SuperCoach Studs and Duds

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ROUND 3 could be one of the most important weeks of the SuperCoach season.

Not only is it the first week that player prices begin to change, it is also the first week of head-to-head league matches.

So, if you've got an underperforming premium or a high scoring rookie it could mean the difference between office bragging rights and humiliation.

CHECK OUT THE BEST AND WORST FROM ROUND 3.

HAWTHORN 137 d FREMANTLE 79

Hawks Studs: Who wearing brown and gold wasn't a SuperCoach stud on Friday night? Isaac Smith (130 points) led the way, with his 30 disposals and three goals with an amazing 83 per cent efficiency. Luke Breust's (120) strong form while Matt Suckling (102), Jarryd Roughead (117) and Sam Mitchell (116) all rewarded their owners.

Hawks Duds: Will Langford (49) was delighted to kick his first AFL goal, but he wouldn't be as thrilled with his 57 per cent efficiency rate.

Dockers Studs: There wasn't a heap to like about Fremantle on Friday night and with only one player to crack the ton. Despite the withdrawal of Ben McEvoy, Aaron Sandilands could only manage 106. Matthew Pavlich (97) was arguably the only Docker who could get on the plane to Perth with his head held high.

Dockers Duds: Where do we start? It would be best practice to start from the bottom and work our way up, but it would make painful reading and if you sat through the second half on Friday night — you don't deserve to go through it all again. Put simply, 10 players failed to raise their bat for a half century. Pathetic.

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WESTERN BULLDOGS 100 d RICHMOND 98

Bulldogs Studs: If they aren't already, Tom Liberatore (154) and Jackson Macrae (119) are going to make a formidle midfield combination in the near future. The young Dogs are impressive, but the old ones aren't bad either. Matthew Boyd (129) might not have the captaincy but he is a lock for a nice SuperCoach return.

Bulldogs Duds: Luke Dahlhaus (59) and Shaun Higgins (76) are popular selections, but they won't be getting too many pats on the back from the SuperCoach fraternity. Higgins' highest score is 74 this year and those who made the brave call to select him are getting very impatient.

Tigers Studs: Jack Riewoldt (125) was languishing on three points midway through the second term, but he flicked the switch in the second half and finished the game with four goals. Trent Cotchin (125) was his dependable best with 28 touches. Ben Griffiths is starting to make some serious strides this year as he finished with 122.

Tigers Duds: After a good game against Carlton Brandon Ellis (56) stunk it up with a modest 15 touches. Jake King (27) was hampered by an arm injury, but could only touch the leather six times.

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SYDNEY SWANS 134 d ADELAIDE CROWS 71

Swans Studs: It was all about the Buddy Show as Lance Franklin returned to form with 130 points. Luke Parker (131) is rewarded his owners with a big start to the season and is valuable forward option who plays in the midfield. Co-captain Kieran Jack (123) showed he is back to his best after an injury curtailed his start to the season.

Swans Duds: Popular rookie-priced forward Gary Rohan continues to be a headache for his owners after starting as the sub and finishing with 21 points. Tom Mitchell is as popular as teammate Luke Parker but was subbed out with just 55 points. Lewis Roberts-Thomson (19) was the Swans lowest scorer.

Crows Studs: Rory Sloane is stepping up as the Crows injury list decimates their midfield depth and lead the way with 122 points. Former Cat James Podsiadly (117) showed he still got plenty to offer while Matthew Jaensch (111) and Matthew Wright (100) rewarded their owners faith.

Crows Duds: Scott Thompson's early exit further added pain to the Crows midfield woes and he mustered just 28 points. Sam Kerridge (37) had tagging duties while Eddie Betts (40) was kept well quiet.

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GOLD COAST 114 d BRISBANE LIONS 61

Suns Studs: Is there anything left to say about Gary Ablett. An amazing 38 touches and three goals resulted in 182 points but imagine what Gaz could have scored had he taken more than one mark. The Suns are well stocked in the midfield as Dion Prestia (126), Jaeger O'Meara (114) and David Swallow (102) ran rings around the Lions.

Suns Duds: Matt Shaw started as the sub and could only manage 20 points in his short stint. Key defender Rory Thompson isn't in the game to score big but 36 is still down on his usual output while popular rookie Clay Cameron finished with just 36.

Lions Studs: Two of the Lions' three Rs put on a clinic in the QClash defeat. Tom Rockliff (155) and Jack Redden (121) have bright future's and give Lions fans hope. Pearce Hanley (119) was excellent all day in defence.

Lions Duds: Poor old Jonathan Brown. The Lion King simply couldn't get into the match on Saturday and finished with just 10 points. Dayne Zorko was one of the most popular buys before Round 3 but burnt his coaches badly with just 47 points.

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WEST COAST 83 d ST KILDA 58

Eagles Studs: Is there any stopping Dean Cox. The evergreen Eagles big man stepped up when his team needed him on Saturday and finished with 122 points. Midfielders Matt Priddis (120), Luke Shuey (113) and Scott Selwood (111) were vital.

Eagles Duds: Mark LeCras can't seem it get a break. The Eagles small forward injured his arm early in the first quarter and was quickly subbed out with 20 points to his name. Nic Naitanui (64) was well down on what we know he is capable off while Callum Sinclair (34) could be under pressure to hold his spot next week.

Saints Studs: If you had midfield rookie Luke Dunstan on the ground this week, congratulations. The young gun produced 143 points in just his third game. Farren Ray (119) was the only other St Kilda player to crack the SuperCoach ton.

Saints Duds: The Saints had early injury trouble of their own as Sam Gilbert was subbed out without troubling the scorers in the first quarter. Luke Delaney and Josh Saunder both finished with 49 to prop up the Saints SuperCoach scoring.

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GEELONG 87 d COLLINGWOOD 76

Cats Studs: Mitch Duncan (141) might not be the biggest name in the Geelong line-up but he stood up as the Cats got up in a tight battle. Joel Selwood (138), on the other hand, is the biggest name in the Cats line-up and scored accordingly. Tom Hawkins's match-winning final quarter netted him 118 points.

Cats Duds: Mitch Brown (31) and Mark Blicavs (23) shared the subs vest on Saturday night. Josh Caddy is a popular mid-price choice in the forward line but failed to deliver and finished with 53 points.

Magpies Studs: After a somewhat quiet start to the season, Steele Sidebottom showed his worth with 131 points in the narrow loss. A bag of five-goals and a contender for Mark of the Year netted Jamie Elliott 117 points. Scott Pendlebury (115) could back up his mammoth 182 from last week.

Magpies Duds: Travis Cloke's early-season struggles have been well documented but 27 points is a new low for the Magpies key forward. Taylor Adams started as the sub and managed 20 points but a potential MRP suspension is hanging over his head.

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GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY 79 d MELBOURNE 47

Giants studs: A couple of monster-sized scores from GWS midfielders in a game made for clearances and hard-ball gets. Adam Treloar (176) continued his outstanding 2014 while Shane Mumford (164) had 60 hit-outs. Callan Ward was also superb with 129 points.

Giants duds: Jeremy Cameron (56) kicked a couple and looked like posting a decent total before fading. Adam Kennedy (51) and Sam Frost (44) were among the lower-ranked players for GWS.

Demons studs: Jeremy Howe played in defence and looked OK, his spoiling and long kicking yielding 108 points. Cam Pedersen also hit the 100, while the popular Dom Tyson earned 94 points.

Demons duds: Jay Kennedy-Harris (12) only got on in the third term after starting as the sub, while Shannon Byrnes (35) and Jack Fitzpatrick didn't reach any great heights. Alex Georgiou (47) was OK in defence.

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NORTH MELBOURNE 97 def PORT ADELAIDE 90

Kangaroos Studs: Little known midfielder Sam Gibson roared home in the final quarter to finish with a match-high 123. Ben cunnington (120), Levi Greenwood (119), Nick Dal Santo (119) and Brent Harvey (114) were vital in the final term.

Kangaroos Duds: Key forward Drew Petrie is certainly struggling in the opening rounds. Despite spending 94 per cent of the match on the ground he could muster just 13 points. Popular back-up ruckman Daniel Currie could muster just 36.

Power Studs: Only two Port Adelaide players managed to crack the ton. Matthew Broadbent (101) and Hamish Harlett (100) managed triple figures by the skin of their teeth. Ollie Wines (96) did some nice things but faded.

Power Duds: John Butcher continues to tease. The key forward took some strong marks but continues to struggle in front of the big sticks. Chad Wingard was slightly down and while 70 points is not to be sneezed at, he'll need to lift to retain his premium status.

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Live: Aussie bowlers fire in final

Sarah Coyte celebrates after dismissing England's Charlotte Edwards. Source: Scott Barbour / Getty Images

AUSTRALIA has won the toss and elected to bowl first in the final of the women's World T20 final in Dhaka.

The Southern Stars are gunning for their third-straight title and are slight favourites heading into the decider, having only lost their opening game of the tournament against New Zealand.

Since then it's been smooth sailing for the Aussies, gaining momentum through wins over South Africa, Ireland and Pakistan in the group stage and then West Indies in the semi-final.

Captain Meg Lanning has a huge role to play for her side, with her big hitting crucial to Australia's success alongside that of fellow batters Jess Cameron and Alyssa Healy.

Lanning is currently the second-highest run-scorer in the tournament.

However, England has a few trump cards up its sleeve as well, chief amongst them veteran skipper Charlotte Edwards and star batter Sarah Taylor.

These two sides contested the final back in 2012, with the Aussies coming out on top on that occasion.

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Elliott set to be sacked by Warriors

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THE New Zealand Warriors are set to sack Matthew Elliott as their head coach.

It is understood Elliott was told this morning that the Warriors wanted to "move in a different direction", following the club's 37-6 loss to Cronulla on Saturday.

A formal decision is expected in coming days.

The Warriors have won two of their five games this season, upsets of the North Queensland Cowboys and Wests Tigers and they performed very well in the NRL Nines.

However, Warriors' management felt the side's display against Cronulla was proof Elliott's coaching style was not worth long-term perseverance.

Elliott and Warriors' management are yet to respond to requests for comment.

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Jets on brink as Victory qualifies

Emile Heskey made a worthwhile contribution against Victory. Source: Tony Feder / Getty Images

MELBOURNE Victory's Socceroo mid-fielder Tomas Rogic was forced off with a groin injury as the Newcastle Jets kept their slim play-off hopes alive with a 2-2 draw in their A-League clash at Hunter Stadium tonight.

A Mark Milligan penalty eight minutes from time gave him a double, Victory a share of the points and secured the club its finals position, after Jets defender Josh Mitchell fouled Archie Thompson in the box.

The Jets led 2-1 at halftime and still held the advantage deep into the second half before the penalty.

Re-live all the action online in our A-LEAGUE MATCH CENTRE, with videos, play-by-play updates, stats and team line-ups.

Newcastle looked good for the win, but couldn't capitalise. Source: Getty Images

The home side clearly had the better of the chances during the game, especially in the first and probably should have been further in front at the break.

Rogic limped off six minutes from the halftime break with his side a goal down after an entertaining opening 45 minutes.

Jets striker Adam Taggart strengthened his grip on the Golden Boot, awarded to the leading scorer in the competition, when he opening the scoring with a clinical finish in the 18th minute after clever work in the box by Emile Heskey.

Heskey turned on the ball and weighted a perfect pass to Taggart who did the rest.

It was Taggart's 15th goal of the season and was the start of a hectic few minutes.

Victory replied two minutes later following a glancing header from Milligan after a corner but no sooner had Melbourne equalised, the Jets were back in front.

A Josh Brillante strike cannoned into the post before rebounding off Victory defender Adrian Leijer for an own goal.

Victory were fortunate to only be a goal down at the break.

Keeper Nathan Cow was the busiest player on the park, pulling of several great saves including tipping a sizzling Ruben Zadkovich shot into the cross bar.

Jets veterans David Carney and Emile Heskey were outstanding for the Jets before being subbed late in the game with their side still in front.

The point puts the Jets on equal terms with sixth-placed Sydney who have a game in hand on Sunday against Wellington.

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Simple for Solomon in trials

Steve Solomon is in impressive form. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Michael Klein / News Corp Australia

HE hasn't raced in Australia for two years but Steve Solomon reminded everyone why he is one of the world's best 400m runners with a dominant performance at the Commonwealth Games selection trials.

The US-based sprinter won his third national title by breaking the hearts of his opponents, including former Commonwealth champion John Steffensen, in the first half of the race and then cruised home to win in 45.36sec.

Steffensen, who is on the comeback after being suspended from the sport last year, faded to finish fourth (46.53sec) with Queensland pair Craig Burns (46.23sec) and Alex Beck (46.33sec) filling the placings.

Solomon, the London Olympic finalist who missed last year's nationals because of a back injury, was happy with his performance given the blustery conditions and the fact it was his first outdoor hit-out of the year.

"My indoor time suggested this was the kind of shape I am outdoors but in my first indoor season (with Stanford University) I didn't feel like I was in 45.3 shape just yet as we have only really had one speed session," he said.

"I only got in from the US last week but I'm super excited about where that puts me in the position for the rest of the season heading towards Glasgow."

A twitter spat has added more spice to today's 1500m final with Jeff Riseley disciplined over a tweet about his main rival Ryan Gregson.

Riseley referred to Bahrain's disgraced drug cheat Rashid Ramzi when commenting on the winner of the Friday's third heat which was Gregson.

He later told officials he was referring to Gregson's finish where he ran off the track and crossed the line in lane six which was a trademark of Ramzi's.

But given the national record holder has been sidelined for most of the past 12 months and hasn't run a race all season, the Gregson camp read the tweet as referring to the dubious history of 2008 Olympic 1500m champion who was later stripped of his title.

The pair were training partners for a number of years as part of Nic Bideau's stable before Riseley moved on after a disappointing performance at the London Olympics.

"I did see it and I was disappointed," Bideau said. "I expected more from Jeff who I worked with at two Olympics."

Riseley deleted the tweet before he was contacted by Athletics Australia head coach Eric Hollingsworth. He is understood to have sent a text message to Gregson yesterday morning apologising for the tweet.

A decision on whether any further disciplinary action is required will be decided by AA in the coming days.

Last night Riseley's bid to win the 800m/1500m double failed when he was beaten into third place in the two-lap event behind Sydney university student Joshua Ralph (1min46.57sec) and Victorian Alexander Rowe (1:46.68sec).

Ralph's switch to the 800m this season has been a masterstroke after he was a reserve for the 4x400m relay at last year's Moscow world championships.

The 22-year-old vowed he would never be put in that position again and he has delivered by winning his first national title and booking a spot on the Commonwealth Games team.

"It has been a good move up to the two laps," he said. "It was heartbreaking not getting a run in the 4x400 in Moscow, I understand why I didn't but I never want to be in that situation again.

"I decided to have a go at the 800 at the Zatopek (in December) because of my cross-country background I got a B-standard time in my first run so we decided to give the 800 a crack and it has been a great choice."

Reigning Commonwealth discus champion Benn Harradine will defend his title in Glasgow after capturing his sixth national title with a throw of 62.23m.

Missing from yesterday's competition was Moscow world championships finalist Julian Wruck with the US-based thrower currently sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Hurdler Nicholas Hough has made his first Australian team after winning the national title in 14.12sec (-2.9mps).

In the men's 5000m, Ballarat's Collis Birmingham broke away over the final lap to win in 13min44.55sec from Ben St Lawrence (13:48.83sec).

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Reds peaking at just the right time

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ADELAIDE got off to a dream start on Friday night at Coopers Stadium but didn't realise it was going to be 'one of those nights' when they lost Michael Marrone in a strange and unfortunate circumstance soon after taking an early lead.

In the end referee Ben Williams, as much as I hesitate to describe him as such, may have done Adelaide a favour with his trademark 'inflammatory' style of adjudication.

The penalties he awarded the Heart and the sending off of Tarek Elrich fired up the crowd and the players and it may have just snapped United out of the lethargy that seemed to beset them. Before the flare-ups just before half-time and the flurry of cards of both colours that seem to accompany Williams all too regularly, the visitors were well and truly on top.

Adelaide lived dangerously in the second half despite being a man down but then fortune favours the brave and they earned their luck and what could turn out to be a very valuable point when the season comes down to the line in Newcastle next week. That and a big performance from Eugene Galekovic when they needed him most.

Things have worked out for Josep Gombau. Source: Getty Images

For the second week in a row, they have battled their way through difficult circumstances to get an outcome and this shows they have developed the kind of resilience they will need in the weeks ahead.

The finals aren't in question ... just where they will finish, is.

Second place is not mathematically out of the question as I write but it is unlikely. What is more significant is the toughness and spirit on display last Friday and if they are going to go all the way, which I believe they can, it is going to be a battle and these qualities are prerequisite.

The biggest hurdle they will have to overcome is that they do struggle against teams that take the game to them, as Melbourne Heart did on Friday night. Brisbane, the Victory and the Wanderers all play on the front foot and it's going to make for an intriguing finals series.

What a pulsating game. Source: Getty Images

And Newcastle, under rookie coach, Clayton Zane, have been playing with a lot more flair and openness of late and may be in an all or nothing situation when Adelaide pays them a visit next week.

For me this has been one of those strange seasons with a lot of unexpected and unpredictable results.

For all of the teams, bar the Roar, in finals contention it's been a series of peaks and troughs ... my gut tells me the Reds may just be coming to one of those peaks at just the right time.

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Jockey Nathan Berry, 23, passes away

Jockey Nathan Berry has died in a Sydney hospital hours after he was flown home to Sydney from Singapore.

THE racing world is in mourning after the news jockey Nathan Berry has passed away. He was 23.

Nathan was on a four-month riding contract in Singapore when he collapsed at trackwork on March 18, with doctors later diagnosing the young rider with Norse syndrome, an acute form of epilepsy.

Berry was transferred from Singapore to a Sydney hospital only this morning.

The Sydney jockey was struck down with viral encephalitis a fortnight ago, only to be later diagnosed with the much more serious Norse syndrome, which relates to epilepsy.

Berry's condition deteriorated at the start of the week, and family, including his new wife Whitney Schofield, and twin brother Tommy Berry, made arrangements for Nathan to be brought home.

Tragic: Jockey Nathan Berry with Whitney on their wedding day. Source: Supplied

Nathan Berry and then fiancee Whitney Schofield enjoy a day at the beach. Picture: Adam Head Source: News Limited

Golden Slipper race day at Rosehill Gardens: Tommy hugs twin brother Nathan after winning the race. Source: News Limited

It will be a dark day on Saturday when 20,000 people are expected to gather for the Golden Slipper (1200m).

It was that race last year which was won by Tommy, and featured the brothers in a warm, tearful embrace in the winner's enclosure.

Age: 23 Career: 351 wins Prizemoney: $14.6m Career highlight: Unencumbered's win in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic on the Gold Coast in January First stakes winner: Va Pensiero in the San Domenico Stakes Personal life: - Twin brother and fellow jockey Tommy Berry is a Group 1 winner who won the Golden Slipper on Overreach almost a year ago. - Married Whitney Schofield, daughter of South African-born Sydney based jockey Glyn Schofield in Sydney in February. - Father Kevin Berry is a trainer at Warwick Farm 2013-14 premiership season Wins: 51 Prizemoney: $3.6m

Nathan rode more than 350 winners with his biggest win coming only months ago when successful aboard Unencumbered in the $2 million Magic Millions on the Gold Coast. He rode three winners in the short time he was in Singapore.

Brother Tommy dedicated his win in the opening race at Rosehill Gardens last Saturday to his ill brother and emotionally punched the air as he passed the post on The Offer.

Nathan married Whitney Schofield, daughter of top jockey Glyn Schofield, on February 2 and she kept a bedside vigil throughout his illness.

"The entire racing industry is extremely distraught with the news of Nathan's passing," Racing NSW chief executive Peter V'landys said.

"Sadness is not a sufficient word to describe this tragedy. We are all very distressed and could not image the grief the family must be going through.

TRIBUTES POUR IN FOR NATHAN BERRY

GALLERY: NATHAN BERRY IN PICTURES

"This was a young man that had the world at his feet. He won the Magic Millions in January and rose to the top of the ranks so quickly that he was offered a contract to ride in Singapore.

"You would not meet a family more grounded and genuine than the Berry family. They are the most diligent and hard-working people I know.

"Our sincere condolences go out to the Berry and Schofield families and Nathan's wife Whitney."

RPA neurologist Armin Mohamed, who specialises in epilepsy, told The Daily Telegraph last week: "Usually, people with epilepsy will experience seizures lasting two to three minutes. They will have a fall or feel confused, but return to normal minutes after the seizure started.

"But for some people, seizures can take off like a wild bushfire and continue non-stop. This is known as status epilepticus.

Nathan met his wife Whitney through racing, and their relationship grew as he forged a strong friendship with her father and fellow jockey Glyn Schofield. Rivals on the course, they quickly became friends, and then family, away from the racetrack as Nathan and Whitney married in Sydney in February. Their marriage brought two of modern racing's most popular and formidable families together. Whitney's father Glyn is a regular rider in the Sydney ranks, coming head-to-head with both Tommy and Nathan almost every weekend. Glyn's son Chad Schofield is regarded as one of the finest young jockeys of the past decade. He won his first Group 1 race during last year's Melbourne spring carnival when Shamus Award became the first maiden to win the Cox Plate at Moonee Valley. Tommy Berry has emerged as the No.1 rider for the powerful Gai Waterhouse stable. He won last year's Group 1 Golden Slipper aboard impressive filly Overreach in the highlight of his short career. Almost 12 months to the day, he is mourning the loss of his twin brother and best friend. On Twitter, Glyn Schofield revealed the pain his family was going through at Nathan's loss. "The man we love so much and will miss even more. Losing you cuts so deep buddy. R.I.P," Schofield tweeted. While fellow jockey Kerrin McEvoy, who is to ride race favourite Earthquake in Saturday's $3.5 million Group 1 Golden Slipper  (1200m) at Rosehill Gardens. "Gone too young, a ripping young guy #NathanBerry RIP we will all miss you," McEvoy wrote. Before they left for their honeymoon and Nathan's four-month riding stint in Singapore, Whitney ran the Whitney Schofield Dance Academy in Sydney.

"If the seizures do not abate within four minutes, brain damage can occur. If they last longer than half an hour, brain damage can be irreversible.

"The causes of Norse are often infections, particularly inflammation in the temporal lobe, but sometimes the cause is unknown.''

The Australian Turf Club tonight paid tribute to Berry following news of his passing in Sydney.

Chief executive Darren Pearce said the thoughts and prayers of the ATC, its sponsors and supporters were with Nathan's wife Whitney, brother Tommy and the entire Berry and Schofield families.

"Like all of the racing industry we are overwhelmed by sadness about Nathan's illness and his now untimely passing," Pearce said.

"We are so grateful for the short but wonderful career that Nathan had, which we and all of the racing public were privileged to see at our tracks."

"At this time our thoughts are with his entire family and the many in the industry so close to Nathan who will struggle to deal with today's distressing news."

Pearce said the ATC, in consultation with the Berry and Schofield families, and the National Jockeys Association will consider an appropriate way to honour Nathan at Saturday's Golden Slipper day at Rosehill Gardens.

Nathan Berry winning race 2 on Hot Commodity during Randwick midweek races on the Kensington track. Source: News Limited

It is with great sadness that the Berry and Schofield families have requested that we advise of the passing of Mr Nathan Berry. Nathan was on a four-month riding contract in Singapore when he collapsed at trackwork on March 18, with doctors later diagnosing the young rider with Norse syndrome, an acute form of epilepsy. Nathan, 23, along with twin brother Tommy, was apprenticed to his father Kevin who trained at Warwick Farm and the pair quickly established themselves as top class jockeys. Nathan rode more than 350 winners with his biggest win coming only months ago when successful aboard Unencumbered in the $2 million Magic Millions on the Gold Coast. He rode three winners in the short time he was in Singapore. Brother Tommy dedicated his win in the opening race at Rosehill Gardens last Saturday to his ill brother and emotionally punched the air as he passed the post on The Offer. Nathan married Whitney Schofield, daughter of top jockey Glyn Schofield, on February 2 and she kept a bedside vigil throughout his illness. "The entire racing industry is extremely distraught with the news of Nathan's passing," said Mr Peter V'landys, Racing NSW's Chief Executive. "Sadness is not a sufficient word to describe this tragedy. We are all very distressed and could not imagine the grief the family must be going through. "This was a young man that had the world at his feet. He won the Magic Millions in January and rose to the top of the ranks so quickly that he was offered a contract to ride in Singapore. "You would not meet a family more grounded and genuine than the Berry family. They are the most diligent and hard-working people I know. "Our sincere condolences go out to the Berry and Schofield families and Nathan's wife Whitney."

Jockey Nathan Berry, on his wedding day to Whitney. Source: Supplied

Tragic: Jockey Nathan Berry riding Unencumbered to the win in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic. Picture: Adam Head Source: News Limited

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Fiorente’s place among the greats

Damien oliver rates Fiorente up with the best stayers he's ever ridden. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Michael Klein / News Corp Australia

FIORENTE is worthy of comparison with some of the best stayers of recent years like Doriemus, Sky Heights, Media Puzzle and Northerly.

Who says? The man who rode them all and is better equipped than anyone to make the assessment — Damien Oliver.

"Fiorente is up with the best stayers I've ridden, for sure,'' the champion jockey said.

"I've ridden some good ones like Doriemus, Sky Heights, Media Puzzle and Northerly, and Fiorente's not out of place among them.''

Oliver has ridden Fiorente to wins in the Melbourne Cup and Australian Cup this season and the combination are aiming for their third Group 1 win in the $1.5 million The BMW (2400m) at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday.

Fiorente goes into The BMW after a disappointing seventh in the Ranvet Stakes behind Silent Achiever but Oliver is adamant his stayer will improve now he is up to 2400m.

A muddied Damien Oliver rides Doriemus to victory in the 1995 Melbourne Cup. Source: News Corp Australia

Form guru Gary Crispe agrees with Oliver and expects Fiorente will return to winning form in The BMW.

"I am inclined to overlook the Ranvet Stakes effort of Fiorente — a good horse is always entitled to one bad run and Fiorente is certainly that,'' Crispe said.

"He was given a Timeform 126 rating off his courageous Australian Cup win, becoming the first male horse to complete the Melbourne Cup/Australian Cup double in the same season and joining the great mares Let's Elope and Makybe Diva as the only other horses to perform that feat.

"In The BMW, Fiorente gets an opportunity to join Makybe Diva as the only horses to have won that double plus the BMW in the same season which will be some achievement.

"I am certain Damien Oliver will be keen to make amends for the Ranvet defeat and there is no doubt the 2400m will suit him better at this stage of his campaign.''

Silent Achiever remains unbeaten since trainer Roger James added blinkers to her racing gear this autumn and could provide champion jockey Nash Rawiller with his 57th career Group 1 win.

Damien Oliver and Fiorente (left) win last year's Melbourne Cup. Picture: Mark Dadswell Source: Supplied

"Nash Rawiller took up a more forward position in the Ranvet than Silent Achiever usually does, a tactic that ultimately proved a winning one,'' Crispe said.

"Backmarkers found it hard to make ground all day thereby ensuring she was in the right spot to produce a winning run.

"Silent Achiever ran to a Timeform rating of 119 in the Ranvet and with the mares allowance under the scale is the clear danger to Fiorente.''

Crispe said he is also expecting a big run from Voleuse De Coeurs who was excellent first-up the Australian Cup finishing just over two lengths from Fiorente.

"It is worth remembering this mare demolished a Group 1 Irish St Leger field by six lengths at the Curragh second up last campaign, beating the likes of Red Cadeaux and others running to a Timeform rating of 122,'' Crispe said. "She will relish the 2400m this afternoon and if she brings that form to the race she will definitely be in the finish.''

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McLean’s brother jailed for assault

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JORDAN McLean's family was handed another terrible blow, when the suspended footballer's older brother was sentenced to three years jail for assault.

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Tony McLean, 24, was placed behind bars until at least 2 October 2015 after Orange District Court found him guilty of assaulting Adam Ford outside the Royal Hotel last March. McLean also plays rugby league, for Queenbeyan Kangaroos.

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According to a report in the Central Western Daily, Ford told the court on Wednesday that he's suffered brain damage as a result of being knocked unconscious. The DPP also criticised McLean for not calling an ambulance or offering assistance in the aftermath.

"I was scared ... about what I'd done," McLean told the court.

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Live ACL: Yokohama v Melbourne Victory

Melbourne Victory v Yokahama F Marinos at AAMI Park. Source: George Salpigtidis / News Corp Australia

MELBOURNE Victory makes the long trip to Japan to face Yokohama F. Marinos in the Asian Champions League.

Kevin Muscat's side will boast a largely inexperienced line-up with up to six regulars missing through injury or suspension - including Socceroos Tom Rogic and Mark Milligan.

The home side will feature Japan internationals Shunsuke Nakamura and Yuji Nakazawa, meaning a tough test awaits the A-League outfit.

Follow the action in our blog below.

Don't forget to get free tickets to the Fox Football live podcast in Sydney on April 17.

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