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Belmont With Kentucky Derby And Preakness Winners Could Be The Best Of These Triple Crown Races

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The final Triple Crown race of the year on Saturday will make horse racing history in all forms.

The Belmont Stakes is being held at the renowned Saratoga Race Course for the first time in its 161-year history. While there is no likelihood of a 14th Triple Crown winner, the third leg will feature the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes champions for the first time since 2013.

Five weeks after finishing a nose ahead of Sierra Leone in the Derby and three weeks after finishing second to Seize the Grey in the Preakness, all three are in the 10-horse field at the Belmont for a repeat in front of a sellout crowd 50,000.

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Belmont | AP News Image

Belmont With Kentucky Derby And Preakness Winners Could Be The Best Of These Triple Crown Races

“The fans can relate to Mystik Dan; they can look at Seize the Grey, and we’ll get to see them both and probably figure out which is the better of the two,” said D. Wayne Lukas, Seize the Grey’s 88-year-old Hall of Fame trainer. “The Belmont this year might easily be argued to be the best of the three: the Derby, the Preakness, and the Belmont. They have put together the greatest of the three.

One reason is that the Saratoga track’s form requires lowering the race to 1 1/4 miles from the regular 1 1/2-mile “test of the champion” distance, typically a big disincentive because most 3-year-olds do not run that far.

Mystik Dan is the first horse to race the Kentucky Derby and Preakness without attempting the Triple Crown since War of Will in 2019. Trainer Kenny McPeek would probably not have wheeled him back for this 1 1/2-mile run.

“That would’ve been difficult for my colt: He’s not a really big horse, he’s a modest-sized horse,” McPeek stated. “This race run a mile and a quarter should suit him.”

Suit but not favor, as this race is quite competitive. With a rider change and horse equipment tweak, Sierra Leone entered as the 9-5 favorite, with Todd Pletcher’s undefeated, lightly raced Mindframe second at 7-2.

Sierra Leone might have won the Derby if he had not strayed in and frequently bumped another horse down the stretch, and trainer Chad Brown is relying on rider Flavien Prat to keep the colt in a clear lane as much as possible.

“As long as you are prepared for him and he runs straight, he should run big,” Brown stated. “I’m just hoping for a wonderful trip. Obviously, we have half as many horses to chase down, so it should be a little simpler for him. I only hope he runs the same race as in the Derby.”

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Belmont | AP News Image

Belmont With Kentucky Derby And Preakness Winners Could Be The Best Of These Triple Crown Races

McPeek would also take that from Mystik Dan, especially given the way he took at Churchill Downs with jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. Also returning from that race are sixth-place finisher Resilience (10-1), eighth-place Honor Marie (12-1) and tenth-place Dornoch (15-1), who World Series champion Jayson Werth partially owns.

Saratoga’s location draws owners and trainers to the Belmont. It’ll be run upstate for the next two years while Belmont Park in New York undergoes a mammoth $455 million renovation.

“Everyone’s really anticipating this being a really historic and exciting weekend,” said Brown, who grew up in neighboring Mechanicsville and got hooked on racing while visiting the Saratoga Springs racetrack with his family. “For me, personally, the idea of possibly winning the first Belmont Stakes ever run at Saratoga would just be an incredible moment.”

Given the breadth of this field, saying it is easier than doing it. But McPeek didn’t back down, knowing how much skill Mystik Dan would have to face to win two-thirds of the Triple Crown.

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Belmont | AP News Image

Belmont With Kentucky Derby And Preakness Winners Could Be The Best Of These Triple Crown Races

“How the race sets up is so unique,” McPeek remarked. “Mystik Dan is such a unique horse in that he has tactical speed, which puts him in a strong position to win the Derby. Of course, Sierra Leone’s running style is also in response to Mystik Dan and Seize the Grey. We have a speedy horse, a stalker, and a closer.

“It will be an exciting race to handicap for both gamers and jockeys. It allows us to really prove ourselves again.”

SOURCE – (AP)

Kiara Grace is a staff writer at VORNews, a reputable online publication. Her writing focuses on technology trends, particularly in the realm of consumer electronics and software. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for breaking down complex topics, Kiara delivers insightful analyses that resonate with tech enthusiasts and casual readers alike. Her articles strike a balance between in-depth coverage and accessibility, making them a go-to resource for anyone seeking to stay informed about the latest innovations shaping our digital world.

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Caitlin Clark Rallies Fever Past Liberty 83-78 With First Triple-Double By WNBA Rookie

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Caitlin Clark | AP News Image

Indianapolis — Caitlin Clark recorded the first triple-double by a rookie in WNBA history, leading Indiana to an 83-78 victory over New York on Saturday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, snapping the Fever’s nine-game losing run against the Liberty.

Clark tallied 19 points, 13 assists, and 12 rebounds for Indiana (9-13). The No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft was one rebound shy of a triple-double in an 88-82 away win over the Phoenix Mercury two nights ago.

“Obviously, it’s really cool,” Clark remarked. “My teammates are completing the ball at a very high rate. My assist numbers are due of them.”

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Caitlin Clark | AP News Image

Caitlin Clark Rallies Fever Past Liberty 83-78 With First Triple-Double By WNBA Rookie

Clark pleased Indiana coach Christie Sides, as did the Fever’s 12-point victory over the Liberty in the fourth quarter.

“Caitlin with a triple-double, my gosh, that’s incredible,” she exclaimed post-game. “We held New York to 16 points in the fourth quarter, which was big for us. That’s the best team in the league.”

Clark scored 11 points in the first quarter, going 3 of 4 from three-point range. She reached double figures in assists in the third quarter and surpassed the 10-rebound mark in the fourth.

Clark completed a three-point play, and Kelsey Mitchell followed with a three-pointer to tie the game at 75 with 2:31 remaining. Aliyah Boston scored off Mitchell’s steal, giving Indiana a two-point advantage, and Lexie Hull’s reverse layup extended the margin to 79-75 at 1:24.

Sabrina Ionescu of New York responded with a 3-pointer, but she missed the following time down the floor with a chance to put the Liberty up. Boston made two free throws with 17 seconds left, and Mitchell added two with 11 seconds left to complete the upset.

New York made just 10 of 42 shots from beyond the arc.

“We defended well the whole game,” Boston stated. “Those last few minutes, especially those last few possessions, were great for us.”

Boston led the Fever with 18 points (8-for-12 shooting) and eight rebounds. Mitchell scored 14 points, reaching double figures for the tenth consecutive game. NaLyssa Smith, the second overall choice in the 2022 draft, added 12 points and 11 rebounds for her seventh double-double.

Ionescu scored 22 points to lead New York (17-4), which had won five consecutive games. Betnijah Laney-Hamilton ended with 20 points, including four three-pointers. Breanna Stewart tallied 14 points, six rebounds, and six assists. Jonquel Jones recorded 12 rebounds, six points, and three steals.

Clark scored a three-pointer and then a layup to lead Indiana to an 8-0 run to start the game. She converted a steal into a 3-pointer with 3:04 remaining in the first, giving the Fever their largest lead of 24-12. Laney-Hamilton nailed a jumper with two seconds left, and New York scored the final six points to pull within six going into the second period.

Clark’s turnaround fadeaway jumper gave the Fever a 31-20 advantage with 7:48 remaining in the second quarter. Jones scored the final five baskets in a 12-0 run, giving the Liberty their first lead. Smith responded with a layup, breaking a 5:06 scoring drought and regaining Indiana’s advantage.

Stewart, who averaged 22.7 points in three previous victories over the Fever this season, hit two free throws in the last minute to pull New York within 39-38 at halftime.

Laney-Hamilton hit a go-ahead jumper, and Ionescu followed with a basket and a 3-pointer off a Stewart steal, giving New York a 57-50 lead with 4:39 remaining in the third quarter. Laney-Hamilton made a pull-up jumper with three seconds left, giving the Liberty a 62-55 lead heading into the fourth quarter.

Clark observed that the Fever is learning not to wilt under pressure when things don’t go their way.

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Caitlin Clark | AP News Image

Caitlin Clark Rallies Fever Past Liberty 83-78 With First Triple-Double By WNBA Rookie

“I think the biggest difference has been when teams make runs, we don’t crumble,” Clark informed the audience. “We found a way to stay resilient and kind of close the gap.”

Sandy Brondello, New York’s coach, was dissatisfied with the Liberty’s approach at the start.

“I didn’t think we came out with the necessary urgency to compete,” Brondello told the crowd. “They’re 6-4 in their last ten games. “They outperformed us down the stretch.”

Indiana beat New York for the first time since May 13, 2022, when they won 92-86 on the road. The Fever lead the all-time series 50-41.

SOURCE – (AP)

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England Reach Euro 2024 Semi-finals After Dramatic Penalty Shootout Win Against Switzerland

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England Reach Euro 2024 Semi-finals After Dramatic Penalty Shootout Win Against Switzerland

England’s quest for their first major tournament victory in 58 years remained alive after another late comeback. On Saturday, they defeated Switzerland 5-3 on penalties to advance to the Euro 2024 semi-finals.

After the 120 minutes ended 1-1, goalie Jordan Pickford was the Three Lions’ hero in the shootout, saving Switzerland’s first penalty kick from Manuel Akanji.

Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Ivan Toney, and Trent Alexander-Arnold converted penalties to advance England to a semi-final against Turkey or the Netherlands in Dortmund on Wednesday.

After needing Bellingham’s 95th-minute equalizer to beat Slovakia in extra time in the last 16, England was again on the verge of defeat with 10 minutes remaining.

Breel Embolo’s goal put Switzerland ahead after a dull first 75 minutes of play.

Five minutes later, Saka’s excellent strike from outside the box equalized England’s first shot on target.

Akanji, a Manchester City defender, was the unfortunate penalty villain as Switzerland’s dismal record in major tournament quarterfinals continued.

They have now lost five games without ever reaching the semi-finals.

England, on the other hand, continues to march on despite yet another disappointing performance from Gareth Southgate’s side.

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“We know there are two more games, we can change our lives and make more history that’s not been done before,” Saka, the match-winning player, said.

In his 100th match in command of his country, Southgate rejected calls for personnel changes but did adjust his strategy.

Ezri Konsa made his competitive international debut in place of the suspended Marc Guehi as England switched to a back three.

However, contrary to expectations, Saka remained on the right in what turned out to be a smart decision by Southgate.

The Arsenal winger posed by far the most serious threat in a first half in which neither team registered a shot on goal.

Saka was slipping past Michel Aebischer at will, producing the greatest chance of the first period when Kobbie Mainoo’s strike was diverted behind just before halftime.

The game continued at the same laborious pace for both teams into the second half.

Southgate has been often chastised for being too sluggish to impact games with his substitutions.

England makes belated alterations.

Despite possessing one of the most skilled squads in the tournament, England’s manager had to shake things up once they fell behind.

England appeared on the verge of a humiliating defeat when Embolo pounced at the far post to convert Dan Ndoye’s deflected cross.

Southgate reacted instantly, sending on Palmer, Eberechi Eze, and Luke Shaw, who was making his first appearance since February.

Within five minutes, they were level after Saka cut inside and shot low and hard off the far post.

Yann Sommer made a great stop by denying England’s Declan Rice a second goal early in extra time.

Harry Kane was then pulled off hurt following a frightening fall into England’s dugout.

Switzerland came closest in the second half of extra time, with Xherdan Shaqiri’s corner rebounding off the post and Pickford parrying Zeki Amdouni’s powerful shot from distance.

England had only won one of five previous penalty shootouts at the Euros, including a defeat to Italy in the final three years prior.

However, they were spot-on, as Saka atoned for his critical miss in the Euro 2020 final.

“For me, it is something I embrace,” Saka explained. “You can fail once, but choose not to put yourself in that situation again.

“We have some of the best takers in the Premier League and worldwide.

“We were pretty confident regarding penalties, and that showed today. We got five out of five and advanced to the next round.

Source: CNN

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Chicago Street Race marks NASCAR’s debut of an electric race car prototype

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Bradley Barnes / NASCAR

(VOR News) – On Saturday, the National Association for Stock NASCAR Vehicle Automobiles will display a prototype electric race vehicle as part of a new push to lower the organization’s emissions and electrify various components of the sport.

This endeavor is part of a larger effort to create a more environmentally friendly sport. One of the goals of the initiative is to reduce the amount of emissions produced by the organization.

It is a huge move toward sustainability that appears to be at odds with the legacy of stock car racing; nonetheless, it is compatible with NASCAR’s long-term target of reaching net zero operating emissions by 2035. This endeavor represents a big step forward in the direction of sustainability.

NASCAR’s Chicago Street Race was held a day before.

The vehicle was presented to the public. This event was carried out in conjunction with ABB, a company that specializes in the production of automation and electricity. In Chicago, there was a race that took place.

The electric stock car that is being referred to as the “ABB NASCAR EV Prototype” was developed through a collaborative effort between Toyota, Ford, and Chevrolet. It is able to generate 1,000 kW, which is comparable to 1341 horsepower, when it is functioning at its maximum capacity with full capacity.

When it is functioning at its maximum potential, this kind of thing takes place. In the same way that the majority of hybrid or fully electric vehicles that are now on the market are designed to convert the kinetic energy that is harnessed during the braking process into electrical power, the race car’s regenerative braking system is designed to do the same thing.

Officials from ABB have stated that the targets that NASCAR has set for itself to lessen its carbon footprint and decarbonize its operations are in line with the larger energy shift that is now taking place in the United States.

Chris Shigas, who is the chief of communications for ABB in the United States, made the observation that “this partnership provides us with a platform to discuss the issues that are occurring in our country and the direction that we are all taking together as a nation.”

Christopher Shigas is the individual who serves as the director of communications for ABB in the United States.

According to the officials that were present, the endeavor may attempt to study the possibility of high-performance electric racing. Despite the fact that there are no plans to do away with the combustion engine in stock car racing, this particular event is taking place.

Additionally, both organizations will contribute to the examination of whether or if there are components of NASCAR racing events, particular race track and office activities, and long-distance transportation that are capable of being powered up by electricity.

According to Shigas, NASCAR will investigate its business practices in depth.

“This includes everything from their long-haul trucking to the golf carts that run around the tracks to electric vehicle charging to everything else.”

It is possible that this relationship will serve as a model not just for NASCAR but also for businesses all throughout the United States to follow in order to include environmentally friendly practices into their operations. It is planned to last for a considerable amount of time.

The previous year, NASCAR made a statement that the organization would attain net zero operating emissions by the year 2035.

This goal was created for the organization. As a component of this approach, the NASCAR facilities and racetracks that are owned by the business made it a priority to make use of electricity that was solely generated from renewable sources.

Additionally, the number of charging stations for electric vehicles that are located on the premises was expanded, and a synthetic fuel that is environmentally friendly was developed for racing.

NASCAR Senior Vice President Eric Nyquist noted in a statement that the organization’s cooperation with ABB “will assist in our efforts to decarbonize our operations as we strive to achieve net-zero operating emissions over the next decade.”

This comment was made in reference to the fact that NASCAR is working toward achieving it. Through the use of this sentence, Nyquist intended to bring attention to the significance of the cooperation. The company is making an attempt to lessen the amount of carbon emissions that are produced as a result of its production processes.

SEE ALSO:

Ryan Garcia Expelled By World Boxing Council Following Racist Remarks

WNBA rookie Caitlin Clark scores the first triple-double in WNBA history.

Updates and line-ups for Netherlands vs Turkey in the EURO 2024 Quarterfinals.

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