On paper, it’s a fascinating clash. Let’s hope it lives up to its billing.”
Another big hope for the famous blue and white silks on the Knavesmire is Roger Varian’s Al Husn, who is set to step up in trip for the Pertemps Network Yorkshire Oaks.
“She’s never run over this trip before and nobody has ever particularly said she needs that trip,” said Gold.
“She’s so tough and she’s such a little star of a filly that she might well stay. On pedigree, the mare (Hadaatha) I think would have stayed – she was by Sea The Stars out of a Linamix mare. And Al Husn’s by Dubawi – they can do anything.
“She a very easy filly to ride and she’s got a heart the same size as her. So, she might well get it and it would be fun to try it, but we’re in the luxurious position of her already being a Group One winner now, so we’ll just see how Roger and his team feel she is and whether she’s ready to go again.”
Running Lion will be bidding to serve a reminder of her quality when she lines up in the British EBF 40th Anniversary Upavon Fillies’ Stakes at Salisbury on Wednesday.
John and Thady Gosden’s three-year-old was well-fancied for the Oaks earlier this year having racked up an impressive four-race winning sequence, but her Epsom dreams were dashed when she was withdrawn at the start having got upset in the stalls.
Given the chance to gain Classic compensation she headed to Chantilly for the Prix de Diane, but struggled to make a telling impact from an unhelpful draw and was eased down in the closing stages by regular partner Oisin Murphy.
Running Lion is one of 13 fillies who head to post in the Listed heat, with Roger Varian’s Ameynah tackling 10 furlongs for the first time having blown away the cobwebs with a respectable return from a long absence in the Valiant Stakes at Ascot.
The daughter of Exceed And Excel had not been seen since finishing sixth to Cachet in last year’s 1000 Guineas and with only four career starts to her name, she could have plenty more to give.
“We were pleased with her comeback run at Ascot and we have a lot of belief she is a nice filly,” said Varian.
“She looks to have come forward nicely from that run and we’ve always thought 10 furlongs would be within her compass, so we’re looking forward to running her.”
Another filly returning from a break is Sparkling Beauty, who placed in the Group Two Prix du Calvados when trained by Richard Hughes last term and has been sighted just the once this campaign.
She is now trained by Dominic Ffrench Davis and the handler is confident of a bold showing from the Amo Racing-owned filly on her stable bow.
“She came to us earlier in the year and Richard Hughes did a very good job with her,” said Ffrench Davis.
“She won a nice maiden at Goodwood, the same one we won with Ornellaia the other week and she was then Group Two placed and I just think she disappointed a little bit earlier on in the year and could do with a break.
“She’s done nothing wrong with us and is coming to the boil nicely and I think she will run a big race.”
Owen Farrell has been cleared to lead England into the World Cup after his red card against Wales was unexpectedly overturned by an independent disciplinary hearing.
Progressive Rugby, a player welfare lobby group, reacted to the shock decision by declaring it had “made a mockery of World Rugby’s claim that player welfare is the game’s number one priority”.
Farrell was initially shown a yellow card for his shoulder-led tackle to the head of Taine Basham in the second-half of Saturday’s 19-17 victory over Wales at Twickenham.
However, it was upgraded to a red by the Bunker review system, triggering a three-and-a-half hour hearing that took place on Tuesday via video link-up.
Farrell was expected to receive a ban in the region of six matches, minus mitigation, that would have ruled him out of the World Cup opener against Argentina on September 9.
The 31-year-old Saracens fly-half has missed a total of 11 games because of suspensions incurred for the same offence across three previous incidents, but is now free to take part in England’s clash with Ireland on Saturday.
The all-Australian judicial committee decided that his offence warranted a yellow card only and should not have been lifted to a red by the Bunker.
Its verdict hinged on Jamie George’s attempted tackle on Basham which it claimed caused the Wales flanker, who subsequently failed a head injury assessment, to change direction just before Farrell made his challenge.
“The committee determined, when applying World Rugby’s head contact process, that mitigation should be applied to the high degree of danger found by the foul play review officer,” a statement read.
“The committee found that a late change in dynamics due to England #2’s interaction in the contact area brought about a sudden and significant change in direction from the ball carrier.
“In the committee’s opinion, this mitigation was sufficient to bring the player’s act of foul play below the red card threshold.”
Progressive Rugby condemned an outcome that has sent shockwaves through the sport as it continues its drive to become safer.
“Today’s astounding decision to overturn the red card given to Owen Farrell for his tackle on Taine Basham has made a mockery of World Rugby’s claim that player welfare is the game’s number one priority,” a statement read.
“Additionally, despite protestations in the judgement to the contrary, it has critically undermined the newly introduced Bunker process before a global tournament and eroded confidence in the game’s judicial process which is meant to help protect those playing the game.”
In coming to its verdict, the panel said no criticism was being made of the Bunker review system – which is currently being used on a trial basis only and has yet to be confirmed for the World Cup – given the time available to make a decision.
However, it now calls into question the viability of the system if it does not have the time to make accurate calls.
Farrell’s most recent suspension was for an illegal challenge on Gloucester’s Jack Clement in January, which was reduced from four to three games after he completed tackle school, enabling him to face Scotland in the Six Nations opener.
The decision to overturn the red card is sure to anger anti-concussion campaigners, among them former Wales international Alix Popham who described it as a “shocking challenge”.
When the Indianapolis Colts take their first offensive series in their season opener, Anthony Richardson will be lined up under centre.
Colts coach Shane Steichen named Richardson the starting quarterback on Tuesday.
Richardson had been competing for the starting QB job with Gardner Minshew.
"After evaluating training camp and the film and all that, I made the decision Anthony will be the starting quarterback this year for us," Steichen told reporters. " I like the progress he's made, excited about his future, his play-making ability that he brings to this football team."
His first start will come against the visiting Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 1 on September 10.
In Saturday's first preseason game, Richardson was the first quarterback on the field and ended up playing 29 snaps in the Colts' 23-19 loss to the Buffalo Bills. He completed 7-of-12 passes for 67 yards with an interception. He also ran twice for seven yards.
Indianapolis selected Richardson fourth overall in April's NFL draft, believing he'd be the team's franchise quarterback for years to come.
By naming him the starter now, the coaching staff can get the 21-year-old more reps in practice and prepared for the regular season.
Richardson started only 13 collegiate games for Florida, but many viewed the dual-threat quarterback as one of the most exciting prospects in this year's draft with the highest upside.
French racing’s new star Ace Impact maintained his unbeaten record in the Prix Guillaume d’Ornano at Deauville.
Jean-Claude Rouget’s three-year-old grabbed the headlines when displaying an electrifying turn of foot in the Prix de Jockey Club in June, coming from a long way back to beat Big Rock.
Off the track for 72 days, Ace Impact was very keen in the early stages under Cristian Demuro before dropping in at the rear of the field, with only had one behind him for much of the race as stablemate Cambronne set the pace.
Aidan O’Brien had two runners in Breeders’ Cup winner Victoria Road and Greenland, while his son Joseph fielded Al Riffa, a Group One winner as a juvenile last season.
They mounted a stern challenge and had their chances, but Ace Impact made up plenty of ground in the straight and grabbed the lead in sight of the post.
However, he had to battle with Al Riffa, who finished three-quarters of a length adrift in second, with Birr Castle a further head back in third and Greenland coming home fourth.
Paddy Power left the winner unchanged as their 7-2 favourite for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, however, Coral eased him slightly to 9-2 from 4-1.
Wales back-row forward Taine Plumtree does not require shoulder surgery after being injured against England and remains in World Cup selection contention.
Wales assistant coach Jonathan Thomas has confirmed that Plumtree faces a period of rehabilitation, but he will not go under the knife.
Head coach Warren Gatland will name his 33-strong World Cup squad next Monday, and Thomas said: “Taine has not been ruled out of the World Cup. He doesn’t need surgery, so he is still available.
“There is a process he will need to go through in terms of rehab, but he has not been ruled out of contention for selection for the World Cup.
“Sometimes you need surgery and it rules you out for a long period of time, so I guess that is a positive in that respect.”
Hooker Dewi Lake, meanwhile, also made an early exit at Twickenham due to a knee issue, and Thomas added: “Dewi is under further review.
“The medical team wanted to chase that up, so there is no update on him at this time.”
Wales’ final preparation fixture sees them face world champions South Africa in Cardiff on Saturday, with Gatland’s World Cup squad being announced less than 48 hours later.
The Springboks clash will be a final opportunity for some players to impress before the waiting game reaches its conclusion.
“‘Gats’ has publicly said on the weekend there will be some opportunities for guys and maybe a last chance for some of them,” Thomas said.
“It is particularly tough on those guys who are going to miss out next week, it really is.
“I’ve been part of World Cups, but also missed out on World Cups, so I know as well as anyone how tough it is going to be for those guys, but at the same time you’ve got to make tough calls, haven’t you?
“The squad are very much focused on South Africa and living in the moment.
“While all those moments about selection you are thinking about while you are driving home or sitting in your hotel room, above the surface, in camp or on the training field there is no talk of that.
“It’s 23 players working as one. The reality is that individuals shine when they are part of a collective in team sport.
“If we play well as a team and get a win on the weekend it is going to hopefully project those individuals more.
“The last 13 or 14 weeks have all been about the higher purpose and one-team mentality, and that has not wavered this week. That says a lot about this group.”
South Africa have selected a strong line-up to meet Wales, including a return for fit-again captain Siya Kolisi, while the likes of wing Cheslin Kolbe, centre Damian de Allende, hooker Malcolm Marx and flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit also start.
“We want a fully-loaded South Africa, we want to be tested. We are excited about that,” Thomas said.
“You know what you are going to get with South Africa, and I mean that in a respectful way.
“They are a really physical team and they are a champion team, being winners of the last World Cup. Having said that, our home form in recent years has been quite good against them.
“You know what is coming with South Africa – big, direct carries, scrum, maul and they are a big physical team. You need those tests to set you up for what’s coming in the World Cup.”
Bradsell is primed for a York rematch with Highfield Princess in the Group One Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes on Friday week.
The pair, trained by Archie Watson and John Quinn respectively, filled the first two places in the King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot, with Bradsell edging the victory by a length in a tight finish to the five-furlong heat.
Bradsell was trying the minimum trip for the first time that day after connections decided to supplement the three-year-old and following the colt’s maiden Group One victory, Watson is certain the fast five furlongs at York will present no issues.
He said: “I don’t see a sharper five furlongs being a problem.
“He travels so well that nothing can really take him far enough into his races. Over the quick five furlongs at York he should get a nice tow deep into the race.”
While Highfield Princess went on to finish third in the six-furlong Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes on the final day of the Royal meeting and subsequently registered an impressive win in the King George Stakes at Goodwood, Watson has kept Bradsell in reserve for his Knavesmire date.
“I would say it’s (his absence) a reflection of the options over five furlongs,” said the trainer.
“He won his Group One at Ascot, so I didn’t feel the need to go to the Group Two at Goodwood, and I wasn’t going to step him back up to six furlongs in between either.
“I have been delighted with him since Ascot. He cantered away in his routine for six weeks and then has been galloping well through August into this race.”
Bradsell won at the first time of asking on good to soft ground at York last May and while he has stuck to sound surfaces since, Watson would not be perturbed should conditions be on the easy side.
He added: “He has obviously got very good form on good and good to firm ground.
“We haven’t deliberately avoided cut in the ground. His maiden win was on good to soft but until we run on proper soft ground we won’t know.
“I never get overly concerned about it until you know that a horse doesn’t handle a certain type of ground. If it rains, it rains.”
Aside from his sprint star, Watson also has Newbury Listed winner Action Point in contention for the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Gimcrack Stakes, while Ambushed features in the Goffs UK Harry Beeby Premier Yearling Stakes.
Of Action Point, Watson said: “The flat, quick six furlongs at York should suit him well and I’m looking forward to seeing him up in class as he was impressive last time and is a horse we have always thought a lot of.
“Ambushed won his maiden at Newcastle from a horse of Adrian Keatley’s who was subsequently second in the Richmond Stakes (Ballymount Boy).
“He has plenty of ability and I hope he can run a good race, if the draw and pace set-up are kind. You need plenty of luck in the big-field sales races.”
Promoter Frank Warren is confident the timing is right for Daniel Dubois to stun world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk on August 26.
Queensbury Promotions boxer Dubois will fight for the WBA (super), IBF and WBO belts next weekend in Wroclaw.
Dubois, who will celebrate his 26th birthday in September, turned professional in 2017 and has produced a number of thrilling knock-outs from his 20 bouts.
Although a unification contest between Tyson Fury and Usyk could not be arranged, the Ukrainian will still step into the ring with a British heavyweight – and he has been sent a warning by Queensbury chief Warren.
Warren told the PA news agency: “It is a massive opportunity and it has not been given to Daniel. He’s had to fight for it and become mandatory by winning the WBA regular belt.
“Now he’s in there and he could have stepped aside if he wanted to, but he didn’t want to.
“He wants the fight and I believe sometimes in boxing the biggest and best punches are all about timing. I believe his timing will be right for this fight.”
While Warren did attempt to bring the world title fight to London, it will take place in Poland and Dubois (19-1, 18KOs) will find himself as public enemy number one.
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A number of Ukraine natives have resided in Poland since Russia’s invasion of their country last year and support for Usyk (20-0, 13KOs) inside Tarczynski Arena, which can host up to 43,000 spectators for a boxing match, will be strong.
“He is going into the lion’s den and that is why the temperament will be spot on,” Warren pointed out at Bermondsey Boxing Club on Tuesday.
“We did try get it here. It went to purse bids in the end. We made an offer but they had 75 per cent of the purse bid as champion so that is why it is where it is at.”
Dubois is a huge outsider, with some bookmakers offering odds of 8/1 that he wins, but a strong camp in Spain has boosted the belief of the former England amateur.
He has also joined forces with Don Charles, who masterminded Derek Chisora’s rise from novice to a top-10 heavyweight, since his last dramatic fight in December.
A knee injury contributed towards Dubois going down three times in the opening round against South African southpaw Kevin Lerena, but a devastating upper-cut in round three secured the 19th win of his career.
“Yeah, what an ending to that one. I need to pull out something like that again,” Dubois told PA.
“For that fight, I didn’t get enough southpaw work, I was dropping my hands when I shouldn’t have been and not looking out for the right shot.
“But I feel like this time, I’ll be more aware of what is coming back at me.
“It is all about leading up to now. Those are the moments you need to call on to change history, change your life and here we are now.
“If I didn’t get through that, I wouldn’t be here, so it is all part of the journey.
“Camp has been very good. I went to Spain, was out in the mountains and I feel like I have come out a new man, lighter but stronger and ready to do the business.”
The Professional Jockeys Association has called on the British Horseracing Authority and racecourses to reconsider their position on saunas.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the PJA said the permanent closure of the on-course facilities “has created physical and mental wellbeing issues for jockeys that far outweigh any perceived risk of dehydration by sauna use”.
Minimum riding weights for both Flat and Jump jockeys were raised 2lb by the BHA last year after the decision was taken at the end of 2021 to remove saunas completely from racecourses.
A 3lb allowance was introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic to compensate for the lack of saunas, but the PJA now says it should “have insisted on cast-iron guarantees from the BHA and others that the Covid weight allowance would remain in force before accepting the removal of saunas”.
The statement goes on to say: “The PJA is in no doubt, having consulted with senior psychologists, that the most urgent medical issue threatening the health of jockeys is that of the anxiety and stress associated with the need to make weight.
“Jockeys are using a range of inappropriate and more risky methods including very hot baths, use of sweat suits whilst driving, restricting fluid intake for long periods of time, or even flipping.”
The PJA is calling for new research into saunas to “investigate the regulated use of on-course saunas in the jockeys’ workplace, understand the physical and psychological impact, and consider the jockeys’ loss of agency that has been triggered by the loss of saunas”.
Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend announces his 33-man World Cup squad on Wednesday morning.
Here, the PA news agency looks at how things are shaping up and who is in danger of missing out on the showpiece in France.
Who is already out of contention?
Gregor Townsend named a provisional 41-man training squad on May 9 to negotiate an intense pre-season camp and four warm-up matches prior to the tournament itself. In the intervening three months, the squad has evolved and become more streamlined. Scotland’s record try-scorer Stuart Hogg, who would likely have been a starter, announced his retirement in early July, while back-row Andy Christie dropped out through injury, with his place taken by Josh Bayliss. Ruaridh McConnochie was called in to replace Hogg but the Bath back soon drifted out of the mix due to injury. The weekend before last, stand-off Adam Hastings, lock Cam Henderson, centre Stafford McDowall and wing Kyle Rowe, who was a later addition to the initial squad, were all part of a four-man cull as Townsend trimmed his pool to 37.
Where will the remaining cuts come from?
Townsend said after Saturday’s loss to France in Saint-Etienne that the last four players to leave the squad would be a tighthead prop, a hooker, a back-row and a scrum-half.
Edinburgh hooker set to miss out
George Turner is the most prominent of the four hookers currently in the squad and is certain to go to France. Ewan Ashman, at 23 the youngest and least experienced of the quartet, appears to have a good shout of getting the nod after the new Edinburgh recruit was chosen to start the recent home match against France, when Townsend sent out a near full-strength XV. The places of Edinburgh veterans Dave Cherry, 32, and Stuart McInally, 33, therefore could be in jeopardy. Cherry has featured in only one of the three warm-up matches so far, although he did make a positive impression by scoring the decisive try as a substitute in the home win over France. The following weekend, 2019 World Cup captain McInally, who will retire after this tournament to become an airline pilot, served up a timely reminder of his ability by stepping off the bench to help the Scots stage a rousing fightback in Saint-Etienne.
Prop poser
Zander Fagerson is the first choice and – after dodging a long suspension following his recent red card against France – is assured of a place. Likewise WP Nel, who despite being 37 is still trusted enough by Townsend to start big games, such as last weekend’s match away to France and the Six Nations opener away to England earlier this year. The unlucky one will be either Edinburgh new boy Javan Sebastian or Glasgow’s Murphy Walker. Sebastian’s contribution off the bench on Saturday could help him get the nod over Walker, who has played no part in either of the France matches.
Rowing back on the back-rows
Captain Jamie Ritchie, Jack Dempsey, Rory Darge and Matt Fagerson can all consider themselves safely on the plane on the basis of their form and status within the national team. Veteran flanker Hamish Watson probably also has enough credit in the bank to ensure he is on the plane, although – not helped by injuries – he has not been as prominent for Scotland over the past year or so as he would have liked. The bad news appears likely to be delivered to one of the two least-established internationals in the back-row pool. Luke Crosbie, with five caps to his name, played no part in the double-header against France, while Bayliss – also now on five caps – was not named in the initial 41-man squad.
Warriors scrum-half scrap
Ben White has made the number nine jersey his own since the start of the Six Nations, although Scotland were having his ankle injury – sustained in the France home game – assessed on Monday before finalising the squad. Assuming – as Townsend was expecting – the new Toulon man gets the all-clear, a Glasgow scrum-half will miss out. Ali Price, George Horne and Jamie Dobie have been vying for the nine shirt for the Warriors. Price, with 63 caps, and Horne, who went to the last World Cup in Japan, are significantly more established on the international scene than 22-year-old Dobie, who may have to wait for the following World Cup in Australia.
Owen Farrell will lead England into the World Cup after his red card against Wales was not upheld by a disciplinary panel, making him free to play with immediate effect.
Farrell was sent off at Twickenham on Saturday when his yellow card for a dangerous tackle on Taine Basham was upgraded to a red by the ‘Bunker’ review system.
But the hearing decided that a “late change in dynamics” due to Jamie George’s involvement in the contact area “brought about a sudden and significant change in direction from the ball carrier”.
Using this mitigation it was decided by the all-Australian panel that Farrell – who was expected to face a mid-range sanction of a six-week suspension – should have been hit with a sin-binning only.
Dual Breeders’ Cup winner Modern Games has been retired from racing.
Trained by Charlie Appleby for Godolphin, the son of Dubawi won four of his six two-year-old starts in 2021, culminating in Grade One success in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf at Del Mar
Pitched into Classic company first time out at three, Modern Games won the Poule d’Essai des Poulains at ParisLongchamp before going on to add another Grade One verdict in the Woodbine Mile in Canada and land the Breeders’ Cup Mile at Keeneland.
He was out of luck on his return at that track when second in the Maker’s Mark Mile in April this year, but did go on to secure a fifth top-level success in the Lockinge at Newbury the following month.
Last seen when beaten into fourth in the Queen Anne at Royal Ascot, Modern Games will now embark on a stud career, with further plans to be announced.
Appleby told www.godolphin.com: “Modern Games was a brilliant horse to train and such a great advert for Godolphin. To win at two Breeders’ Cups, to be part of our trio of Guineas winners in 2022, and to land the Lockinge Stakes this season, shows his class, toughness and durability.
“He answered every call we asked of him, and we will miss him at Moulton Paddocks. I’m sure he will be a huge success in his next career as a stallion.”
Richard Hannon expects Chindit to thrive for dropping back to seven furlongs in Saturday’s BetVictor Hungerford Stakes at Newbury.
The five-year-old has had three starts over a mile so far this term, winning the Paradise Stakes at Ascot before pushing Modern Games close when second in the Group One Lockinge Stakes at the Berkshire venue in May.
A subsequent spin in the Queen Anne at Royal Ascot ended in disappointment and Hannon took him out of the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood on account of the testing conditions earlier this month.
The handler is anticipating better ground at Newbury though, and is backing the son of Wootton Bassett to put last year’s eighth place in the race well behind him.
Hannon said: “He’s only had three races this year, this will be the first for his new owner (Villoo Poonawalla Greenfield Farms).
“I’m delighted with the form he is in – he loves Newbury, he’s won the Greenham and finished second in the Lockinge. It looks like coming back to seven furlongs will be ideal for him and hopefully he has an excellent chance.
“He worked very well on the grass on Sunday. The forecast is looking dry leading into the weekend so we are hopeful it will be quick ground.”
Charlie Fellowes is also keeping an eye on the weather as he seeks decent ground for his challenger Marbaan.
The three-year-old bounced back to from when coming home third in the Lennox Stakes over this seven-furlong trip at Goodwood, with Fellowes giving him extra credit as the good to soft ground did not play to the colt’s strengths.
He said: “He ran a cracker at Goodwood in a strong race, the first two horses are clearly Group One horses. We decided to ride him with a bit of patience and he finished well on ground that was probably softer than ideal.
“I think the seven furlongs at Newbury will suit him, we are on weather watch though, I wouldn’t want the ground to be getting too soft. He is definitely better on better ground.
“He looks a picture and is in really good order, his Goodwood run has done him the world of good and I would think he would be very competitive if conditions are in his favour.”
Ornellaia is set to have her sights raised after opening her account in impressive fashion at Goodwood.
Trained by Dominic Ffrench Davis, the daughter of Night Of Thunder gave a respectable account when third behind subsequent Princess Margaret Stakes winner Sacred Angel in a hot Newmarket maiden on debut.
She then confirmed the promise of that encouraging first appearance and gave a real glimpse of her class when upped to seven furlongs on the Sussex Downs, striking clinically by two lengths.
The Amo Racing-owned youngster is now on course to make the step up to Group company at Deauville on August 19, while she also holds entries for a plethora of top two-year-old contests later in the campaign.
“We went to Newmarket on debut knowing she would benefit from the experience and we were encouraged when the winner went on to win the Princess Margaret,” said Tom Pennington, racing and operations manager for the owners.
“I was a bit disappointed to see the Godolphin filly that finished second (Dubai Treasure) get beat at Yarmouth, but we knew our filly had a good deal of ability and we went to Goodwood pretty confident she would get the job done at seven furlongs being by Night Of Thunder and with there being some cut in the ground. She went and did it nicely.
“She’s in the Prix du Calvados at Deauville and that is on the radar at the minute, but she’s also in a lot of nice races. She’s in the Moyglare (Curragh, September 10), she could go to the Prestige at Goodwood (August 26) at the end of the month and she’s potentially a very nice filly who we think is probably Group class.”
Max Scherzer struck out a season-high 11 batters in seven dominant innings, Adolis Garcia hit his 30th home run of the season and the Texas Rangers routed the Los Angeles Angels 12-0 Monday for their 11th win in their last 13 games.
Scherzer allowed only one hit – an infield single in the second inning to Mike Moustakas – and walked one batter in his best outing of the year. Two of Scherzer’s 11 strikeouts came against Shohei Ohtani in the first ever matchup between the two superstars.
At 39 years old, Scherzer improved to 12-4 this season and 3-0 since being acquired by the Rangers at the trade deadline.
Garcia’s two-run home run in the seventh inning gave him 30 this season and upped his AL-leading RBI total to 91. Marcus Semien hit a two-run homer and had five RBIs.
With the win and the Houston Astros’ loss to the Miami Marlins, the Rangers (71-48) expanded their lead in the AL West to 3 ½ games.
The Angels (59-61) continued their slide down the AL wild card standings and have been outscored by a combined 35-8 over their last four games.
Rays’ Glasnow sharp in victorious return
Tyler Glasnow returned from a two-week absence due to back spasms to throw six strong innings and lead the Tampa Bay Rays to a 10-2 win over the San Francisco Giants.
Glasnow allowed three hits and one run while striking out seven in his first start since July 31. The 6-foot-8 right-hander reached 98 mph on the radar gun and improved to 4-1 with a 1.63 ERA over his last six starts.
The Rays’ offence did its job by piling up a season-high 18 hits, including Christian Bethancourt’s first home run since May 20.
Every Tampa Bay starter had at least one hit, and six different players had multiple hits.
The Rays were without shortstop Wander Franco, who was placed on the restricted list while he is being investigated for allegedly having an improper relationship with a minor.
Lopez, Fried lift Braves over scuffling Yankees
Nicky Lopez starred in his role as a fill-in, Max Fried collected a win in his first home start in over three months and the Atlanta Braves handled the New York Yankees 11-3.
Lopez tallied three hits and three RBIs while starting in place of second baseman Ozzie Albies, who is expected to land on the 10-day injured list with a hamstring strain.
Fried went six innings in his Truist Park return, allowing eight hits and two runs.
Fried was activated from the 60-day injured list on Aug. 4 for a pair of road starts before returning home. His last start in Atlanta had come on May 5.
The NL-leading Braves (76-42) remained hot, winners in six of their last eight games.
The Yankees (60-59) had 11 hits but grounded into three double-plays, and the loss dropped them 5 ½ back of the Toronto Blue Jays for the final AL wild card spot.
Dalvin Cook is teaming up with former NFC North rival Aaron Rodgers on the New York Jets on a one-year contract, multiple media outlets reported Monday.
The former Minnesota Vikings running back can earn up to $8.6million, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The Vikings cut Cook in June for salary cap space, making him an unrestricted free agent.
While Cook, a former star at Florida State, had previously discussed signing with the Miami Dolphins, he visited a Jets practice on July 30 and later told NFL Network that New York was “right at the top of the list” of prospective teams.
“It’s a unique situation because I think [the Jets] are building something special over there,” Cook told NFL Network. “When you look at it, you always want to be around a great QB, you always want to be around somebody you can pick his brain and just learn from. A-Rod is a four-time MVP. So, just being around a guy like that you can learn a lot more and just develop as a player.
“That’s what I’m looking to do.”
A four-time Pro Bowl selection, Cook joins a backfield that also includes Michael Carter and talented second-year man Breece Hall.
Hall led the Jets in rushing last season despite suffering a torn ACL in his left knee in Week 7. He remains on the Physically Unable to Perform list and has not resumed practising.
Cook, 28, has rushed for at least 1,100 yards in each of the last four seasons, peaking in the 2020 campaign, when he produced 1,918 yards from scrimmage and 17 total touchdowns.
Over the last four seasons, Cook’s 6,423 scrimmage yards are second only to Derrick Henry’s 6,914.
Ezekiel Elliott has found a new home.
The 28-year-old running back is expected to sign with the New England Patriots on a one-year deal worth up to $6million, according to a report from NFL Media on Monday.
The 2023 NFL regular season is less than a month away, and Elliott has been a free agent since the Dallas Cowboys released him in March.
Drafted fourth overall by the Cowboys in 2016, Elliott was a two-time rushing champion in Dallas, including in his rookie year when he tallied a career-best 1,631 yards over the ground.
He also won a rushing title in 2018 and is a three-time Pro Bowl selection, but hasn't earned that honour since 2019.
After averaging 96.52 rushing yards per game and 4.62 yards per attempt in his first four seasons, he's averaged 60.79 yards per game and 4.01 yards per carry in the last three years.
He still has a nose for the end zone, tallying 12 rushing touchdowns in 2022 - only four players had more - but wasn't a threat to break off a long run, averaging a career-low 3.79 yards per carry.
Of the 31 players with at least 175 carries last season, Elliott's rushing average beat out only Leonard Fournette's mark of 3.53.
He struggled mightily to move the ball in Dallas' two playoff games last season, rushing for a mere 53 yards on 23 attempts.
In March, he became expendable when the Cowboys designated Tony Pollard as a franchise player for the 2023 season.
Pollard emerged as the Cowboys’ best running back and earned his first Pro Bowl nod with an outstanding 2022 campaign in which he rushed for 1,007 yards and scored 12 total touchdowns. His 5.22 yards per rush attempt ranked second in the NFL among players with at least 175 carries.
Elliott now joins a Patriots backfield led by Rhamondre Stevenson, who rushed for 1,040 yards and five touchdowns in 2022 with an average of 4.95 yards per rush - fifth highest among qualifiers.
Elliott's first regular-season game with New England will come against a familiar foe, as the Patriots open the season September 10 against the reigning NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles, a divisional rival of the Cowboys.
In Week 4, Elliott will get to face his former team with New England visiting Dallas on October 1.
Al Riffa faces a big ask as he heads to Deauville to take on the unbeaten Prix du Jockey Club champion Ace Impact in the Prix Guillaume d’Ornano on Tuesday.
Raiders have won five of the last six renewals of the 10-furlong Group Two contest, however, the last two victories for the home side have been provided by trainer Jean Claude-Rouget and his latest contender will be a warm order to follow in the footsteps of stablemate Al Hakeem, who won this prize en route to finishing fourth in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe 12 months ago.
Ace Impact finds himself favourite for Europe’s richest middle-distance prize on October 1 following his emphatic French Derby triumph earlier this summer and this contest represents a key step on the road to ParisLongchamp for the son of Cracksman.
He will run for the first time in the colours of the Chehboub family’s Gousserie Racing, who purchased 50 per cent of the colt from Serge Stempniak following his Chantilly triumph.
Pauline Chehboub, racing manager for the operation said: “Ace Impact is in good form and should run well tomorrow.
“We are targeting some exciting Group Ones in the autumn, so tomorrow’s race is important.”
However, despite the presence of Ace Impact, Al Riffa’s trainer Joseph O’Brien is undeterred and feels his charge is well placed to run a big race following his comeback second at the Curragh in the International Stakes.
“We’re hoping for a good run,” said O’Brien.
“Obviously it looks a very good race, but he is in good shape and we think he can run a really good race.”
Al Riffa is a Group One winner in his own right having claimed the National Stakes as a two-year-old and is one of three making the trip from Ireland alongside Aidan O’Brien’s Victoria Road and Greenland.
Both Ballydoyle challengers are capable of playing a part, with the former accounting for Blue Rose Cen before scoring at the Breeders’ Cup during a four-race winning streak last season – a record the Saxon Warrior colt will be attempting to extend on his belated seasonal return.
Meanwhile, stablemate Greenland already has winning form in France this term having landed the Prix Greffulhe at Saint-Cloud in May.
Andre Fabre has won this race more times than anyone else and relies on Compiegne Listed winner Birr Castle, while Ponty (Hiroo Shimizu), Cambronne (Rouget) and Andreas Wohler’s German raider Straight complete the line-up.
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