Stoppage-time winner stuns Roar

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ADELAIDE United's decision to recall Jordan Elsey from a loan deal in Hong Kong paid instant dividends as the teenager's injury-time goal secured the Reds a dramatic 2-1 win over Brisbane on Saturday.

The 19-year-old, who was on the verge of sealing a season-long move to Kitchee FC in Hong Kong on Boxing Day in a bid for more game time, came off the bench at Suncorp Stadium to nod home a 91st minute winner against the league leaders.

The strike was Elsey's first in just his third A-League appearance and capped a remarkable game where the understrength Reds stunned Brisbane with a dominant first half before appearing to be forced to settle for a point when the Roar equalised late in the second term.

The Reds' personnel dramas, with several players suspended, injured or away with the Australian under-22 side, was a key reason behind Elsey's recall with coach Josep Gombau admitting it had been a rollercoaster time for the youngster.

Follow all the action through the 90 minutes with our A-League Match Centre, featuring live updates, stats and video highlights.

Besart Berisha reminded Mike Mulvey how much he hates the bench. Source: Getty Images

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"He went there, everything was OK, he was happy, the club was happy but last week for us was horrible,'' Gombau said.

"We had a lot of injuries and also, on Saturday, Antony Golec - one central defender we think if something happened can replace any injury - asked for permission to leave the club on go to China.

"Jordan was very happy there but accepted the decision because he's our player and he came on Sunday, on Monday started training and today he scores the goal.

"This is life, it's like this.''

Adelaide had appeared set to be forced to settle for a point after Roar striker Besart Berisha, himself a second-half substitute, scored an 80th minute equaliser for the home team.

Thomas Broich couldn't quite create the same magic as the last fortnight. Source: Getty Images

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Down to 10 men following Diogo Ferreira's first-half dismissal for a second bookable offence, the Roar had struggled to match an enthusiastic Adelaide in the opening stanza.

With Socceroos defender Ivan Franjic a late withdrawal due to a stomach strain, the Roar looked unsettled in the opening exchanges and Brazilian striker Jeronimo Neumann made the most of an error by veteran fullback Shane Stefanutto to win a penalty in the 19th minute.peJeronimo dusted himself off and despite Roar goalkeeper Michael Theo saving his spot-kick, he slid home the rebound to notch his first goal away from Adelaide in the A-League.

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The Roar looked down and out when Ferreira received his marching orders but rallied with 10 men and actually looked the more likely to steal the points following Berisha's sixth goal in eight matches.

``The courage my players showed in the second half was absolutely magnificent,'' coach Mike Mulvey said.

``We got the equaliser and still had the belief we could win the game. Their goal, it was some cross and some header by the big fella.

``Good luck to them. They go home with the points.''

Mulvey could find himself with a headache ahead of next week's trip to Perth with Franjic and playmaker Thomas Broich (corked thigh) both in doubt for the game.

So much to celebrate for Adelaide and its travelling fans. Source: Getty Images

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Perry stars to put Aussies on top

Ellyse Perry bats during day two of the women's Ashes Test at the WACA Ground. Source: Paul Kane / Getty Images

STAR allrounder Ellyse Perry performed with both bat and ball on day two to help Australia recover from a poor collapse and grab the ascendancy in the women's Ashes Test against England at the WACA Ground.

The hosts started Saturday at 2-9 in reply to England's first innings of 201, then lost 3-15 in the space of five overs to be in desperate trouble at 5-37.

Ellyse Perry celebrates her half century. Source: Getty Images

Perry top-scored with an outstanding 71, forming key partnerships with captain Jodie Fields (43) and Erin Osborne (40) to lift Australia to a total of 207.

Perry then trapped Lydia Greenway lbw for five, while Rene Farrell dismissed openers Heather Knight (one) and Sarah Taylor (zero) to leave England struggling at 3-18 at stumps.

The day wasn't lacking drama.

England's fast bowlers were magnificent early, but began to wilt in the 42C heat in Perth.

That was emphasised when star opening bowler Katherine Brunt delivered her second beamer of the day just after lunch to be banned from bowling for the rest of the innings.

Brunt sent down a chest-high delivery to Sarah Elliott in the morning, then gave Perry a head-high full toss that was pulled to deep fine leg for one run.

Ellyse Perry and Jodie Fields celebrate the wicket of Lydia Greenway. Source: Getty Images

England captain Charlotte Edwards injured her knee in the field and the opening batter won't be able to come to the crease until her team is five wickets down.

Anya Shrubsole led the way with the ball for England taking 4-51, while debutant Kathryn Cross claimed 3-35 including the key scalp of Fields.

Natalie Sciver (six not out) and Arran Brindle (three) will look to increase the visitors' lead of 12 when play resumes on Sunday.

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Cahill: Hewitt can cause Open damage

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TOP coach Darren Cahill believes his old teammate Lleyton Hewitt has the capacity to cause major damage at the upcoming Australian Open in the wake of his recent victory in Brisbane.

The ESPN analyst believes the Australian has the potential to cause upsets at the event but working against him winning the event is his unseeded status.

Cahill said he has never seen Hewitt as fit and focussed as his is in the lead-up to the biggest tennis event in the country.

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"This is the fittest and hungriest and most focussed l have seen him in six or seven years. Basically since he got into the final here in 2005,'' Cahill said this week.

"He looks injury free, he looks happy on the court, delighted to be playing at this level again. He worked incredibly hard over the past three or four months to put himself into a position where he at least gives himself a shot.''

Lleyton Hewitt defeats Roger Federer in Brisbane. Source: Splash News Australia

But Cahill is hesitant to predict a fairytale finish to the tournament for the 32-year-old.

"I am not sure he can go all the way because I would say that about everyone who is outside the top four,'' Cahill said.

"To win these majors if you are outside the top four in the seeding, you have to go through three of these major players to win a major.

"I think Lleyton is capable of beating one of them, maybe two of them. But to beat three of them is a big ask.

"But he is very capable of causing a lot of damage.''

Hewitt goes into the Australian Open as the highest ranked Australian after his victory over Roger Federer in the Brisbane International last weekend.

Hewitt, now ranked 43rd in the world, jumped 17 places after his victory to overtake Bernard Tomic as the top ranked Australian.

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Santalab steals derby late for WSW

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A Brendon Santalab winner at the death secured Western Sydney their first home A-League derby victory over Sydney FC at Parramatta Stadium on Saturday night.

Santalab, who came on as a substitute for striker Tomi Juric on the hour, scored the winner in the 87th minute to ensure the triumph over their cross-town rivals in what was a real arm wrestle played at a frenetic pace.

Re-live it all on our A-League Match Centre, featuring video updates, stats and live commentary.

The Red and Black Brigade were in full flight on Saturday night. Source: Getty Images

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In the previous four derbies, surprisingly the Wanderers have won both clashes at Allianz Stadium but were yet to record a derby win in front of their own fans.

Fans turned out in numbers to watch the clash with over 18,000 filling the stands.

And while the contest may have been heated on the pitch, the supporters were well behaved during the match with Football Federation Australia to impose a three-point deduction on the Wanderers should their fans not toe the line.

The Wanderers, who suffered their first home loss in 12 months to lowly Wellington last week, came out with a point to prove and were on the attack from the get go.

Nikola Petkovic tries to evade Matt Spiranovic. Source: Getty Images

While Sydney skipper Alessandro Del Piero showed some deft touches, Wanderers gloveman Ante Covic was barely troubled in the opening half.

His Sydney FC counterpart Vedran Janjetovic, on the other hand, was kept on his toes with the Wanderers hitting the woodwork four times in the first half.

Both Mark Bridge and Juric hit the post early with Juric again showing his class in front of goal, skillfully weaving his way through the Sydney defence but sending his ensuing shot sent just wide.

Dangerous Dutchman Youssouf Hersi almost scored the goal of the season just before the break, hitting the crossbar with a missile from 35 meters out.

Alessandro Del Piero was well handled by the Wanderers tonight. Source: Getty Images

The rebound fell to the waiting Juric whose point-blank strike unbelievably also hit the crossbar to send both teams to the break scoreless.

Sydney coach Frank Farina brought on young forward Corey Gameiro for veteran Brett Emerton early in the second half and the move almost paid off right away with a Gameiro strike just floating high.

The Sky Blues kept up the attack with Covic forced to diffuse shots from Ranko Despotovic and Terry McFlynn.

Wanderers' Daniel Alessi made his A-League debut at 16 years of age. Source: Getty Images

Wanderers' 16-year-old Daniel Alessi was given a baptism of fire by coach Tony Popovic, making his A-League debut in the heated derby.

But it was Popovic's 60th-minute substitute of Santalab for Juric that proved crucial, the striker netting the winner off a great Hersi cross in the 87th minute.

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Stars shine to shoot down Strikers

James Faulkner celebrates a wicket with his Melbourne Stars teammates. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Wayne Ludbey / News Limited

IF the Adelaide Strikers were a UFC fighter, they'd have tapped out.

So fierce was the stranglehold the Melbourne Stars applied that Adelaide coach Darren Berry joked while interviewed on TV that he wanted commentators Ricky Ponting and Darren Lehmann to "put the pads on".

The Strikers, mooted by some as the team most likely to challenge the rampant Stars, were restricted to just 9-90 - the lowest completed first-innings Big Bash League score on the MCG.

The Stars duly ran down the fifth lowest BBL score ever in just 7.3 overs to extend their winning streak to five, booking a finals berth.

"It's been a nightmare - they've bowled beautifully," lamented Berry who'd earlier opted to take an extra bowler into the match when ultimately he could have used another three batsmen.

In reply, Luke Wright survived a ferocious blow to the head by a Shaun Tait thunderbolt to post 49 off just 20 deliveries before holing out to mid-off on the first ball of the sixth over.

The only hiccup came next ball when captain Cameron White put Michael Neser on a hat-trick when he somehow reached a wide ball only to scoop it to third man the next delivery.

Luke Wright hits out for the Stars against the Strikers at the MCG. Picture Wayne Ludbey Source: News Limited

But Glenn Maxwell (25 not out) and Matt Wade (3 not out) made light work of the remaining chase.

Wright, who showed no ill-effects of the ball that smashed into his visor on a misjudged hook shot against the 150km/h bouncer, said the Stars' intention had been not to let the small target become problematic.

"I wanted to come out and put the bowlers under pressure," the Englishman said with great understatement.

But it was the bowlers who deservedly got the plaudits.

The Strikers had been cruising behind Michael Klinger (42 off 49) with only Alex Hales' loss of any note after 5.1 overs had yielded 37.

But extraordinarily, the Strikers could only manage three more fours and just one six after that as they limped along at a rate akin to Australia's in the fifth Test in Sydney.

In that time, there were 55 dot balls to highlight the Stars' bowlers total domination.

Kane Richardson (21 off 24) was the only other batsman to reach double-figures - and he also wore a James Faulkner bouncer to his helmet for his trouble.

James Faulkner celebrates a wicket at the MCG. Picture Wayne Ludbey Source: News Limited

The Tasmanian all-rounder has come of age and was exemplary in returning 3-9 from four intense overs with four routine play-and-misses among his 17 dot balls.

John Hastings was frugal, James Muirhead turned the ball a long way at times in his two overs - including for the stumping of Michael Neser - and Jackson Bird fought back well after the early onslaught.

And to cap it all off, Lasith Malinga returned to his near unplayable best in recording 2-8 off four mesmerising overs.

The win leaves the Stars two games and a huge run rate clear on top of the ladder, with a home semi-final seemingly a formality.

The Strikers stayed fourth, but their run rate took a hammering.

Capping their bad night, the visitors didn't have Klinger on the field for much of the run chase after he suffered back spasms after batting.

Relive all the action from the MCG in our match blog below.

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MM joust certain to be Berry close

Twins Nathan and Tommy Berry are competitive on the track and now they are even racing each other down the church aisle. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

NATHAN Berry is beating his twin brother to the altar - now he wants to win the race between them for Magic Millions glory.

The Berry boys clash in the glamour $2 million Gold Coast race tomorrow where Nathan rides Unencumbered and two-time winner Tommy partners Echo Gal.

The Magic Millions helped to launch Tommy's riding career three years ago - and now it could be Nathan's turn.

"If you have a look at Tom's career, it really started off with Karuta Queen's Magic Millions win (2011),'' Nathan said.

"That win basically got him the job with Gai and then he won three or four Group 1 races for her. This helped him get the job in Hong Kong and he won the Queen Elizabeth Cup. Suddenly everyone looks at him as an international jockey, then he wins the Singapore Cup.

"So, Karuta Queen has been the most important horse in Tom's life and probably made him as a jockey. I've been waiting for a horse like that - I hope it is Unencumbered.

"Everyone knows I have the ability but want to see me do it first and that is what I hope to do (tomorrow).'' Tommy's star might be on the rise - but so is Nathan's. Already 2013-14 has been a breakout season for him.

"Within six months, I've ridden three Group 3 winners and a (Wyong) Magic Millions winner,'' he said. "I had not won a Group race before that.''

Tommy and Nathan Berry ready for the Magic Millions on Saturday. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: News Limited

Unencumbered, trained by Bjorn Baker, is the $3.80 TAB Fixed Odds favourite for the Magic Millions after impressive wins in feature lead-up races at Wyong and Doomben.

Tommy Berry knows what it takes to win the Magic Millions after back-to-back successes with Karuta Queen and Driefontein (2012) and he regards Unencumbered as clearly the one to beat.

Tommy's mount, Echo Gal, has fallen from favour for the big race since her poor run behind Unencumbered in the McLachlan Stakes last start.

But a string of impressive track gallops since has the Gai Waterhouse stable confident the filly can turn her form around.

"Mark Newnham rode her last Saturday and he said if you forget about last run, on her work she is almost unbeatable,'' Tommy said. "It's hard to believe she went so badly last run - she is much better than that.''

The barrier draw has been kind to Nathan with Unencumbered to start from three while Echo Gal has to come from 15.

Tommy Berry was looking for positives despite Echo Gal's wide draw. "The gate may not be such a bad thing,'' he said.

"She has brilliant speed but I don't want to be driving her too hard early. Hopefully we can settle with some cover.

"The draw suits Unencumbered. Nathan's horse is the one we all have to beat.''

Nathan said Unencumbered's favourable barrier gives him "plenty of options" on how to ride his colt.

Nathan Berry works Unencumbered ahead of tomorrow's Magic Millions carnival. Picture: Brendan Radke Source: News Limited

"I wasn't worried where I drew because he is so versatile, so easy to do anything with,'' Nathan said. "But the good barrier has eased the pressure a little. Instead of others tactically working against us we can work against them and have the race run how we want.

"The barriers determined a lot and after Invisible drew seven, that has made him the main danger. Invisible is with very good trainers in the Hawkes team and he would not be there if they didn't think his chances were warranted.

"Cyclone is probably my next pick, he was very good last start. I trialled him a couple of months ago and he gave me a great feel.''

Unencumbered has taken a similar path to the Magic Millions as Karuta Queen three years ago with both winning the feature race at Wyong a month before the Gold Coast race.

The difference is that Baker felt Unencumbered needed another run and the colt had his final tune-up in the McLachlan Stakes at Doomben, scoring narrowly but impressively to make it four wins from five starts. "He doesn't need to improve but I think he has,'' Nathan Berry said.

"After galloping him on Tuesday, I'm even more excited as he was bouncing around on the track and he took the corner on the Gold Coast very well.

"I think it is very vital that he has had a look at the Gold Coast. He's been up there for three weeks and galloped twice on the course proper. He doesn't have a look or a baulk at anything, he is very confident in himself and knows where he is going.''

Nathan Berry, 22, seems nerveless going into his first Magic Millions, and on the race favourite. It's a little different when he talks about his impending nuptials on February 2 with Whitney Schofield, the daughter of Glyn, Sydney's champion jockey.

Jockey Tommy Berry with fiancee Sharnee Nisbet after he proposed to her on New Year's Eve at Sydney Harbour. Source: News Limited

"Whitney has organised everything, including our honeymoon to Thailand,'' he said. Berry will get married just a few weeks after Tommy became engaged to Sharnee Nisbet on New Year's Eve.

"Tom and I were going to propose on the same day,'' Nathan revealed. "Then I changed my date and Tom changed his. He chose a later one, perhaps nerves kicked in.

"But I'm very happy for Tom and Sharnee - the four of us are great friends.''

Hong Kong might be calling Tommy Berry but for now he is excited for his brother's wedding early next month while starting to plan for his own.

"I couldn't have asked for a better start to the year,'' he said. "I got engaged and then with my first ride back, I rode a winner (Nayeli, Kensington Wednesday).

"The Magic Millions is a special raceday for me. Everyone says Flemington is their favourite and I suppose it is but Magic Millions day is not too far away for me.

"Every time I go up to the Gold Coast I have success. I've won two Magic Millions and then the Stayers Cup last year.

"Echo Gal is a definite chance and my other ride, Northern Glory is ready to run a big race in the (Magic Millions) Guineas.

"Northern Glory ran on really well last start, she chased home a good horse in Calming Influence last start.

"She hasn't got brilliant speed so it was very important to draw a good barrier (eight) so we can get the right run.''

Tommy Berry is focused on winning a third Magic Millions on Echo Gal tomorrow - but he could not begrudge his sibling success in the big race.

"If I can't win it, then I hope Nathan does,'' Tommy said.

"I'd love to see him win it. The Magic Millions got me off to a flyer and it might do the same for him.''

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Lose the serious edge or else...

James Cumming says the industry needs to embrace modern society if the Sport of Kings is to flourish. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: Colleen Petch / News Limited

THE grandson of training legend Bart Cummings has challenged racing to launch itself out of the dark ages and embrace modern society, believing the sport takes itself too seriously.

James Cummings, 25, is on the Gold Coast this week trying to find the next champion for Leilani Lodge at Randwick, where he trains in partnership with his 12-times Melbourne Cup winning grandfather.

He is a young man with an optimistic vision of the future for racing, but says things need to change if the Sport of Kings is to flourish.

"At the moment, you step onto a racecourse and it's a step back in time. And it shouldn't be," Cummings said.

"There's a lot of action that needs to be taken and it's resting on our shoulders to do something about it.

"It's up to people coming into the game that have a vested interest that want to see more young people at the races."

Cummings says not enough is done to promote the superstars of racing, believing officials are too quick to penalise jockeys for showing emotion.

He's also critical of the dress standards that still apply on most racetracks, calling on officials to: "get rid of the shirt and tie".

James Cummings wants clubs to ease up on dress restrictions. Picture: Mark Evans Source: News Limited

"In any sport, all you want to do is follow the big names," Cummings said. "You follow the guys who are not only exceptional in their field, but are flamboyant and entertaining.

"We lose sight of that in racing. We have problems with a guy like Glen Boss waving the whip when he crosses the line. It's ridiculous.

"I talk to my mates at Uni and all they want to know is 'which horse is Bossy riding'.

"It's guys like that should be promoted. The Australian (way) is not to be flamboyant and not to be a show pony but at the same time, we're putting on a show and we can't all be boring, with a say nothing 'loose lips sink ships' type attitude."

Cummings is part of a growing band of young trainers keen to make their mark in the industry.

He and Bart prepared Precedence for dual Group wins during the recent spring carnival.

Tomorrow young Kiwi born trainer Bjorn Baker saddles up Magic Millions favourite Unencumbered.

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Jets set to return as ascenders

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NEWCASTLE Jets defender Taylor Regan has applied added pressure to his teammates, declaring "a good team doesn't lose three in a row''.

Back-to-back defeats has given Newcastle a reality check and they will be determined to end their losing streak against Melbourne Victory at home tonight.

Poor performances in recent weeks against Perth and Adelaide saw the Jets drop back to mid-table.

But they can take confidence out of their last meeting with Victory in Melbourne that saw them claim all three points with a 2-1 win.

"We went down there with a game plan and we stuck to it," Regan said.

"We've got another game plan this time and it's changed a little bit from the last time, so hopefully we can come out all guns blazing in front of our home crowd and do it with their support."

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One point separates the two teams and because it's so tight at the top of the A-League ladder Regan doesn't believe it's "do-or-die" time yet.

But he is disappointed Newcastle failed to build on their fantastic away wins at Brisbane and Melbourne.

"I think it was more of a reality check than anything," he said.

"We've got a young squad and we knew there'd be a little bit of inconsistency, but to go to Brisbane and win and to go to Melbourne and win - they were huge and we needed to back them up with results against Adelaide and Perth. That wasn't to happen so we rebuild, refocus and get ready for (tonight)."

Both teams will be without a host of their young stars with Newcastle's Josh Brillante, Adam Taggart and Andrew Hoole on international duty with the young Socceroos, along with Victory's Nick Ansell, Scott Galloway and Jason Geria.

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But Regan is confident he and Josh Mitchell will be able to stop the dangerous Archie Thompson, who has returned from injury, and the in-form Mitch Nichols.

"Archie is a good player - he's a threat," Regan said.

"If he can receive at his feet and face you up he's very hard to stop and if he gets in behind you he's obviously very quick.

"I think Mitch Nichols is arguably the form player in the competition, so no doubt we'll have our work cut out for us.

"But Josh Mitchell is an experienced professional, he's been around the traps and he knows how we play. Me and him have played twice together this year, once successful once unsuccessful, but it's a partnership that we both have trust in each other and we know each other's game."

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England stars save suicidal man

Matt Prior and Stuart Broad have come to a suicidal man's aid in Sydney. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

ENGLAND cricketers Matt Prior and Stuart Broad have been credited with helping prevent a suicidal man from jumping off a bridge in Sydney.

Prior is said to have pulled the man - who was saying he wanted to drown - away from the edge of a foot bridge in Darling Harbour in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Prior and Broad, who had been attending a Barmy Army charity event nearby, talked to the man for nearly an hour before police arrived, the London Daily Telegraph reported.

"We just did what anybody would do in that situation," Prior told the newspaper. "We were trying to help a bloke who was struggling and in a bad way. I look back and I'm just glad we left the bar when we did and we were there for him."

The man was believed to be British, but did not recognise the players. He had thrown his passport and wallet in the water.

The Telegraph said the players initially believed the man was standing on the bridge's railing as part of a dare, but upon realising the seriousness of the incident they went to the man's aid..

The England team's security officer Terry Minish also helped in preventing the man from leaping into the water.

"Walking back to the hotel we spotted a young man on the edge of the bridge about to jump," said Minish.

"He was saying he just wanted to drown. Matt helped to pull him down off the edge of the bridge and sat with him until the police arrived. It all happened very quickly and we acted on impulse. It is what you do in these situations."

If you're feeling depressed, you can contact Lifeline 24/7 at 13 11 14. Call 000 if a life is in immediate danger.

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Gai bolsters 'army'

Tommy Berry rides Nayeli hands and heels to the line to win at Randwick's Kensington course. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

NAYELI, an impressive debut winner at Randwick's Kensington track on Wednesday, is so good she has already been enlisted into "Gai's Army" for the Melbourne autumn carnival.

Gai Waterhouse's stable representative Mark Newnham confirmed Nayeli would be aimed at the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes after a dominant win in the ATC Membership On Sale Plate (1000m).

"I was talking with Gai this morning and she said if this filly wins like I think she should, then she will be going to Melbourne for the Blue Diamond - and she has won very well,'' Newnham enthused.

"Nayeli will be part of the first 'wave' that leaves next Tuesday.''

Sydney's gun jockey Tommy Berry returned from suspension and was back in the winner's stall with his first ride when he partnered Nayeli ($7.50) to an easy two-length win from the fast finishing Peggy Jean ($21).

Early leader Annatime ($2.60) finished third.

Nayeli, purchased for $260,000 at the Easter Sales last year by Greg and Donna Kolivos of Pierro fame, ran the 1000m in a very fast 57.29s.

Berry, who rides Echo Gal for the Waterhouse stable in the $2 million Magic Millions on the Gold Coast, said Nayeli is a filly "with a big future.''

"She's very promising and the improvement she is making every time she goes to the track is really encouraging,'' Berry said.

"When she won her trial, she didn't blow us out of the water but her work since has been really impressive.

Damien Oliver wins the Melbourne cup on Fiorente, who is likely to have a barrier trial later this month. Source: News Limited

"With Gai, we don't muck them around in the trials and Nash (Rawiller) pulled the stick on her in that trial and made her find the line.

"It showed today because when I pulled the stick she lengthened stride and let down like a good horse.''

The Kolivos's named Pierro after their favourite Margaret River wine and the couple had a similar flash of inspiration when determining the name for their latest rising star.

"When Donna first saw this filly, she said 'I love you','' Greg Kolivos said.

"So she did some research and Donna found an American Indian name which means 'I love you' and that is Nayeli.''

Newnham said Nayeli would leave for Melbourne on Tuesday on a float containing Tulloch Lodge's main autumn carnival contenders - Overreach, Bull Point, Aussies Love Sport and Francesco.

Overreach, last year's Golden Slipper winner, announced she is back better than ever with a brilliant barrier trial win last Friday and Newnham confirmed she is being aimed at the Newmarket Handicap.

Bull Point and Aussies Love Sport will be set for the Australian Guineas while Francesco, who is raced in the same interests at Nayeli, is also on the Blue Diamond trail.

Newnham said Melbourne Cup winner Fiorente is likely to have a barrier trial later this month before being sent south.

"Fiorente is coming up well but he will trial first before he goes to Melbourne for the Australian Cup,'' he continued.

"Then he will return to Sydney for the Ranvet Stakes, The BMW and Queen Elizabeth Stakes.''

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FIFA: Qatar WC won't be in summer

FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke has ruled out a summer World Cup in 2022 in Qatar. Source: STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN / AFP

THE 2022 World Cup in Qatar will not be held in June-July and would best be held in the winter time, FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke said on Wednesday.

The scheduling of the tournament has been hotly debated ever since it was controversially awarded to Qatar in December 2010, especially over fears that the summer heat in the Gulf emirate would be dangerous for players and fans alike.

"The dates for the World Cup (in Qatar) will not be June-July," Valcke, the second most powerful man in international football's governing body, told Radio France.

"To be honest, I think it will be held between November 15 and January 15 at the latest.

"If you play between November 15 and the end of December that's the time when the weather conditions are best, when you can play in temperatures equivalent to a warm spring season in Europe, averaging 25 degrees.

"That would be perfect for playing football."

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Star gazing with Celestial

Celestial Dragon, with Timothy Bell onboard, runs away to win at Doomben. Source: Mark Calleja / News Limited

STUART Kendrick is Queensland's best bargain hunter.

While millions will be splashed on some of the country's best-bred horses at the Magic Millions Yearling Sale this week, Kendrick will once again bide his time.

The Sunshine Coast trainer prepares the cheapest horse in this Saturday's $2 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic current field.

Celestial Dragon has already recouped his $10,000 price tag more than 11 times over but that shouldn't come as a surprise.

The fact is Kendrick has been turning cheap yearlings into topline racehorses for years.

Kendrick will have four runners on Magic Millions day this Saturday and the quartet have easily recovered their modest price tags already.

He paid $50,000 for the lot of them and Doubtfilly, Avaladyluck, Sept De Coeurs and Celestial Dragon have already amassed more than $1 million between them.

Avaladyluck ($2,500) and Doubtfilly ($17,500) have produced the best returns to date and they have recouped their purchase prices more than 79 and 38 times respectively.

But Celestial Dragon will shoot to the top of that list if he claims the $1.4 million first prize cheque in the carnival's feature race this Saturday.

When asked what his secret was, Kendrick insisted it was simply hard work and a bit of patience.

"I do a fair bit of homework on them and then try and buy a horse I think can be a Group 1 winner and fit it into a cheap budget," he said.

"It can be frustrating sometimes because you can find some really nice horses you like and they go for too much money. You do need patience and sometimes you just need a bit of good luck as well.

"But if you buy a nice horse with a good pedigree then you're half a chance."

Fellow trainer Liam Birchley is hoping his Magic Millions luck might have finally turned with the prospect of Sagatona making the field on Thursday.

The trainer has a masterful record with early two-year-olds, most of the time with cheap horses, but Magic Millions day has been more nightmare than fairytale.

Birchley and owner Judy Clairs are sweating on the Mick Price-trained Nordic Empire being an official scratching, which would put first emergency Sagatona into the field.

Nordic Empire is having ultrasound treatment for muscular soreness in his near hind leg and stewards said he was "in grave doubt" of running.

Trainer Mick Price conceded Wednesday afternoon he doesn't expect Nordic Empire to take his place in the field.

If Sagatona gets a run, it will give Birchley two chances, with last-start Ipswich winner Ruby Soho already in.

"I would like to think it's a good omen if Sagatona gets in," Birchley said.

"Not only that, but both sets of connections have had beaten favourites in the race previously."

Ruby Soho is raced by a team headed up by Meredith Carroll, who was a part-owner of Paprika, a close second to Phelan Ready in 2009.

Clairs also races Missy Longstocking, who ran third last year.

Sagatona, a daughter of Real Saga who failed to reach a modest $5000 reserve last year, trialled brilliantly in blinkers last Thursday

The trainer has a masterful record with early two-year-olds, most of the time with cheap horses, but Magic Millions day has been more nightmare than fairytale.

Birchley and owner Judy Clairs are sweating on Nordic Empire being an official scratching today, which would put first emergency Sagatona into the field.

Nordic Empire is undergoing ultra sound treatment for muscular soreness in his near hind leg and stewards said he was "in grave doubt" of running.

Trainer Mick Price conceded yesterday afternoon he doesn't expect Nordic Empire to take his place in the field.

If Sagatona gets a run, it will give Birchley two chances, with last start Ipswich winner Ruby Soho already in.

"I would like to think it's a good omen if Sagatona gets in," Birchley said. "Not only that, but both sets of connections have had beaten favourites in the race previously."

Ruby Soho is raced by a team headed up by Meredith Carroll, who was a part-owner of Paprika, a close second to Phelan Ready in 2009.

Clairs also races Missy Longstocking, who ran third last year. Sagatona, a daughter of Real Saga who failed to reach a modest $5000 reserve last year, trialled brilliantly in blinkers last Thursday.

"They say the breed are real blinker horses and she raced a bit patchy last start. You had to like what she did in the trial," Birchley said.

Real Saga's other Millions runner, Stroak, will also have blinkers for the first time on Saturday. Notably, the stallion's MM winner from 12 months ago, Real Surreal, also raced in the shades.

Birchley thinks Ruby Soho is sure to run well off barrier two.

"I'm pleased I went the way I did in going to Ipswich now," he said. "It was a bit of a risk, but she scraped into the field and I've put winkers on this time.

"She looked to be in a bit of trouble at Ipswich, but ended up coming away to win easily. She's desperate for 1200m."

While Price is resigned to Nordic Empire missing out on Saturday, he still rates himself a genuine contender with last start Wyong runner-up Geromayo.

Like Sagatona, Geromayo is bidding to join Phelan Ready and Dancer's Joy as the only "maidens" to win a Magic Millions 2YO.

But Geromayo has improved with every run and Price has a good barometer in race favourite Unencumbered, after finishing second to him at Wyong.

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Colts drawn to fire in Millions

Horses parade on Surfers Paradise beach before the Magic Millions draw on Tuesday. Source: Brendan Radke / News Limited

SYDNEY colts Unencumbered or Invisible are poised to break the fillies stranglehold on the $2 million Magic Millions 2yo Classic at the Gold Coast on Saturday.

The all-important barrier draw held on Surfers Paradise beach on Tuesday morning was kind to the race favourites with Unencumbered to start from gate three and Invisible in seven.

With most of their main rivals drawn wide, $3.80 favourite Unencumbered and $4.50 chance Invisible are the only Magic Millions runners under $11 in revised betting.

But since 2000, the only colt to win the glamour Gold Coast two-year-old was Bradbury's Luck in 2005 while fillies dominated the race. The race statistics are startling and include:

#Nine of the last 12 Magic Millions have been won by fillies.

#Fillies have run the trifecta the last four years.

#The last male to win the race was the gelding Phelan Ready in 2009.

#The favoured fillies for Saturday's race, Oakleigh Girl (six), Sagatona (13), Stroak (14), Echo Gal (17) and Sheer Style (21) had mixed luck at the barrier draw.

Unencumbered's trainer Bjorn Baker described his colt's starting position as "perfect''.

"The barrier draw is an important obstacle that we have overcome,'' Baker enthused.

"I was hoping for an inside barrier as this gives Nathan (Berry) options on how he will ride the colt.

"The draw has helped our chances and also Invisible but I still think Oakleigh Girl is right in the race as her run the other day was very good and you have to respect Gai Waterhouse (Echo Gal, Cyclone) as she knows what is needed to win this race.''

Berry said his confidence in Unencumbered soared after he rode the youngster in his final fast workout at the Gold Coast before Saturday's big race.

"I'm glad I came up to ride him work because he galloped really well and I'm getting quite excited about our chances,'' Berry said.

"He's a very versatile colt so the barrier draw was crucial. It's an ideal draw.

"I'll need to do the form and discuss tactics with Bjorn but we won't be settling worse than midfield.

"I just don't want to be caught behind something that is not going to take us into the race.''

Baker said it has been a deliberate strategy to stable Unencumbered at the Gold Coast to familiarise the colt with the racetrack.

"He has been up there for more than three weeks and has had a couple of looks at the Gold Coast course proper,'' Baker added.

"I thought it was important for him to see the track so it won't be 'new' for him come Saturday.''

At Rosehill Gardens on Tuesday morning, Invisible galloped strongly to convince Team Hawkes he was ready for the Magic Millions before the colt's dream draw.

"We wanted between six and eight so we are thrilled with the seven barrier,'' co-trainer Michael Hawkes said.

"Everything has gone to plan. He has trained on well since his Canterbury win and his work (yesterday) was very good.

"We didn't need to time his gallop - we know what he can do.''

Meanwhile, Sydney filly Sweet Idea (barrier 15) has been joined by Enquare (two) at the top of betting for the $1 million Magic Millions Guineas.

WHO DO YOU THINK WILL WIN THE MAGIC MILLIONS? HAVE YOUR SAY BELOW.

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Baker happy with barrier draw

Trainer Bjorn Baker with Unencumbered, the favourite for the Magic Millions. Source: Brendan Radke / News Limited

BJORN Baker's Magic Millions dream was almost shot before it began.

The young Sydney trainer was all smiles on Tuesday after his charge Unencumbered, which was the last horse to be drawn out of the barrier draw, came up with the perfect position in gate three.

But it wasn't so long ago when Baker didn't even expect to have a runner, let alone the favourite, in this year's Magic Millions 2YO Classic.

Baker thought he had the perfect horse to target the carnival's feature race this year but when Unencumbered was beaten more than six lengths in his first official barrier trial at Royal Randwick in late September, he was left scratching his head.

"It was a long drive back to Warwick Farm that day I can tell you," Baker recalls.

"You sort of hang your hat on hoping one of the early two-year-olds will come up and he was the one that I thought would but he just never fired.

"I was mystified and he had shown a lot in a jump-out and won that easily before the trial.

"But he finished sixth of eight in his first trial and you do start to doubt whether he is as good as you think.

"But it was his first trip away from home and he was a bit cluttered up between horses and maybe that was the reason.

"Or maybe he just had an off day, who knows."

Baker's mind was soon put to rest when Unencumbered bounced back to win a trial at Rosehill a week later.

But even when the Testa Rossa colt scored by half-a-length over 1000m on debut at Randwick on October 12, Baker still wasn't sold.

"It was a good win but it wasn't sensational," he said.

"Then he come out and got beaten at his second start.

"But after that he had a bit of a break and since he has come back he has done everything right.

"He won a trial at Rosehill and then won at Kensington very well and then his win at Wyong was a bit softer than it looked."

Fast forward to the present and the $70,000 purchase is certain to start a raging favourite in Saturday's rich race.

Baker knows things couldn't have panned out better at the barrier draw but the perfect preparation almost came unstuck.

"We were doing the maths the whole time in our heads and at one stage it was about a 65 per cent chance of drawing outside barrier 15," he said.

"It's a relief to draw barrier three and it takes one factor out of it."

Unencumbered firmed to $3.50 after the barrier draw and his short price comes after he continued on his upward spiral when winning last month's Group 3 BJ McLachlan Stakes (1200m) at Doomben.

And after watching Unencumbered have his last serious hit out on the Gold Coast course proper Tuesday morning, Baker is confident he is still on the rise for his grand final this Saturday.

"He looked to go very well and we're on track for Saturday," Baker said after the gallop.

"He is handling everything well and he has really thrived since arriving on the Gold Coast (on Boxing Day).

"That's the second time he has been on the course proper and that can only be a positive thing.

"He can race forward or back and extricate himself out of trouble and while I haven't had a runner in the race I think he is the right sort of horse to bring to the Magic Millions."

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Idea less than sweet to punters

James McDonald rides Sweet Idea to victory on Wyong's Magic Millions day. Source: Mark Scott / News Limited

PUNTERS had gone cold on Sweet Idea even before the's barrier draw for the $1 million MM Guineas and her double digit gate cemented the view she faces a task on Saturday.

Before the draw, corporate bookmaker sportsbet.com.au said Sweet Idea was only seventh in order by volume of money invested on the race.

After coming up with barrier 15, the belief she faces a task at 1400m has been accentuated.

Money has been solid for Sweet Idea's stablemate Northern Glory, with Tommy Berry's booking giving the perception - right or wrong - that she is the number one seed for Gai Waterhouse.

Instead, money is rolling in for Jason McLachlan's Enquare, who usurped Sweet Idea for favouritism after coming up with gate two.

McLachlan has had unwavering faith in Enquare this preparation and draws comfort from her versatility and ability to handle all conditions.

"She can adapt to whatever the situation is," McLachlan said.

"If the track is like it was on Saturday and you have to get back and come out wide, then she's more than capable of doing it.

"If the rain comes, well, she's had one go on the heavy for one win.

"Her work was just what you wanted to see (yesterday) and I couldn't be happier."

Damien Oliver, who "won" the beach gallops against Tim Bell, Bernadette Cooper and Tegan Harrison preceding yesterday's Surfers' Paradise draw, is going to need all of the magic that has swept him back to the top of the tree this spring.

Oliver's Guineas mount Salute To Jude drew 19, as did his 2YO Classic mount Nordic Empire.

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Horwill fit and hungry at helm

James Horwill pumps some weights on his first day back at Queensland Reds training. Source: Annette Dew / News Limited

IN his first day of captaincy since being stripped of the title at the Wallabies, the always diplomatic James Horwill was stumped.

And the question that rattled the Queensland Reds leader speaks volumes for the downturn in his glittering career.

Horwill punched in for work at Ballymore one week earlier than required on Tuesday and admitted he could not recall the last time he began a year injury-free.

"Um ... I don't remember ... Was it after the last World Cup? Nah, I don't know," he said.

This time last year Horwill had not played a game of rugby in 10 months, after his 2012 season was killed by a relentless hamstring injury.

His 2013 was a disaster.

He struggled to play consistently in Super Rugby and was written off as yesterday's man once Ewen McKenzie took the "C" from his name in late October following an inconsistent Rugby Championship.

Queensland Reds players form a ruck in an opposed contact session at training. Source: News Limited

Forever resilient, the giant lock believes his best rugby is ahead of him.

"Not everything goes to plan, whether that is injuries or the way you are playing or where you are playing, but you have to adapt," Horwill said. "Compared to 12 months ago, I'm in a better space.

"I hope there's better football ahead of me. I want to keep improving and keep getting better. It is something I am striving for.

"I hadn't played for 10 or 11 months at this stage last year. You sort of lose the timing. It is good to have a break and not have any injury clouds over my head.

"It's always nice to hit the ground running and do things in pre-season that I wasn't able to do last year."

Horwill, who played well in the last two Tests of the Spring Tour, said losing the Wallabies' captaincy was no longer an issue for him.

"It has been dealt with. I'm not concerned by that. I'm concerned with the Reds and the importance of hitting the ground running.

"We have a big season coming up and we want to win the title."

The Reds squad had already trained for 11 weeks prior to Christmas and their first trial is just five weeks away.

It might be scrum machine training but there's still time for some levity among the non-involved players. Source: News Limited

All Reds players who were part of the Wallabies' Spring Tour have completed sessions since returning to Australia, with Mike Harris and Horwill now training full time.

Quade Cooper is only training part time but, considering he played nearly every minute of the Spring Tour, it is a great show of commitment.

Reds coach Richard Graham said Cooper's January 29 boxing bout against Warren Tresidder at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre is not a distraction.

"Quade is not due back until next Monday and he has already done two sessions with us prior to Christmas and was back again this week," Graham said.

"Rugby is his first priority. He knows his focus is here."

"There's always a good transference between form in the Wallabies tour and form back into the Super Rugby season.

"The likes of Quade, Will (Genia) and James were all in form towards the back end of that (Spring) tour.

"For Quade, it was a period where he went through injury and then began playing a lot of rugby and really started to enjoy it.

"He put a lot of time into his rugby and was light on his feet and that reflected in his performance."

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Durbridge racing to be fit

Luke Durbridge racing on Saturday in the Bay Cycling Classic, with Patrick Shaw in his wake. Source: Colleen Petch / News Limited

LUKE Durbridge says he is physically and mentally stronger than last year but faces a 24-hour race against the clock to be on the start line in full health to defend his national time trial crown on Wednesday.

The 22-year-old spent December specifically training for the 45km race near Ballarat in a bid to win three consecutive Australian titles.

He will have to overcome a sore throat which saw him miss the final leg of the Mitchelton Bay Cycling Classic on Sunday, but sports director Matt Wilson said that was only precautionary and he would definitely start the time trial.

Earlier this week, Durbridge warned his rivals that he was better trained and better prepared than last year when he claimed the historic time trial/road race double at nationals.

"It's (time trial) a big target for me. I like to train hard in January and it works in well with the Tour Down Under," Durbridge said

"I probably touch the TT bike twice a week, not necessarily long hours or anything like that, but just riding it two times a week.

"I've only done four or five sessions actually hard on the TT bike, the others have been just riding to get into position.

"But I always find you've got to ride the time trial bike because it's a totally different position to your road bike, you're putting out different power and using different muscles.

"I've done some tests with the time trial and seem to be holding up all right, so fingers crossed."

The 45km course for the elite men includes a gradual climb of about 4km with some sections averaging 7 per cent gradient, before a downhill run to the finish at Burrumbeet.

The race will feature a thin but very select field where Durbridge's main threats are expected to come from Garmin-Sharp's Rohan Dennis, his Orica-GreenEDGE teammates Damien Howson and Michael Hepburn and Drapac's Jack Anderson.

Durbridge hasn't diverted far from his trusted approach to pre-season training in Perth in December, then used the Bay Classic series to add an hour of fun to his four-hour training days last week.

"I've used them (Bay Crits) the last two years for preparation," the former under-23 world champion said.

"I've trained a little bit differently this year but you're always going to change it up in some way because you can't keep it stagnant.

"I think I'm in as good a shape as I was last year, probably even a bit better.

"Weight-wise I'm a little bit lighter than last year but I think that's over the season from last year, it seems to carry on."

Last year didn't deliver Durbridge the eight wins his rookie professional season did, but it hardened him to a Grand Tour and taught him that success doesn't mean winning every race he starts.

"The year before I'd won eight races and two tours and winning the (Criterium du) Dauphine time trial and things like that," he said.

"But (last) year if you incorporate two national titles at the start of the year, then finishing my first Grand Tour and top 10 (6th) in the TT at the Giro (d'Italia).

"There were little things I missed out on like getting worlds selection which was a shame, that would have capped it off, but a lot of the races I did were a lot harder than I did the year before.

"Obviously I want to achieve more, I was disappointed in a lot of aspects of last year but that's because you're hard on yourself.

"But if you look back, okay, I did learn a hell of a lot, I raced heaps more and I coped with it, and now I feel a lot stronger for this year.

"It was one of those years you had to have and I'm more confident going into next (season) with my ability and going into a Grand Tour knowing you can finish and mix it with the best guys on your day."

Providing he is fit and healthy, Durbridge said he would put his hand up to attack Sunday's 183.6km road race as the defending champion but would be happy to fill whichever role is asked of him by the Orica-GreenEDGE team.

"Hopefully I can get around for the 18 laps and do as good a job as possible," he said.

"It will be good preparation for doing my job for Tour Down Under as well.

"It's always a tricky one for our team to get selected for (TDU).

"Originally I probably wasn't doing Down Under, then a few things changed and obviously I was focusing on the time trial so they thought 'we need guys in good shape, you'll be focusing for the time trial and if you go off any gauge from last year ...'

"Fingers crossed it's the same and I can be even better help this year. Every time I get to Down Under I seem to run out of steam towards the end of the week so I'm going to try to be a bit better."

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Zac a runaway leader

Zac Purton is not getting over-excited after increasing his jockey lead in Hong Kong. Source: News Limited

ZAC Purton is not allowing himself to be distracted by title talk despite increasing his Hong Kong jockeys premiership lead with four winners at Sha Tin on Sunday night.

Purton, a former leading Sydney jockey, rode quartet of winners to extend his lead over perennial champion Douglas Whyte, winner of the last 13 Hong Kong premierships, to 23 wins.

"There's a long way to go yet you guys want to keep writing about it, but I'm not talking it up," Purton told the South China Morning Post.

It was a welcome return to form for the expatriate jockey who was beaten on four short-priced favourites at Happy Valley last Wednesday.

Purton now has 52 winners from 33 meetings this season with Whyte next and another former Sydney rider, Tye Angland on 29 wins then Brazilian superstar Joao Moreira on 24 wins.

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Invisible set to be top pick

Invisible is likely to become the new Magic Millions favourite with a favourable draw. Source: Mark Evans / News Limited

INVISIBLE is set to displace Unencumbered as favourite for Saturday's $2 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic with a favourable barrier draw, according to TAB's Glenn Munsie.

"If Invisible draws well and Unencumbered is either close to the rail or out wide, then the market will change and I think Invisible will start favourite,'' Munsie said.

Unencumbered is at $3.80 shading Invisible at $4.50 ahead of Tuesday's crucial barrier draw.

A final field of 16 plus five emergencies has been declared for the Magic Millions, with Echo Gal squeezing into the race while promising filly Sagatona was made first emergency.

Munsie said the barrier draw is crucial as this is the most open Magic Millions in years.

"Invisible is a go-forward horse and he draws a good barrier, he will get into the right spot in the run,'' Munsie said.

"Unencumbered tends to get back in his races, so if he draw closer to the rails or wide out he could end up spotting Invisible a decent start.

"As for others, I can't see punters warming to the Melbourne two-year-olds as Nordic Empire was safely held by Invisible at Canterbury, Geromayo was easily beaten by Unencumbered at Wyong, and I Am The General is racing for the first time in the clockwise direction in a 16-horse field on the Gold Coast.''

There is also a capacity line-up for the $1 million Magic Millions Guineas (1400m) with Sweet Idea currently at the top of betting.

"I don't think the draw will change the betting much in the Guineas,'' Munsie said.

"Sweet Idea should retain favouritism as her overall race record is superior to her rivals and she did run second in the Magic Millions (Classic) last year so she has experience at the Gold Coast.''

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Waller cheering for Gai

Denise Martin and Gai Waterhouse celebrate Sebring winning the 2008 Golden Slipper. Source: News Limited

SYDNEY'S all-conquering trainer Chris Waller has made a surprising admission - he hopes Gai Waterhouse and Denise Martin's Star Thoroughbreds can win the Magic Millions-Golden Slipper double.

Waller's comment is a reflection of the immense respect he holds for both women as he spoke for the first time about his new alliance with Martin's Star Thoroughbreds.

The racing world was stunned to learn on Sunday that Martin has decided to end her 20-year exclusive arrangement with Waterhouse.

Martin has announced Waller will be training all of Star Thoroughbreds yearling purchases this year, starting with the Magic Millions sales starting on Wednesday.

"I've had so much respect for Denise and Gai - that won't change either way,'' Waller said. "We have struck a good relationship.

"Gai is just a tremendous person and it is good to see she is keeping Star's older horses to train.

"She deserves to as she did all the work with them and has done a great job.

"I hope they (Gai and Denise) win the Magic Millions and the Golden Slipper this year.''

Waterhouse has Star Thoroughbreds filly Echo Gal primed for Saturday's $2 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m) on the Gold Coast.

The Waterhouse-Martin combination also has Driefontein (Fillies and Mares), Tamariz (Stayers), King Cobia (Cup) and Whittington (Sprint) contesting feature races at the Magic Millions meeting.

Waterhouse has Echo Gal set for the Magic Millions at the Gold Coast on Saturday. Source: News Limited

Among their many successes during their 20-year alliance included the 2008 Golden Slipper with Sebring and the 2012 Magic Millions 2YO Classic with Driefontein.

Apart from Echo Gal, Waterhouse will also continue to train boom Star Thoroughbreds colt Law for the Golden Slipper in April.

Martin said it is "purely a business decision'' to shift to Waller and insists she retains an "excellent personal relationship with Gai and her team.''

Waller said he was "honoured and humbled'' to forge a partnership with Martin's Star Thoroughbreds but dismissed suggestions he would need more stable boxes at Rosehill Gardens.

"People think we are big as we have a lot of runners but our stable is still in the 'growing' stages,'' Waller said. "We have never had to knock back horses.

"We are not big buyers at the yearling sales but obviously we will have a few more now.''

Waller said despite his new arrangement with Star Thoroughbreds, he will continue to train for other syndicators.

"It is business as usual with our other stable clients including syndication companies Dynamic, Spicer Thoroughbreds, Triple Crown and Blueblood,'' Waller said.

"As Gai will do with Star, we will continue to work with and train for our existing clients and syndicators who have been massive supporters of mine.

"I have the utmost respect for my existing syndicators, their clients and their respective business and I hope to train as many winners for them as I can.''

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Tigers build buffer on Taipans

Mustapha Farrakhan's lay-up took the Tigers 12 points clear of the Taipans at a critical stage. Source: Colleen Petch / News Limited

HIS team is arguably the hottest in the NBL right now with six consecutive wins but Melbourne Tigers coach Chris Anstey is doing his best to keep a lid on it.

It has been five long seasons since the club's last finals appearance, but the third-placed Tigers have never been better placed to break the drought.

The Tigers' gutsy 76-66 win over Cairns on Sunday - which improved its record to 10-6 - gives it a big four-game gap over the fourth-placed Taipans.

But Anstey said his team refused to get ahead of itself.

"I'm going to keep coming back to the fact that we still haven't achieved anything until we see how it looks in a final," he said.

"And we're still a long way off that."

The win over Cairns was Melbourne's fourth game in 10 days.

Anstey praised his players for fighting through the fatigue.

"It's an extraordinarily pleasing result," Anstey said.

Melbourne's Mark Worthington gets the rebound over Cairns' Mitchell Young. Source: News Limited

"Anyone watching the game could tell how tired we were - it's been a hell of a schedule.

"It was like a title fight, it was like a final.

"I thought we executed very well down the stretch."

Forward Adam Ballinger did the damage - scoring 13 final quarter points to see the Tigers home in front of a capacity crowd.

So often this season guard Chris Goulding has rescued the side with some fourth quarter heroics.

But Ballinger was the star on Sunday - sinking Cairns with some big clutch shots.

"I think for a good team you need to share the load, although I'm sure he (Goulding) wouldn't mind getting 30 every night," Ballinger joked.

"Good on him because he's a hell of a scorer and a hell of a player, but you're not going to win a championship like that.

"It's a special team because everyone wants to play hard and win for each other."

Melbourne appeared lethargic early before Mark Worthington helped spark the team late in the opening term.

The Taipans' Jamar Wilson looks to dish the ball off. Source: News Limited

With Goulding enjoying a rest, the Tigers surged to lead by five points at quarter-time.

It was the visitors that rallied in the second quarter to outscore the Tigers 20-12 for the term and lead by three at half-time.

With the referees calling everything, Tigers big man Scott Morrison found himself in foul trouble early in the third term.

Morrison had four fouls and was forced to sit down, but it didn't stop Melbourne's fight back.

In a tight contest, it was Tigers guard Nate Tomlinson who tipped the game in his side's favour with a big play.

Late in the third term he made a tough lay up at speed after a strong interception.

It helped Melbourne take a six-point lead into the final term.

The lead doubled to 12 points with 7:39 remaining when Mustapha Farrakhan nailed a three-pointer and then went coast to coast for an easy lay up.

Cairns made some tough shots to reduce the margin to five with just over three minutes remaining.

But Ballinger shut out the Taipans with five points in a minute.

The Tigers are back at The Cage on Friday night against New Zealand.

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More Sydney punters a long shot

James McDonald had the best ride of Saturday after winning on Kencella.

SYDNEY Saturday race crowds are getting close to embarrassing and they won't hit an upward spiral in the foreseeable future if we have more performances like The Alfonso and Darci Drama turned in on Saturday.

The Alfonso was to some extent the victim of media hype, of which I am one of the culprits, but for a $2.10 favourite he could not have gone much worse.

As for Darci Drama, she eased from $2.70 to $3.80 after being sensationally backed from $5.50 to $3.60 in a controversial Canterbury race at her previous run when she raced out to a five-lengths lead over 1550m and bolted in.

On Saturday, over a longer distance, but with no blinkers on this time, she was being ridden along most of the way back in fourth place while the heavily backed $2.60 favourite Reply Churlish bowled along unchallenged in the lead.

If you are wondering whether I am talking through my pocket, I am with The Alfonso because I backed him, but you have to remember that the few people who still come to the races come to have a bet. How many do you think would be there if you couldn't have a bet?

***

Look for the form from Saturday's two-year-old race to be diamond studded.

The winner Fighting Sun is top grade, the runner-up Boomwaa is the horse to beat in the Inglis classic race in a fortnight and the third horse Kumaon will be running in the Group races in the Autumn.

The funniest thing was the always confident Gai Waterhouse only tipping Fighting Sun as an each way chance on her website. Those close to the stable and those who heard the whispers of Randwick trackmen backed him from $3 in first markets to his starting price of $2.40.

***

Who knows the real reasons for the split between Gai Waterhouse and her long-time supporter Denise Martin of Star Thoroughbreds.

What I do know is Denise Martin is one of the good people of racehorse syndication who cares for her investors and worries herself sick about her horses in a business where success cannot always be guaranteed.

I'm sure with her new association with Chris Waller she will produce more topliners in the mould of Theseo and the $30m stallion Sebring.

***

It will be interesting to see how the Kensington track plays on Wednesday after its heavy criticism in recent meetings from top trainers like Joe Pride and Chris Waller. Let's hope it is only a settling in problem and the track improves as it consolidates.

The course proper has proved a problem too on Boxing Day and New Year's Day with horses forced to come out to the middle of the track in the straight to have a winning chance. Although not ideal I would rather put up with such a bias than one on a track where leaders have everything in their favour and you cannot make up ground.

***

If I was a member of the Australian Turf Club I would always vote for board member Wilf Mula. He is the one committeeman who can be classified as a regular racegoer and is at all meetings.

One of the worst hangovers of the split up of the STC and the AJC is that going to the races every week seems to be too much for committemen and most executives. These blokes would never have made punters or even racing writers, we love to turn up each week.

***

I loved the pure speed and zip shown by Kencella in his win at Rosehill on Saturday. it was only the horse's seventh start (fourth win) and he is going places.

***

Taste Of Heaven, a winner at Kembla on Saturday, is a half sister to Redoute's Choice and the last foal of her dam Shantha's Choice, who died in 2012.

***

RIDE OF THE DAY

James McDonald on Kencella. Had the confidence to use the horse's speed all the way.

RUN OF THE DAY

Fighting Sun. High class and will be around when the big juvenile races are run.

FORGET IT RAN

Gangster's Choice, backed from $6 to $4, almost fell at the start and lost all chance.

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Ollie in golden form for Millions

Damien Oliver wins on The Wingman and likes his chances in the Magic Millions on Nordic Empire. Source: Vince Caligiuri / Getty Images

DAMIEN Oliver is spreading the word across the nation - the champ is in career-best form.

After a treble in the west on New Year's Day, including victory in the Perth Cup, he followed up with another treble at Caulfield on Saturday - The Wingman, Trust In A Gust and Initiator.

Now he is heading to the Gold Coast where he will partner the Mick Price-trained Nordic Empire in the $1 million 2YO Magic Millions Classic (1200m) and Salute To Jude for Robert Smerdon in the 3YO Guineas.

And he can expect almost a full book of rides on the eight-race program to capitalise on his royal form.

Oliver, who has ridden at least one winner at each of the past six meetings where he has ridden, believes Nordic Empire can improve on his third, beaten less than two lengths, at Canterbury a week ago.

Nordic Empire over-raced in the middle stages, was hampered near the 600m and blocked for a run in the straight.

Oliver: "I don't think they'll be slowing in the Magic Millions and the more genuine pace should help." Source: Getty Images

"I think he will take a bit out of that run," Oliver said of the son of Wilander who won impressively on debut at Caulfield.

"It is hard for Melbourne horses going to the Gold Coast. Sydney and Brisbane horses have an advantage because they are taught to race that way from the start," he said.

"But he is a nice galloper and he will be in with a chance. They slowed up a bit in front in Sydney and when they quickened he pulled back some ground. I don't think they'll be slowing in the Magic Millions and the more genuine pace should help," Oliver said.

Nordic Empire is rated the $7 third favourite behind Unencumbered at $3.80 and Invisible ($4.50).

Oliver also will tackle the 3YO Guineas on Salute To Jude, a stylish Flemington winner over 1200m before missing the start badly to finish 10th over only 900m on the Gold Coast on Saturday. He will be far better suited over 1400m and is rated a $9 chance behind Enquare and Sweet Idea.

Oliver will continue to follow the major carnivals rather than concentrate on the Victorian jockeys' premiership, which he already has won seven times. He currently leads Glen Boss by five wins.

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Best A-League goal I've seen: Bozza

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THERE'S nowhere else we can start a review of round 13 of the A-League than at AAMI Park, where Brisbane Roar produced the performance of the season to hammer Melbourne Victory.

If the general consensus heading into the round was that Roar, Victory and Western Sydney Wanderers were the three benchmark teams in the competition this season, then it looks a long way back to catch Mike Mulvey's side in the race for the premiership.

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Only one side - Central Coast Mariners last season - has not gone on to win the A-League Premiers Plate after leading after 13 rounds.

And with the ominous, harmonious, breathtaking form Roar displayed on Saturday night, you'd be a brave punter to wage against them.

The side's first goal, finished by Liam Miller after over 20 passes, bore the hallmarks of a side at the top of its game.

So good, that Fox Sports football expert Mark Rudan hailed it as the goal of the season, while Mark Bosnich declared it a "world class" goal and the best he'd seen since returning to the country five years ago.

Thomas Broich's return to form has been key. Source: Getty Images

"You don't like to go overboard ... but that was definitely, for me ... a world class goal, in any league ... and it was the best A-League goal I've seen since I've been (back) in the country," Bosnich said.

"You don't want to get too excited, but one of the defining things about this goal is the man with the ball always had options."

Indeed, Roar tore Victory to shreds, bossing 56 per cent of the ball and 65 per cent of the territory against a side regarded as one of its closest rivals.

If that opening goal was a snapshot of why the Roar has been so difficult to contain this term, the one-touch passing and movement for the next two were a reminder of everything football fans in Australia has enjoyed about the Roar over the past four seasons.

It used to be under Ange Postecoglou's tutelage, but now Mike Mulvey can take a bow for rejuvenating it - and he's enjoying it as well.

"I wasn't looking at the clock or wondering when full-time was, I was just enjoying us play," Mulvey said.

"We were making a very good team chase, chase and chase and that is very difficult to do. That tells you about the quality of our football."

All this, of course, without Besart Berisha. With seven points clear at the top, Mulvey's biggest challenge could be keeping them on task.

"We are on a mission. We are not looking for overnight success, we're looking for long-term success," he said.

"That means putting in a shift every single training session to make sure that the next performance can hopefully eclipse the one before."

How good were they?

"I considered putting the whole Brisbane team in (my team of the week)," Bosnich said.

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TINKER MAN PAIN

Three wins on the bounce and Ernie Merrick's Wellington Phoenix has finally started to reap rewards for signs it showed earlier in the season.

They troubled Wanderers in the opening round and despite playing arguably Wanderers' first XI, repeated the effort on New Years Day.

Tony Popovic will be seething with the uncharacteristic intensity in the performance. While some have questioned the rotation of his players and the affect it has had on the side's consistency, Bosnich believes it will have the Wanderers in prime position to strike late in the season like they did last term.

"(Popovic has) got the ACL coming up. There's 27 games in a regular season, so if you're playing finals ... that's 31 (games)," Bosnich said.

"They'll be looking at going as well as any Australian side has done in the ACL - (so we're) talking near 40 games.

"If you're going to rotate, now is the time to do it."

This is a rare sight for Wanderers fans to endure. Source: Getty Images

GOOD LUCK TIPPING SYDNEY FC

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Right when we thought the firing squad was beginning to emerge for Frank Farina again Sydney FC produced a display of renewed and surprising energy away at Adelaide.

Despite losing Nicky Carle to an inexcusable and cheap red card for two bookable offences, and having a clearly underdone Alessandro Del Piero in its line-up, the Sky Blues played as if its horror past three weeks was an aberration and it is exciting to see what Corey Gameiro can bring the side as he regains his confidence.

It was particularly disappointing for Josep Gombau's side not to be able to cash in on recent defensive efforts, and with a few injuries creeping into the squad (Bruce Djite, Sergio Cirio and Fabio Ferreira) there's an interesting few weeks in store at Coopers Stadium.

"(There's been) a lot of false dawns for Sydney FC this season ... but to go away from home on the back of two successive defeats to put that performance in, with 10 men, I thought was very encouraging. Fair play must go to Frank Farina. Took a lot of courage for him to change his system to a midfield diamond," Bosnich said.

"It really did nullify Adelaide's midfield."

Farina was furious at the penalty that put Adelaide in the lead, but why did Matt Jurman have his hands all over Anthony Costa?

TOUGH TO WATCH, BUT RESULTS THAT MATTER

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Perth Glory, Melbourne Heart and Central Coast all picked up valuable points this weekend in contests that won't live long in the memory of those that watched, but could be vital in the context of their campaigns.

At Hunter Stadium, Kenny Lowe got off the mark as Glory boss as Chris Harold punished a Jets error - fitting, in a sloppy contest.

It's a result, crucially, that puts "a smile again on the face", according to Glory defender William Gallas.

Speaking of smiles, Massimo Murdocca said Heart's 0-0 stalemate with Central Coast was the most fun the men in red had had all season.

It's a curious comment at a time that Heart's winless streak moved to 18 games, but under returning mentor John van 't Schip, Heart did play as if the shackles had been released.

They created more chances than a woeful Central Coast. Third spot on the ladder can't hide that this Mariners outfit is a shadow of its former self.

Coach Phil Moss told Fox Sports after the match "I'm smiling through gritted teeth at the moment. We pride ourselves on winning our home games, but today we were a bit flat", the same sentiment mentioned by skipper John Hutchinson.

After losing Michael McGlinchey to the J-League and Marcos Flores to a season-ending knee injury, Central Coast is desperately short of creative spark, something Moss acknowledges needs addressing in the January market.

Michael Mifsud can't buy a goal at the moment. Source: Getty Images

Heart should have punished Central Coast. But that's the story of its season. Had Michael Mifsud and co fired, John Aloisi might still be in a job.

"As the season has already showed, we have some difficulties in scoring," van 't Ship said.

INCIDENT OF THE WEEK

Danny Vukovic was a match winner for Perth on Saturday, but even he wasn't sure about a goal line incident that split both coaches.

It's easy to see which side of the fence these two sat on.

Gary Van Egmond: "Yeah, it's a goal, but there's not much we can do about it".

Kenny Lowe: "I don't believe the ref give it, so it can't have been over the line."

For the record, it was too close to call to give a goal.

Over the line, or not? Source: FoxSports

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