upi--2020-12-28--J.J. Watt slams 'trash' Texans' effort, desire after 4th-straight loss

Dec. 28 ( UPI ) -- Three-time Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt had a lot to say after the Houston Texans ' Week 16 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals as he slammed his team 's effort and desire throughout the season .
The Texans have now lost four consecutive games and have a 4-11 record after Sunday 's setback in Houston .
They are tied with the Atlanta Falcons for the third-worst record in the NFL .
`` We 're professional athletes getting paid a whole lot of money , '' Watt told reporters on Sunday .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put work in in the building , go out to the practice field and work hard , do your lifts and do what you 're supposed to do , you should not be here .
This is a job .
We are getting paid a whole lot of money .
`` There are a lot of people that watch us and invest their time and their money into buying our jerseys and buying a whole bunch of [ expletive ] and they care about it .
They care every single week .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4-11 and there 's fans that watched this game , that show up to the stadium , that put in time and energy and effort and care about this .
`` So if you ca n't go out there and you ca n't work out , you ca n't show up on time , you ca n't practice , you ca n't want to go out there and win , you should n't be here , because this is a privilege . ''
Watt called the Texans ' latest effort a `` horrendous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yards to Cincinnati in the 37-31 loss on Sunday .
The Bengals have averaged 328 yards per game this season , the fourth-fewest in the NFL .
Watt , 31 , is in his 10th NFL season .
The No .
11 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft has spent his entire career with the Texans .
The Texans had just two seasons with fewer than nine wins in Watt 's previous nine years with the franchise .
Watt also was asked what the Texans need to do to get a win @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` [ This is ] the greatest job in the world .
You get to go out and play a game , '' Watt said .
`` And if you ca n't care enough , even in Week 17 , even when you 're trash , even when you 're 4-11 , if you ca n't care enough to go out there , give everything you 've got and try your hardest , that 's [ expletive ] .
`` So that 's how .
I think it 's -- there are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that still come up to you and say , hey , we 're still rooting for you , we 're still behind you .
They have no reason whatsoever to .
We stink .
But they care , and they still want to win and they still want you to be great .
That 's why .
`` Those people are n't getting paid .
We 're getting paid handsomely .
That 's why .
And that 's who I feel the most bad for is our fans and the people who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the people who love it and who truly want it to be great .
And it 's not .
And that sucks as a player , to know that we 're not giving them what they deserve . ''
Watt had three tackles on Sunday .
The five-time All-Pro has 49 tackles , 12 tackles for a loss , seven passes defensed , five sacks , two forced fumbles , a fumble recovery , an interception and a touchdown in 15 starts this season .
The Texans end their season with a matchup @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EST on Sunday at NRG Stadium in Houston .

Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt called his team's defensive performance "horrendous" after a loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday in Houston. File Photo by Trask Smith/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 28 (UPI) -- Three-time Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt had a lot to say after the Houston Texans' Week 16 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals as he slammed his team's effort and desire throughout the season. The Texans have now lost four consecutive games and have a 4-11 record after Sunday's setback in Houston. They are tied with the Atlanta Falcons for the third-worst record in the NFL. Advertisement
"We're professional athletes getting paid a whole lot of money," Watt told reporters on Sunday. "If you can't come in and put work in in the building, go out to the practice field and work hard, do your lifts and do what you're supposed to do, you should not be here. This is a job. We are getting paid a whole lot of money.
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"There are a lot of people that watch us and invest their time and their money into buying our jerseys and buying a whole bunch of [expletive] and they care about it. They care every single week. We're in Week 16 and we're 4-11 and there's fans that watched this game, that show up to the stadium, that put in time and energy and effort and care about this.
"So if you can't go out there and you can't work out, you can't show up on time, you can't practice, you can't want to go out there and win, you shouldn't be here, because this is a privilege."
Watt called the Texans' latest effort a "horrendous" defensive display. Houston allowed 540 yards to Cincinnati in the 37-31 loss on Sunday. The Bengals have averaged 328 yards per game this season, the fourth-fewest in the NFL.
Watt, 31, is in his 10th NFL season. The No. 11 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft has spent his entire career with the Texans. The Texans had just two seasons with fewer than nine wins in Watt's previous nine years with the franchise.
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Watt also was asked what the Texans need to do to get a win in Week 17 after Sunday's setback.
"[This is] the greatest job in the world. You get to go out and play a game," Watt said. "And if you can't care enough, even in Week 17, even when you're trash, even when you're 4-11, if you can't care enough to go out there, give everything you've got and try your hardest, that's [expletive].
"So that's how. I think it's -- there are people every week that still tweet you, that still come up to you and say, hey, we're still rooting for you, we're still behind you. They have no reason whatsoever to. We stink. But they care, and they still want to win and they still want you to be great. That's why.
"Those people aren't getting paid. We're getting paid handsomely. That's why. And that's who I feel the most bad for is our fans and the people who care so deeply and the city and the people who love it and who truly want it to be great. And it's not. And that sucks as a player, to know that we're not giving them what they deserve."
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Watt had three tackles on Sunday. The five-time All-Pro has 49 tackles, 12 tackles for a loss, seven passes defensed, five sacks, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, an interception and a touchdown in 15 starts this season.
The Texans end their season with a matchup against the Tennessee Titans at 4:25 p.m. EST on Sunday at NRG Stadium in Houston.This week in the National Football League.
This week in the National Football League


upi--2020-12-28--EU officials give key approval for Brexit trade deal as changes loom

Dec. 28 ( UPI ) -- EU ambassadors on Monday unanimously approved the historic Brexit trade agreement between the bloc and Britain , clearing a key procedural step that allows the deal to move forward before the transition period expires in a few days .
The ambassadors ' approval Monday was expected after the trade agreement was reached last Thursday .
Nonetheless , it was a critical step in resolving Britain 's formal departure from the 27-member alliance 11 months ago .
While formal ratification by European Parliament will come after the transition period ends on Thursday at midnight , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Britons will immediately begin to see the impact .
For example , Britain 's free healthcare through the European Health Insurance card comes to an end along with cellphone roaming fees .
`` I 'm sure there will be bumpy moments , but we are there in order to try to do everything we can to smooth the path , '' British minister Michael Gove said Monday .
`` The nature of our new relationship with the EU -- outside the Single Market and Customs Union -- means that there are practical and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get ready for . ''
Among the things that will expire with the transition period late Thursday are the free movements of persons , goods , services and currency between Britain and EU states .
`` The EU and [ Britain ] will form two separate markets ; two distinct regulatory and legal spaces , '' the EU said in a statement last week .
`` This will recreate barriers to trade in goods and services and to cross-border mobility and exchanges that have not existed for decades -- in both directions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ citizens and stakeholders on both sides . ''

A security officer patrols near a checkpoint at the Eurotunnel, a passageway between Britain and France. File Photo by Yoan Valat/EPA-EFE
Dec. 28 (UPI) -- EU ambassadors on Monday unanimously approved the historic Brexit trade agreement between the bloc and Britain, clearing a key procedural step that allows the deal to move forward before the transition period expires in a few days. The ambassadors' approval Monday was expected after the trade agreement was reached last Thursday. Nonetheless, it was a critical step in resolving Britain's formal departure from the 27-member alliance 11 months ago. Advertisement
While formal ratification by European Parliament will come after the transition period ends on Thursday at midnight, British Parliament will vote this week and Britons will immediately begin to see the impact.
For example, Britain's free healthcare through the European Health Insurance card comes to an end along with cellphone roaming fees.
"I'm sure there will be bumpy moments, but we are there in order to try to do everything we can to smooth the path," British minister Michael Gove said Monday.
"The nature of our new relationship with the EU -- outside the Single Market and Customs Union -- means that there are practical and procedural changes that businesses and citizens need to get ready for."
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Among the things that will expire with the transition period late Thursday are the free movements of persons, goods, services and currency between Britain and EU states.
"The EU and [Britain] will form two separate markets; two distinct regulatory and legal spaces," the EU said in a statement last week.
"This will recreate barriers to trade in goods and services and to cross-border mobility and exchanges that have not existed for decades -- in both directions, affecting public administrations, businesses, citizens and stakeholders on both sides."
Pictures of the Year: top U.S. news images for 2020
President Donald Trump takes off his face mask as he returns to the White House after undergoing treatment for COVID-19 at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on October 5. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI | License Photo


upi--2020-12-28--North Korea’s economy dwarfed by neighboring South, data show

Dec. 28 ( UPI ) -- North Korea 's gross domestic product is only a fraction of the South 's , and the North Korean birth rate is relatively low compared with other developing countries , according to Seoul .
The National Statistical Office said in its new report on North Korean indicators North Korea 's GDP is 1.8 % of the South 's , South Korean newspaper Hankyoreh reported Monday .
The economic gap between North and South is also widening .
North Korea 's economy registered negative growth in 2017 and 2018 before recovering in 2019 , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , North Korea 's estimated GDP was about $ 32.2 billion , or a fraction of the South 's $ 1.75 trillion .
North Koreans continue to live in dire poverty .
The country 's gross national income per capita was $ 1,285 .
The South 's was estimated to be $ 34,100 per capita , according to the report .
Food has been reported as scarce in North Korea , but the country produces more rice , barley and other grains combined than the South , the NSO said .
Crops including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4.64 million tons , or 260,000 tons greater than in the South where grain production reached 4.38 million tons .
North Korea rice production remained relatively low , however .
The country 's rice output is estimated to be about 60 % of the South 's in 2019 .
North Korea 's population has grown after a catastrophic famine in the '90s , but the nation is aging at a faster pace than most developing countries .
The segment of the North Korean population that is 65 years or older was 9.9 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2009 , according to South Korean newspaper Chosun Ilbo on Monday .
South Korean analysts previously have said the birth rate is lower in North Korea compared with other developing countries .
Choi Joon-ook , a senior research fellow at the Korea Institute of Public Finance in the South , said in a 2017 report North Korea deviates from the norm of higher birth rates among developing nations , according to the Chosun .
North Korea 's mandatory military service for men and women 's participation in informal markets could be the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report said .

North Korea's economy contracted in 2017 and 2018 before growing in 2019, a new report from South Korea's statistical agency said Monday. File Photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 28 (UPI) -- North Korea's gross domestic product is only a fraction of the South's, and the North Korean birth rate is relatively low compared with other developing countries, according to Seoul. The National Statistical Office said in its new report on North Korean indicators North Korea's GDP is 1.8% of the South's, South Korean newspaper Hankyoreh reported Monday. Advertisement
The economic gap between North and South is also widening. North Korea's economy registered negative growth in 2017 and 2018 before recovering in 2019, the NSO's report said. In 2019, North Korea's estimated GDP was about $32.2 billion, or a fraction of the South's $1.75 trillion.
North Koreans continue to live in dire poverty. The country's gross national income per capita was $1,285. The South's was estimated to be $34,100 per capita, according to the report.
Food has been reported as scarce in North Korea, but the country produces more rice, barley and other grains combined than the South, the NSO said. Crops including rice and barley are estimated to be 4.64 million tons, or 260,000 tons greater than in the South where grain production reached 4.38 million tons. North Korea rice production remained relatively low, however. The country's rice output is estimated to be about 60% of the South's in 2019.
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North Korea's population has grown after a catastrophic famine in the '90s, but the nation is aging at a faster pace than most developing countries. The segment of the North Korean population that is 65 years or older was 9.9% in 2019, up from 8.8% in 2009, according to South Korean newspaper Chosun Ilbo on Monday.
South Korean analysts previously have said the birth rate is lower in North Korea compared with other developing countries.
Choi Joon-ook, a senior research fellow at the Korea Institute of Public Finance in the South, said in a 2017 report North Korea deviates from the norm of higher birth rates among developing nations, according to the Chosun.
North Korea's mandatory military service for men and women's participation in informal markets could be the reason for lower birth rates, the report said.


upi--2020-12-28--House to vote Monday on increasing stimulus payments to $2,000

Dec. 28 ( UPI ) -- Less than a day after President Donald Trump signed the $ 900 billion COVID-19 relief package , the House will vote Monday on a measure to increase direct stimulus payments to Americans to $ 2,000 each .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will bring the measure -- called the Caring for Americans with Supplemental Help , or CASH Act -- to a floor vote , forcing House Republicans on the record on the issue of larger stimulus payments .
The newly signed measure , as it currently stands , provides only $ 600 payments to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bill for days over a multitude of complaints , including his desire to raise the amount to $ 2,000 .
A bid by House Democrats on Thursday to get unanimous consent for the raised amount was blocked by House Republican leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy .
`` The signing of the bipartisan , bicameral coronavirus relief legislation is welcome news for the 14 million Americans who just lost the lifeline of unemployment benefits on Christmas weekend , and for the millions more struggling to stay afloat during this historic pandemic and economic crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday .
`` We need to ensure robust support for state and local government to distribute and administer a vaccine , keep workers employed and prevent devastating service cuts -- and we must do so as soon as possible .
`` Now , the president must immediately call on congressional Republicans to end their obstruction and to join him and Democrats in support of our standalone legislation to increase direct payment checks to $ 2,000 .
... Every Republican vote against this bill is a vote to deny the financial hardship that families @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the relief they need . ''
This time , it appears the prospect of increasing the stimulus amount has more Republican support .
`` On Monday , the House will vote to increase payments to individuals from $ 600 to $ 2,000 .
Therefore , a family of four would receive $ 5,200 , '' Trump said in a statement late Sunday .
`` The Senate will start the process for a vote that increases checks to $ 2,000 . ''
At least one GOP House member , Rep. Tom Reed of New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the increase .
`` The American people are hurting , '' Reed , co-chair of the bipartisan `` Problem Solvers '' group of about 50 lawmakers , said in a statement .
`` Economic stagnation and lockdowns have left many in difficult financial situations .
I 've communicated to the president my support for his directive to increase the total size of stimulus checks to $ 2,000 per individual and will be voting in favor of the CASH Act tomorrow to do so . ''
The new round of stimulus payments will go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 75,000 last year .
The amount will gradually decrease by $ 5 for every $ 100 earned over the income threshold .
The president last week called the relief package and attached omnibus spending bill a `` disgrace , '' even though Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin was Trump 's point man for months in the negotiations with House Democrats for what ultimately became the aid package .
The spending bill , like the relief measure , was also signed Sunday night and will fund the federal government until October .

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., walks from the House floor to her office on Monday as the House voted to increase a new round of stimulus payments to most Americans to $2,000. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 28 (UPI) -- Less than a day after President Donald Trump signed the $900 billion COVID-19 relief package, the House passed a measure Monday to increase direct stimulus payments to Americans to $2,000 each from $600. The legislation -- called the Caring for Americans with Supplemental Help, or CASH Act -- passed in a 275-134 floor vote brought by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Advertisement
Monday's vote sends the measure to the Republican-held Senate.
In a statement Sunday, House Republican leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said he was "glad the American people will receive this much-needed assistance" after Trump signed the bill that included the $600 payments.
But McConnell did not comment on the Senate taking up the $2,000 payment bill if passed by the House.
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Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., said he planned to block a vote to override Trump's veto of a defense funding bill until the chamber votes on the stimulus measure.
"This week on the Senate floor, Mitch McConnell wants to vote to override Trump's veto of the $740 billion defense funding bill and then head home for the New Year," Sanders wrote on Twitter.
"I'm going to object until we get a vote on legislation to provide a $2,000 direct payment to the working class."
The newly signed relief measure, as it currently stands, provides only $600 payments to most Americans, but Trump delayed signing the bill for days over a multitude of complaints, including his desire to raise the amount to $2,000.
A bid by House Democrats on Thursday to get unanimous consent for the raised amount was blocked by House Republican leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy, forcing Monday's vote.
"The signing of the bipartisan, bicameral coronavirus relief legislation is welcome news for the 14 million Americans who just lost the lifeline of unemployment benefits on Christmas weekend, and for the millions more struggling to stay afloat during this historic pandemic and economic crisis," Pelosi said in a statement Sunday.
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"We need to ensure robust support for state and local government to distribute and administer a vaccine, keep workers employed and prevent devastating service cuts -- and we must do so as soon as possible.
"Now, the president must immediately call on congressional Republicans to end their obstruction and to join him and Democrats in support of our standalone legislation to increase direct payment checks to $2,000.
"Every Republican vote against this bill is a vote to deny the financial hardship that families face and to deny the American people the relief they need."
This time, the prospect of increasing the stimulus amount received more Republican support, as Rep. Tom Reed of New York, declared before the vote that he would support the increase.
"The American people are hurting," Reed, co-chair of the bipartisan "Problem Solvers" group of about 50 lawmakers, said in a statement.
"Economic stagnation and lockdowns have left many in difficult financial situations. I've communicated to the president my support for his directive to increase the total size of stimulus checks to $2,000 per individual and will be voting in favor of the CASH Act tomorrow to do so," the statement said.
The new round of stimulus payments will go to most Americans who earned less than $75,000 last year. The amount will gradually decrease by $5 for every $100 earned over the income threshold.
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The president last week called the relief package and attached omnibus spending bill a "disgrace," even though Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin was Trump's point man for months in the negotiations with House Democrats for what ultimately became the aid package.
The spending bill, like the relief measure, was also signed Sunday night and will fund the federal government until October.
Pictures of the Year: top U.S. news images for 2020


upi--2020-12-28--Villanova basketball coach Jay Wright tests positive for COVID-19, program pauses

Dec. 28 ( UPI ) -- Villanova has paused all men 's basketball team activities after coach Jay Wright and another staff member tested positive for COVID-19 , the school announced .
`` Our players have been very diligent and disciplined with all of the COVID protocols , '' Wright said in a news release .
`` Unfortunately , we have had two staff members test positive .
I am one of them .
My symptoms are mild , and we remain connected as a team and staff by phone and Zoom .
`` I am grateful to our team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has worked tirelessly to help guide us safely through this . ''
The Wildcats were set to continue Big East conference play with a game against Xavier on Saturday in Cincinnati , but that game has been postponed .
Villanova ( 8-1 ) is ranked No .
3 in the coaches poll .
The school said no determination has been made for games beyond the postponed matchup with Xavier .
The Wildcats are scheduled to face DePaul on Jan. 5 and Marquette on Jan. 8 .
The men 's basketball programs at Loyola @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Christi also paused team activities over the weekend due to issues with COVID-19 .
On Friday , the Duke women 's basketball team canceled the remainder of its 2020-21 season `` due to health and safety concerns stemming from COVID-19 . ''

Villanova men's basketball coach Jay Wright said he has mild symptoms and is in isolation after he tested positive for COVID-19. File Photo by John Sommers II/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 28 (UPI) -- Villanova has paused all men's basketball team activities after coach Jay Wright and another staff member tested positive for COVID-19, the school announced. "Our players have been very diligent and disciplined with all of the COVID protocols," Wright said in a news release. Advertisement
"Unfortunately, we have had two staff members test positive. I am one of them. My symptoms are mild, and we remain connected as a team and staff by phone and Zoom.
"I am grateful to our team physician, Dr. Mike Duncan, who has worked tirelessly to help guide us safely through this."
The Wildcats were set to continue Big East conference play with a game against Xavier on Saturday in Cincinnati, but that game has been postponed. Villanova (8-1) is ranked No. 3 in the coaches poll.
The school said no determination has been made for games beyond the postponed matchup with Xavier. The Wildcats are scheduled to face DePaul on Jan. 5 and Marquette on Jan. 8.
The men's basketball programs at Loyola Marymount and Texas A&M Corpus Christi also paused team activities over the weekend due to issues with COVID-19.
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On Friday, the Duke women's basketball team canceled the remainder of its 2020-21 season "due to health and safety concerns stemming from COVID-19."


upi--2020-12-28--Rays to trade ace pitcher Blake Snell to Padres

Dec. 28 ( UPI ) -- The Tampa Bay Rays have agreed to trade ace pitcher Blake Snell to the San Diego Padres .
Sources informed ESPN , MLB Network and The Athletic of the swap on Sunday night .
The Padres have agreed to send right-handed pitchers Luis Patino and Cole Wilcox , as well as catchers Blake Hunt and Francisco Mejia , to the Rays in exchange for the 2018 American League Cy Young Award winner .
Neither team has confirmed the swap , which is pending a physical .
Snell , 28 , posted a 4-2 record @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season for the Rays .
He had a league-high 21 wins and American League-best 1.89 ERA in 31 games in 2018 .
Snell is signed through 2023 .
Patino , 21 , is the No .
3 prospect in the Padres system .
He is the No .
23 prospect in baseball , according to MLB Pipeline .
He had a 5.19 ERA and 1-0 record in 11 appearances last season for San Diego .
Wilcox , 21 , is the Padres ' No .
7 prospect .
Hunt , 22 , is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The third-round pick in the 2020 MLB Draft had a 1.57 ERA and 3-0 record in four starts last season at the University of Georgia .
Hunt , 22 , hit .255 with five home runs in 89 games in 2019 for Class A Fort Wayne .
Mejia , 25 , was the No .
15 prospect in baseball in 2018 , when he was traded to the Padres from the Cleveland Indians .
He hit .077 with a home run and two RBIs in 17 games last season for the Padres @

Ace pitcher Blake Snell is headed to the San Diego Padres via trade after he helped the Tampa Bay Rays reach the World Series last season. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 28 (UPI) -- The Tampa Bay Rays have agreed to trade ace pitcher Blake Snell to the San Diego Padres. Sources informed ESPN, MLB Network and The Athletic of the swap on Sunday night. Advertisement
The Padres have agreed to send right-handed pitchers Luis Patino and Cole Wilcox, as well as catchers Blake Hunt and Francisco Mejia, to the Rays in exchange for the 2018 American League Cy Young Award winner.
Neither team has confirmed the swap, which is pending a physical.
Snell, 28, posted a 4-2 record and 3.24 ERA in 11 games last season for the Rays. He had a league-high 21 wins and American League-best 1.89 ERA in 31 games in 2018. Snell is signed through 2023.
Patino, 21, is the No. 3 prospect in the Padres system. He is the No. 23 prospect in baseball, according to MLB Pipeline. He had a 5.19 ERA and 1-0 record in 11 appearances last season for San Diego.
Wilcox, 21, is the Padres' No. 7 prospect. Hunt, 22, is the Padres' No. 14 prospect. The third-round pick in the 2020 MLB Draft had a 1.57 ERA and 3-0 record in four starts last season at the University of Georgia.
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Hunt, 22, hit .255 with five home runs in 89 games in 2019 for Class A Fort Wayne.
Mejia, 25, was the No. 15 prospect in baseball in 2018, when he was traded to the Padres from the Cleveland Indians. He hit .077 with a home run and two RBIs in 17 games last season for the Padres.


upi--2020-12-28--New COVID-19 cases, deaths in U.S. fall to lowest levels in weeks

Dec. 28 ( UPI ) -- The United States on Sunday saw significant decreases in COVID-19 cases and deaths -- marks that were two of the lowest in weeks , according to updated data from Johns Hopkins University .
The data shows 150,100 new coronavirus cases and about 1,200 related deaths nationwide .
The case count , apart from Christmas Day , is the lowest since late November and the death toll is just the second this month that 's been 1,200 or lower .
Cases and deaths are typically lower on Sundays and Mondays , due to slower reporting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the pandemic , there have been 19.14 million coronavirus cases and about 333,200 deaths in the United States , according to Johns Hopkins .
The United States is now averaging about 2,200 deaths per day , a 15 % decline compared to a week ago , according to Stat .
The nation is averaging 184,000 new cases per day , also a decline of almost 15 % over last week .
After ascending to records for almost three weeks , the number of COVID-19 patients hospitalized nationwide ( about 119,000 ) has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the COVID Tracking Project .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has adjusted vaccine safety guidelines for persons with underlying conditions .
The updated guidance says those with underlying conditions can receive either of the approved messenger RNA , or `` mRNA , '' vaccines if they have not had a severe allergic reaction to any of their ingredients .
The available mRNA vaccines are made by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna .
Those with HIV or otherwise weakened immune systems , the CDC added , can also take the vaccine but there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ potential side effects for those groups .
`` People living with HIV were included in clinical trials , though safety data specific to this group are not yet available at this time , '' the CDC wrote .
The CDC gave similar advice for persons with autoimmune conditions -- that they can receive an mRNA vaccine but should be aware that there 's no specific safety data available for them .
Potential volunteers with autoimmune diseases were excluded from clinical trials due to the uncertainty .
Texas , Tennessee and California are experiencing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country , according to updated data Monday .
Texas had the highest last week , about 133 cases per 100,000 people , followed by Tennessee ( 111 ) and California ( 104 ) , according to the Brown School of Public Health .
• Scientists say the pandemic has both helped and hindered medical research in 2020 -- delaying some trials while facilitating the process for others .
The lessons could help streamline medical studies going forward , experts say .
• House Democrats will again attempt to increase the amount of direct @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to $ 2,000 .
President Donald Trump signed the relief bill late Sunday , but lawmakers can still increase the payment amount .
House Republicans blocked an attempt last week to raise the amount .

A "Hope" mask is seen Thursday on the Fearless Girl statue in front of the New York Stock Exchange on Wall Street in New York City. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 28 (UPI) -- The United States on Sunday saw significant decreases in COVID-19 cases and deaths -- marks that were two of the lowest in weeks, according to updated data from Johns Hopkins University. The data shows 150,100 new coronavirus cases and about 1,200 related deaths nationwide. The case count, apart from Christmas Day, is the lowest since late November and the death toll is just the second this month that's been 1,200 or lower. Advertisement
Cases and deaths are typically lower on Sundays and Mondays, due to slower reporting over the weekends.
Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 19.14 million coronavirus cases and about 333,200 deaths in the United States, according to Johns Hopkins.
The United States is now averaging about 2,200 deaths per day, a 15% decline compared to a week ago, according to Stat. The nation is averaging 184,000 new cases per day, also a decline of almost 15% over last week.
After ascending to records for almost three weeks, the number of COVID-19 patients hospitalized nationwide (about 119,000) has leveled off and declined slightly, according to the COVID Tracking Project.
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has adjusted vaccine safety guidelines for persons with underlying conditions.
The updated guidance says those with underlying conditions can receive either of the approved messenger RNA, or "mRNA," vaccines if they have not had a severe allergic reaction to any of their ingredients. The available mRNA vaccines are made by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna.
Those with HIV or otherwise weakened immune systems, the CDC added, can also take the vaccine but there's a lack of hard data about potential side effects for those groups.
"People living with HIV were included in clinical trials, though safety data specific to this group are not yet available at this time," the CDC wrote.
The CDC gave similar advice for persons with autoimmune conditions -- that they can receive an mRNA vaccine but should be aware that there's no specific safety data available for them. Potential volunteers with autoimmune diseases were excluded from clinical trials due to the uncertainty.
Texas, Tennessee and California are experiencing the fastest COVID-19 transmission rates in the country, according to updated data Monday.
Texas had the highest last week, about 133 cases per 100,000 people, followed by Tennessee (111) and California (104), according to the Brown School of Public Health.
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Other COVID-19 news Monday:


upi--2020-12-28--Jaguars secure top draft pick after loss to Bears

Dec. 28 ( UPI ) -- The Jacksonville Jaguars have clinched the No .
1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft after a Week 16 loss to the Chicago Bears .
Jacksonville had just 279 total yards in its latest loss , a 41-17 thrashing from the Chicago Bears on Sunday at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville , Fla .
The Jaguars fell to 1-14 on the season with the setback .
The Bears scored 31 unanswered points and outscored the Jaguars 21-0 in the third quarter of the victory .
Chicago ( 8-7 ) has won three consecutive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ points in four consecutive games .
The Bears hold the No .
7 seed in the NFC playoff picture and can clinch a spot in the postseason with a win next week in Chicago .
`` I am just proud of our players for just understanding where we sat going into [ Sunday 's ] game and what is sitting ahead of us , '' Bears coach Matt Nagy told reporters .
`` We talked about it all week long .
Our guys responded , they listened , they are coachable and we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The latest Jaguars loss -- paired with Sunday 's New York Jets win over the Cleveland Browns -- secured Jacksonville 's spot atop the draft order .
The Jets own the No .
2 overall pick , while the rest of the draft order has not been determined .
Mitchell Trubisky completed 24 of 35 passes for 265 yards , two scores and an interception for the Bears in Sunday 's win .
Bears running back David Montgomery had 23 carries for 95 yards and a score .
Bears tight end Jimmy Graham @ @ @ @ @ @ @ began the game with a 12-play , 71-yard drive .
Jaguars kicker Aldrick Rosas ended that possession with a 26-yard field goal .
The Bears responded with a 10-play , 75-yard touchdown drive .
Trubisky had a five-yard connection with Graham to end that possession .
Bears kicker Cairo Santos made a 20-yard field goal on Chicago 's next drive to push the lead to 10-3 .
The Jaguars then tied the score when Mike Glennon threw a 20-yard touchdown pass to D.J .
Chark Jr. 8:21 before halftime .
Santos then made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the second quarter to give the Bears a 13-10 lead at halftime .
Trubisky then had a six-yard touchdown run to end the Bears first drive of the second half .
Montgomery , Graham and Artavis Pierce each scored touchdowns on the Bears next three drives to give Chicago a 41-10 advantage with 11:47 remaining in the game .
Glennon connected with Laviska Shenault Jr. on a 34-yard touchdown pass with 4:29 remaining for the final points of the night .
The Bears host the Green Bay Packers in their final game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EST on Sunday in Chicago .
The Jaguars face the Indianapolis Colts at 4:25 p.m. EST on Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis .
`` I told [ Jaguars players ] after the game that 2020 has been [ bad ] .
We all know that , '' Jaguars coach Doug Marrone said .
`` But the way I look at it is we have ourselves a game starting in 2021 , so let 's make this change .
Let 's just change this thing . ''

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The Jacksonville Jaguars running back Dare Ogunbowale had 14 carries for 71 yards in a loss to the Chicago Bears on Sunday in Jacksonville, Fla. Photo by Joe Marino/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 28 (UPI) -- The Jacksonville Jaguars have clinched the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft after a Week 16 loss to the Chicago Bears. Jacksonville had just 279 total yards in its latest loss, a 41-17 thrashing from the Chicago Bears on Sunday at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jaguars fell to 1-14 on the season with the setback. Advertisement
The Bears scored 31 unanswered points and outscored the Jaguars 21-0 in the third quarter of the victory. Chicago (8-7) has won three consecutive games and has scored at least 30 points in four consecutive games.
The Bears hold the No. 7 seed in the NFC playoff picture and can clinch a spot in the postseason with a win next week in Chicago.
"I am just proud of our players for just understanding where we sat going into [Sunday's] game and what is sitting ahead of us," Bears coach Matt Nagy told reporters.
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"We talked about it all week long. Our guys responded, they listened, they are coachable and we loved that as a coach."
The latest Jaguars loss -- paired with Sunday's New York Jets win over the Cleveland Browns -- secured Jacksonville's spot atop the draft order. The Jets own the No. 2 overall pick, while the rest of the draft order has not been determined.
Mitchell Trubisky completed 24 of 35 passes for 265 yards, two scores and an interception for the Bears in Sunday's win. Bears running back David Montgomery had 23 carries for 95 yards and a score. Bears tight end Jimmy Graham scored twice in the win.
Jacksonville began the game with a 12-play, 71-yard drive. Jaguars kicker Aldrick Rosas ended that possession with a 26-yard field goal.
The Bears responded with a 10-play, 75-yard touchdown drive. Trubisky had a five-yard connection with Graham to end that possession. Bears kicker Cairo Santos made a 20-yard field goal on Chicago's next drive to push the lead to 10-3.
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The Jaguars then tied the score when Mike Glennon threw a 20-yard touchdown pass to D.J. Chark Jr. 8:21 before halftime.
Santos then made a 40-yard field goal at the end of the second quarter to give the Bears a 13-10 lead at halftime.
Trubisky then had a six-yard touchdown run to end the Bears first drive of the second half. Montgomery, Graham and Artavis Pierce each scored touchdowns on the Bears next three drives to give Chicago a 41-10 advantage with 11:47 remaining in the game.
Glennon connected with Laviska Shenault Jr. on a 34-yard touchdown pass with 4:29 remaining for the final points of the night.
The Bears host the Green Bay Packers in their final game of the regular season at 4:25 p.m. EST on Sunday in Chicago. The Jaguars face the Indianapolis Colts at 4:25 p.m. EST on Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
"I told [Jaguars players] after the game that 2020 has been [bad]. We all know that," Jaguars coach Doug Marrone said.
"But the way I look at it is we have ourselves a game starting in 2021, so let's make this change. Let's just change this thing."
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This week in the National Football League


upi--2020-12-28--Rare New Zealand white kiwi, Manukura, dies after surgery to remove lodged egg

Dec. 28 ( UPI ) -- A rare 9-year-old white kiwi living at a wildlife center in New Zealand has died after it had surgery to remove an infertile egg that became stuck inside .
The North Island kiwi , named Manukura , became part of the Pukaha Wildlife Center family and gained worldwide attention in 2011 when she was the first white kiwi ever hatched in captivity .
`` It is with great sadness we announce the loss of our dear friend Manukura , '' said a message Sunday on a memorial Facebook page for Manukura .
`` For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coming days our minds will turn to how we honor Manukura , and what those options may be . ''
Pukaha officials took the white kiwi to Massey University 's Wildbase Hospital after noticing that Manukura was not eating and losing weight .
Pukaha General Manager Emily Court said veterinarians performed additional surgery once they removed the egg .
`` More surgery was then required to remove her oviduct and most of her left ovary , '' Court said .
`` The surgeries went well but were not enough to save the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deteriorate in the weeks following the operation . ''
The rare white kiwi inherited her white feathers from a rare genetic trait from her parents , both North Island brown kiwi ( Apteryx mantelli ) from Little Barrier Island .
`` Manukura is very much a part of the Pukaha family and we have always felt so blessed to have Manukura to help us to tell the Aotearoa 's conservation story , '' Court added .
`` The incredible team at Wildbase did everything in their power to save her but it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kiwi was the first of three white kiwi hatched at the center nearly a decade ago .
Manukura had surgery to remove stones in 2011 when she was just a few months old , and UPI reported in 2012 that she 'd been paired with a male mate for breeding .
Kiwi , flightless birds that are the smallest members of the ratite bird group , are native to New Zealand and the North Island kiwi 's eggs are the largest of any bird species in the world -- often comprising up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Kiwi can live for between 25 and 50 years .

Manukura, a rare white kiwi, was hospitalized when caretakers noticed that she wasn't eating and had lost weight. Photo courtesy Environmental Conservation Organization/Facebook
Dec. 28 (UPI) -- A rare 9-year-old white kiwi living at a wildlife center in New Zealand has died after it had surgery to remove an infertile egg that became stuck inside. The North Island kiwi, named Manukura, became part of the Pukaha Wildlife Center family and gained worldwide attention in 2011 when she was the first white kiwi ever hatched in captivity. Advertisement
"It is with great sadness we announce the loss of our dear friend Manukura," said a message Sunday on a memorial Facebook page for Manukura.
"For now we will all grieve but in the coming days our minds will turn to how we honor Manukura, and what those options may be."
Pukaha officials took the white kiwi to Massey University's Wildbase Hospital after noticing that Manukura was not eating and losing weight. Pukaha General Manager Emily Court said veterinarians performed additional surgery once they removed the egg.
"More surgery was then required to remove her oviduct and most of her left ovary," Court said.
"The surgeries went well but were not enough to save the ailing kiwi, whose health continued to deteriorate in the weeks following the operation."
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The rare white kiwi inherited her white feathers from a rare genetic trait from her parents, both North Island brown kiwi (Apteryx mantelli) from Little Barrier Island.
"Manukura is very much a part of the Pukaha family and we have always felt so blessed to have Manukura to help us to tell the Aotearoa's conservation story," Court added.
"The incredible team at Wildbase did everything in their power to save her but it was her time to go."
The kiwi was the first of three white kiwi hatched at the center nearly a decade ago. Manukura had surgery to remove stones in 2011 when she was just a few months old, and UPI reported in 2012 that she'd been paired with a male mate for breeding.
Kiwi, flightless birds that are the smallest members of the ratite bird group, are native to New Zealand and the North Island kiwi's eggs are the largest of any bird species in the world -- often comprising up to 20% of the mother's weight.
Kiwi can live for between 25 and 50 years.
Pictures of the Year: top U.S. news images for 2020


upi--2020-12-28--Aidy Bryant celebrates 'Shrill' Season 3 wrap: 'I love this cast'

Dec. 28 ( UPI ) -- Aidy Bryant celebrated the wrapping of Shrill Season 3 on Instagram alongside her co-star @ @ @ @ @ 's a wrap on @ shrillhulu season 3 !
I love this cast and crew @ @ @ @ @ explain .
See you sooooon , '' Bryant said on Sunday .
The actress posted @ @ @ @ @ the pair smiling together .
Shrill , which launched in March 2019 , was renewed @ @ @ @ @ Hulu in March .
Season 2 premiered in January with Season 3 arriving in 2021 @ @ @ @ @ on the Lindy West book Shrill : Notes from a Loud Woman .
Bryant stars @ @ @ @ @ who lives in Portland , Ore. Bryant and Ali Rushfield co-created the show with Lindy @ @ @ @ @ showrunner .

Dec. 28 (UPI) -- Aidy Bryant celebrated the wrapping of Shrill Season 3 on Instagram alongside her co-star Lolly Adefope.
"That's a wrap on @shrillhulu season 3! I love this cast and crew more than I could ever explain. See you sooooon," Bryant said on Sunday.
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The actress posted a selfie with Adefope with the pair smiling together.
Shrill, which launched in March 2019, was renewed for a third season by Hulu in March. Season 2 premiered in January with Season 3 arriving in 2021.
The series is based on the Lindy West book Shrill: Notes from a Loud Woman. Bryant stars as aspiring journalist Annie Easton who lives in Portland, Ore.
Luka Jones, John Cameron Mitchell, Ian Owens and Patti Harrison also star.
Bryant and Ali Rushfield co-created the show with Lindy. Rushfield also serves as showrunner.


upi--2020-12-28--Aaron Rodgers-DavanteAdams connection leads Green Bay Packers in 40-14 rout of Tennessee Titans

Dec. 28 ( UPI ) -- One of the NFL 's most-prolific offenses warmed up a snow-covered Lambeau Field as Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers dominated the Tennessee Titans on Sunday Night Football .
Rodgers threw three of his four touchdown passes to wide receiver Davante Adams in the 40-14 blowout on Sunday in Green Bay , Wis. Adams totaled 142 yards on 11 receptions in the victory .
`` It just turned into putting on a show , '' Rodgers told reporters .
`` We had an opportunity to be in prime time against a really good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about us not beating enough teams and not playing a complete game .
`` This was our response . ''
The Packers defense held Titans running back Derrick Henry to less than 100 rushing yards for just the second time since Week 9 .
`` To hold a team like that to 14 points and 260 yards was a hell of a performance by our defense , '' Packers coach Matt LaFleur said .
Rodgers orchestrated an eight-play , 60-yard touchdown drive on the game 's opening possession .
He ended the drive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He also ended the Packers ' second drive with a touchdown pass , connecting with Equanimeous St. Brown for a 21-yard score to give the Packers a 12-0 edge at the start of the second quarter .
Packers safety Darnell Savage intercepted Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill on the next possession and Green Bay scored six plays later when Rodgers connected with Adams for a seven-yard score .
Tannehill threw a 12-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jonnu Smith three drives later to make the score 19-7 at halftime .
The Titans cut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the third quarter when Tannehill scored on a 45-yard run to make it 19-14 three minutes into the second half .
But the Packers responded on the next possession when running back Aaron Jones ripped off a 59-yard run on the first play of the drive .
Rodgers then threw and eight-yard touchdown toss to Adams two plays later .
The Packers added to their lead with a 30-yard A.J .
Dillon touchdown run about six minutes later and Dillon scored the last touchdown of the game on a seven-yard run with 2:25 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 124 yards and two scores in the win and Jones had 108 yards from scrimmage on 12 touches for the Packers .
Rodgers completed 21 of 25 passes for four scores and an interception .
Tannehill completed 11 of 24 passes for 121 yards , one score and two interceptions in the loss .
`` We had a slow start and did n't get a whole lot going throughout the game , '' Tannehill said .
`` We got points before the half to keep us in it and we got points coming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that was about it .
Those two drives were about all we had going the whole day . ''
The Packers ( 12-3 ) , presently the top seed in the NFC , end the regular season with a matchup against the Chicago Bears at Solider Field in Chicago and the Titans ( 10-5 ) face the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium in Houston .
Both games are scheduled for at 4:25 p.m. EST Sunday .
Green Bay will clinch the No .
1 seed in the NFC with a win Sunday or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a playoff spot and the AFC South title with a win or an Indianapolis loss .

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Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers completed 21 of 25 passes for 231 yards, four touchdowns and an interception in a win over the Tennessee Titans on Sunday in Green Bay, Wis. File Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 28 (UPI) -- One of the NFL's most-prolific offenses warmed up a snow-covered Lambeau Field as Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers dominated the Tennessee Titans on Sunday Night Football. Rodgers threw three of his four touchdown passes to wide receiver Davante Adams in the 40-14 blowout on Sunday in Green Bay, Wis. Adams totaled 142 yards on 11 receptions in the victory. Advertisement
"It just turned into putting on a show," Rodgers told reporters. "We had an opportunity to be in prime time against a really good opponent. We've heard the conversations about us not beating enough teams and not playing a complete game.
"This was our response."
The Packers defense held Titans running back Derrick Henry to less than 100 rushing yards for just the second time since Week 9.
"To hold a team like that to 14 points and 260 yards was a hell of a performance by our defense," Packers coach Matt LaFleur said.
Rodgers orchestrated an eight-play, 60-yard touchdown drive on the game's opening possession. He ended the drive with a five-yard touchdown toss to Adams.
He also ended the Packers' second drive with a touchdown pass, connecting with Equanimeous St. Brown for a 21-yard score to give the Packers a 12-0 edge at the start of the second quarter.
Packers safety Darnell Savage intercepted Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill on the next possession and Green Bay scored six plays later when Rodgers connected with Adams for a seven-yard score.
Tannehill threw a 12-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jonnu Smith three drives later to make the score 19-7 at halftime.
The Titans cut into the deficit at the start of the third quarter when Tannehill scored on a 45-yard run to make it 19-14 three minutes into the second half.
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But the Packers responded on the next possession when running back Aaron Jones ripped off a 59-yard run on the first play of the drive. Rodgers then threw and eight-yard touchdown toss to Adams two plays later.
The Packers added to their lead with a 30-yard A.J. Dillon touchdown run about six minutes later and Dillon scored the last touchdown of the game on a seven-yard run with 2:25 remaining.
Dillon had 21 carries for 124 yards and two scores in the win and Jones had 108 yards from scrimmage on 12 touches for the Packers. Rodgers completed 21 of 25 passes for four scores and an interception.
Tannehill completed 11 of 24 passes for 121 yards, one score and two interceptions in the loss.
"We had a slow start and didn't get a whole lot going throughout the game," Tannehill said. "We got points before the half to keep us in it and we got points coming out in the second half, but that was about it. Those two drives were about all we had going the whole day."
The Packers (12-3), presently the top seed in the NFC, end the regular season with a matchup against the Chicago Bears at Solider Field in Chicago and the Titans (10-5) face the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium in Houston. Both games are scheduled for at 4:25 p.m. EST Sunday.
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Green Bay will clinch the No. 1 seed in the NFC with a win Sunday or a Seattle loss. Tennessee will clinch a playoff spot and the AFC South title with a win or an Indianapolis loss.
This week in the National Football League


upi--2020-12-28--Horse racing waves goodbye to 2020 with high hopes for '21

Dec. 28 ( UPI ) -- Charlatan rescued his troubled 3-year-old career with a dramatic victory on Santa Anita 's opening day extravaganza in a highlight of weekend horse racing , while Chrono Genesis and Danon the Kid were big winners in the final Grade 1 events of the year in Japan .
There also were some some big upsets as Charlatan 's victims included previously undefeated Nashville and Mucho Gusto went down in his first start since February in Saudi Arabia .
Laurel Park and Gulfstream Park added to the fun on the final weekend of 2020 with everyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Great hope .
Great .
Hope .
But before we go ...
Opening Day on Saturday at the Great Race Place lacked fans , but certainly not quality racing .
It also did not lack for upsets as Mucho Gusto and Nashville both finished out of the money .
On the plus side ... well , Charlatan .
In the day 's first stakes race , Smooth Like Strait shadowed pacesetting Storm the Court around the Santa Anita turf course in the $ 200,000 Grade II Mathis Brothers Mile for 3-year-olds , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and wore down that rival to win by 3/4 length .
Storm the Court , who still has not won a race since the 2019 Breeders ' Cup Juvenile , held well to finish second , 1/2 length in front of Whisper Not , who was very rank early , then lacked room in the lane .
Smooth Like Strait , a Midnight Lute colt , finished in 1:33.51 with Umberto Rispoli in the irons .
`` We knew that Storm the Court would be going for the lead , '' Rispoli said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sit back of him .
We got the perfect trip .
There were a lot of great horses in this race , so when it came time to ask him in the stretch , he was ready to go . ''
The upsets commenced in the day 's second graded stakes , the $ 200,000 Grade II San Antonio .
Kiss Today Goodbye trailed the field until midway around the stretch bend , found plenty of running room through the spaced-out field and was along in time to win by 1/2 length over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did all the early work and finished third .
The odds-on favorite , Mucho Gusto , tired to finish fourth in his first start since finishing fourth in the $ 20 million Saudi Cup on Feb. 29 .
Kiss Today Goodbye , a 3-year-old colt by Cairo Prince , ran 1 1/16 miles on a fast track in 1:43.37 under Mike Smith after being dispatched at odds of nearly 16-1 .
It was his first try in a graded stakes and the victory was his first in any kind of added-money event .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ about taking on older horses at the urging of owner John Sondereker .
`` As a trainer , [ when ] I look at the older horses and see what they have already done , I go , 'Oh my God .
What are we doing ? '
But he was right !
It sure set up well .
Mike gave him and absolutely perfect ride , '' Kruljak said .
Smith added , `` I was impressed with his last race and I was n't even riding him .
He ran by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Things went from bad to worse for the chalk players in the next race as Fair Maiden , at 20-1 , rallied four-wide into the stretch and sprinted off to win the $ 300,000 Grade I La Brea for 3-year-old fillies by 2 1/4 lengths .
Golden Principal , another long shot , finished second to complete a $ 247.40 exacta return on $ 1 .
Merneith was third and even-money favorite Finite could only manage fourth .
Fair Maiden , a Godolphin homebred filly by Street Boss , toured 7 furlongs on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gonzalez riding .
Fair Maiden finished well back of Merneith in her last start , the Fort Springs Springs at Keeneland , after an impressive win in a tough allowance race at Churchill Downs in September .
The La Brea was her first graded stakes try on the dirt .
`` It 's just the way the things pan out when you get to that level , '' said trainer Eoin Harty .
`` It 's hard to find a race against really competitive company .
`` I did n't want to keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found a spot in Churchill [ Downs ] and that was a big question mark as to whether she would handle it there and she did .
`` She was super professional that day and gave me a lot of confidence in bringing her out here for this . ''
Trainer Chad Brown , who suddenly is making a habit of swooping in to win big turf races on the West Coast , did it again in the $ 300,000 Grade I American Oaks .
Duopoly , an Animal Kingdom filly last seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lead as the race started on the seldom-used downhill turf course , held the advantage throughout the 1 1/4 miles and got home first by 2 lengths .
Going to Vegas got by the favorite , Sharing , in the late going to take second .
Duopoly , with Flavien Prat in the irons , finished 2:01.61 .
Duopoly was making just her sixth start and scored her fourth win , first in a graded stakes .
It was her first start west of Kentucky .
`` She was full of herself and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Duopoly .
`` When I asked her , she really kicked in .
She never really ran the distance but I guess Chad Brown does n't come down here just to race . ''
The chastisement of favorites continued in the day 's feature , the $ 300,000 Grade I RUNHAPPY Malibu Stakes for 3-year-olds .
The narrow favorite , previously undefeated Nashville , shot out of the gate in the 7-furlongs race and , as expected , was chased early by Charlatan , who was making his first start since May 2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three previous races , but Charlatan began to cut into his lead on the turn and as they hit the stretch , it was clear it was not Nashville 's day .
Charlatan ran on to win by 4 1/2 lengths under confident handling by Mike Smith .
Express Train emulated his name , coming from last of six to finish second .
Collusion Illusion got by the fading Nashville to finish third .
Charlatan , a Speightstown colt trained by Bob Baffert , reported in 1:21.51 .
Charlatan dropped off this year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after finishing first in a division of the Arkansas Derby .
His star-crossed campaign continued to unravel as he was disqualified from purse money in that race when a drug sample came back positive .
`` Those really good ones like him , they just make my job a whole lot easier , '' Baffert said .
`` You get them ready to a certain point and then he just took over himself .
`` That was just pure , pure brilliance that we witnessed today .
They were rolling early , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chasing .
Hopefully we will have a good year with him . ''
Smith , who rode Charlatan for the first time , said he had been `` on cloud nine '' since Baffert offered him the mount .
`` He is extremely special , '' Smith said .
In the Opening Day finale , Nasty opened a big lead in the $ 75,000 Lady of Shamrock Stakes for 3-year-old fillies and held off a big late bid by Counterparty Risk to win by a head .
Warren 's Showtime was third .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , got 1 mile on firm turf in 1:34.22 for jockey Ricardo Gonzalez .
Mucho Unusual waited patiently behind pacesetter She 's Our Charm through the early furlongs of the $ 100,000 Grade III Robert J. Frankel Stakes for fillies and mares , took over when asked by jockey John Velazquez and outfinished closer Never Be Enough , winning by 3/4 length .
She 's Our Charm was just a nose shy of holding on to place money .
Mucho Unusual , a 4-year-old Mucho Macho Man filly , ran 1 1/8 miles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Unusual won the Grade I Rodeo Drive at Santa Anita Sept. 26 , and then traveled to Keeneland where she reported 12th in the Maker 's Mark Breeders ' Cup Filly & Mare Turf .
Overall , she is 13 for 18 in the money .
`` We try to space her races out , '' said Mucho Unusual 's trainer , Tim Yakteen .
`` We have n't made any plans .
Maybe the Megahertz [ Jan. 18 ] will be in play .
Or not .
We 'll consider everything and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It is so great to win these races named in honor of all these great trainers . ''
Also Sunday , Cathkin Peak overcame a slow start to win the $ 98,000 Eddie Logan Stakes for 2-year-olds at 1 mile on the turf .
The Irish-bred gelding by Alhebayeb rallied three-wide into the stretch to gain the lead and won by 1 length from Commander Khai , finishing in 1:33.80 .
Flavien Prat rode for trainer Phil D'Amato .
Cathkin Peak now is 2-for-2 in the United States after finishing fourth in his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sir Anthony , an Illinois-bred Mineshaft ridgling , chased down pacesetting Conviction Trade in the final furlong of Saturday 's $ 75,000 H. Allen Jerkens Stakes and soldiered on to win by 3/4 length over that stubborn foe .
Cowtown found some late energy to finish third , another 2 1/2 lengths back .
Sir Anthony , with Julien Leparoux up , went to the post at odds of 28-1 and finished the 2 miles on firm turf in 3:19.14 .
Sir Anthony , a graded stakes winner on the dirt , also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gulfstream -- at odds of 25-1 .
He was last seen finishing fourth in a Hawthorne Race Course allowance event for trainer Anthony Mitchell .
`` I said it after he won the Harlan 's Holiday , they do n't give him the respect he deserves , '' Anthony said .
`` The owner [ Richard Otto ] is a pure champion of a man .
`` He 's been good to me and our relationship has been 26 years now .
He bred this horse , along with a lot of other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Full credit to Mr .
Otto . ''
In Saturday 's $ 75,000 Tropical Park Derby , Colonel Liam emerged from mid-pack at mid-stretch and left the others behind , winning off by 3 1/4 lengths .
Don Juan Kitten was best of the rest , a neck in front of Summer to Remember .
Colonel Liam , a Liam 's Map colt , ran 1 1/16 miles on firm turf in 1:40.95 with Irad Ortiz Jr. in the irons .
He was making his first start since finishing fourth in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` He 'd been training exceptionally well leading to this , '' trainer Todd Pletcher said of Colonel Liam .
`` We 're happy to get him back .
Hopefully , that earns him a spot in the Pegasus Turf . ''
Vigilantes Way showed the way in the $ 75,000 Tropical Park Oaks and the Medaglia d'Oro filly extended her advantage through the stretch to win by 2 1/4 lengths .
More Than Usual was second , a nose in front of Speaktomeofsummer .
Vigilantes Way , with Leparoux riding , finished @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , trained by Shug McGaughey , now has won half her eight career starts .
Saturday 's program had eight stakes , seven of them worth $ 100,000 .
The eighth , the $ 150,000 Allaire DuPont Stakes , drew seven fillies and mares with Eres Tu , the favorite , rallying down the lane to take a big lead , then hanging on to win by 1 length over Wicked Awesome .
Another Broad was another head back in third .
Eres Tu , a 4-year-old Malibu Moon filly , ran 1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1:50.57 with Jevian Toledo in the irons .
Harper 's First Ride , the overwhelming favorite , took charge in the final furlong of the Native Dancer Stakes , drawing clear to win by 3 1/2 lengths .
Forewarned was next-best with Cordmaker third .
Harper 's First Ride , a 4-year-old Paynter gelding , ran 1 1/8 miles in 1:48.56 with Angel Cruz up for trainer Claudio Gonzalez .
The 6-furlongs Dave 's Friend Stakes went to Whereshetoldmetogo , a 5-year-old El Padrino gelding who made his way to victory from next-last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Toledo riding .
Taco Supream and Penguin Power filled the trifecta slots .
Dontletsweetfoolya took an early lead in the 6-furlongs Willa On the Move Stakes for fillies and mares and went on to win by 2 1/4 lengths over long shot Hibiscus Punch .
Dontletsweetfoolya , a 3-year-old filly by Stay Thirsty , finished in 1:09.47 under Jevian Toledo .
In the Heft Stakes for 2-year-olds , No Cents gained the lead a furlong out , fought off a couple of rivals while lugging in , then went on to win @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Notion .
The New Jersey-bred Goldencents colt ran 7 furlongs in 1:23.79 with Alex Cintron up , then survived an objection and an inquiry into the stretch run .
After three scratches , Street Lute faced only three rivals in the Gin Talking Stakes for 2-year-old fillies .
She led from the start , then just did hold on to win by a nose over Fraudulent Charge , who rallied from last .
Street Lute , a daughter of Street Magician , ran 7 furlongs in 1:23.39 with Xavier Perez up .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ switched to the main track .
Shackqueenking , a Shackleford colt , hooked early pacesetter Ai n't Da Beer Cold in a stretch battle and won that by a nose .
Miss Leslie , a Paynter filly , rallied late to take the Anne Arundel County Stakes for fillies by a head over Buckey 's Charm and another head from The Grass is Blue .
Whoa Nellie pressed the pace made by Beautiful Trauma in Saturday 's $ 75,000 Joseph E. Spanky Broussard Memorial for fillies and mares , left that one behind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on to win by 3 3/4 lengths .
Beautiful Trauma held second , 1 1/2 lengths in front of Lady Apple .
Whoa Nellie , a 4-year-old Orb filly , completed 1 mile and 70 yards on a fast track in 1:43.68 with Florent Geroux at the controls .
The Larry Jones trainee has six wins , two seconds and three thirds from 12 career outings .
Pixelate rallied five-wide around the turn in Saturday 's $ 75,000 Woodchopper Stakes for 3-year-olds , closed resolutely and caught pacesetting Bodecream in the final yards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flying late on the outside but settled for third .
Pixelate , a Godolphin homebred colt by City Zip , finished the about 1 mile trip over good turf in 1:37.47 with Angel Suarez in the irons .
He won the Grade II Del Mar Derby in September , but missed the top three spots in two intervening starts .
Pass the Plate had to pass them all to win Saturday 's $ 75,000 Pago Hop Stakes for 3-year-old fillies but the daughter of Temple City was up to the task , rallying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the favorite , Evil Lyn .
In Good Spirits was third , after leading briefly in the lane .
Pass the Plate , with Brian Hernandez Jr. in the irons , ran about 1 mile on good turf in 1:37.36 .
She was last seen finishing second in the Grade II Mrs. Revere Stakes at Churchill Downs on Nov. 14 .
Around the World , Around the Clock : Nakayama Racecourse hosted the final Grade 1 races of the year on Saturday and Sunday , and the results portend some great racing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what can only be called a `` year of the female '' in Japan with a victory in Sunday 's Arima Kinen [ The Grand Prix ] .
And Danon the Kid demonstrated brilliance in beating several other undefeated colts in Saturday 's Hopeful Stakes for 2-year-olds .
Connections of both winners already were looking forward to the coming season .
Chrono Genesis , a 4-year-old Bago filly , took the lead inside the 200-meters marker in the 2,500-meters Arima Kinen and held off Salacia in the final strides to win by a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lilac .
Three of the top four finishers -- bar only Fierement -- are female .
Chrono Genesis became only the second female to win Japan 's two Grand Prix races , following Lys Gracieux last year .
And her victory was the ninth this year for a female horse in Grade 1 races open to both genders -- a record .
Chrono Genesis ' scorecard now stands at seven wins , three of them in Grade 1 events , from 13 starts .
Fans vote for the horses they want to see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chrono Genesis was this year 's No .
1 pick , with a record number of votes .
Also landing in the top 10 on the fan 's wish list were Contrail and Daring Tact , this dual Triple Crown winners .
Their connections declined the honor .
`` We have n't faced the two Triple Crown winners yet , '' Chrono Genesis ' jockey Yuichi Kitamura acknowledged .
`` But I hope she performs well and stays in the spotlight next season . ''
Trainer Takashi Saito added : `` This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a feeling there will be many more . ''
By the end of 2021 , the competition should include the best of that year 's 3-year-old crop and , if Saturday 's Hopeful Stakes is any indication , Danon the Kid will be among the top candidates .
The Just a Way ( JPN ) colt made his move toward the front as the field turned for home in the Hopeful , seemed to enjoy the hill leading up to the finish line and surged clear to a 1 1/4-lengths victory .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yuga Kawada said Danon the Kid 's improvement over his three starts bodes well for his chances as a 3-year-old but added that further development is needed .
`` The stable staff did a great job in tuning up the colt and he ran much better than he did in his previous start , '' the rider said .
`` But still , he could n't find a good rhythm and was not steady in the last two corners today .
`` There is still a lot of room for improvement and we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kick off a good 3-year-old campaign . ''
Last year 's Hopeful winner , Contrail , also was undefeated at the end of his juvenile season and went on to sweep the 2020 Triple Crown .
He and the filly Triple Crown winner , Daring Tact , finished second and third behind the subsequently retired super mare Almond Eye in the Grade 1 Japan Cup on Nov. 29 .
Surely one or more of these stars will give Japan another chance at finally landing the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe next fall .

1/2
Chrono Genesis wins Sunday's Grade 1 Arima Kinen at Nakayama Racecourse. Photo courtesy of Japan Racing Association
Dec. 28 (UPI) -- Charlatan rescued his troubled 3-year-old career with a dramatic victory on Santa Anita's opening day extravaganza in a highlight of weekend horse racing, while Chrono Genesis and Danon the Kid were big winners in the final Grade 1 events of the year in Japan. There also were some some big upsets as Charlatan's victims included previously undefeated Nashville and Mucho Gusto went down in his first start since February in Saudi Arabia. Advertisement
Laurel Park and Gulfstream Park added to the fun on the final weekend of 2020 with everyone looking forward with great hope to 2021. Great hope. Great. Hope.
But before we go ...
Santa Anita
Opening Day on Saturday at the Great Race Place lacked fans, but certainly not quality racing. It also did not lack for upsets as Mucho Gusto and Nashville both finished out of the money. On the plus side ... well, Charlatan.
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In the day's first stakes race, Smooth Like Strait shadowed pacesetting Storm the Court around the Santa Anita turf course in the $200,000 Grade II Mathis Brothers Mile for 3-year-olds, came to challenge exiting the stretch turn and wore down that rival to win by 3/4 length.
Storm the Court, who still has not won a race since the 2019 Breeders' Cup Juvenile, held well to finish second, 1/2 length in front of Whisper Not, who was very rank early, then lacked room in the lane.
Smooth Like Strait, a Midnight Lute colt, finished in 1:33.51 with Umberto Rispoli in the irons.
"We knew that Storm the Court would be going for the lead," Rispoli said. "So I just wanted to sit back of him. We got the perfect trip. There were a lot of great horses in this race, so when it came time to ask him in the stretch, he was ready to go."
The upsets commenced in the day's second graded stakes, the $200,000 Grade II San Antonio. Kiss Today Goodbye trailed the field until midway around the stretch bend, found plenty of running room through the spaced-out field and was along in time to win by 1/2 length over Idol.
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Take the One O One did all the early work and finished third. The odds-on favorite, Mucho Gusto, tired to finish fourth in his first start since finishing fourth in the $20 million Saudi Cup on Feb. 29.
Kiss Today Goodbye, a 3-year-old colt by Cairo Prince, ran 1 1/16 miles on a fast track in 1:43.37 under Mike Smith after being dispatched at odds of nearly 16-1.
It was his first try in a graded stakes and the victory was his first in any kind of added-money event. Trainer Eric Kruljak said he was nervous about taking on older horses at the urging of owner John Sondereker.
"As a trainer, [when] I look at the older horses and see what they have already done, I go, 'Oh my God. What are we doing?' But he was right! It sure set up well. Mike gave him and absolutely perfect ride," Kruljak said.
Smith added, "I was impressed with his last race and I wasn't even riding him. He ran by me in that last race."
Things went from bad to worse for the chalk players in the next race as Fair Maiden, at 20-1, rallied four-wide into the stretch and sprinted off to win the $300,000 Grade I La Brea for 3-year-old fillies by 2 1/4 lengths.
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Golden Principal, another long shot, finished second to complete a $247.40 exacta return on $1. Merneith was third and even-money favorite Finite could only manage fourth. Fair Maiden, a Godolphin homebred filly by Street Boss, toured 7 furlongs on the main track in 1:22.69 with Ricardo Gonzalez riding.
Fair Maiden finished well back of Merneith in her last start, the Fort Springs Springs at Keeneland, after an impressive win in a tough allowance race at Churchill Downs in September. The La Brea was her first graded stakes try on the dirt.
"It's just the way the things pan out when you get to that level," said trainer Eoin Harty. "It's hard to find a race against really competitive company.
"I didn't want to keep taking her up to Woodbine so I found a spot in Churchill [Downs] and that was a big question mark as to whether she would handle it there and she did.
"She was super professional that day and gave me a lot of confidence in bringing her out here for this."
Trainer Chad Brown, who suddenly is making a habit of swooping in to win big turf races on the West Coast, did it again in the $300,000 Grade I American Oaks.
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Duopoly, an Animal Kingdom filly last seen at Aqueduct, sprinted right to the lead as the race started on the seldom-used downhill turf course, held the advantage throughout the 1 1/4 miles and got home first by 2 lengths.
Going to Vegas got by the favorite, Sharing, in the late going to take second. Duopoly, with Flavien Prat in the irons, finished 2:01.61.
Duopoly was making just her sixth start and scored her fourth win, first in a graded stakes. It was her first start west of Kentucky.
"She was full of herself and travelling perfect," Prat said of Duopoly. "When I asked her, she really kicked in. She never really ran the distance but I guess Chad Brown doesn't come down here just to race."
The chastisement of favorites continued in the day's feature, the $300,000 Grade I RUNHAPPY Malibu Stakes for 3-year-olds.
The narrow favorite, previously undefeated Nashville, shot out of the gate in the 7-furlongs race and, as expected, was chased early by Charlatan, who was making his first start since May 2.
Nashville never had been headed in three previous races, but Charlatan began to cut into his lead on the turn and as they hit the stretch, it was clear it was not Nashville's day.
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Charlatan ran on to win by 4 1/2 lengths under confident handling by Mike Smith. Express Train emulated his name, coming from last of six to finish second.
Collusion Illusion got by the fading Nashville to finish third. Charlatan, a Speightstown colt trained by Bob Baffert, reported in 1:21.51.
Charlatan dropped off this year's Triple Crown trail with an injury after finishing first in a division of the Arkansas Derby. His star-crossed campaign continued to unravel as he was disqualified from purse money in that race when a drug sample came back positive.
"Those really good ones like him, they just make my job a whole lot easier," Baffert said. "You get them ready to a certain point and then he just took over himself.
"That was just pure, pure brilliance that we witnessed today. They were rolling early, there was a really good horse he was chasing. Hopefully we will have a good year with him."
Smith, who rode Charlatan for the first time, said he had been "on cloud nine" since Baffert offered him the mount. "He is extremely special," Smith said.
In the Opening Day finale, Nasty opened a big lead in the $75,000 Lady of Shamrock Stakes for 3-year-old fillies and held off a big late bid by Counterparty Risk to win by a head.
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Warren's Showtime was third. Nasty, a daughter of Street Sense, got 1 mile on firm turf in 1:34.22 for jockey Ricardo Gonzalez.
On Sunday's program:
Mucho Unusual waited patiently behind pacesetter She's Our Charm through the early furlongs of the $100,000 Grade III Robert J. Frankel Stakes for fillies and mares, took over when asked by jockey John Velazquez and outfinished closer Never Be Enough, winning by 3/4 length.
She's Our Charm was just a nose shy of holding on to place money. Mucho Unusual, a 4-year-old Mucho Macho Man filly, ran 1 1/8 miles on firm turf in 1:46.94.
Mucho Unusual won the Grade I Rodeo Drive at Santa Anita Sept. 26, and then traveled to Keeneland where she reported 12th in the Maker's Mark Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf. Overall, she is 13 for 18 in the money.
"We try to space her races out," said Mucho Unusual's trainer, Tim Yakteen. "We haven't made any plans. Maybe the Megahertz [Jan. 18] will be in play. Or not. We'll consider everything and just play it by ear.
"It is so great to win these races named in honor of all these great trainers."
Also Sunday, Cathkin Peak overcame a slow start to win the $98,000 Eddie Logan Stakes for 2-year-olds at 1 mile on the turf.
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The Irish-bred gelding by Alhebayeb rallied three-wide into the stretch to gain the lead and won by 1 length from Commander Khai, finishing in 1:33.80.
Flavien Prat rode for trainer Phil D'Amato. Cathkin Peak now is 2-for-2 in the United States after finishing fourth in his only start in Ireland in August.
Gulfstream Park
Sir Anthony, an Illinois-bred Mineshaft ridgling, chased down pacesetting Conviction Trade in the final furlong of Saturday's $75,000 H. Allen Jerkens Stakes and soldiered on to win by 3/4 length over that stubborn foe.
Cowtown found some late energy to finish third, another 2 1/2 lengths back. Sir Anthony, with Julien Leparoux up, went to the post at odds of 28-1 and finished the 2 miles on firm turf in 3:19.14.
Sir Anthony, a graded stakes winner on the dirt, also won the 2018 Harlan's Holiday at Gulfstream -- at odds of 25-1. He was last seen finishing fourth in a Hawthorne Race Course allowance event for trainer Anthony Mitchell.
"I said it after he won the Harlan's Holiday, they don't give him the respect he deserves," Anthony said. "The owner [Richard Otto] is a pure champion of a man.
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"He's been good to me and our relationship has been 26 years now. He bred this horse, along with a lot of other graded stakes winners that I've had. Full credit to Mr. Otto."
In Saturday's $75,000 Tropical Park Derby, Colonel Liam emerged from mid-pack at mid-stretch and left the others behind, winning off by 3 1/4 lengths.
Don Juan Kitten was best of the rest, a neck in front of Summer to Remember. Colonel Liam, a Liam's Map colt, ran 1 1/16 miles on firm turf in 1:40.95 with Irad Ortiz Jr. in the irons. He was making his first start since finishing fourth in the Saratoga Derby Invitational on Aug. 15.
"He'd been training exceptionally well leading to this," trainer Todd Pletcher said of Colonel Liam. "We're happy to get him back. Hopefully, that earns him a spot in the Pegasus Turf."
Vigilantes Way showed the way in the $75,000 Tropical Park Oaks and the Medaglia d'Oro filly extended her advantage through the stretch to win by 2 1/4 lengths.
More Than Usual was second, a nose in front of Speaktomeofsummer. Vigilantes Way, with Leparoux riding, finished in 1:40.61. The Phipps Stable homebred, trained by Shug McGaughey, now has won half her eight career starts.
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Laurel Park
Saturday's program had eight stakes, seven of them worth $100,000.
The eighth, the $150,000 Allaire DuPont Stakes, drew seven fillies and mares with Eres Tu, the favorite, rallying down the lane to take a big lead, then hanging on to win by 1 length over Wicked Awesome.
Another Broad was another head back in third. Eres Tu, a 4-year-old Malibu Moon filly, ran 1 1/8 miles on a fast track in 1:50.57 with Jevian Toledo in the irons.
Harper's First Ride, the overwhelming favorite, took charge in the final furlong of the Native Dancer Stakes, drawing clear to win by 3 1/2 lengths.
Forewarned was next-best with Cordmaker third. Harper's First Ride, a 4-year-old Paynter gelding, ran 1 1/8 miles in 1:48.56 with Angel Cruz up for trainer Claudio Gonzalez.
The 6-furlongs Dave's Friend Stakes went to Whereshetoldmetogo, a 5-year-old El Padrino gelding who made his way to victory from next-last of seven. He finished in 1:08.55 with Toledo riding. Taco Supream and Penguin Power filled the trifecta slots.
Dontletsweetfoolya took an early lead in the 6-furlongs Willa On the Move Stakes for fillies and mares and went on to win by 2 1/4 lengths over long shot Hibiscus Punch. Dontletsweetfoolya, a 3-year-old filly by Stay Thirsty, finished in 1:09.47 under Jevian Toledo.
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In the Heft Stakes for 2-year-olds, No Cents gained the lead a furlong out, fought off a couple of rivals while lugging in, then went on to win by a neck over Kenny Had a Notion.
The New Jersey-bred Goldencents colt ran 7 furlongs in 1:23.79 with Alex Cintron up, then survived an objection and an inquiry into the stretch run.
After three scratches, Street Lute faced only three rivals in the Gin Talking Stakes for 2-year-old fillies. She led from the start, then just did hold on to win by a nose over Fraudulent Charge, who rallied from last.
Street Lute, a daughter of Street Magician, ran 7 furlongs in 1:23.39 with Xavier Perez up.
The two contests set for grass-running 2-year-olds were switched to the main track. Shackqueenking, a Shackleford colt, hooked early pacesetter Ain't Da Beer Cold in a stretch battle and won that by a nose.
Miss Leslie, a Paynter filly, rallied late to take the Anne Arundel County Stakes for fillies by a head over Buckey's Charm and another head from The Grass is Blue.
Fair Grounds
Whoa Nellie pressed the pace made by Beautiful Trauma in Saturday's $75,000 Joseph E. Spanky Broussard Memorial for fillies and mares, left that one behind early in the stretch run and went on to win by 3 3/4 lengths.
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Beautiful Trauma held second, 1 1/2 lengths in front of Lady Apple. Whoa Nellie, a 4-year-old Orb filly, completed 1 mile and 70 yards on a fast track in 1:43.68 with Florent Geroux at the controls. The Larry Jones trainee has six wins, two seconds and three thirds from 12 career outings.
Pixelate rallied five-wide around the turn in Saturday's $75,000 Woodchopper Stakes for 3-year-olds, closed resolutely and caught pacesetting Bodecream in the final yards for a 1/2-length victory.
Dynadrive was flying late on the outside but settled for third. Pixelate, a Godolphin homebred colt by City Zip, finished the about 1 mile trip over good turf in 1:37.47 with Angel Suarez in the irons. He won the Grade II Del Mar Derby in September, but missed the top three spots in two intervening starts.
Pass the Plate had to pass them all to win Saturday's $75,000 Pago Hop Stakes for 3-year-old fillies but the daughter of Temple City was up to the task, rallying from ninth to score by a nose over the favorite, Evil Lyn.
In Good Spirits was third, after leading briefly in the lane. Pass the Plate, with Brian Hernandez Jr. in the irons, ran about 1 mile on good turf in 1:37.36. She was last seen finishing second in the Grade II Mrs. Revere Stakes at Churchill Downs on Nov. 14.
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Around the World, Around the Clock:
Japan
Nakayama Racecourse hosted the final Grade 1 races of the year on Saturday and Sunday, and the results portend some great racing in 2021.
Chrono Genesis wound up what can only be called a "year of the female" in Japan with a victory in Sunday's Arima Kinen [The Grand Prix]. And Danon the Kid demonstrated brilliance in beating several other undefeated colts in Saturday's Hopeful Stakes for 2-year-olds.
Connections of both winners already were looking forward to the coming season.
Chrono Genesis, a 4-year-old Bago filly, took the lead inside the 200-meters marker in the 2,500-meters Arima Kinen and held off Salacia in the final strides to win by a neck, trailed by Fierement and Lucky Lilac.
Three of the top four finishers -- bar only Fierement -- are female. Chrono Genesis became only the second female to win Japan's two Grand Prix races, following Lys Gracieux last year. And her victory was the ninth this year for a female horse in Grade 1 races open to both genders -- a record.
Chrono Genesis' scorecard now stands at seven wins, three of them in Grade 1 events, from 13 starts.
Fans vote for the horses they want to see run in the Grand Prix events and Chrono Genesis was this year's No. 1 pick, with a record number of votes. Also landing in the top 10 on the fan's wish list were Contrail and Daring Tact, this dual Triple Crown winners. Their connections declined the honor.
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"We haven't faced the two Triple Crown winners yet," Chrono Genesis' jockey Yuichi Kitamura acknowledged. "But I hope she performs well and stays in the spotlight next season."
Trainer Takashi Saito added: "This is a dream come true and I have a feeling there will be many more."
By the end of 2021, the competition should include the best of that year's 3-year-old crop and, if Saturday's Hopeful Stakes is any indication, Danon the Kid will be among the top candidates.
The Just a Way (JPN) colt made his move toward the front as the field turned for home in the Hopeful, seemed to enjoy the hill leading up to the finish line and surged clear to a 1 1/4-lengths victory. He remains undefeated after three races.
Jockey Yuga Kawada said Danon the Kid's improvement over his three starts bodes well for his chances as a 3-year-old but added that further development is needed.
"The stable staff did a great job in tuning up the colt and he ran much better than he did in his previous start," the rider said. "But still, he couldn't find a good rhythm and was not steady in the last two corners today.
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"There is still a lot of room for improvement and we intend to work hard so he can kick off a good 3-year-old campaign."
Last year's Hopeful winner, Contrail, also was undefeated at the end of his juvenile season and went on to sweep the 2020 Triple Crown. He and the filly Triple Crown winner, Daring Tact, finished second and third behind the subsequently retired super mare Almond Eye in the Grade 1 Japan Cup on Nov. 29.
Surely one or more of these stars will give Japan another chance at finally landing the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe next fall.


upi--2020-12-28--Report: Extreme weather cost billions in damages in 2020

Dec. 28 ( UPI ) -- A new report released Monday on the cost of climate change-driven extreme weather said 10 of 2020 's most expensive events caused more than $ 140 billion in damages .
The report , Counting the Cost of 2020 : A Year of Climate Breakdown , by charity organization Christian Aid identified the 10 events , each of which inflicted damages of at least $ 1.5 billion , with all but one costing more than $ 5 billion .
The report said the figures were based on insured losses , meaning the actual financial costs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of lives lost to the same 10 events was at least 3,470 , it said .
Six of the 10 events , it said , occurred in Asia with five associated with an unusually wet monsoon season .
The costliest nature disaster of 2020 was , however , the hurricanes that ripped through the United States and Central America , claiming more than 400 lives and causing some $ 41 billion in damages .
The record-setting Atlantic hurricane season from June to the end of November saw 30 named storms , 12 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States , according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration .
The Category 4 Hurricane Laura , which made landfall in Louisiana in August , killed 77 people and had an estimated cost of more than $ 16 billion , and was followed two weeks later by Hurricane Sally that caused eight deaths and more than $ 6.25 billion in damages .
Though the highest number of lives lost at 153 was to Hurricane Eta that slammed Central America .
China suffered the second costliest event of 2020 with floods that began @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incurring some $ 32 billion in damages and nearly 300 lives , followed by wildfires that scorched millions of acres of land across the Western United States at a cost of $ 20 billion .
However , the report noted that wealthy nations incurred higher monetary loses compared to poorer countries due to being home to more valuable and insured real estate but extreme events were more likely to hit low-income countries .
`` Whether it be floods in Asia , locusts in Africa or storms in Europe and the Americas , climate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Kat Kramer , the report 's author and Christian Aid 's climate policy lead , said in a statement .
The fourth costliest event was Cyclone Amphan in India 's Bay of Bengal , which hit fast in May , causing $ 13 billion in damages in a few days .
Roxy Mathew Koll , a climate scientist at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology , said this year was `` exceptionally warm '' and saw record temperatures in the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal .
`` These high @ @ @ @ @ @ @ waves that might have led to the rapid intensification of the pre-monsoon cyclones Amphan and Nisarga , '' Koll said .
Flooding in India was the fifth costliest event at some $ 10 billion but it killed more than 2,000 people .
Christian Aid said the report highlights the need for urgent action to curb climate change , calling on countries to commit to new targets to ensure they hit their obligations under the Paris Agreement , which set the goal of keeping global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pre-industrial levels .
Kramer said next year poses significant opportunity to `` turn this tide '' with President-elect Joe Biden to be in the White House , social movements calling for action on climate change and coronavirus policies shifting toward green recovery plans .
`` There is a major opportunity for countries to put us on a path to a safe future , '' Kramer said .

Wildfires in the Western United States incurred more than $20 billion in damages and claimed the lives of more than 40 people. Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 28 (UPI) -- A new report released Monday on the cost of climate change-driven extreme weather said 10 of 2020's most expensive events caused more than $140 billion in damages. The report, Counting the Cost of 2020: A Year of Climate Breakdown, by charity organization Christian Aid identified the 10 events, each of which inflicted damages of at least $1.5 billion, with all but one costing more than $5 billion. Advertisement
The report said the figures were based on insured losses, meaning the actual financial costs are expected to be higher.
The number of lives lost to the same 10 events was at least 3,470, it said.
Six of the 10 events, it said, occurred in Asia with five associated with an unusually wet monsoon season.
The costliest nature disaster of 2020 was, however, the hurricanes that ripped through the United States and Central America, claiming more than 400 lives and causing some $41 billion in damages.
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The record-setting Atlantic hurricane season from June to the end of November saw 30 named storms, 12 of which made landfall in the continental United States, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The Category 4 Hurricane Laura, which made landfall in Louisiana in August, killed 77 people and had an estimated cost of more than $16 billion, and was followed two weeks later by Hurricane Sally that caused eight deaths and more than $6.25 billion in damages.
Though the highest number of lives lost at 153 was to Hurricane Eta that slammed Central America.
China suffered the second costliest event of 2020 with floods that began in June but continued through October, incurring some $32 billion in damages and nearly 300 lives, followed by wildfires that scorched millions of acres of land across the Western United States at a cost of $20 billion.
However, the report noted that wealthy nations incurred higher monetary loses compared to poorer countries due to being home to more valuable and insured real estate but extreme events were more likely to hit low-income countries.
"Whether it be floods in Asia, locusts in Africa or storms in Europe and the Americas, climate change has continued to rage in 2020," Kat Kramer, the report's author and Christian Aid's climate policy lead, said in a statement.
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The fourth costliest event was Cyclone Amphan in India's Bay of Bengal, which hit fast in May, causing $13 billion in damages in a few days.
Roxy Mathew Koll, a climate scientist at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, said this year was "exceptionally warm" and saw record temperatures in the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal.
"These high temperatures had the characteristics of marine heat waves that might have led to the rapid intensification of the pre-monsoon cyclones Amphan and Nisarga," Koll said.
Flooding in India was the fifth costliest event at some $10 billion but it killed more than 2,000 people.
Christian Aid said the report highlights the need for urgent action to curb climate change, calling on countries to commit to new targets to ensure they hit their obligations under the Paris Agreement, which set the goal of keeping global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius but preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels.
Kramer said next year poses significant opportunity to "turn this tide" with President-elect Joe Biden to be in the White House, social movements calling for action on climate change and coronavirus policies shifting toward green recovery plans.
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"There is a major opportunity for countries to put us on a path to a safe future," Kramer said.