The trainer has saddled two Solario winners in the last six runnings, including Masar, the 2018 Derby winnerCharlie Appleby’s stable is some way short of its title-winning form of the past two seasons in the current campaign, but there are still dozens of lightly-raced, blue-blooded juveniles at Moulton Paddocks and Aablan (3.38) is an interesting runner for the yard in the Group Three Solario Stakes at Sandown Park on Saturday.On paper, Aablan’s debut success in a seven-furlong maiden at Newmarket in late July gives him something to find with Mortlake, the likely favourite, who powered five lengths clear of his field to break his duck at the second attempt last time out. Continue reading...
In just a short world tour career, the Alpecin-Deceuninck rider’s back to back Vuelta a España stage wins shows he’s ready to make his markIn the history of Australian cycling, only a few dozen cyclists have won a grand tour stage. It is a mark of distinction, beating the best in the world at one of the three races that stand out on the annual calendar: the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia and the Vuelta a España. Fewer still have won stages at multiple grand tours, or at the same grand tour across multiple years. Those honours belong to some of the greats of the sport in Australia: the likes of Phil Anderson, Robbie McEwen, Cadel Evans, Richie Porte...
There are crunch showdowns at the Emirates and at Bramall Lane while Manchester City already look imperiousWinning the Conference League did not do much to lift the pressure on David Moyes after an underwhelming domestic season, but the clouds look to be lifting. New signings have joined to bolster the ranks and only two points have been dropped in three matches, to put the Hammers second behind Manchester City. Things could hardly be going better. One problem Moyes will soon face is European football, an activity that hindered West Ham’s league form last season. To limit its impact, picking up points in winnable matches – such as Friday’s trip to Kenilworth Road – will be crucial. At this stage last...
Second year of all 18 teams could see levelling of the playing field and end dominance of Adelaide, Melbourne and Brisbane Last year brought two AFLW seasons thanks to the league’s shift from summer to late August and it has made the wait for Friday night’s 2023 season opener feel that much longer. While there was no main draft this off-season given the intake between the last two seasons, there’s still been plenty of change. A tumultuous trade period gave way to a mature-age supplementary draft in April before the players settled in for pre-season at the end of May. It means there are a lot of unknowns.St Kilda were perhaps the most proactive over the off-season, picking up the...
The Australian wildcard has reached the US Open third round and is set to break into the top 100 for the first timeAs an insight into the competitiveness of Rinky Hijikata, the fretful hours following his thrilling debut performance on Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York last August are illuminating. Pitted against four-time champion Rafael Nadal, the Australian started with an audacity that astounded the 24,000 fans expecting to see a legend waltz to a win against a wildcard.The 22-time major winner ultimately gained the upper hand, but as Hijikata contemplated the defeat over a pizza later that night, he was far from satisfied. It had been an experience to savour given his inexperience. But this did not temper his...