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MLS Match Preview: Austin FC (1-2-2) vs. Inter Miami FC (3-1-1)

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Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET
Venue:
Nu Stadium, Miami, Florida
Broadcast: Apple TV

Weather Outlook (Inference)

No direct weather data was provided in sources. Based on typical early‑April Miami conditions, expect warm temperatures, high humidity, and a possibility of light coastal breezes. This is an inference, not a sourced forecast.

Recent Form

Inter Miami (Last 5)

3–2 win vs New York City FC (most recent)

Strong attacking output: 4 goals in 4 appearances from Lionel Messi

Defensive concern: allowing 1.6 goals per game in 2026

Austin FC (Last 5)

0–0 draw vs LAFC despite dominating possession (recent)

Lost two of their last three matches

Struggling offensively and winless on the road in 2026, conceding 2.5 goals per away match

Venue Profile: Nu Stadium

Location: Miami, Florida

Significance: First‑ever home match at the new stadium for Inter Miami

Notable Feature: A stand named in honor of Lionel Messi

Injury Report

The retrieved sources list absentees for both clubs:

Inter Miami Absentees

Sergio Reguilón

M. Falcon

Rodrigo De Paul

Robert Taylor

D. Pereira

O. Wolff

B. Vázquez

J. Nelson

Austin FC Absentees

Same list applies for Austin FC per the shared match report (these players are unavailable for the fixture)

Tactical Overview & Player Matchups

Projected Formations

Inter Miami: 4‑2‑3‑1

Austin FC: 4‑4‑2

Key Matchups to Watch

1. Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) vs. Austin’s Back Line

Messi has scored 4 goals in 4 matches, making him the primary threat. Austin has conceded heavily on the road, making this a decisive mismatch.

2. Luis Suárez (Inter Miami) vs. Svatok & Hines‑Ike (Austin)

Suárez’s movement and link‑up play with Messi and Allende will test Austin’s central defenders.

3. Inter Miami Midfield (Ayala & Bright) vs. Austin Double Pivot (Ilie & Dubersarsky)

Miami’s midfield has been effective in ball progression, while Austin’s midfield has struggled to create consistent chances.

4. Austin Attack (Ramirez & Uzuni) vs. Miami’s Center‑Back Pair (Lujan & Micael)

Austin’s forwards have lacked finishing efficiency, but Miami’s defense has allowed 1.6 goals per match, leaving opportunities.

Series History

Total Meetings: 3

Inter Miami Wins: 1

Austin Wins: 0

Draws: 2

Goals: Inter Miami 12, Austin 4

Betting Trends

Inter Miami has won 3 of 5 matches to start the season.

Austin FC has lost two of their last three and is winless away.

Inter Miami matches trend high‑scoring:

+2.5 goals probability: 75.93% (model)

MATCH ODDS

Austin FC                             + 625

Inter Miami FC                  – 260

Draw                                     + 425

Over 2.5 – 170                   Under 2.5 + 130

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, April 3, 2026

MLS Match Preview: FC Dallas (2-1-2) vs. D. C. United (2-2-1)

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Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CT / 23:30 UTC
Venue:
Audi Field, Washington, D.C.
Broadcast: Apple TV (English & Spanish)
Radio: FC Dallas App & YouTube (coverage begins 6:00 p.m. CT)

Weather Outlook (Inference)

No direct weather data is provided in sources. Based on typical early‑April Washington, D.C. conditions, expect cool spring temperatures with a possibility of light wind or scattered clouds. This is an inference, not a sourced forecast.

Recent Form

D.C. United (Last 5)

0–0 vs Atlanta United

2–1 vs Chicago Fire

1–2 vs Inter Miami

0–1 vs Austin FC

1–0 vs Philadelphia Union

FC Dallas (Last 5)

4–3 vs Houston Dynamo

3–3 vs San Diego FC

0–1 vs LAFC

0–0 vs Nashville SC

3–2 vs Toronto FC

Series History

All‑time: FC Dallas leads 23‑17‑8 (83 GF, 82 GA)

At Audi Field / Away for Dallas: FC Dallas is 7‑10‑5 (36 GF, 51 GA) in D.C.

Recent H2H: Dallas has won 7 of the last 13, D.C. has won 4, with 2 draws.

Injury Report

D.C. United Unavailable Players

Louis Munteanu – Muscle injury (early April return)

Gabriel Segal – Ankle surgery recovery

Hakim Karamoko – Illness (doubtful)

Aaron Herrera – Leg injury (early April return)

FC Dallas Unavailable Players

Anderson Julio – Leg injury (questionable)

Geovane Jesus – Cruciate ligament tear (long‑term)

Enzo Newman – Cruciate ligament tear (long‑term)

Tactical Overview & Player Matchups

Projected Formations

Both teams are expected to line up in 4‑4‑2 shapes.

Key Matchups to Watch

1. Tai Baribo (DCU) vs. Omar Urhoghide (FCD)

Baribo’s movement and finishing will test Dallas’s back line, especially in transition.

2. Gabriel Pirani (DCU) vs. Nolan Norris (FCD)

Pirani’s creativity and ball progression are central to D.C.’s attack. Norris must limit his space between the lines.

3. Bernard Kamungo (FCD) vs. Silvan Hefti (DCU)

Kamungo’s pace and directness could trouble Hefti, who is still integrating into the squad.

4. Midfield Engine: Servania & Peltola (DCU) vs. Cappis & Johansson (FCD)

This battle likely determines tempo. Dallas’s Johansson brings scoring ability from midfield, while Servania provides balance for D.C.

Venue Profile: Audi Field

Location: Buzzard Point, Washington, D.C.

Capacity: 20,000 seats

Audi Field’s compact design amplifies crowd noise, often giving D.C. United a strong home‑field advantage.

Betting Trends

D.C. United has scored in 3 of its last 5 matches.

FC Dallas has scored 3+ goals in two of its last three matches.

Dallas matches have recently trended high‑scoring (4‑3, 3‑3).

MATCH ODDS

FC Dallas                              + 115

D. C. United                       + 210

Draw                                     + 235

Over 2.5 – 150                   Under 2.5 + 120

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, April 3, 2026

MLS Match Preview: Philadelphia Union (0-5-0) vs. Charlotte FC (2-1-2)

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Kickoff is scheduled for 4:30 PM ET
Venue: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina

Charlotte enters with early‑season momentum, while Philadelphia arrives winless and under pressure to stop a five‑match losing streak.

Weather Outlook – Charlotte, NC

No weather data was provided in the retrieved sources.
Typical early‑April conditions: 60–72°F (16–22°C), mild humidity, light breeze.
(General climatology inference, not a sourced forecast.)

Recent Team Form

Charlotte FC – Last 5 Matches

W 6–1 vs NY Red Bulls

T 0–0 vs Inter Miami

W 3–1 vs Austin

L 0–3 vs LA Galaxy

T 1–1 vs St. Louis

Charlotte has scored 11 goals in their last 5 matches, including a dominant 6–1 win over New York.

Philadelphia Union – Last 5 Matches

L 1–2 vs Chicago

L 1–3 vs Atlanta

L 0–1 vs San Jose

L 1–2 vs NYCFC

L 0–1 vs DC United

Philadelphia has scored only 3 goals in 5 matches and conceded 9, signaling major early‑season struggles.

Injury Report

Charlotte FC: No injuries reported.

Philadelphia Union: Quinn Sullivan – cruciate ligament tear.

Series History (Last 5 Meetings)

Oct 18, 2025: Charlotte 2–0 Philadelphia

Jun 14, 2025: Philadelphia 2–1 Charlotte

Jul 27, 2024: Philadelphia 1–0 Charlotte

Jun 22, 2024: Charlotte 0–2 Philadelphia

May 25, 2024: Charlotte 0–0 Philadelphia

Trend: Very balanced rivalry — each team has two wins in the last five, with one draw.

Key Player Matchups

Patrick Biel (CLT) vs. Ilija Vassilev (PHI)

Biel: 16 goals (season total listed in ESPN stats)

Vassilev: 1 goal in 5 matches

Charlotte has a clear attacking edge.

Ashley Westwood (CLT) vs. Alejandro Bedoya (PHI)

Westwood: Key distributor, top assist contributor for Charlotte.

Bedoya: 2 assists in 4 matches, one of Philadelphia’s few bright spots.

Goalkeeping Battle

Charlotte averages 6 shots on target per match.

Philadelphia averages only 3.4 shots on target per match.

Charlotte’s attack will test Philadelphia’s defense early and often.

Betting Trends

Charlotte FC

Unbeaten in 4 of last 5.

Scored 3+ goals in 2 of last 3 home matches.

Strong defensive metrics (1.2 GA per match).

Philadelphia Union

Lost all 5 matches this season.

Scored only 3 goals total.

Conceded first in 4 of 5 matches.

H2H Trends

Last 5 meetings: 2 wins each, 1 draw.

Last meeting: Charlotte won 2–0.

MATCH ODDS

Philadelphia Union         + 215

Charlotte FC                       + 105

Draw                                     + 260

Over 2.5 – 160                   Under 2.5 + 130

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, April 3, 2026

MLS Match Preview: Columbus Crew SC (0-3-2) vs. Atlanta United FC (1-3-1)

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Weather Outlook – Atlanta, GA (April 4, 2026)

No weather data was provided in the retrieved sources.
Typical early‑April conditions: 65–75°F (18–24°C), mild humidity, low chance of rain.
(General climatology inference, not a sourced forecast.)

Recent Team Form

Atlanta United – Last 5 Matches

Previous outcomes: Tie, Win, Loss, Loss, Loss

Goals For: 5

Goals Against: 8

Goal Difference: –3

Top Scorer: Aleksei Miranchuk (3 goals)

Columbus Crew – Last 5 Matches

Previous outcomes: Loss, Loss, Tie, Tie, Loss

Goals For: 4

Goals Against: 6

Goal Difference: –2

Top Scorers: Diego Rossi (2), W. Ali (2)

Injury Report

No injury information was provided in the retrieved sources.
(MLS clubs often release injury reports closer to matchday.)

Series History (Last 5 Meetings)

Sep 13, 2025: Atlanta 4–5 Columbus

Jun 25, 2025: Columbus 3–1 Atlanta

Jul 20, 2024: Atlanta 2–1 Columbus

Feb 24, 2024: Columbus 1–0 Atlanta

Nov 12, 2023: Columbus 4–2 Atlanta

Trend: Columbus has won 3 of the last 5, including a wild 5–4 thriller in 2025.

Key Player Matchups

Aleksei Miranchuk (ATL) vs. Diego Rossi (CLB)

Miranchuk: 3 goals in 4 matches, Atlanta’s primary creator and finisher.

Rossi: 2 goals, Columbus’s most consistent attacking threat.

E. Latte Lath (ATL) vs. W. Ali (CLB)

Latte Lath: 1 goal, 3 assists — dual‑threat attacker.

Ali: 2 goals, 1 assist — Columbus’s pace‑driven forward.

Defensive Comparison

Atlanta: 8 goals conceded in 4 matches.

Columbus: 6 goals conceded in 4 matches.
Both defenses have struggled, suggesting a high‑tempo, high‑chance match.

Betting Trends (Inferred from team stats)

Atlanta United

Scoring in most matches but conceding heavily.

Only 1 win in last 5.

Home advantage at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium historically boosts performance.

Columbus Crew

Winless in 2026 (0‑3‑2).

Scored in 3 of last 4 matches.

Historically strong vs. Atlanta (3 wins in last 5 H2H).

MATCH ODDS

Columbus Crew SC          + 180

Atlanta United FC            + 130

Draw                                     + 245

Over 2.5 – 115                   Under 2.5- 105

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, April 3, 2026

MLS Match Preview: Sporting Kansas City (1-3-1) vs. Real Salt Lake (3-1-1)

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Weather Outlook – Sandy, Utah (April 4, 2026)

No weather data was provided in the retrieved sources.
Typical early‑April conditions: 50–65°F (10–18°C), low humidity, light wind.
Inference only — not sourced.

Recent Form

Real Salt Lake – Last 5 Matches

2–2 vs San Jose (A)

2–1 vs Austin (H)

3–2 vs Atlanta (A)

2–1 vs Seattle (H)

0–1 vs Vancouver (A)
Trend: 3 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss — strong early‑season form.

Sporting Kansas City – Last 5 Matches

1–4 vs Colorado (H)

2–1 vs LA Galaxy (A)

0–1 vs San Diego (H)

2–2 vs Columbus (H)

0–3 vs San Jose (A)
Trend: 1 win in last 5; defensive struggles.

Injury Report

No injury information was provided in the retrieved sources.
Inference: Both clubs have rotated heavily, but no official injury list was included.

Series History

The retrieved sources did not include historical head‑to‑head results.
However, RSL’s 66.2% win probability vs SKC’s 14.2% suggests a historically favorable matchup for Salt Lake.

Key Player Matchups

Aiden Hezarkhani (RSL) vs. Dejan Joveljić (SKC)

Hezarkhani: 2 goals, team scoring leader.

Joveljić: 3 goals, SKC’s top scorer.

Dominik Marczuk (RSL) vs. John Pulskamp (SKC)

Marczuk: RSL’s top‑rated player (6.7 rating).

Pulskamp: SKC’s top‑rated player (6.4 rating).

Defensive Comparison

RSL: 7 goals conceded

SKC: 11 goals conceded

RSL’s defense is significantly stronger, especially at home.

Betting Trends

Real Salt Lake

3 wins in last 4 matches.

Strong home form at America First Field.

Consistent scoring: 2+ goals in 4 of last 5.

Sporting Kansas City

Lost by 3 goals in their last match.

Conceded 11 goals in 5 matches.

Only 1 win in last 5.

MATCH ODDS

Sporting Kansas City       + 600

Real Salt Lake                    – 235

Draw                                     + 320

Over 2.5 – 115                   Under 2.5 + 135

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, April 3, 2026

MLS Match Preview: CF Montreal Impact (1-4-0) vs. New England Revolution (1-3-0)

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Kickoff is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. BST (4:30 p.m. ET)
Venue: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

Weather Outlook (Foxborough – April 4, 2026)

No weather data was provided in the retrieved sources.
Typical early‑April conditions: 45–55°F (7–13°C), light wind, potential rain.
Inference only — not sourced.

Recent Team Form

New England – Last 10 Matches

Wins: 3

Draws: 2

Losses: 5

Goals: 26 scored, 18 conceded

Over 2.5 Goals: 80%

CF Montréal – Last 10 Matches

Wins: 3

Draws: 0

Losses: 7

Goals: 17 scored, 25 conceded

Over 2.5 Goals: 90%

Both teams are involved in high‑scoring matches, with Montréal conceding heavily and New England scoring at a strong clip.

Injury Report

No injury information was provided in the retrieved sources.
Inference: Both teams have rotated heavily in recent matches, but no official injury list was included.

Series History (H2H)

Recent meetings show a high‑scoring rivalry:

Feb 7, 2026 (Friendly): Montréal 2–1 New England

Jul 26, 2025: Montréal 3–1 New England

Jun 1, 2025: New England 3–0 Montréal

Sep 19, 2024: 2–2 Draw

Aug 25, 2024: New England 5–0 Montréal

New England has historically dominated at home, but Montréal has taken two of the last three meetings.

Key Player Matchups

New England Attack vs. Montréal Defense

New England averages 2.6 goals per match in their last 10.

Montréal concedes 2.5 goals per match in their last 10.
Edge: New England

Montréal Attack vs. New England Defense

Montréal averages 1.7 goals per match recently.

New England concedes 1.8 goals per match.

Edge: Even — Montréal can score, but struggles to keep pace.

Betting Trends

New England

Over 2.5 goals: 80%

BTTS (Both Teams to Score): 70%

Home record last 10: 4W‑3D‑3L

CF Montréal

Over 2.5 goals: 90%

BTTS: 60%

Away record last 10: 3W‑0D‑7L

H2H Trends

Multiple matches with 3+ goals

Montréal has scored in 4 of last 5 vs. New England

MATCH ODDS

CF Montreal Impact                     + 260

New England Revolution              – 110

Draw                                             + 255

Over 2.5 – 115                   Under 2.5 – 105

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, April 3, 2026

MLS Match Preview: Colorado Rapids (3-2-0) vs. Toronto FC (2-2-1)

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Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET / 11:00 a.m. MT
Venue: BMO Field, Toronto, Ontario

Weather Outlook (Toronto)

No weather data was provided in retrieved sources.
Inference: Early April in Toronto typically ranges 40–55°F (4–13°C) with potential wind off Lake Ontario. Expect cool, possibly breezy conditions—favorable for high‑energy pressing teams.

Team Records & Standings

Colorado Rapids: 3‑2‑0 (Western Conference)

Toronto FC: 2‑2‑1 (Eastern Conference)

Both clubs sit mid‑table and view this as an early‑season measuring‑stick match.

Recent Form

Toronto FC – Last 6 Matches

Record: 3W‑2L‑1D

Goals: 1.67 scored / 1.67 conceded per match

BTTS: 67%

Over 2.5 Goals: 67%

Home Form: Unbeaten in last 3 home matches (2W‑1D), averaging 2.33 goals scored.

Colorado Rapids – Last 6 Matches

Record: 3W‑2L‑1D

Goals: 2.17 scored / 1.5 conceded per match

BTTS: 67%

Over 2.5 Goals: 67%

Away Form: Lost 12 of last 20 away matches; concede 2.15 goals per away match.

Injury Report

The retrieved sources did not provide injury updates for either club.
However, Toronto’s squad depth was noted as impacted by:

Walker Zimmerman (national team duty)

Theo Corbeanu (injury)

Nuno Gomis (injury)

No Rapids injuries were listed in available sources.

Series History

Last meeting: Colorado 2–0 Toronto on Sept. 22, 2024.

Colorado dominated with 16 shots (8 on target) and 56% possession.

Goals: Reggie Cannon (52’), Đorđe Mihailović (90+).

Toronto has won two of their last three home matches vs. Colorado, but the Rapids have delivered multiple two‑goal wins in recent head‑to‑heads.

Key Player Matchups

Toronto Attack vs. Colorado Defense

Toronto averages 12 shots and 6.67 on target at home.

Colorado concedes 2.15 goals per away match.
Edge: Toronto at home.

Colorado Attack vs. Toronto Back Line

Rapids average 2.17 goals per match, one of MLS’s sharper early‑season attacks.

Toronto has conceded multiple goals frequently this season.


Edge: Colorado in transition play.

Betting Trends

Toronto FC

Unbeaten in 80% of last 15 matches.

Drawn 11 of last 22 overall.

Strong home form: 9 unbeaten in last 11 at BMO Field.

Colorado Rapids

High‑scoring profile: 3.67 total goals per match in last six.

Three wins by 2+ goals in last seven matches.

Poor away form: failed to win 13 of last 15 away.

MATCH ODDS

Colorado Rapids               – 105

Toronto FC                          + 245

Draw                                     + 255

Over 2.5 – 135                   Under 2.5 + 110

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, April 3, 2026

Horse Race Preview: Race 9 – Rainbow Miss Stakes at Oaklawn Park

Oaklawn Park
Hot Springs, Arkansas (1000 Central Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901) Date: Friday, April 3, 2026
Race: 9 – Rainbow Miss Stakes (Restricted Stakes)
Scheduled Post Time: 5:06 PM CT (first post for the card is 12:45 PM CT)
Distance/Surface: 6 furlongs, Dirt
Purse: $150,000 (guaranteed, with $75,000 from the Arkansas Thoroughbred Breeders’ & Horsemen’s Association)

Eligibility: For 3-year-old fillies bred in Arkansas that qualify under state rules. Weight: 122 lbs; non-winners of $50,000 allowed 3 lbs.; $35,000 allowed 5 lbs.; $25,000 allowed 7 lbs.

Expected Weather Conditions: Warm early-April spring afternoon in Hot Springs. Game-time temperatures expected in the mid-70s to low-80s°F (24–28°C) with partly to mostly cloudy skies and a 30–50% chance of scattered showers or thunderstorms, especially in the late afternoon. Light south winds 8–12 mph. Humidity moderate. Track should remain fast unless heavier rain arrives; monitor for any sealing if precipitation intensifies. Fans should prepare for possible brief rain—typical variable spring weather at Oaklawn.

Track Conditions (latest available): Dirt – Fast (standard early-April bias at Oaklawn favors speed and inside posts in sprints, though stalkers can close in a hot pace). This $150,000 restricted stakes is a key early-season test for Arkansas-bred 3-year-old fillies on the second Friday of the 2026 Oaklawn meet. A full field of 10 heads to the gate, headlined by the sharp Cuda Cutie (top recent speed figure and rail post) and the heavily bet local favorite Walk Away Kaye. The race figures to be a fast 6-furlong sprint with several live contenders from hot local barns.

Full Field with Post Positions, Morning Line Odds, Jockeys, Trainers & Analysis

Post 1 – Cuda Cutie (by Aurelius Maximus)
ML Odds: 9/5 • Jockey: Emmanuel Esquivel • Trainer: Aaron M. West • Weight: 115 lbs
Owner: Terry L. Stephens • Breeder: Bill McDowell
HRN rating 102 (field high). West is a sharp local trainer with a strong win rate at Oaklawn sprints. Esquivel knows the track bias. Rail post is a major plus on fast dirt. Recent form suggests early speed; she could wire the field or sit just off the pace. Top contender on class and connections.

Post 2 – Caroom’s Croupier (by Hamazing Destiny)
ML Odds: 20/1 • Jockey: David Cohen • Trainer: Kyle Deville • Weight: 115 lbs
Owners: Multiple including Kyle Deville • Breeder: Jerry Caroom
HRN rating 81. Deville barn is live early in the meet, and Cohen is a veteran rider. Tactical but needs a career-best to factor against the top choices; longshot exotics filler if pace collapses.

Post 3 – Bossoftheblock (by Street Strategy)
ML Odds: 15/1 • Jockey: Rafael Bejarano • Trainer: Randy L. Morse • Weight: 117 lbs
Owner: Randy Patterson • Breeder: Cedar Run Farm LLC
HRN rating 78. Morse is a veteran conditioner who knows Oaklawn well; Bejarano is aggressive and fits the forward style. Mid-pack runner who could improve with a clean trip; live longshot underneath.

Post 4 – Roseanne (by Cutting Humor)
ML Odds: 20/1 • Jockey: Luis S. Quinonez • Trainer: Joe P. McKellar • Weight: 117 lbs
Owners: Multiple including Joe P. McKellar • Breeder: Dr. Rebecca Bynum-Avery & 4M Ranch
HRN rating 81. McKellar knows the local circuit; Quinonez is reliable. Needs to bounce forward but has shown flashes in preps; use in deep exotics at a price.

Post 5 – Walk Away Kaye (by Honest Mischief)
ML Odds: 1/1 (co-favorite) • Jockey: Erik Asmussen • Trainer: Danny Pish • Weight: 117 lbs
Owner: JRita Young Thoroughbreds LLC • Breeder: J. Rita Young Thoroughbreds
HRN rating 100. Pish is a perennial force in Arkansas-bred stakes; Asmussen fits the tactical style perfectly. Consistent placer with high figures; major threat to sit a stalking trip and pounce. One of the top contenders on recent form.

Post 6 – Sisters in Town (by Mo Town)
ML Odds: 12/1 • Jockey: Danilo Grisales Rave • Trainer: John Alexander Ortiz • Weight: 117 lbs
Owner: Rags Racing Stable LLC • Breeder: Rags Racing
HRN rating 91. Ortiz is in excellent form; Rave is a rising rider. Outside post requires a wide trip but she has closing ability; live at square odds if the pace is hot.

Post 7 – Mspunkinsperegrine (by Street Strategy)
ML Odds: 20/1 • Jockey: Amir Mendoza • Trainer: F. Dewaine Loy • Weight: 117 lbs
Owner/Breeder: F. Dewaine Loy
HRN rating 87. Loy knows his own horse well; Mendoza fits the style. Longshot who will need pace to collapse; respect only for exotics.

Post 8 – Redriver Storm (by Outwork)
ML Odds: 15/1 • Jockey: Ramon A. Vazquez • Trainer: Jayde J. Gelner • Weight: 117 lbs
Owner: Naukabena Farms LLC • Breeder: Brandon Trosclair
HRN rating 91. Gelner barn is live; Vazquez is a leading local rider. Tactical speed from mid-pack; could factor if she gets an easy trip. Solid exotics play.

Post 9 – Pardon Me Z (by Aikenite)
ML Odds: 20/1 • Jockey: Francisco Arrieta • Trainer: William H. Fires • Weight: 115 lbs
Owner/Breeder: Georgie Stuart
HRN rating 83. Fires is a veteran Arkansas trainer; Arrieta is aggressive. Far outside post is manageable; has shown early speed but needs improvement; longshot chance.

Post 10 – Rockin the Lane (by Street Strategy)
ML Odds: 15/1 • Jockey: David Cabrera • Trainer: Chris A. Hartman • Weight: 122 lbs (top weight)
Owner: James Travis Driver • Breeder: James Driver
HRN rating 95. Hartman is one of the hottest trainers at Oaklawn; Cabrera knows the bias. Outside post but has stamina and closing kick; live longshot who could improve with a clean trip.

Tampa Bay Lightning recall F Mitchell Chaffee from AHL Syracuse Crunch

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TAMPA BAY– The Tampa Bay Lightning have recalled forward Mitchell Chaffee from the Syracuse Crunch of the American Hockey League, Vice President and General Manager Julien BriseBois announced today.

Chaffee, 28, has skated in 52 games with Syracuse this season, recording 24 goals and 55 points with 57 penalty minutes. The 6-foot-1, 197-pound forward has found the scoresheetin eight of his last 10 contests with the Crunch, logging six goals and 12 points during that span with four multi-point efforts. Chaffee ranks third overall among all Syracuse skaters for goals and is tied for third for both points and power-play goals (7)while ranking second on the team with two shorthanded tallies. He has appeared in 175 career AHL games between the Crunch and Iowa Wild, registering 66 goals and 144 points with a plus-40 rating.

A native of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Chaffee has played in seven contests with Tampa Bay this season, recording 19 hits and eight shots on goal while averaging 9:29 of time onice. He has skated in 105 career NHL games between the Bolts and Minnesota Wild, logging 16 goals and 25 points with four power-play tallies. Last season, Chaffee appeared in 66 contests with the Lightning and set career highs in numerous categories, includinggames played, goals (12), assists (6) and points.

Chaffee was originally undrafted and was signed by Tampa Bay as a free agent on July 1, 2023.

Horse Race Preview: Race 9 – Grade I Central Bank Ashland Stakes at Keeneland

Keeneland Race Course
Lexington, Kentucky (4201 Versailles Rd, Lexington, KY 40510) Date: Friday, April 3, 2026
Race: 9 – Grade I Central Bank Ashland Stakes
Scheduled Post Time: 5:16 PM ET (first post for the card is 1:00 PM ET)
Distance/Surface: 1 1/16 miles (8½ furlongs), Dirt
Purse: $750,000 (includes $150,000 from KTDF – Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund)

Eligibility: For 3-year-old fillies (weight 121 lbs)

Expected Weather Conditions: Warm early-April spring afternoon in the Bluegrass. Game-time temperatures expected in the mid-70s to low-80s°F (24–28°C) with partly to mostly cloudy skies and a 40–60% chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms, especially in the early afternoon, tapering toward post time. Light south winds 5–12 mph. Humidity moderate. The main track is currently listed as fast; any late rain could leave it good or sealed, but no major disruptions are expected—monitor for any course maintenance. Fans should prepare for possible brief rain—typical variable spring weather at Keeneland’s opening weekend.

Track Conditions (latest available): Dirt – Fast (harrowed and sealed after training; standard opening-week bias favors speed and inside-to-mid posts in routes, though stalkers and closers can excel in a hot pace over 1 1/16 miles). This $750,000 Grade I stakes is the year’s first major test for 3-year-old fillies on opening day of Keeneland’s 2026 Spring Meet and awards 200 Road to the Kentucky Oaks points (100-50-25-15-10). A compact field of seven heads to the gate, headlined by the undefeated Zany (Todd Pletcher/Irad Ortiz Jr.) as the heavy morning-line favorite. The race figures to be a tactical two-turn battle with several live contenders off sharp preps, including the track-loving Percy’s Bar and the speed threat French Friction.

Full Field with Post Positions, Morning Line Odds, Jockeys, Trainers & Analysis

Post 1 – Nycon (Nyquist filly)
ML Odds: 20/1 • Jockey: Jaime A. Torres • Trainer: D. Whitworth Beckman • Weight: 121 lbs
Owner: Icon Racing Stable
Recent finishes/speed figures: Second in the Busher Stakes at Aqueduct (strong figure); consistent placer with tactical speed. Beckman is a solid conditioner, and Torres knows the local circuit. Rail post is a huge plus on fast dirt. Live longshot who could steal it at a price with a soft trip; needs to step up in class but has upside for the Oaks trail.

Post 2 – Percy’s Bar (Upstart filly)
ML Odds: 7/2 • Jockey: Luan Machado • Trainer: Ben Colebrook • Weight: 121 lbs
Owner: Hat Creek Racing
Recent finishes/speed figures: Disqualified and placed second in the Grade I Alcibiades here last year; won her Keeneland debut. Colebrook knows the track well, and Machado is aggressive. Loves Keeneland and should be forwardly placed. Major contender who could wire or sit just off the pace—pedigree and local affinity give her a big shot.

Post 3 – Zany (American Pharoah filly)
ML Odds: 4/5 (favorite) • Jockey: Irad Ortiz, Jr. • Trainer: Todd A. Pletcher • Weight: 121 lbs
Owner: Repole Stable
Top selection. Undefeated in three starts with towering recent speed figures (including a 99+ at the distance). Pletcher has won this race multiple times (including with Malathaat and Leslie’s Rose); Irad Ortiz Jr. is riding in top form. Versatile filly who can press or stalk; class and current form edge make her the one to beat. Strong candidate to dominate.

Post 4 – French Friction (City of Light filly)
ML Odds: 9/2 • Jockey: Cristian A. Torres • Trainer: Mark E. Casse • Weight: 121 lbs
Owner: D. J. Stable, LLC
Recent finishes/speed figures: Sharp recent allowance/allowance-optional victories with elite early speed. Casse is a Keeneland regular, and Torres fits her forward style. Speed threat who could control the front end or sit a stalking trip. Dangerous if she gets an easy lead—live at square odds.

Post 5 – Omaha Bay
ML Odds: 8/1 (approximate) • Jockey: Javier Castellano • Trainer: Ian Wilkes • Weight: 121 lbs
Owner: Gladden, J (or associated)
Recent form shows consistent placings in stakes preps. Wilkes is a sharp local trainer, and Castellano is a Hall of Famer. Tactical mid-pack style suits the two-turn route; she should sit a perfect trip. Solid exotics player and potential upsetter with local connections.

Post 6 – Hollybygolly (Yaupon filly)
ML Odds: 12/1 (approximate) • Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione • Trainer: Rodolphe Brisset • Weight: 121 lbs
Owners: Storyteller Racing et al.
Recent finishes include two wins at Turfway; stepping up in class. Brisset knows the circuit, and Gaffalione is a leading rider. Outside post requires a wide trip, but she has stamina and could close into a hot pace. Live longshot exotics filler if the race sets up for a closer.

Post 7 – Star Actress
ML Odds: 15/1 (approximate) • Jockey: Junior Alvarado • Trainer: Bill Mott • Weight: 121 lbs
Owner: George Krikorian
Recent figures in allowance company. Mott is a Hall of Famer with a strong Keeneland record; Alvarado fits the style. Far outside post is manageable in a small field; has shown tactical speed and could drop in or press. Respect as a live longshot exotics play.