| Panthers' Moore better, will start if healthy By MIKE CRANSTON 2010-09-13T17:12:55ZCHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- Carolina Panthers coach John Fox says quarterback Matt Moore is "feeling way better" after sustaining a concussion and will start if healthy against Tampa Bay.... hosted.ap.org |
CC Sabathia gets 20th win as Yankees rout Orioles CC Sabathia became a 20-game winner for the first time in his stellar career, pitching the New York Yankees past the Baltimore Orioles 11-3 Saturday ... rssfeeds.usatoday.com |
Japan's Nakayama Festa can land Arc • Longs odds an insult to Nakayama's form• Jockey and trainer no strangers to targeting the ArcNakayama Festa (3.05) has a far better chance of claiming an important victory in Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe than his insulting Longchamp odds suggest.The Japanese entry may not figure highly in a popularity contest over here, but he has already won one at home having taken the Takarazuka Kinen at Hanshin in June. This valuable contest is open only by invitation, with the line-up being voted for by fans of the sport. Racing For Change could do worse than consider a similar concept.Fourth in the Japan Derby on soft ground in May 2009 as a three-year-old, that performance marked a return to form for Nakayama Festa, but only through narrow-mindedness could that race be dismissed as being anything other than genuine international-level Group One form. The runner-up, Buena Vista, is unquestionably the best middle-distance mare in her part of the world and finished second in the Dubai World Cup in March.Shipped out to Europe afterwards to acclimatise, he had no chance of catching the positively ridden Duncan, whose jockey, William Buick, stole the Prix Foy from the front by kicking on around the home turn. Four lengths adrift with two furlongs to go, a burst of acceleration brought Nakayama Festa to within a length in the space of 150 yards, and despite his effort tailing off in the closing stages as a lack of fitness told, he kept on well to hold off Timos and Byword for second.Duncan has had chances at this level and failed to take them, but he does offer a fair yardstick to the form having been the only horse to get within a respectful margin of Harbinger at Royal Ascot and, given that Nakayama Festa looks highly likely to turn the Prix Foy placings round, there is enough evidence to suggest the Japanese runner's odds should be more like 5‑1 than 25‑1.Nakayama Festa's trainer and jockey are no stranger to preparing their horses for similar raids. El Condor Pasa pushed Montjeu to within half a length of defeat in this race in 1999, having also taken in the Prix Foy en route.While the Arc has been won by some true greats, it has also been the scene of some of the biggest boil-overs. Those looking for another Tony Bin-style shock will take heart from the dreadful weather forecast, which has left connections of many of the fancied runners publicly fretting about the prospect of bottomless conditions.Planteur is expected to appreciate genuinely testing ground more than his old foe Behkabad but, try as I might, I cannot see the pair's placings from the Prix Niel being reversed.Behkabad is better judged on that win or his previous victory over the same rival in the Grand Prix de Paris than on his fourth in the Prix du Jockey Club when he was left with far too much to do and he does seem to act perfectly well in soft going.Of the Ballydoyle team, Fame And Glory may be less unsuited by soft ground than Cape Blanco, who could well feel the effects of a brutally hard race in the Irish Champion Stakes four weeks ago.Fame And Glory's relatively long lay-off is not as off‑putting as the fact he simply did not look good enough when sixth in this race last year.Sarafina was never seen with a chance behind Midday in the Prix Vermeille and it would be no surprise to see her fare better here. At a bigger price, Nakayama Festa's compatriot Victoire Pisa is another consider.Going concerns will not be confined to the big race at Longchamp on Sunday. Goldikova and Paco Boy go head to head again in the Prix de la Foret after only a neck separated them over a mile at Royal Ascot. However, neither want bottomless conditions and Goldikova met with defeat at long odds-on in this race last year, so provided that the rain arrives as forecast, the David Nicholls-trained Regal Parade (2.20) could prove a better proposition at the odds.Longchamp selections: 12.05 Blek 12.35 Lady of the Desert 1.10 Helleborine 1.45 Treasury Devil 2.20 Regal Parade 3.05 Nakayama Festa 4.35 DarioleHorse racingHorse racing tipsPrix de l'Arc de TriompheWill Haylerguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds guardian.co.uk |
Lincecum takes on Lowe in Game 1 of Braves-Giants By JANIE McCAULEY 2010-10-07T08:29:28ZSAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Atlanta's Derek Lowe is the tested postseason veteran. Tim Lincecum is 11 years his junior making his playoff debut for San Francisco.... hosted.ap.org |
Air Force CB, Texas native Reggie Rembert relishes TCU game If something seems to be bulking up Air Force cornerback Reggie Rembert's shoulder pads when he and the Falcons play Saturday at No. 4 TCU, look ... rssfeeds.usatoday.com |