Swans won't give up despite "impossible" finals dream
The tenth-placed Swans had to beat cross-city rivals GWS to keep their slim post-season hopes alive and looked primed to do so when they built a 35-point lead before the main break.
But the Giants stormed away with a sensational third-quarter performance to set up a 44-point win.
The visitors had slotted six straight goals in the opening half despite losing key forward Hayden McLean (concussion) early.
In the second, they kicked just one through Justin McInerney and notched a total of eight points.
Sydney's usual stars struggled to fire against the relentless pressure of the Orange Tsunami.
After a best-on-ground performance against North Melbourne, Sydney superstar Isaac Heeney was kept to just 22 disposals and two clearances.
While Errol Gulden had 32 touches, Chad Warner had just 19.
Swans livewire Tom Papley, on return from a hamstring injury, kicked just one goal in the opening half and was kept to three touches in the second.
"We played the footy we did in the first half with the same team (as in the second half)," Cox said.
"The disappointing part was the second half and the way we played, but we need to make sure we fight this year out as well as we possibly can.
"We understand that it's probably mathematically impossible to make the finals, but we're going to have a throw at the stumps as long as we possibly can."
Sydney sit tenth (9-10) ahead of the weekend's clashes, eight points behind Gold Coast (11-6).
The Western Bulldogs (11-8) are also on 44 points but sit eighth on percentage, while Fremantle are seventh on 48 points.
With just four rounds left, Sydney will need a miracle to make finals.
Sydney play a struggling Essendon (SCG) outfit first, before Brisbane (Gabba), Geelong (SCG) and West Coast (Optus Stadium).
Cox also expects Joel Hamling to miss out on game time after the defender suffered a hamstring injury in the third quarter.
"One thing we need to do is to make sure that we can build as much as we possibly can towards the back end for pre-season and for next year," Cox said.
"And every time I say to a player, every time you represent this football club in that jumper, you have to fight as hard as you possibly can to win games of footy."
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Daily Telegraph
9 hours ago
- Daily Telegraph
Trainer Jason Deamer saddles up Just In Time at Rosehill
Don't miss out on the headlines from Horse Racing. Followed categories will be added to My News. Trainer Jason Deamer admits Just In Time will need to overcome the 'unknown' in her bid to bring up a winning hat-trick in heavy conditions at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday. Just In Time is twice a winner on soft tracks but faces a significant heavy test for the first time in her career in the Jockeys Celebrations Day Benchmark 78 Handicap (1400m). Deamer has Just In Time, a $5 equal favourite, racing at the top of her game and expects her to run another bold race if she can rise the challenge in the wet. The Newcastle trainer and Dynamic Syndications also had Just In Time entered in the Congratulations James McDonald Benchmark 78 (1400m) alongside African Daisy but elected to split up the mares, with the former set to carry 2kg less with 55kg in the later race. •PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet's team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW! 'It looks like we've made the right decision at this stage, she just gets a nice light weight and a good barrier (3),' Deamer said. 'The only unknown is the wet track. 'She gets the lightweight and she is rock hard fit.' Deamer's is the third stable of Just In Time's lightly-raced but successful career. The daughter of Justify was originally trained by Richard and Will Freedman before having three winless starts for Ciaron Maher following a lengthy stint of more than a year on the sidelines. Since arriving in Deamer's care early this preparation she hasn't put a foot wrong. She followed up an impressive first-up win at Hawkesbury with a dominant success with 60kg on her back at Newcastle last start. 'They have been nice wins,' Deamer said. 'The first one was Midway conditions and the other week was provincial so a little bit restricted but still, they were nice wins. 'I know she had a few niggling injuries earlier in her career and just needed some time to get over them. 'She is a very big, strong mare and she has been going well this preparation.' • EXPERT TIPS: Professional punter James Molony's race-by-race tips, analysis for Rosehill Gardens on Saturday Deamer will gradually step Just In Time up in trip this weekend and expects she will be suited by the task. 'We kept her fresh that last one and she gives the impression she will probably run a mile,' he said. 'I would say she will for sure. She's got a very big stride on her and Dynamic have always believed she would. 'The 1400m should be a good test on Saturday especially in the wet conditions.' Stablemate African Daisy hadn't won for close to two-and-a-half years before breaking the long drought last start in a Midway Benchmark 72 (1200m) on July 5 at Rosehill. Another wet track could hold the key to African Daisy ($26) replicating the performance with Tim Clark aboard. 'It has been a while between drinks for African Daisy,' Deamer said. 'Her form this time was disappointing but the wet track last start helped her with the blinkers on. 'It was a lovely ride by Tim Clark. 'It's a step up in distance but she seems to have taken a lot of confidence since that win. She is bouncing around and the main thing for her is going to be the wet track on Saturday because she just loves them.' • Duff & Shayno's Rosehill Saturday tips, analysis: $16 value bet Tuileries ($1.65 favourite) is the clear horse to beat with champion jockey James McDonald making his Saturday metropolitan return to pilot the Peter Snowden-trained mare. Rosehill Gardens will undergo a track inspection from Stewards on race day morning with the Bureau Of Meteorology forecasting between 10-40mm for the Parramatta region on Saturday. The track missed the bulk of the rain on Thursday but is destined to be in the heavy range if racing gets the green light for the first day of the season. The first day of the new metropolitan racing season is also the Australian Turf Club's Jockeys Celebration Day with all the premiership winners from 2024/25 set to be celebrated across the card. Originally published as Trainer Jason Deamer heading into the unknown with Just In Time at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday
The Australian
11 hours ago
- The Australian
Shayne O'Cass's Rosehill tips: Saturday, August 2, 2025
Form expert Shayne O'Cass analyses all 10 races for Rosehill Gardenson Saturday, presenting his race-by-race tips and analysis. • PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet's team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW! ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 1: Captivant @ Kia Ora (Bm72) 1500m BARBRAY (2) was a $240,000 Magic Millions Yearling. He is by the now reigning Champion Sire, Zoustar, with the great Merlene as his second dam, Bold Promise his third. Back in class (and back home) after a distant sixth of 16 in the Winx Guineas. Beat Malbork Castle by seven lengths on a Heavy 9 at Goulburn. BELLA KHADIJAH (1) ran third to Switzerland on debut at $151. As for her wet form, she was an easy winner on a Heavy 8 at Hawkesbury the other day. AMUSING (5) is actually bred to love the Heavy. Bet: Barbray to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 2: Midway (Bm72) 1400m Hayai Lodge (aka Jim and Greg Lee) had that big winner at Randwick last week and back up this Saturday with a very promising miler/stayer in CONVERGENT (7). He could potentially go 2400m/3200m one day with his breeding. As for Saturday, 1400m will feel like a mile, but he's had two 1000m+ trials since his June 7 Midway second. BLUFF 'N' BLUSTER (15) is 18 starts 1-0-0 at Rosehill but is nine starts 1-2-1 on Heavy ground. Jockey James McDonald has a 70 per cent win strike-rate for trainer Angela Davies and they combine with DENMAN STAR (1). Bet: Convergent to win, Bluff 'N' Bluster to place ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 3: Tab Highway Hcp (C3) 1200m EVERLASTING STARS (13) is owned by R. L Charley as in the Hall of Famer, Bob Charley. The third generation descendant of the crack two-year-old late 1980s, Momentaire, was a shade unlucky in her first Highway run here on July 5 then went out west to Warren and was most emphatic winning that 1200m Benchmark 66 on the Heavy 8. Former Godolphin galloper SHIPSHAPE (9) is back for his third straight Rosehill Highway having run two absolutely giant (from the back) fifths. CAMBAR (7) is a Kosciuszko type who loves the wet. Bet: Everlasting Stars to win (best bet), Shipshape to place ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 4: Congratulations James Mcdonald (Bm78) 1400m TUILERIES (7) was bred to win a Cox Plate. Her father, So You Think, won two of them while her fourth dam is the mother of Rubiton who won the 1987 Cox Plate. Tuileries has won twice and turned in three huge runs each and every time she was beaten. This is easily doable for her; she just has to handle the heavy. SISTER DAAE (11) is third-up now, at home, off a good run followed by a very good run. Same thing with her; she's got to be able to get through this very heavy track. SUPER NORWEST (9) has raced over this same track and distance, three times for two wins (both Highways). Bet: Tuileries to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 5: Congratulations Braith Nock (Bm72) 1200m CONCORDIA WIND (7) was the third top priced yearling at the 2023 HTBA Sale at $100,000 when she actually has a 'million dollar pedigree'. Consider this; she is by Justify out of a Redoute's Choice daughter of Stella Cadente. She's already won $122,825 in seven starts. One win was here, one other was on a Heavy 8 at Gosford. ART'S ALIVE (4) has raced at this track and distance twice for a win and a third. She's come back really well, noting that her two thirds this preparation were both by under a neck between her and the winners. USEAPIN (2) is flying; just not sold on her on heavy ground. Bet: Concordia Wind or if scratched Art's Alive to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 6: National Jockeys Trust Hcp 1500m PHEARSON (5) was more or less beaten by the wide gate in the Winter Challenge. Long story short but he was trapped out on a limb and went forward early; he was so brave to hold down fourth behind The Ingham winner, Robusto. Phearson has won a Festival Stakes at this track and trip and broke his maiden by three lengths on a Heavy 9. French Derby and Golden Eagle participant WELWAL (1) has been running better races than it looks in his four starts for Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr. Won the Group 3 Kevin Heffernen at Caulfield on a Heavy 8. Bet: Phearson to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 7: Jockeys Appreciation (Bm78) 2000m For better or for worse, I'm an AGITA (13) man and have been from his debut on the Kensington track on August 2 two years ago. This David Payne-trained son of Cox Plate winner Adelaide has won on a Heavy 8 at Warwick Farm and he'll be third-up at his rightful trip off two decent mile runs. PIGGYBACK (7) is by a 'duffer' in Trapeze Artist but maybe that double cross of Lunchtime has kicked in given her near faultless record on heavy tracks. She is a Randwick 2000m winner on a Heavy 9. PHILIPSBURG (11) loves the heavy. Bet: Agita each-way ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 8: Jockeys Celebration Day (Bm78) 1400m CAPTAIN FURAI (7) has three wins from seven career starts which is honourable enough by itself. Given what to expect on Saturday, it is worth keeping in mind that the Chris Waller-trained gelding has two wins and a second from his only three starts on Heavy. Had a couple of 'Waller trials' to get him ready for this. LIBERTY STATE (9) has a noble record of four wins and two seconds from 12 starts. One of those win was here at Rosehill over 1200m on a Heavy 8 from barrier 13 of 14 and way back on the turn. GENTLY ROLLED (8) in working up to a win but not sure about the Heavy 8, 9 or 10. Bet: Captain Furai to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 9: Nsw Jockeys Association (Bm94) 1300m Just for what it is worth, I am expecting bigger and better things this preparation from the former Kiwi resident GERIATRIX (7) than what we saw from him in his brief and underwhelming Christmas campaign. He had a fine record back in New Zealand when Lance O'Sullivan had him. Seems to handle the wet, But how wet? The number of ASTERO (5) tell it better than words can; 11 starts at Rosehill for 2-2-2, 13 starts at the trip for 3-1-3 and best of all; 10 starts on Heavy for 3-2-1. Happy 50th start Astero. Imagine if the 2023 Country Championship Final winner ANOTHER ONE (4) could find his old form. Bet: Geriatrix each-way or if scratched Astero each-way and Another One to place ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 10: Congratulations Chris Waller (Bm78) 1100m ROSELYN'S STAR (7) is one of the horses with the most promise, upside is the word they usually use. This third generation descendant of Blue Diamond winner True Jewels went '212' at his first preparation; the seconds were to Gatsby's and Espionage and the win was a big one over Perspiration. Trials? Three of them, all wins. HANAU (5) will have his first start for Mark Miniervini here. Last start winner beating a next start winner. CATCH THE GLORY (8) and BALKANS (4) are among the many other chances. Bet: Roselyn's Star to win or if scratched Hanau to win
The Australian
11 hours ago
- The Australian
Ron Dufficy, Shayne O'Cass Rosehill tips: August 2, 2025
Sky Thoroughbred Central form expert Ron Dufficy is back from a spell and he's keen to launch into a $16 chance on Saturday. Duff joins Racenet's Shayne O'Cass to bring you race-by-race tips and analysis for the 10-race card at Rosehill Gardens. DUFF'S BEST BET Race 7 No.9 JUJA KIBO DUFF'S BEST VALUE Race 10 No.4 BALKANS SHAYNO'S BEST BET Race 3 No.13 EVERLASTING STARS SHAYNO'S BEST VALUE Race 5 No.7 CONCORDIA WIND • PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet's team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW! ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 1: CAPTIVANT @ KIA ORA HCP (1550m) Ron Dufficy: A very even race. I am leaning at the price to BELLA KHADIJAH (1). She gets blinkers on third-up now. It was an easy win for her first-up on a Heavy track and wasn't far away in a harder race last start when she had a lot to do. BARBRAY (2) comes out of the Winx Guineas and a freshen-up. The wet form reads very good for him. NARBOLD (4) has been around the mark without winning of late and should be close up again. AMUSING (5), first run for Godolphin with Chris Waller, is not as well-weighted today but obviously won the lead-up but I think is short enough in the market. Shayne O'Cass: Welcome back Duff! I'm with BARBRAY (2). He was a $240,000 Magic Millions Yearling. He is by the now reigning Champion Sire, Zoustar, with the great Merlene as his second-dam, Bold Promise his third. Back in class (and back home) after the Winx Guineas. He beat Malbork Castle by seven on a Heavy 9 at Goulburn. Trivia time; BELLA KHADIJAH (1) ran third to Switzerland on debut at $151! • EXPERT TIPS: Professional punter James Molony's race-by-race tips and analysis for Rosehill Gardens on Saturday ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 2: MIDWAY HCP (1600m) Duff: Very keen on CONVERGENT (7) here. I think he is showing good talent in his only two starts. I loved the way he went to the line hard held in a recent trial and I think he has plenty more to offer. COLD BREW (5) is still raw and up in class but he is shooting for three straight wins and should stride across from the outside and run another good race. FORECASTER (2) is a good, tough, on-pace competitor who tries hard. Doesn't win often but is set to give a sight. And DENMAN STAR (1) is going well but is sneaking up in the weights now and some concern that his worst run was on a Heavy track. Shayno: Same here for the same reason. CONVERGENT (7) could potentially go 2400m/3200m one day with his breeding. As for Saturday, 1400m will feel like a mile, but he's had two 1000m+ trials since his June 7 Midway second. BLUFF 'N' BLUSTER (15) is 18 starts 1-0-0 at Rosehill BUT is 9 starts 1-2-1 on Heavy ground. DENMAN STAR (1)'s jockey J-Mac has a 70 per cent win strike-rate for trainer Angela Davies. • Freedmans targets fast start at Rosehill ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 3: TAB HIGHWAY HCP (1400m) Duff: Matt Dunn again here in a Highway, Shayno. I think this unbeaten mare WITHOUT PARALLEL (5) has done a good job so far. She was pretty good first-up in fast time at Eagle Farm and has obvious upside. FIRST LANDING (2) is in great form for the new stable. Unproven at 1200m but he did win his only start on that Heavy track there at Newcastle and that form stacks up well. MARTINI MUMMA (3) was much better third-up and she had a few little excuses there as well so she fits in. BENGAL (1) has got a big weight but I think back to a softer track we might see something better from him. Shayno: EVERLASTING STARS (13) is owned by RL Charley as in the Hall of Famer, Bob Charley. The third generation descendant of Momentaire, a crack 2yo in the late 80s, was a shade unlucky in her first Highway run here on July 5 then went out west to Warren and was most emphatic winning that 1200m Benchmark 66 on the Heavy 8. Former Godolphin galloper SHIPSHAPE (9) is back for his third straight Rosehill Highway having run two absolutely giant (from the back) fifths. • Rosehill Turf Talk: Mitch's big throw at stumps on $151 shot ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 4: CONGRATULATIONS JAMES MCDONALD HCP (1400m) Duff: TUILIERIES (7) is the best horse in the race, it is just a matter of whether she can handle a Heavy track. If they decide to run here, I think she has to be top pick. PIPPIE BEACH (2) is two-for-two on Heavy tracks and I have got no issue with her back in distance here. I think maybe she hasn't been running the 1800m of late and she's sure to be running on. LADY EXTREME (1) has a big weight to contend with but she is very genuine in all conditions and sure to give a good sight again. And SISTER DAAE (11) is a lightly-raced mare who is improving all the time. She finished off well last start and she is bred to like it wet. Shayno: Concur with your TUILIERIES (7) assessment, Duff. This is easily doable for her; she just has to handle the heavy. SISTER DAAE (11) is third-up now, at home, off a good run followed by a very good run. Same thing with her; she's got to be able to get through this very heavy track. SUPER NORWEST (9) has raced over this same track and distance, three times for two wins (both Highways). • Wynen hoping to strike gold with Yulong cast-off ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 5: CONGRATULATIONS BRAITH NOCK HCP (1200m) Duff: I like one at odds here Shayno in CONCORDIA WIND (7). The two trials are solid. She won her maiden on a Heavy track last preparation and I am expecting a good finish fresh at good odds here. USEAPIN (2) turned in a solid effort winning there second-up last time and may have returned stronger this preparation. Just a few things have to go right from that draw. METAPHORICALLY (1) did it well winning last start and should get across from the sticky draw in a race that doesn't look too fast on paper. GRAND PRAIRIE (11) only won a midweek maiden last start but he looks a colt with a bit of quality about him who might have more to offer. Shayno: Me too, again! CONCORDIA WIND (7) was the third top priced yearling at the 2023 HTBA Sale at $100,000 when she actually has a 'million dollar pedigree'. Consider this; she is by Justify out of a Redoute's Choice daughter of Stella Cadente. She's already won $122,825 in 7 starts. One win was here, one other was on a Heavy 8 at Gosford. ART'S ALIVE (4) has raced at this track and distance twice for a win and a third. She's come back really well, noting that her two thirds this preparation were both by under a neck between her and the winner(s). • Schiller gets green light for early spring return ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 6: NATIONAL JOCKEYS TRUST HCP (1500m) Duff: I like WELWAL (1). It is a month since having no luck at all there last start. I think he is beautifully weighted with the claim here and he will be hard to hold out in a small field which suits him. HIGHLIGHTS (4) did enough first-up. He usually lifts second-up and this distance suits him much better. He is the value runner here. PHEARSON (5) did an amazing job after doing a lot of work last start. He is a hard horse to catch but if he reproduces that, he is not out of it. HEADLEY GRANGE (3) is a tough bugger. He has returned well and he handles all conditions. Shayno: PHEARSON (5) was more or less beaten by the wide gate in the Winter Challenge. Long story short but he was trapped out on a limb and went forward early; he was so brave to hold down fourth behind The Ingham winner, Robusto et al. Phearson has won a Festival Stakes at this track/trip and broke his maiden by three on a Heavy 9. French Derby and Golden Eagle participant WELWAL (1) has been running better races than it looks in his four starts. • J-Mac in touching distance of Moore's all-time mark ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 7: JOCKEYS APPRECIATION HCP (2000m) Duff: This horse from Victoria – JUJA KIBO (9) – looks very, very promising. He ran very fast sectionals winning at Sandown last time and looks an import who can go further than this. CORMAC T (4) is hard fit. He likes it wet, it is the right time to try a set of blinkers on him, and he could surprise at odds. CAPTAIN MAVERICK (10) is working up to another win. The map appears kind to him here so he could be amongst the chances. CANBERRA LEGEND (3) is hard to trust bit it was a much better run there second-up and he does drop in class. Shayno: For better or for worse, I'm an AGITA (13) man and have been from his debut on the Kensington track on August 2 (that is Saturday's date minus two years). This David Payne-trained son of Cox Plate winner Adelaide has won on a Heavy 8 at Warwick Farm and he'll be third-up at his rightful trip off two decent mile runs. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 8: JOCKEYS CELEBRATION DAY HCP (1400m) Duff: I think back to a Heavy track, LIBERTY STATE (9) can improve. She was terrific winning first-up at Rosehill on the Heavy. Two runs on firmer tracks have been okay so I just feel now that she gets the Heavy track again that she can lift. CAPTAIN FURAI (7) looked very good in his first preparation, all on wet tracks. Three runs on dry last prep were just fair but I am gambling that he might be a wet-tracker and thus hard to beat. CLIMB THE LADDER (14) has had three trials which should have him ready to go. Although untried in the wet, he is a huge yard and market watch. And JUST IN TIME (12) has been dominant for the new stable, winning the past two. Harder race now but hard to knock a winner. Shayno: CAPTAIN FURAI (7) has three wins from seven career starts which is honourable enough by itself. Given what to expect on Saturday, it is worth keeping in mind that the Chris Waller-trained gelding has two wins and a second from his only three starts on Heavy. Had a couple of 'Waller trials' to get him ready for this. LIBERTY STATE (9) has a noble strike-rate of four wins and two seconds from 12 starts. One of those wins was here at Rosehill over 1200m on a Heavy 8 from barrier 13 of 14 and way back on the turn as you say. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 9: NSW JOCKEYS ASSOCIATION HCP (1300m) Duff: The gelding seemed to do the trick with YOSHINOBU (12). I thought he was very good winning first-up and although up in grade, the light weight suits him and he is capable of going on with the job. BUNKER HUT (9); it is a month since an acceptable run first-up. He maps well from the draw and he is very genuine. WAR ETERNAL (3) is a good speck at odds here. He likes it wet and is another one who usually lifts there second-up as a rule. Although I wish it was a touch further but you can't let him go at the price. And GERIATRIX (7) is another huge watch here. He has been gelded, second prep for Chris Waller, and he had good New Zealand form before arriving in Australia. Shayno: Just for what it is worth, I am expecting bigger and better things this preparation from the former Kiwi resident GERIATRIX (7) than what we saw from him in his brief and underwhelming Xmas campaign. He had a fine record back in NZ when Lance O'Sullivan had him. Seems to handle the wet, but how wet? ASTERO (5)'s numbers tell it better than words can; 11 starts at Rosehill for 2-2-2, 13 starts at the trip for 3-1-3 and best of all; 10 starts on Heavy for 3-2-1. Happy 50th start Astero! ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 10: CONGRATULATIONS CHRIS WALLER HCP (1100m) Duff: I think BALKANS (4) is good odds. He was very good in three runs for the new stable last prep. Nice trial leading in and I think he will be hard to hold out if he can handle the going. ROSELYN'S STAR (7) is off a long break but is a fast horse who looks tuned up with a handful of trials so he looks fancied. SPYWIRE (3) is third-up now, no luck start, and although untried on the Heavy, he is primed. FIRST PERSON (13) is a good longshot. Disappointed last start but went back to trials and looked good and has great Heavy form. Shayno: ROSELYN'S STAR (7) is one of the horses with the most promise, upside is the word they usually use. This third generation descendant of Blue Diamond winner True Jewels went '212' at his first preparation; the seconds were to Gatsby's and Espionage and the win was a big one over Perspiration. Trials? Three of them, all wins. HANAU (5) will have his first start for Mark Minervini here. Last start winner beating a next start winner. CATCH THE GLORY (8) and BALKANS (4) are among the many other chances. • 'I want more Group 1s': Collett hungry for bigger wins after breakout year
