Men’s Basketball Player of the Week – Nick Garth, Lamar – Jr. – Guard – Houston, Texas Honorable Mention: Tevon Saddler, Nicholls; Jordan Howard, Central Arkansas; Charles Brown III, UIW; Leon Gilmore, Stephen F. Austin. FRISCO, Texas – Lamar’s Nick Garth is the Southland Men’s Basketball Player of the Week for the second time this season, the league announced Monday. Southland Conference Players of the Week are presented by UniversalCoin.com. The Cardinals (19-11, 11-6 SLC) picked up two road wins this past week to clinch their spot in the 2018 Southland Conference Basketball Tournament in Katy, Texas, on March 7-11. LU opened the week with an 87-73 victory over Houston Baptist (6-23, 2-14 SLC) on Wednesday to earn its second win against the Huskies this season. Garth and his squad then claimed their second win against Stephen F. Austin (23-6, 12-4 SLC) this season, defeating the Lumberjacks 71-66 on Saturday. LU wraps up its season Saturday in Lake Charles with a 3:30 p.m. CT contest against rival McNeese. Coming off the bench in both games for Lamar, Garth averaged 22.5 points per game to lead the Cardinals to a 2-0 week. Garth began the week knocking down four triples and going a perfect 4-of-4 from the free-throw line against Houston Baptist en route to dropping 22 points. He then scored 23 points Saturday at Stephen F. Austin to give the Lumberjacks their first loss at home this season. The junior guard from Houston shot 8-of-17 from the field and drained six three-pointers to provide Lamar with its first season sweep over SFA since the 2001-02 season. Garth also won the award Jan. 22. Southland weekly award winners are nominated and voted upon by each school’s sports information director. Voting for one’s own athlete is not permitted. To earn honorable mention, a student-athlete must appear on at least 25 percent of ballots.
SANTA ANITA SINGLE TICKET RAINBOW PICK SIX JACKPOT CARRYOVER OF $673,893 INTO 10-RACE CARD ON SATURDAY
SANTA ANITA SINGLE TICKET RAINBOW PICK SIX JACKPOT CARRYOVER OF $673,893 INTO 10-RACE CARD ON SATURDAY; 10 CONSOLATION WINNERS TODAY EACH WORTH $8,579ARCADIA, Calif. (May 24, 2019)–For the 20th consecutive racing day, Santa Anita’s popular 20 cent Single Ticket Rainbow Pick Six Jackpot remained elusive on Friday, resulting in a Jackpot carryover of $673,893 into Saturday.With $160,443 in “new” money wagered, Friday’s Jackpot pool reached $797,606 and although there was one “live” Single Ticket Jackpot ticket, represented by number five, Forbidden Command, in today’s eighth and final race, she never threatened and finished last.As a result, there were 10 consolation tickets with six winners, each worth $8,579.Saturday’s Rainbow Six will begin with race five, the Grade III, $100,000 Daytona Stakes, which has an approximate post time of 3:03 p.m. PT. The Daytona, for 3-year-olds and up at five furlongs on turf, is headed by California-bred Eddie Haskell, who is the 9-5 morning line favorite.The Grade II, $200,000 Triple Bend Stakes, for 3-year-olds and up at seven furlongs, has been carded as Saturday’s eighth race. Bob Baffert’s American Anthem is the narrow 5-2 morning line choice.First post time on Saturday is at 1 p.m., with admission gates open at 11 a.m. For additional information, please visit santaanita.com or call (626) 574-RACE.
STABLE NOTES BY ED GOLDEN -SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2019
HIGHER POWER BREEZES FOR BREEDERS’ CUP CLASSIC XBTV REPLETE WITH BREEDERS’ CUP DATA ON PORTAL BREEDERS’ CUP CANDIDATES WORK AT SANTA ANITAHigher Power worked five furlongs in 1:01 flat this morning in his penultimate major drill for the $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita two weeks hence, on Nov. 2.With Flavien Prat aboard, the Pacific Classic winner was one of four John Sadler workers bound for the Breeders’ Cup, the others being Catalina Cruiser (more likely for the Sprint than the Dirt Mile); Ollie’s Candy (Distaff) and Selcourt (Filly & Mare Sprint).Catalina Cruiser went five furlongs in 1:00.60; Ollie’s Candy five furlongs in a bullet 59.40, fastest of 61 drills at the distance; and Selcourt four furlongs in 47.80.There were ample Breeders’ Cup workers on a picturesque morning the Chamber of Commerce could use to solicit tourists.They included Santa Anita Sprint Championship runner-up Shancelot (Sprint, four furlongs in a bullet 46.80, fastest of 60 drills at the distance for trainer Jorge Navarro); Stubbins (Turf Sprint, four furlongs in 48.80 for Doug O’Neill); Hit the Road (Juvenile Turf, four furlongs on the training track in company with Live It Well, each in 50.20 for Dan Blacker); and Bellafina (Filly & Mare Sprint, four furlongs in 47.20 from the gate for Simon Callaghan).Flavien Prat was aboard Bellafina.“She looked really good,” Callaghan said of the Santa Anita Oaks winner. “We’ll just go easy with her now. She’s had two solid moves for the race before this.”Earlier, Callaghan sent True Valour (Mile) five furlongs in 1:02.60. “He really looked good,” the trainer said of the City of Hope Mile winner.Other Breeders’ Cup workouts among the 159 recorded overall, 20 on the training track, included those by: Eddie Haskell (Turf Sprint), four furlongs in 49.60 for Mark Glatt; Mongolian Groom (Classic), four furlongs in 49.20 for Enebish Ganbat; Acclimate (Turf), five furlongs in 1:00.20 for Phil D’Amato; Giant Expectations (Dirt Mile), five furlongs in 1:00.60 for Peter Eurton; and Bowies Hero (Mile), four furlongs on the training track in 50.40 for D’Amato.O’NEILL HAS THREE FOR THE MONEY IN SUNNY SLOPEEntering 60 percent of the field–three of five–Doug O’Neill would appear to have hisrivals overwhelmed in Sunday’s $70,000 Sunny Slope Stakes for two-year-olds at 6 ½ furlongs.The meet’s leading trainer with more than twice the victories of runner-up Phil D’Amato (17-8) through 13 racing days, O’Neill has entered Fore Left, Raging Whiskey and Strongconstitution in the sprint restricted to juveniles which have not won a graded stakes.“We should win on numbers,” O’Neill said. “I hope Fore Left gets back on the beam.”After a maiden win going 4 ½ furlongs at Santa Anita on May 19, the bay son of Twirling Candy owned by O’Neill’s principal client J. Paul Reddam captured the restricted Tremont Stakes at Belmont Park next out, winning off by 4 ½ lengths on June 7.After a third as the 9-10 favorite in the Grade II Best Pal on Aug. 10, Fore Left was well beaten in two Grade I events, the Del Mar Futurity on Sept. 2 and the American Pharoah at Santa Anita on Sept. 27.Raging Whiskey won the restricted Capote Stakes by eight lengths at Los Alamitos on Sept. 21 before finishing seventh in the Speakeasy Stakes at five furlongs on turf Oct. 6, while Strongconstitution was a debut winner as the 5-2 favorite going five furlongs on turf Aug. 23.The field for the Sunny Slope, which goes as race five of eight: Raging Whiskey, Evin Roman, 2-1; Strongconstitution, Martin Garcia, 3-1; Mo Hawk, Flavien Prat, 9-5; Fore Left, Mario Gutierrez, 3-1; and Zimba Warrior, Rafael Bejarano, 12-1.XBTV INTRODUCES PLETHORA OF DATA ON BREEDERS’ CUP PORTALXBTV, the premier online destination for exclusive video workouts, handicapping insights and analysis, has unveiled its 2019 Breeders’ Cup Portal providing racing fans, horsemen and handicappers free access to exclusive videos and blogs in advance of this year’s Breeders’ Cup World Championships Nov. 1 and 2 at Santa Anita Park.Divided by Breeders’ Cup race and debuting in advance of the Monday’s Pre-Entry Deadline for the 2019 Breeders’ Cup, XBTV’s2019 Breeders’ Cup Portal includes:A growing library of more than 260 workouts from probable Breeders’ Cup horses stabled in California, New York, Florida and throughout the world.Replays of 75 more than prep races.Exclusive interviews with trainers, jockeys and owners.The Jeff Siegel Blog, including picks, wagering strategies and workout analysis.XBTV’s Current Top 5 Most Popular Breeders’ Cup VideosOmaha Beach’s Oct. 16 WorkoutMidnight Bisou’s Oct. 14 WorkoutMcKinzie’s Oct. 10 WorkoutWar of Will’s Oct. 16 WorkoutCatalina Cruiser’s Oct. 12 WorkoutTo access XBTV’s Breeders’ Cup Portal, visit https://www.xbtv.com/breeders-cup/.Additional XBTV exclusive content will be added regularly beginning Breeders’ Cup week.A list of “In Today” horses who have recorded XBTV Video Workouts is available every racing day exclusively to Xpressbet customers on Xpressbet.com.FINISH LINES: Early probables for next Sunday’s $75,000 Comma to the Top Stakes for three-year-olds and up a mile on turf: Ground Attack, Leading Score, Midcourt, Oliver and Two Thirty Five. Oliver worked four furlongs this morning in 48.80 for Doug O’Neill . . . Congrats to trainer Jon Keith Desormeaux on sweeping both ends of the early daily double yesterday, with Jefe ($17.20) ridden by Edwin Maldonado, and Gorky Park ($4) under Rafael Bejarano . . . Val Brinkerhoff, one of the game’s most industrious trainers who is duly aided by his wife, Kelly, celebrates his 63rd birthday today. Val couldn’t have a more fitting present than winning today’s third race with Indy Jones for owner Bobby Grayson Jr. LATEST CONTENT FROM XBTV:XBTV Saturday: What to Watch for at Santa Anita Park on October 19th, 2019FEATURES:Candid Conversation With Hall of Famer Mike Smith: Part 1 – The BeginningBreeders’ Cup Memories: Skywalker and Laffit Pincay Jr. Upset the 1986 ClassicBreeders’ Cup Memories: Goldencents Sizzles His Way to His First of Two Dirt Mile WinsBreeders’ Cup Memories: Lady’s Secret Wins the 1986 Breeders’ Cup DistaffBreeders’ Cup Memories: Zenyatta Blows Away Her Competition in the 2008 Breeders’ Cup DistaffWORK OUTS:Higher Power (Outside) (Breeders’ Cup Classic) and Foxtail (Sadler) 10-19-19Ollie’s Candy (Breeders’ Cup Distaff) (Sadler) 10-19-19Stubbins (Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint) (O’Neill) 10-19-19American Theorem (Papaprodromou) 10-18-19Neptune’s Storm (Baltas) 10-17-19Omaha Beach (Mandella) 10-16-19War of Will (Outside) (Breeders’ Cup Classic) (Casse) 10-16-19Roadster (Inside) and Leading Score (Baffert) 10-16-19Midnight Bisou (Outside) and Comedian (Breeders’ Cup Classic) 10-14-19Mirth (Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf) (D’Amato) 10-14-19 LEADING TRAINER O’NEILL SURROUNDS SUNNY SLOPE
Benji targets Nines for Broncos debut
With just three weeks until the two-day tournament that will signal the start of a 2017 season spanning 301 days, how Marshall fits into the Broncos 17 for Round 1 remains a mystery to the man himself but even at 31 years of age the format of the Nines will suit the former Dragon perfectly having kept fit in the off-season by playing A Grade touch football in Sydney.In his only previous appearance at the Auckland Nines Marshall captained St George Illawarra to two wins in the pool stages but the Dragons failed to progress to the quarter-finals on points differential.The Broncos have a trial against defending premiers Cronulla at Dolphin Oval in Redcliffe on the same weekend as the Nines and a 19-man squad will travel to England to face Warrington in the World Club Series on February 18.Marshall missed last year’s Nines tournament and after two months of intensive conditioning work in which he has excelled is champing at the bit to start the next chapter of his career as a Bronco.”I’ll be on the plane for the Nines hopefully and get a start there and try and get some form on the board,” Marshall told Broncos TV.”It’s not too far away now, I’m looking forward to it. Get me on the field.”Joined by wife Zoe, their dogs and furniture in the past week, Marshall’s life in Brisbane has a greater sense of normalcy after his sudden and unexpected move to the Broncos during the off-season.He admits that he still doesn’t know what position coach Wayne Bennett has in mind for him to play this season but said having a more settled life off the field will enable him to get the best out of himself.”It’s been tough to be honest,” Marshall said.”Obviously being apart from your wife is not easy but she’s moved up here now and all our furniture is here so it will be a bit easier to get more settled in and relaxed but the boys and the club have been awesome in getting that set up.”I think that just makes it easier having your family here and having your normal set-up around. It’s obviously going to help me train better and then hopefully play better so looking forward to the year.”That first block before Christmas was a lot about conditioning and getting fit and now we’re starting to touch the ball and get a feel for where we’re playing.”I still don’t know where that is to be honest but I’m just enjoying myself and really getting a feel for enjoying footy again and that helps you play better.”Being around a great bunch of guys and great coaching staff is making my job a lot easier.”The 2005 premiership winner with the Wests Tigers said the support of the rugby league-loving public in Brisbane has also made his transition a pleasurable one.”Everyone I have come across have wished me well on my journey at the Broncos,” he said.”People just come up on the street and say that off their own bat so I can’t thank the people enough. It’s been a great journey so far.”It’s pretty relaxed and something that I was used to growing up. Obviously going to school on the Gold Coast that feel of the sun and the heat and nice warm winters and the people here are awesome.”Obviously coming here you don’t know what to expect but from the get-go it’s been a professional set-up and I’ve really enjoyed the training and got to know a lot of the boys.”
Luke, Kata back for Warriors
Photo by: Robb Cox: Copyright NRL Photos (Issac Luke is set to return for the Warriors this week). Luke will start at hooker with Roache out with a hamstring injury, while Albert Vete’s broken arm means Sam Lisone gets a spot on the bench.Solomone Kata returns at centre with David Fusitua moving to the wing and Nicoll-Klokstad dropping to the extended bench.The Warriors will farewell club legend Manu Vatuvei in Friday night’s clash with the Panthers ahead of Vatuvei’s exit to the Super League to link up with Salford. Mount Smart Stadium will be temporarily renamed Manu Vatuvei Stadium for the night in honour of the departing winger.
Dry spell hitting home in Highlands
The dry weather is continuing into the fifth week.Mingende Rural Hospital in Chimbu Province is threatening to shut its operations due to having a poor water supply system.The hospital’s acting director of nursing services Peter Kelly told Loop news that all rain water catchment tanks had run out, leaving the patients and staff in dire need of water.Kelly says most of the operations of the hospital are dependent on a good water supply system and without it they couldn’t do much.”The water supply system in this hospital has been an ongoing issue and none of the past and present MPs have ever attempted to fix it,” says Kelly.PNGLoop understands that the Sir Joseph Nombri hospital in Kundiawa has already scaled down its operations.Many schools in Jiwaka Province are already sending children home as early as 1pm, allowing them to go to nearby shrinking creeks and rivers to bathe and fetch clean water for drinking, washing and cooking.
POMRFL qualifying finals on this Sunday
POMRFL operations manager Meke Maino said all 5 games for the U19 and A grade men’s, and women’s divisions will be played on one day.At 10am is the first of the U19 games with Defence taking on West. At 11am is the encounter between Brothers and Paga Panthers.Winners from both games will book themselves a grand final spot.The women’s final will be a lunchtime clash that will see Royals lock horns with Paga Panthers. The winner meets Souths in the grand final.Following this is the first of the A grade games. At 1:30pm is the showdown between Brothers and Souths.The main game will be a beauty when Royals go up against Kone Storms.The two teams that come out victors go to the grand final while the losers bow out.“I appeal to supporters to respect one another and enjoy finals footy at the Murray Barracks,” said Maino.
Eels Star Pleads Guilty To Drug Charge
The 25-year-old, who had been charged with possessing a prohibited drug and possessing a prescribed restricted substance, made a brief appearance at Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday.His defence barrister Murugan Thangaraj has asked the court not to record a conviction however the matters were marked on Norman’s record.Norman was charged after being caught with MDMA capsules at The Star casino on a Friday night in late May.
World Cup qualifying preparation for PNG underway
Assistant Coach Reginald Davani has put a 23 man train-on squad that will be in camp in Port Moresby by the end of the month to get underway with their preparation for the Oceania section of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification.The squad includes 16 former and current players plus seven new players.The 16 former players who were retained are: Ismael Pole, Roland Bala, Emmanuel Simon, Jacob Sabua, Otto Kusunan, Raymond Gunemba, Alwin Komolong, Felix Komolong, Philip Steven, Patrick Aisa, Ronald Warisan, Leslie Kalai, Daniel Joe, David Muta, Michael Foster and Nigel Dabinyaba.The 7 new players: Greg Togubai, Emmanuel Airem, Samuel Kini, Sammy Campbell, David Brown, Stahl Gubag and Kolu KepuDavani said he is still waiting for the confirmation from 6 more players and is also hoping to add to the list, 2-3 more players that have been identified from abroad. One of those players is from the Australian A-League. With so much at stake, the start of a new phase of qualifying will see PNG lining up in group B against Tahiti and Solomon Islands.PNG kick off their campaign on March 20 and 28, in a home and away match against Tahiti.The PNG Men’s train-on squad: Ismael Pole, Roland Bala, Jacob Sabua, Otto Kusunan, Raymond Gunemba, Alwin Komolong, Felix Komolong, Philip Steven, Patrick Aisa, Ronald Warisan, Leslie Kalai, Daniel Joe, David Muta, Michael Foster, Nigel Dabinyaba, Greg Togubai, Emmanuel Airem, Samuel Kini, Sammy Campbell, David Brown, Emmanuel Simon, Stahl Gubag and Kolu Kepu,Player waiting for confirmation: Tommy Semmy, Koriak Upaiga, Wira Wama, Kenneth Pilailo and Giwi Simon.(File picture)
Bordalás: “Zidane’s leadership is outstanding”
-Bordalás only needs a big win. Is there a thorn left?-I care to add points and meet the objectives. If you win a big and then you don’t meet, nobody will remember. It is not a thorn, it is very difficult to win these teams. This year Mallorca beat them and is in a delicate situation. There are surprises, but it is difficult.-What was missing in previous games?-Contra teams of this size you have to make a perfect match because mistakes are paid dearly. We have made good matches that were decided by details. Even if you are playing well, they have players so good that in any action they can hit you.-Is it easier or harder to prepare a match against Real Madrid?-They have more records and you can neutralize a player very well, but if you neglect others, anyone can surprise you.– Can you overcome what was done in 2019?-It will be very difficult, but I am one of those who do not set limits. I am very demanding and rigorous. Last year is history and we will try to complete a great season. There are many teams with more possibilities than us and our mentality is very ambitious. We have excited a great hobby.-What role will that hobby have on Saturday?-It is a day to enjoy. Getafe has earned everyone’s respect with the numbers we have made in the last two seasons. The teams play against Getafe with caution and the role of our fans is essential. The team has won the admiration with their behavior.-The numbers of this European Getafe are only available to the big ones.-It’s not easy. Getafe level teams have paid the effort to play three competitions. Last year it happened to Villarreal with a template made for it. We are handling it well with a barbaric illusion and mentality. What we are doing has great merit. It is good news for national football and for Madrid.-Let’s go back to Madrid. Do you see him ready to snatch LaLiga from Barça?-I see you at an even level. At Camp Nou, Real Madrid deserved the victory. He is always a candidate to win the title. It does not surprise me and I would not dare to give a favorite.-The market opened. A middle and center or something else?-I always tell the president that we should try to improve the level of the workforce. If we want to continue growing we cannot stand still. If there is a possibility for players to improve and make us more competitive, go ahead. That will make us bigger as we have seen examples.-What do they seek?-The team needs help in some position. In the middle and also in band. Something different that gives us speed and verticality. We are seeing alternatives of some versatile player to help us. We are in three competitions and if you do not do well you can take a toll. -Play who plays are top-level players. The one that adapts to the responsibility and the requirement of Real Madrid pays it and ends up leaving. Not only have to have qualities, but compete with a very high level of demand that only the big ones have.– Do you change your plan to play with two strikers or ends?-We have the references of the last weeks. They can always surprise you. They come using a 4-3-3 that in defense becomes 4-1-4-1. The players you use for this particular game may vary.-You will not change and will continue with your strikers.-The trainers try to get the most out of the template we have. We found this drawing and the team is very comfortable.– Does any Madrid player especially bother you?-They are all magnificent. Benzema has shown them for many seasons despite the doubts it generated at some point. You can not be so many years at Real Madrid if your performance is not outstanding. He appears and has a lot of mobility, is able to do everything right in attack. Bale is another critic who has tremendous potential and strength. Hit, overflow, head … And so most of his players. -Start 2020. How did you find the team?-We have had more vacations than any team because they won it. They were responsible and only one came a little out of weight. They know they have a great responsibility and we are prepared. For a match as beautiful as playing against Real Madrid, one of the biggest teams in the world.-How do you see this Real Madrid?-It has changed for the better, with many records and it has improved markedly in its intensity level. Fede Valverde appeared who has brought them work, physicality and verticality and others are reaching their best level. They are candidates for everything as always.
-What role has Zidane played in this resurrection?-I think he is an outstanding leader. He knows how to handle a locker room like Real Madrid, he has won what almost nobody and for me is a reference. Real Madrid has been really good.– Would Zidane be different here and Bordalás in the Bernabeu? -I’m a coach of Getafe and that’s what I think. We each have our personality and the way we interpret football. I have respect and admiration for Zidane.-What Real Madrid expects?