upi--2020-08-21--Ghaiyyath, Love triumph in England; Maximum Security favored out West

Aug. 21 ( UPI ) -- Plenty of tempting goodies are on the weekend horse racing menu , including Maximum Security in the entrée list , a lot of big turf races among the salad courses and some juvenile tilts for dessert .
But before we preview the weekend 's goodies , some Champagne-sparkling performances should be noted from the north of England .
Not the least of them is a tour de force victory by Ghaiyyath in the Group 1 Juddmonte International -- a performance that left both observers and his rivals gasping -- and another dominating win by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yorkshire Oaks .
After the Yorkshire Oaks , Love vaulted to favorite status among British bookmakers for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and Ghaiyyath 's odds dropped to mid-single digits .
Out front immediately in the Juddmonte International , the 1 1/4-miles jewel of York 's prestigious Ebor meeting , jockey William Buick had the cruise control engaged on Ghaiyyath until the final couple of furlongs .
At that point , Magical , Lord North and Kameko all attempted to launch an assault .
Nothing happened as Ghaiyyath simply lengthened stride , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cruised home first by 3 lengths .
Magical was second , snapping a three-race Group 1 winning streak , followed by Group 1 Prince of Wales 's Stakes winner Lord North and Group 1 Qipco 2000 Guineas winner Kameko .
For Ghaiyyath , it was a top-shelf Group 1 triple of his own , following along on the Coronation Cup and the Coral-Eclipse , in which he got the better of a comebacking Enable .
`` He 's the best I 've ridden , without a doubt , '' Racing Post quoted Buick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amazing high cruising speed but I thought what was evident today was the kick he had a furlong and a half out .
He completely put the race to bed , finished it off and stamped his authority .
`` He can do things that other horses do n't do . ''
One thing he could not do was handle the bottomless going in last year 's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe , where he finished 10th , beaten 33 lengths .
Trainer Charlie Appleby acknowledged tactical mistakes contributed to that result and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Juddmonte International was a `` Win and You 're In '' for the Longines Breeders ' Cup Classic on the Keeneland dirt in November but that possibility was n't mentioned in the wake of Wednesday 's performance .
Also at York in the incredibly scenic north of England : Pyledriver rallied smartly and quickly to the fore in the final furlongs of the Group 2 Sky Bet Great Voltigeur Stakes for 3-year-olds and drew off to a 3-lengths victory despite wandering a bit in the late going .
Highland Chief was second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Pyledriver , a Harbour Watch colt trained by William Muir , was making his first start since finishing 11th in the Investec Derby .
Before that , he won the Group 2 King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot .
Gear Up outfinished Spycatcher to win the Group 3 Tattersalls Acomb Stakes for 2-year-olds .
Gear Up , a Teofilo colt trained by Mark Johnston , improved to 2-for-2 .
The disappointment was Godolphin 's Hard Spun colt , Cloudbridge , who was uncontrollable for Buick and finished last of eight at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Ryan Moore , completed a Group 1 triple of the Qipco 1000 Guineas , Investec Oaks and Darley Yorkshire Oaks with hardly any fuss at all .
Reserved right behind the early leader , the Galileo filly took command some 3 furlongs from the finish and won at will .
The official margin of 5 lengths easily could have been more as Moore hand-rode Love the final few hundred yards .
Alpinista and One Voice were second and third .
The performance occasioned high praise from trainer Aidan O'Brien , who is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his usual media vocabulary .
`` I do n't know whether we 've had such an exciting filly at this stage , '' said O'Brien , who has saddled the winners of six 1000 Guineas and eight Investec Oaks .
`` I ca n't name one .
It would be very hard to say we 've ever had a more exciting filly than Love -- as long as I 'm not dreaming in saying that . ''
The target now is the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe , which is shaping up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , no matter how you figure decades , and British bookmakers shifted Love to favorite status for that race , leapfrogging two-time winner Enable .
O'Brien said an Arc bid was a factor in the decision to let Love run Thursday over ground that might have been on the soft side of good .
Her performance , he said , gives confidence she could handle off going in France , though truly deep conditions might be a different story .
Perhaps if that does n't work out , the Maker 's Mark Breeders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be an option since the Yorkshire Oaks was a `` Win and You 're In '' for that race .
Also Thursday , Miss Amulet got to the lead late in the Group 2 Sky Bet Lowther Stakes for 2-year-old fillies and held off a furious late bid by the favorite , Sacred , winning by 1 length .
Umm Kulthum was third .
Miss Amulet , a Sir Prancealot filly , notched her third win from six starts .
Sacred was second in the Group 2 Queen Mary at Royal Ascot in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes , written by tradition for 2-year-olds and up , highlights the program and Battaash stars in that event .
The 5-furlong dash is a `` Win and You 're In '' for the Breeders ' Cup Turf Sprint .
Battaash enters off consecutive wins in the Group 1 King 's Stand at the Royal meeting and the Group 2 King George Qatar Stakes at Goodwood .
Now , on to the North American domestic doin 's , with the reminder that a fresh set of eyes on these things never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of long-time industry insider Jude Feld , whose thoughtful tips can be had at popejude.com .
Who 's up to take on Maximum Security at even weights going 1 1/4 miles Saturday ?
Del Mar got five takers for that chore in the $ 500,000 Grade I TVG Pacific Classic at Del Mar , a `` Win and You 're In '' for the Longines Breeders ' Cup Classic .
The five , Midcourt , Higher Power , Mirinaque , Dark Vader and Sharp Samurai , are all nice horses -- some very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start up from South America after finishing second in both the Group 1 Longines Gran Premio Latinoamericano and the Group 1 Gran Premio International Carlos Pellegrini -- the latter a `` Win and You 're In '' for the Longines Breeders ' Cup Turf .
But if the likely odds-on favorite maximizes his potential , they 'll run for second place .
Maximum Security , a 4-year-old New Year 's Day colt , has finished first in 10 of 11 starts .
To date , however , his career will be remembered for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incidents was the Kentucky Derby , taken away in the stewards ' booth .
Another was the indictment of his trainer on doping charges , which led the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia to withhold his winner 's share of the purse of the $ 20 million Saudi Cup -- a decision still pending .
And do n't forget , his first start was in a $ 16,000 claimer at Gulfstream Park Dec. 20 , 2018 .
Anyone could have bought this magnificent beast for less than the cost of a decent automobile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ horse does n't know any of that and just keeps on winning , currently six in a row counting the Saudi Cup .
A win here and in November in the Breeders ' Cup , would make the legal issues footnotes rather than the headline of a great career .
Saturday 's $ 200,000 Grade III Philip H. Iselin Handicap at Monmouth Park has six entries with three of them just about even in the oddsmaker 's estimation .
Warrior 's Charge , a 4-year-old Munnings colt , won the Grade III Razorback @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fourth in the Grade I Met Mile .
Bal Harbour , a 5-year-old First Samurai gelding , has n't won since November of 2018 , but was second in this last year .
Mind Control , a 4-year-old colt by Stay Thirsty , was third in the Grade I Vanderbilt at Saratoga in his last race .
Seven 3-year-old fillies are set for Saturday 's $ 100,000 Grade III Torrey Pines at 1 mile on the Del Mar dirt .
There 's not a lot to separate them although Secret Keeper and Harvest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bob Baffert has Merneith , who was third behind Swiss Skydiver in the Grade II Santa Anita Oaks , and Provocation , who makes her third start .
Both need to find a consistent rhythm .
United tops a field of 11 for Saturday 's $ 200,000 Grade III Del Mar Handicap , a `` Win and You 're In '' for the Longines Breeders ' Cup Turf .
The 5-year-old Giant 's Causeway gelding has won three straight Grade II events -- the San Marcos , the Charles Whittingham and the Eddie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second in the Breeders ' Cup Turf , just a head shy of derailing Bricks and Mortar 's Horse of the Year title run , and the Hollywood Turf Cup .
The rest of the Del Mar Handicap field looks suspect by comparison with United .
Combatant did win the Grade I Santa Anita Handicap earlier this year but has turned in two dreadful performances since .
Turfmeister Chad Brown has `` only '' two of the six entries for Sunday 's $ 500,000 Grade I Diana at Saratoga .
But they 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ event in both 2018 and 2019 and , while she 's been in a bit of a slump , could be ready to rock and roll again .
Rushing Fall is 2-for-2 this season and exits a win in the Grade I Coolmore Jenny Wiley Stakes at Keeneland in its unique July meeting .
Tired of backing Brown-trained favorites ?
Try ultraconsistent Italian import Call Me Love or recent Grade II winner Ballston Spa winner Starship Jubilee or Mean Mary , riding a four-race winning streak .
Even Secret Message , who looks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , would n't be a total surprise if things break right .
Nice race .
Laura 's Light enters Saturday 's $ 250,000 Grade I Del Mar Oaks with four wins from her last five starts with the only loss in that stretch coming in the Bourbonette Oaks over the Turfway Park all-weather course .
Her main opposition here might be two French imports making their first U.S. start .
Miss Extra , handed off from Pia Brandt to Richard Mandella , won the Group 2 Prix du Sandringham in June at Chantilly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Leonard Powell , won the Group 3 Prix Cleopatre at Lyon-Parilly in her last start before boarding the plane .
Trickle In arrives with a record of 3-for-4 in the Midwest and East Coast .
The aforementioned Chad Brown saddles four of the nine set for Saturday 's $ 400,000 Grade I Fourstardave Handicap at Saratoga , a `` Win and You 're In '' for the TVG Breeders ' Cup Mile .
Three of them -- Raging Bull , Without Parole and 2019 Breeders ' Cup winner Uni -- are the favories @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Eleven are entered for Sunday 's $ 150,000 Grade II Del Mar Mile but the field likely will be cut to 10 with Sharp Samurai directed instead to the Pacific Classic .
Among those likely to start we find the likes of Kentucky invader The Black Album , 2019 Grade II Mathis Brothers Mile winner Mo Forza , and 2019 Cal Cup Derby winner Galilean .
Saturday 's $ 100,000 Grade III Green Flash Handicap at Del Mar has some interesting aspects .
Mike 's Tiznow arrives from Golden Gate Fields after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He won the Albany Stakes June 8 , 2019 , then was absent until June 6 of this year , when he won the same race .
He 's a confirmed front-runner and a fast one at that .
Chaos Theory was claimed for $ 62,500 while winning his most recent start at Churchill Downs but has graded stakes experience .
Baja Sur was second in this year 's Albany .
Mike Smith will get a leg up seeking a second straight ride on Sparky Ville .
A nice , competitive field of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 100,000 Grade III Rancho Bernardo Handicap at Del Mar , 1 mile on the dirt .
The morning-line pick is Sneaking Out , a 4-year-old Indian Evening filly who won the Grade II Great Lady M at Los Alamitos in her most recent start .
Also with notices are Unique Factor , Mucho Amor , Amuse and Gingham .
Toby 's Heart was off a step slow in Wednesday 's $ 85,000 Bolton Landing Stakes for 2-year-old fillies at Saratoga but came around rivals into the stretch to get the job done by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was next-best , 2 1/4 lengths ahead of Amanzi Yimpilo .
Toby 's Heart , a daughter of Jack Milton , ran 5 1/2 furlongs on good turf in 1:02.31 with Jose Ortiz up .
Around the world , around the clock : We 'll finish up the Ebor meeting in the weekend report .
Nazeef is the even-money favorite in Sunday 's Group 1 Prix Jean Romanet for fillies and mares at Deauville .
The 4-year-old Invincible Spirit filly , trained by John Gosden for Sheik Hamdan Al Maktoum , won the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Royal Ascot and the Group 1 Tattersalls Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket before finishing third in the Group 1 Qatar Nassau Stakes at Goodwood , behind Fancy Blue and One Voice .
Sunday 's Group 1 Darley Prix Morny for 2-year-olds , pending final declarations , finds Tactical , a Coronado colt trained by Andrew Balding for Her Majesty the Queen , and Campanelle , a Kodiac filly trained by Wesley Ward for Stonestreet Stables , as the antepost favorites .
Tactical has won his last two , most recently the Group 2 Tattersalls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't raced since she edged Sacred in the Group 2 Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot .
Saturday 's program at the Curragh has a pair of Group 2 events for 2-year-olds , one restricted to fillies .
It 's no surprise the field are filled with O'Brien trainees but there are others .
These bear close watching .
Stan the Man came six-wide around rivals to win Thursday 's $ 85,000 Tale of the Cat Stakes by 1 1/2 lengths over My Boy Tate .
T Loves a Fight was another 1/2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Man , a 6-year-old Broken Vow gelding , ran 6 furlongs on a fast track in 1:09.47 under Joel Rosario .
Wet Your Whistle was last of 11 early in Monday 's $ 75,000 Karl Boyes Stakes , wended his way through traffic and got there in time to win by 1 length .
Smart Remark nailed pacesetting favorite Wellabled for second .
Wet Your Whistle , a 5-year-old Stroll gelding , ran 6 furlongs on the all-weather track in 1:09.44 with Scott Spieth up .
The Minnesota track had five stakes for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wit : Northern Playboy found late speed to win the $ 100,000 Minnesota Derby by 4 3/4 lengths over Love My Boss .
The Latent Heat gelding finished 1 mile and 70 yards on a fast track in 1:42.97 with Ry Eikleberry up .
Hotasapistol found running room on the rail in the stretch drive of the $ 100,000 Minnesota Oaks and got through to win by 3/4 length from Rush Hour Traffic .
Hotasapistol , a daughter of Flat Out , reported in 1:44.04 with Alonzo Quinonez riding .
Drop of Golden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3 1/4-lengths score over Hot Shot Kid in the $ 55,000 Wally 's Choice Stakes at 1 1/16 miles on the dirt .
Ready to Runaway also led from the start in the $ 55,000 Glitter Star Stakes for fillies and mares and ran away in the final furlong to an 8 1/2-lengths victory .
Westa Waverly battled for the lead in the $ 50,000 MTA Sales Graduate Futurity , then kicked clear of seven rivals to win by 4 lengths .
Quinonez had the ride as the Westover Wildcat gelding ran 5 @ @ @ @ @

Maximum Security, shown winning the San Diego Handicap, is the favorite for Saturday's Grade I TVG Pacific Classic at Del Mar. Benoit photo, courtesy of Del Mar Turf Club
Aug. 21 (UPI) -- Plenty of tempting goodies are on the weekend horse racing menu, including Maximum Security in the entrée list, a lot of big turf races among the salad courses and some juvenile tilts for dessert. But before we preview the weekend's goodies, some Champagne-sparkling performances should be noted from the north of England. Advertisement
Not the least of them is a tour de force victory by Ghaiyyath in the Group 1 Juddmonte International -- a performance that left both observers and his rivals gasping -- and another dominating win by Investec Oaks heroine Love in the Darley Yorkshire Oaks.
After the Yorkshire Oaks, Love vaulted to favorite status among British bookmakers for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and Ghaiyyath's odds dropped to mid-single digits.
Out front immediately in the Juddmonte International, the 1 1/4-miles jewel of York's prestigious Ebor meeting, jockey William Buick had the cruise control engaged on Ghaiyyath until the final couple of furlongs.
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At that point, Magical, Lord North and Kameko all attempted to launch an assault. Nothing happened as Ghaiyyath simply lengthened stride, held them all easily at bay and cruised home first by 3 lengths.
Magical was second, snapping a three-race Group 1 winning streak, followed by Group 1 Prince of Wales's Stakes winner Lord North and Group 1 Qipco 2000 Guineas winner Kameko.
For Ghaiyyath, it was a top-shelf Group 1 triple of his own, following along on the Coronation Cup and the Coral-Eclipse, in which he got the better of a comebacking Enable.
"He's the best I've ridden, without a doubt," Racing Post quoted Buick as saying. "He has this amazing high cruising speed but I thought what was evident today was the kick he had a furlong and a half out. He completely put the race to bed, finished it off and stamped his authority.
"He can do things that other horses don't do."
One thing he could not do was handle the bottomless going in last year's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, where he finished 10th, beaten 33 lengths. Trainer Charlie Appleby acknowledged tactical mistakes contributed to that result and didn't rule out a return.
The Juddmonte International was a "Win and You're In" for the Longines Breeders' Cup Classic on the Keeneland dirt in November but that possibility wasn't mentioned in the wake of Wednesday's performance.
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Also at York in the incredibly scenic north of England:
Wednesday
Pyledriver rallied smartly and quickly to the fore in the final furlongs of the Group 2 Sky Bet Great Voltigeur Stakes for 3-year-olds and drew off to a 3-lengths victory despite wandering a bit in the late going.
Highland Chief was second, followed by the favorite, Mogul. Pyledriver, a Harbour Watch colt trained by William Muir, was making his first start since finishing 11th in the Investec Derby. Before that, he won the Group 2 King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Gear Up outfinished Spycatcher to win the Group 3 Tattersalls Acomb Stakes for 2-year-olds. Gear Up, a Teofilo colt trained by Mark Johnston, improved to 2-for-2.
The disappointment was Godolphin's Hard Spun colt, Cloudbridge, who was uncontrollable for Buick and finished last of eight at even-money.
Thursday
Love, under confident handling by Ryan Moore, completed a Group 1 triple of the Qipco 1000 Guineas, Investec Oaks and Darley Yorkshire Oaks with hardly any fuss at all.
Reserved right behind the early leader, the Galileo filly took command some 3 furlongs from the finish and won at will. The official margin of 5 lengths easily could have been more as Moore hand-rode Love the final few hundred yards. Alpinista and One Voice were second and third.
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The performance occasioned high praise from trainer Aidan O'Brien, who is not given to superlatives outside the parameters of his usual media vocabulary.
"I don't know whether we've had such an exciting filly at this stage," said O'Brien, who has saddled the winners of six 1000 Guineas and eight Investec Oaks.
"I can't name one. It would be very hard to say we've ever had a more exciting filly than Love -- as long as I'm not dreaming in saying that."
The target now is the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, which is shaping up to be the race of the decade, no matter how you figure decades, and British bookmakers shifted Love to favorite status for that race, leapfrogging two-time winner Enable.
O'Brien said an Arc bid was a factor in the decision to let Love run Thursday over ground that might have been on the soft side of good. Her performance, he said, gives confidence she could handle off going in France, though truly deep conditions might be a different story.
Perhaps if that doesn't work out, the Maker's Mark Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf would be an option since the Yorkshire Oaks was a "Win and You're In" for that race.
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Also Thursday, Miss Amulet got to the lead late in the Group 2 Sky Bet Lowther Stakes for 2-year-old fillies and held off a furious late bid by the favorite, Sacred, winning by 1 length.
Umm Kulthum was third. Miss Amulet, a Sir Prancealot filly, notched her third win from six starts. Sacred was second in the Group 2 Queen Mary at Royal Ascot in her last start.
Friday
The Group 1 Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes, written by tradition for 2-year-olds and up, highlights the program and Battaash stars in that event.
The 5-furlong dash is a "Win and You're In" for the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint. Battaash enters off consecutive wins in the Group 1 King's Stand at the Royal meeting and the Group 2 King George Qatar Stakes at Goodwood.
Back to North America:
Now, on to the North American domestic doin's, with the reminder that a fresh set of eyes on these things never hurts. No eyes fresher than those of long-time industry insider Jude Feld, whose thoughtful tips can be had at popejude.com.
Classic
Who's up to take on Maximum Security at even weights going 1 1/4 miles Saturday? Del Mar got five takers for that chore in the $500,000 Grade I TVG Pacific Classic at Del Mar, a "Win and You're In" for the Longines Breeders' Cup Classic.
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The five, Midcourt, Higher Power, Mirinaque, Dark Vader and Sharp Samurai, are all nice horses -- some very nice indeed. Mirinaque makes his first start up from South America after finishing second in both the Group 1 Longines Gran Premio Latinoamericano and the Group 1 Gran Premio International Carlos Pellegrini -- the latter a "Win and You're In" for the Longines Breeders' Cup Turf.
But if the likely odds-on favorite maximizes his potential, they'll run for second place.
Maximum Security, a 4-year-old New Year's Day colt, has finished first in 10 of 11 starts. To date, however, his career will be remembered for other things. One of the untoward incidents was the Kentucky Derby, taken away in the stewards' booth.
Another was the indictment of his trainer on doping charges, which led the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia to withhold his winner's share of the purse of the $20 million Saudi Cup -- a decision still pending.
And don't forget, his first start was in a $16,000 claimer at Gulfstream Park Dec. 20, 2018. Anyone could have bought this magnificent beast for less than the cost of a decent automobile but there were no takers.
The horse doesn't know any of that and just keeps on winning, currently six in a row counting the Saudi Cup. A win here and in November in the Breeders' Cup, would make the legal issues footnotes rather than the headline of a great career.
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Saturday's $200,000 Grade III Philip H. Iselin Handicap at Monmouth Park has six entries with three of them just about even in the oddsmaker's estimation.
Warrior's Charge, a 4-year-old Munnings colt, won the Grade III Razorback at Oaklawn Park and most recently was fourth in the Grade I Met Mile. Bal Harbour, a 5-year-old First Samurai gelding, hasn't won since November of 2018, but was second in this last year.
Mind Control, a 4-year-old colt by Stay Thirsty, was third in the Grade I Vanderbilt at Saratoga in his last race.
Distaff
Seven 3-year-old fillies are set for Saturday's $100,000 Grade III Torrey Pines at 1 mile on the Del Mar dirt. There's not a lot to separate them although Secret Keeper and Harvest Moon are defending two-race win skeins.
Bob Baffert has Merneith, who was third behind Swiss Skydiver in the Grade II Santa Anita Oaks, and Provocation, who makes her third start. Both need to find a consistent rhythm.
Turf
United tops a field of 11 for Saturday's $200,000 Grade III Del Mar Handicap, a "Win and You're In" for the Longines Breeders' Cup Turf.
The 5-year-old Giant's Causeway gelding has won three straight Grade II events -- the San Marcos, the Charles Whittingham and the Eddie Read. Before that, he was second in the Breeders' Cup Turf, just a head shy of derailing Bricks and Mortar's Horse of the Year title run, and the Hollywood Turf Cup.
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The rest of the Del Mar Handicap field looks suspect by comparison with United. Combatant did win the Grade I Santa Anita Handicap earlier this year but has turned in two dreadful performances since.
Filly & Mare Turf
Turfmeister Chad Brown has "only" two of the six entries for Sunday's $500,000 Grade I Diana at Saratoga.
But they're mighty good ones. Sistercharlie won this event in both 2018 and 2019 and, while she's been in a bit of a slump, could be ready to rock and roll again. Rushing Fall is 2-for-2 this season and exits a win in the Grade I Coolmore Jenny Wiley Stakes at Keeneland in its unique July meeting.
Tired of backing Brown-trained favorites? Try ultraconsistent Italian import Call Me Love or recent Grade II winner Ballston Spa winner Starship Jubilee or Mean Mary, riding a four-race winning streak. Even Secret Message, who looks like the longest chance in the field, wouldn't be a total surprise if things break right. Nice race.
Laura's Light enters Saturday's $250,000 Grade I Del Mar Oaks with four wins from her last five starts with the only loss in that stretch coming in the Bourbonette Oaks over the Turfway Park all-weather course.
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Her main opposition here might be two French imports making their first U.S. start. Miss Extra, handed off from Pia Brandt to Richard Mandella, won the Group 2 Prix du Sandringham in June at Chantilly. Neige Blanche, now trained by Leonard Powell, won the Group 3 Prix Cleopatre at Lyon-Parilly in her last start before boarding the plane. Trickle In arrives with a record of 3-for-4 in the Midwest and East Coast.
Turf Mile
The aforementioned Chad Brown saddles four of the nine set for Saturday's $400,000 Grade I Fourstardave Handicap at Saratoga, a "Win and You're In" for the TVG Breeders' Cup Mile.
Three of them -- Raging Bull, Without Parole and 2019 Breeders' Cup winner Uni -- are the favories, along with the Todd Pletcher-trained Halladay.
Eleven are entered for Sunday's $150,000 Grade II Del Mar Mile but the field likely will be cut to 10 with Sharp Samurai directed instead to the Pacific Classic.
Among those likely to start we find the likes of Kentucky invader The Black Album, 2019 Grade II Mathis Brothers Mile winner Mo Forza, and 2019 Cal Cup Derby winner Galilean.
Turf Sprint
Saturday's $100,000 Grade III Green Flash Handicap at Del Mar has some interesting aspects. Mike's Tiznow arrives from Golden Gate Fields after back-to-back wins -- a year apart.
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He won the Albany Stakes June 8, 2019, then was absent until June 6 of this year, when he won the same race. He's a confirmed front-runner and a fast one at that.
Chaos Theory was claimed for $62,500 while winning his most recent start at Churchill Downs but has graded stakes experience. Baja Sur was second in this year's Albany. Mike Smith will get a leg up seeking a second straight ride on Sparky Ville.
Sprint / Dirt Mile
A nice, competitive field of eight is set for Friday's $100,000 Grade III Rancho Bernardo Handicap at Del Mar, 1 mile on the dirt.
The morning-line pick is Sneaking Out, a 4-year-old Indian Evening filly who won the Grade II Great Lady M at Los Alamitos in her most recent start. Also with notices are Unique Factor, Mucho Amor, Amuse and Gingham.
Juvenile Turf
Toby's Heart was off a step slow in Wednesday's $85,000 Bolton Landing Stakes for 2-year-old fillies at Saratoga but came around rivals into the stretch to get the job done by 1 1/4 lengths.
Joy's Rocket was next-best, 2 1/4 lengths ahead of Amanzi Yimpilo. Toby's Heart, a daughter of Jack Milton, ran 5 1/2 furlongs on good turf in 1:02.31 with Jose Ortiz up.
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Around the world, around the clock:
England
We'll finish up the Ebor meeting in the weekend report.
France
Nazeef is the even-money favorite in Sunday's Group 1 Prix Jean Romanet for fillies and mares at Deauville.
The 4-year-old Invincible Spirit filly, trained by John Gosden for Sheik Hamdan Al Maktoum, won the Group 2 Duke of Cambridge Stakes at Royal Ascot and the Group 1 Tattersalls Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket before finishing third in the Group 1 Qatar Nassau Stakes at Goodwood, behind Fancy Blue and One Voice.
Sunday's Group 1 Darley Prix Morny for 2-year-olds, pending final declarations, finds Tactical, a Coronado colt trained by Andrew Balding for Her Majesty the Queen, and Campanelle, a Kodiac filly trained by Wesley Ward for Stonestreet Stables, as the antepost favorites.
Tactical has won his last two, most recently the Group 2 Tattersalls July Stakes at Newmarket. Campanelle hasn't raced since she edged Sacred in the Group 2 Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Ireland
Saturday's program at the Curragh has a pair of Group 2 events for 2-year-olds, one restricted to fillies. It's no surprise the field are filled with O'Brien trainees but there are others. These bear close watching.
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In other North American action:
Saratoga
Stan the Man came six-wide around rivals to win Thursday's $85,000 Tale of the Cat Stakes by 1 1/2 lengths over My Boy Tate. T Loves a Fight was another 1/2 length back in third. Stan the Man, a 6-year-old Broken Vow gelding, ran 6 furlongs on a fast track in 1:09.47 under Joel Rosario.
Presque Isle Downs
Wet Your Whistle was last of 11 early in Monday's $75,000 Karl Boyes Stakes, wended his way through traffic and got there in time to win by 1 length. Smart Remark nailed pacesetting favorite Wellabled for second.
Wet Your Whistle, a 5-year-old Stroll gelding, ran 6 furlongs on the all-weather track in 1:09.44 with Scott Spieth up.
Canterbury Park
The Minnesota track had five stakes for state-breds on the Wednesday card, to wit:
Northern Playboy found late speed to win the $100,000 Minnesota Derby by 4 3/4 lengths over Love My Boss. The Latent Heat gelding finished 1 mile and 70 yards on a fast track in 1:42.97 with Ry Eikleberry up.
Hotasapistol found running room on the rail in the stretch drive of the $100,000 Minnesota Oaks and got through to win by 3/4 length from Rush Hour Traffic. Hotasapistol, a daughter of Flat Out, reported in 1:44.04 with Alonzo Quinonez riding.
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Drop of Golden Sun led all the way to a 3 1/4-lengths score over Hot Shot Kid in the $55,000 Wally's Choice Stakes at 1 1/16 miles on the dirt.
Ready to Runaway also led from the start in the $55,000 Glitter Star Stakes for fillies and mares and ran away in the final furlong to an 8 1/2-lengths victory.
Westa Waverly battled for the lead in the $50,000 MTA Sales Graduate Futurity, then kicked clear of seven rivals to win by 4 lengths. Quinonez had the ride as the Westover Wildcat gelding ran 5 furlongs in 58.08 seconds.


upi--2020-08-21--Fantasy football: McCaffrey, Elliott lead top-75 running back rankings

Aug. 21 ( UPI ) -- Christian McCaffrey is one of the most-versatile weapons in the NFL .
The Carolina Panthers playmaker is also my No .
1 rated running back ahead of the 2020 fantasy football season .
McCaffrey edges Dallas Cowboys playmaker Ezekiel Elliott and New York Giants workhorse Saquon Barkley for the No .
1 spot in my top-75 rankings for the position .
Dalvin Cook and Alvin Kamara also rank inside my top-five at the position .
Josh Jacobs , Nick Chubb , Joe Mixon , Derrick Henry and Aaron Jones also are among the players @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 .
I split my top targets of the 75 ranked players into five tiers : Hall of Fame , All-Pro , Pro Bowl , Just Napping ( early to mid-round targets ) and Deep Sleepers ( mid- to late-round sleepers ) .
The full rankings are below .
As a personal rule , I prefer players on my fantasy team who are on good teams in real life , but you should make an exception this year for Christian McCaffrey .
The Panthers running back had 2,392 yards from scrimmage and 19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the NFL single-season record with 116 receptions , the most ever for a running back .
McCaffrey 's dynamic play results in an abundance of fantasy production .
He is the projected No .
1 pick on most fantasy football websites for good reason .
Do n't look past Ezekiel Elliott if you have a top-three pick in your fantasy football draft .
The Cowboys star likely will be a key part of a prolific offense .
The Cowboys also should have a solid season and use Elliott to grind out the clock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yards from scrimmage and 14 touchdowns last season , but I expect his numbers to be even better in 2020 .
Elliott should be able to boost his receiving total by at least 100 yards and push his receptions total up by 10 or 15 catches .
I also expect the Cowboys ' improved passing attack to help balance their offense and give Elliott more opportunities .
I have no issue with Elliott as the No .
1 overall selection for your fantasy squad if you prefer his upside and the safety of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year for a division title , while the Panthers are unlikely to do so .
Saquon Barkley always deserves consideration as the No .
1 overall pick in fantasy football drafts , but is another player who has been on a struggling team .
Barkley is still a safe option as your No .
1 pick if you draw a selection in the top-5 .
The Giants will need to depend on their best player throughout the season , which means Barkley will touch the ball a lot and have plenty of chances @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Barkley also has tremendous upside as a pass catcher .
I expect the Giants Pro Bowler to push McCaffrey and Elliott as the top fantasy football running back in 2020 .
But there is one stat to consider before selecting Barkley early in your draft and it might cause you to get off to a slow start .
The Giants have five matchups in 2020 against teams that ranked inside the top-10 for allowing the fewest amount of fantasy points to opposing running backs .
Two of those matchups take place in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when the Giants take on the Pittsburgh Steelers and San Francisco 49ers .
Vikings running back Dalvin Cook is my No .
4 option at the position in 2020 .
Cook has been one of the most-talented running backs in the NFL since he entered the league in 2017 , but has yet to stay healthy for an entire season .
Despite the question of availability , he has a great opportunity to have a monster fantasy football campaign in 2020 .
The Vikings could opt to return to more of a run-based @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wide receiver Stefon Diggs this off-season .
Cook had 1,765 yards from scrimmage and 13 touchdowns in 14 games last season .
He should improve on those numbers if he is able to play at least 14 games again in 2020 .
Minnesota also has five matchups in 13 games against teams that ranked inside the top-10 for allowing the most fantasy points to running backs .
I would still select Cook in that first group of running backs in the first round before the first wide receiver is off the board .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the players you should still consider taking over a wide receiver in the first round if your league is highly-dependent on running back production .
Jacobs had 1,316 yards from scrimmage and seven touchdowns as a rookie last season .
He will be the main workhorse once again this season , but the Raiders ' off-season additions of multiple pass catchers should balance their offense .
I expect Jacobs -- my No .
6 running back -- to close in on 1,500 yards from scrimmage and score at least 10 touchdowns in 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the most-dominant players in the NFL last season , but fantasy team owners should n't draft players based only on last year 's statistics .
Henry remains a safe pick in the first round if you want a workhorse-style running back , but I think his statistics decline in 2020 based on his high usage last season and a less-productive passing game this year .
The Titans also do n't have an easy schedule for fantasy football running backs .
Tennessee has five games against teams that ranked inside the top-10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ running backs in 2019 .
Two of those matchups are in the first four weeks of the season .
Henry is my No .
9 running back , but do n't be afraid to draft a wide receiver in the first round instead of the Titans running back if you are n't confident in the pick .
Fantasy football team owners will see Clyde Edwards-Helaire selected very early this year in drafts , but I would n't overspend on the Kansas City Chiefs rookie .
Edwards-Helaire has a ton of talent and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Patrick Mahomes led offense , but he still carries some risk .
I would prefer to select a safer option in the first round and snag Edwards-Helaire in the second round if possible .
Make sure to grab plenty of additional running backs later in your draft to stabilize the position if you do take the chance and draft the rookie in the first round .
The former LSU running back is my No .
13 option at the position .
David Johnson is my No .
15 running back in 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ value picks in your draft if you can get him any time after the second round .
The new Houston Texans running back had a down year in 2019 , but is only a few seasons removed from being considered one of the best running backs in fantasy football .
I would target Johnson in the second round after selecting a wide receiver in the first round or take him in the third round after taking two wide receivers early .
His skillset and opportunity should provide solid RB1 value all season if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ravens made a splash this off-season when they drafted J.K. Dobbins out of Ohio State , but Mark Ingram is still the main man in the backfield .
I think he will provide plenty of fantasy football value in the offense despite Dobbins ' presence .
Ingram had 1,265 yards from scrimmage and a career-high 15 touchdowns last season .
I see the veteran ball carrier scoring another 10-plus touchdowns in 2020 and posting another season with at least 1,000 yards from scrimmage .
The Ravens should have enough carriers for Dobbins and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lamar Jackson 's exposure to injuries during runs .
Ingram is my No .
21 running back and should be picked as an RB2 , but has RB1 upside in good matchups .
The Ravens also have one of the best early-season schedules for fantasy football running backs .
Baltimore 's first five games are all against teams that ranked inside the top-10 for allowing the most fantasy points to running backs .
Todd Gurley is another running back just a few seasons removed from being considered one of the elite fantasy football @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Los Angeles Rams star signed with the Atlanta Falcons this off-season and should fit nicely into his new offense .
I would n't be super excited to have Gurley as my RB1 , but he does have the opportunity to produce solid fantasy stats in good matchups .
He is my No .
24 options at running back and should produce at least 10 touchdowns and eclipse 1,200 yards from scrimmage in the Matt Ryan and Julio Jones led attack .

Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott ranks No. 2 on my list of the top-75 running backs for the 2020 fantasy football season. File Photo by Derik Hamilton/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 21 (UPI) -- Christian McCaffrey is one of the most-versatile weapons in the NFL. The Carolina Panthers playmaker is also my No. 1 rated running back ahead of the 2020 fantasy football season. McCaffrey edges Dallas Cowboys playmaker Ezekiel Elliott and New York Giants workhorse Saquon Barkley for the No. 1 spot in my Top 75 rankings for the position. Advertisement
Dalvin Cook and Alvin Kamara also rank inside my Top 5 at the position. Josh Jacobs, Nick Chubb, Joe Mixon, Derrick Henry and Aaron Jones also are among the players I expect to post RB1 production in 2020.
I split my top targets of the 75 ranked players into five tiers: Hall of Fame, All-Pro, Pro Bowl, Just Napping (early to mid-round targets) and Deep Sleepers (mid- to late-round sleepers). The full rankings are below.
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Hall of Fame
1. Christian McCaffrey, 2. Ezekiel Elliott
As a personal rule, I prefer players on my fantasy team who are on good teams in real life, but you should make an exception this year for Christian McCaffrey. The Panthers running back had 2,392 yards from scrimmage and 19 touchdowns last season. He also set the NFL single-season record with 116 receptions, the most ever for a running back.
McCaffrey's dynamic play results in an abundance of fantasy production. He is the projected No. 1 pick on most fantasy football websites for good reason.
Don't look past Ezekiel Elliott if you have a Top 3 pick in your fantasy football draft. The Cowboys star likely will be a key part of a prolific offense. The Cowboys also should have a solid season and use Elliott to grind out the clock late in games.
Elliott had 1,777 yards from scrimmage and 14 touchdowns last season, but I expect his numbers to be even better in 2020. Elliott should be able to boost his receiving total by at least 100 yards and push his receptions total up by 10 or 15 catches.
I also expect the Cowboys' improved passing attack to help balance their offense and give Elliott more opportunities. I have no issue with Elliott as the No. 1 overall selection for your fantasy squad if you prefer his upside and the safety of knowing his team will likely compete this year for a division title, while the Panthers are unlikely to do so.
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All-Pro
3. Saquon Barkley, 4. Dalvin Cook
Saquon Barkley always deserves consideration as the No. 1 overall pick in fantasy football drafts, but is another player who has been on a struggling team. Barkley is still a safe option as your No. 1 pick if you draw a selection in the Top 5.
The Giants will need to depend on their best player throughout the season, which means Barkley will touch the ball a lot and have plenty of chances to post fantasy points.
Like McCaffrey, Barkley also has tremendous upside as a pass catcher. I expect the Giants Pro Bowler to push McCaffrey and Elliott as the top fantasy football running back in 2020.
But there is one stat to consider before selecting Barkley early in your draft and it might cause you to get off to a slow start.
The Giants have five matchups in 2020 against teams that ranked inside the Top 10 for allowing the fewest amount of fantasy points to opposing running backs. Two of those matchups take place in the first three weeks of the season when the Giants take on the Pittsburgh Steelers and San Francisco 49ers.
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Vikings running back Dalvin Cook is my No. 4 option at the position in 2020. Cook has been one of the most-talented running backs in the NFL since he entered the league in 2017, but has yet to stay healthy for an entire season. Despite the question of availability, he has a great opportunity to have a monster fantasy football campaign in 2020.
The Vikings could opt to return to more of a run-based offense this year after the team traded wide receiver Stefon Diggs this off-season. Cook had 1,765 yards from scrimmage and 13 touchdowns in 14 games last season. He should improve on those numbers if he is able to play at least 14 games again in 2020.
Minnesota also has five matchups in 13 games against teams that ranked inside the Top 10 for allowing the most fantasy points to running backs.
I would still select Cook in that first group of running backs in the first round before the first wide receiver is off the board.
Pro Bowl
6. Josh Jacobs, 9. Derrick Henry
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs is among the players you should still consider taking over a wide receiver in the first round if your league is highly-dependent on running back production.
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Jacobs had 1,316 yards from scrimmage and seven touchdowns as a rookie last season. He will be the main workhorse once again this season, but the Raiders' off-season additions of multiple pass catchers should balance their offense.
I expect Jacobs -- my No. 6 running back -- to close in on 1,500 yards from scrimmage and score at least 10 touchdowns in 2020.
Titans running back Derrick Henry was one of the most-dominant players in the NFL last season, but fantasy team owners shouldn't draft players based only on last year's statistics.
Henry remains a safe pick in the first round if you want a workhorse-style running back, but I think his statistics decline in 2020 based on his high usage last season and a less-productive passing game this year.
The Titans also don't have an easy schedule for fantasy football running backs. Tennessee has five games against teams that ranked inside the Top 10 for the fewest fantasy points allowed to running backs in 2019. Two of those matchups are in the first four weeks of the season.
Henry is my No. 9 running back, but don't be afraid to draft a wide receiver in the first round instead of the Titans running back if you aren't confident in the pick.
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Just Napping
15. Clyde Edwards-Helaire, 16. David Johnson
Fantasy football team owners will see Clyde Edwards-Helaire selected very early this year in drafts, but I wouldn't overspend on the Kansas City Chiefs rookie. Edwards-Helaire has a ton of talent and a terrific opportunity to produce fantasy points in the Patrick Mahomes led offense, but he still carries some risk.
I would prefer to select a safer option in the first round and snag Edwards-Helaire in the second round if possible. Make sure to grab plenty of additional running backs later in your draft to stabilize the position if you do take the chance and draft the rookie in the first round. The former LSU running back is my No. 15 option at the position.
David Johnson is my No. 16 running back in 2020 and could be one of the best value picks in your draft if you can get him any time after the second round. The new Houston Texans running back had a down year in 2019, but is only a few seasons removed from being considered one of the best running backs in fantasy football.
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I would target Johnson in the second round after selecting a wide receiver in the first round or take him in the third round after taking two wide receivers early. His skillset and opportunity should provide solid RB1 value all season if he can stay healthy.
Deep Sleepers
17. Mark Ingram, 19. Todd Gurley, 38. Tevin Coleman
The Baltimore Ravens made a splash this off-season when they drafted J.K. Dobbins out of Ohio State, but Mark Ingram is still the main man in the backfield. I think he will provide plenty of fantasy football value in the offense despite Dobbins' presence.
Ingram had 1,265 yards from scrimmage and a career-high 15 touchdowns last season. I see the veteran ball carrier scoring another 10-plus touchdowns in 2020 and posting another season with at least 1,000 yards from scrimmage.
The Ravens should have enough carriers for Dobbins and Ingram as they attempt to limit quarterback Lamar Jackson's exposure to injuries during runs. Ingram is my No. 17 running back and should be picked as an RB2, but has RB1 upside in good matchups.
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The Ravens also have one of the best early-season schedules for fantasy football running backs. Baltimore's first five games are all against teams that ranked inside the Top 10 for allowing the most fantasy points to running backs.
Todd Gurley is another running back just a few seasons removed from being considered one of the elite fantasy football options at the position. The former Los Angeles Rams star signed with the Atlanta Falcons this off-season and should fit nicely into his new offense.
I wouldn't be super excited to have Gurley as my RB1, but he does have the opportunity to produce solid fantasy stats in good matchups. He is my No. 19 option at running back and should produce at least 10 touchdowns and eclipse 1,200 yards from scrimmage in the Matt Ryan and Julio Jones led attack.
Top 75 Fantasy Football Running Back Rankings for 2020
1. Christian McCaffrey, Carolina Panthers, Bye Week 13
2. Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas Cowboys, Bye Week 10
3. Saquon Barkley, New York Giants, Bye Week 11
4. Dalvin Cook, Minnesota Vikings, Bye Week 7
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5. Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints, Bye Week 6
6. Josh Jacobs, Las Vegas Raiders, Bye Week 6
7. Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns, Bye Week 9
8. Joe Mixon, Cincinnati Bengals, Bye Week 9
9. Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans, Bye Week 7
10. Aaron Jones, Green Bay Packers, Bye Week 5
11. Kenyan Drake, Arizona Cardinals, Bye Week 8
12. Chris Carson, Seattle Seahawks, Bye Week 6
13. Austin Ekeler, Los Angeles Chargers, Bye Week 10
14. James Conner, Pittsburgh Steelers, Bye Week 8
15. Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Kansas City Chiefs, Bye Week 10
16. David Johnson, Houston Texans, Bye Week 8
17. Mark Ingram, Baltimore Ravens, Bye Week 8
18. Miles Sanders, Philadelphia Eagles, Bye Week 9
19. Todd Gurley, Atlanta Falcons Bye Week 10
20. Raheem Mostert, San Francisco 49ers, Bye Week 11
21. Le'Veon Bell, New York Jets, Bye Week 11
22. Kareem Hunt, Cleveland Browns, Bye Week 9
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23. James White, New England Patriots, Bye Week 6
24. Melvin Gordon, Denver Broncos, Bye Week 8
25. Devin Singletary, Buffalo Bills, Bye Week 11
26. Kerryon Johnson, Detroit Lions, Bye Week 5
27. Tarik Cohen, Chicago Bears, Bye Week 11
28. J.K. Dobbins, Baltimore Ravens, Bye Week 8
29. Marlon Mack, Indianapolis Colts, Bye Week 7
30. Ronald Jones, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Bye Week 13
31. Leonard Fournette, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Bye Week 13
32. Jordan Howard, Miami Dolphins, Bye Week 11
33. Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts, Bye Week 7
34. Phillip Lindsay, Denver Broncos, Bye Week 8
35. Matt Breida, Miami Dolphins, Bye Week 11
36. David Montgomery, Chicago Bears, Bye Week 11
37. Sony Michel, New England Patriots, Bye Week 6
38. Tevin Coleman, San Francisco 49ers, Bye Week 11
39. Antonio Gibson, Washington Football Team, Bye Week 8
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40. Latavius Murray, New Orleans Saints, Bye Week 6
41. Malcolm Brown, Los Angeles Rams, Bye Week 9
42. Alexander Mattison, Minnesota Vikings, Bye Week 7
43. Cam Akers, Los Angeles Rams, Bye Week 9
44. D'Andre Swift, Detroit Lions, Bye Week 5
45. Boston Scott, Philadelphia Eagles, Bye Week 9
46. Chris Thompson, Jacksonville Jaguars, Bye Week 7
47. Jamaal Williams, Green Bay Packers, Bye Week 5
48. Duke Johnson, Houston Texans, Bye Week 8
49. Ryquell Armstead, Jacksonville Jaguars, Bye Week 7
50. Bryce Love, Washington Football Team, Bye Week 8
51. Darrel Williams, Kansas City Chiefs, Bye Week 10
52. Justin Jackson, Los Angeles Chargers, Bye Week 10
53. Darrell Henderson, Los Angeles Rams, Bye Week 9
54. Tony Pollard, Dallas Cowboys, Bye Week 10
55. Giovani Bernard, Cincinnati Bengals, Bye Week 9
56. Chase Edmonds, Arizona Cardinals, Bye Week 8
57. Joshua Kelley, Los Angeles Chargers, Bye Week 10
58. Ito Smith, Atlanta Falcons, Bye Week 10
59. Zack Moss, Buffalo Bills, Bye Week 11
60. Darrynton Evans, Tennessee Titans, Bye Week 7
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61. Anthony McFarland, Pittsburgh Steelers, Bye Week 8
62. A.J. Dillon, Green Bay Packers, Bye Week 5
63. Carlos Hyde, Seattle Seahawks, Bye Week 6
64. Nyheim Hines, Indianapolis Colts, Bye Week 7
65. Jalen Richard, Las Vegas Raiders, Bye Week 6
66. Benny Snell Jr., Pittsburgh Steelers, Bye Week 8
67. Jerick McKinnon, San Francisco 49ers, Bye Week 11
68. Damien Harris, New England Patriots, Bye Week 6
69. Ke'Shawn Vaughn, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Bye Week 13
70. Rex Burkhead, New England Patriots, Bye Week 6
71. Devine Ozigbo, Jacksonville Jaguars, Bye Week 7
72. Adrian Peterson, Detroit Lions, Bye Week 5
73. James Robinson, Jacksonville Jaguars, Bye Week 7
74. Frank Gore, New York Jets, Bye Week 11
75. Royce Freeman, Denver Broncos, Bye Week 8


upi--2020-08-21--NBA playoffs, Champions League, NASCAR highlight sports weekend

Aug. 21 ( UPI ) -- The NBA playoffs are in full swing , but wo n't be the only live sports event on the weekend schedule .
NASCAR will host Cup Series races Saturday and Sunday in Delaware .
Soccer 's Champions League final is Sunday in Portugal .
An array of baseball games also will take place throughout the United States and some first-round Stanley Cup playoffs matchups could continue through the weekend as NHL teams vie for spots in the conference semifinals .
NBA MVP favorite Giannis Antetokounmpo will take the floor for the first playoff game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ battle the Orlando Magic Saturday in Orlando , Fla. Saturday 's slate also will feature basketball stars Jimmy Butler , James Harden , Russell Westbrook , Anthony Davis , LeBron James and Damian Lillard .
Sunday 's NBA schedule starts with the Boston Celtics in Game 4 of their Eastern Conference playoff series against the Philadelphia 76ers .
Kawhi Leonard , Paul George , Luka Doncic and Donovan Mitchell will be among the other NBA stars on the court Sunday inside the NBA 's protective bubble inside Walt Disney World Resort .
Game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tips off at 1 p.m. EDT Saturday on TNT .
The Indiana Pacers battle the Miami Heat in the second game of the weekend at 3:30 p.m. EDT Saturday .
The Houston Rockets face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the third game at 6 p.m. EDT .
James , Davis and the Lakers matchup against Lillard 's streaking Blazers at 8:30 p.m. EDT in Saturday 's nightcap .
The Celtics and 76ers clash at 1 p.m. EDT Sunday .
Leonard 's Clippers battle Doncic 's Magic in the second game at 3:30 p.m. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Raptors then face the Brooklyn Nets at 6:30 p.m. EDT Sunday .
The Utah Jazz face the Denver Nuggets at 9 p.m. EDT Sunday in the weekend finale .
Soccer stars will flood the field Sunday in Lisbon , Portugal , when Bayern Munich matches up against Paris Saint-Germain .
The matchup , which caps off the tournament played annually between the best teams in Europe , starts at 3 p.m. EDT Sunday at the Estadio da Luz .
Neymar Jr. and Kylian Mbappe sparked PSG 's run into the tournament finale .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the quarterfinals before the Ligue 1 champions shutout RB Leipzig in the semifinals Tuesday in Lisbon .
Bayern Munich had a brutal draw in their half of the Champions League bracket .
The perennial German Bundesliga champions blasted Chelsea 4-1 in their final round of 16 matchup .
Bayern then obliterated Lionel Messi and Barcelona 8-2 in the quarterfinals before a 3-0 shutout of rival Lyon in the semifinals .
The Bayern attack features star striker Robert Lewandowski and center midfielder Thomas Muller .
Veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is in line to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strikes .
Bayern is favored to win the match , which will air on CBS All Access and CBS Sports Network .
Cup Series drivers will start their engines twice this weekend in Dover , Del .
The first edition of the Drydene 311 is scheduled for 4 p.m. EDT Saturday at Dover International Speedway .
The Cup Series field returns to the same track 24 hours later for the second Drydene 311 at 4 p.m. EDT Sunday in Dover .
Each race will be 311 miles and go for 311 laps on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ air on NBC Sports Network .
Kevin Harvick leads the Cup Series standings .
Denny Hamlin , Brad Keselowski , Chase Elliott and Ryan Blaney also are in the top-five of the standings .
Caesar 's gives Martin Truex Jr. the best odds to win the first race on Saturday .
Harvick has the second-best odds , followed by Elliott , Hamlin and Keselowski .
Qualifying spots for the second race will be determined by the order of Saturday 's finish .
The Northern Trust : Third-round from 1 to 3 p.m. EDT @ @ @ @ @ @ @ p.m. EDT on CBS Bucks vs. Magic at 1 p.m. EDT on TNT Pacers vs. Heat at 3:30 p.m. EDT on TNT Rockets vs. Thunder at 6 p.m. EDT on ESPN Lakers vs .
Trail Blazers at 8:30 p.m. EDT on ABC Game 7 : Flames vs. Stars at TBD on TBD Game 6 : Capitals vs. Islanders at TBD on TBD Marlins at Nationals at 4:05 p.m. EDT on MLB Network Brewers at Pirates at 4:05 p.m. EDT on FS1 Rockies at Dodgers at 9:10 p.m. EDT on MLB Network Astros at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Network Mariya Agapova vs. Shana Dobson after first fight Marcin Prachnio vs. Mike Rodriguez after second fight Ovince Saint Preux vs. Alonzo Menifield after third fight The Northern Trust : Fourth-round from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. EDT on Golf Channel ; 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. EDT on CBS Yankees at Mets at 1:10 p.m. EDT on TBS Astros at Padres at 4:10 p.m. EDT on ESPN Phillies at Braves at 7:08 p.m. EDT on ESPN Game 7 : Canadiens vs. Flyers at TBD on TBD Game 7 : Islanders vs. Capitals at TBD @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Blues at TBD on TBD Celtics vs. 76ers at 1 p.m. EDT on ABC Clippers vs. Mavericks at 3:30 p.m. EDT on ABC Raptors vs. Nets at 6:30 p.m. EDT on TNT Nuggets vs. Jazz at 9 p.m. EDT on TNT

LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers will face the Portland Trail Blazers this weekend as part of the first round of the NBA playoffs in Orlando, Fla. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 21 (UPI) -- The NBA playoffs are in full swing, but won't be the only live sports event on the weekend schedule. NASCAR will host Cup Series races Saturday and Sunday in Delaware. Soccer's Champions League final is Sunday in Portugal. An array of baseball games also will take place throughout the United States and some first-round Stanley Cup playoffs matchups could continue through the weekend as NHL teams vie for spots in the conference semifinals. Advertisement
NBA MVP favorite Giannis Antetokounmpo will take the floor for the first playoff game of the weekend when the Milwaukee Bucks battle the Orlando Magic Saturday in Orlando, Fla.
Saturday's slate also will feature basketball stars Jimmy Butler, James Harden, Russell Westbrook, Anthony Davis, LeBron James and Damian Lillard.
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Sunday's NBA schedule starts with the Boston Celtics in Game 4 of their Eastern Conference playoff series against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, Luka Doncic and Donovan Mitchell will be among the other NBA stars on the court Sunday inside the NBA's protective bubble inside Walt Disney World Resort.
NBA Playoffs
Game 3 of the Bucks and Magic series tips off at 1 p.m. EDT Saturday on TNT. The Indiana Pacers battle the Miami Heat in the second game of the weekend at 3:30 p.m. EDT Saturday. The Houston Rockets face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the third game at 6 p.m. EDT.
James, Davis and the Lakers matchup against Lillard's streaking Blazers at 8:30 p.m. EDT in Saturday's nightcap.
The Celtics and 76ers clash at 1 p.m. EDT Sunday. Leonard's Clippers battle Doncic's Magic in the second game at 3:30 p.m. EDT Sunday.
The defending champion Toronto Raptors then face the Brooklyn Nets at 6:30 p.m. EDT Sunday. The Utah Jazz face the Denver Nuggets at 9 p.m. EDT Sunday in the weekend finale.
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Champions League
Soccer stars will flood the field Sunday in Lisbon, Portugal, when Bayern Munich matches up against Paris Saint-Germain.
The matchup, which caps off the tournament played annually between the best teams in Europe, starts at 3 p.m. EDT Sunday at the Estadio da Luz.
Neymar Jr. and Kylian Mbappe sparked PSG's run into the tournament finale. PSG scored a comeback victory over Atalanta in the quarterfinals before the Ligue 1 champions shutout RB Leipzig in the semifinals Tuesday in Lisbon.
Bayern Munich had a brutal draw in their half of the Champions League bracket. The perennial German Bundesliga champions blasted Chelsea 4-1 in their final round of 16 matchup. Bayern then obliterated Lionel Messi and Barcelona 8-2 in the quarterfinals before a 3-0 shutout of rival Lyon in the semifinals.
The Bayern attack features star striker Robert Lewandowski and center midfielder Thomas Muller. Veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is in line to protect the net from Neymar and Mbappe strikes.
Bayern is favored to win the match, which will air on CBS All Access and CBS Sports Network.
NASCAR twin bill
Cup Series drivers will start their engines twice this weekend in Dover, Del. The first edition of the Drydene 311 is scheduled for 4 p.m. EDT Saturday at Dover International Speedway. The Cup Series field returns to the same track 24 hours later for the second Drydene 311 at 4 p.m. EDT Sunday in Dover.
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Each race will be 311 miles and go for 311 laps on the one-mile track. Both races will air on NBC Sports Network.
Kevin Harvick leads the Cup Series standings. Denny Hamlin, Brad Keselowski, Chase Elliott and Ryan Blaney also are in the top-five of the standings. Caesar's gives Martin Truex Jr. the best odds to win the first race on Saturday. Harvick has the second-best odds, followed by Elliott, Hamlin and Keselowski.
Qualifying spots for the second race will be determined by the order of Saturday's finish.
Saturday
Golf
The Northern Trust: Third-round from 1 to 3 p.m. EDT on Golf Channel; 3 to 6 p.m. EDT on CBS
Basketball -- NBA playoffs
Bucks vs. Magic at 1 p.m. EDT on TNT
Pacers vs. Heat at 3:30 p.m. EDT on TNT
Rockets vs. Thunder at 6 p.m. EDT on ESPN
Lakers vs. Trail Blazers at 8:30 p.m. EDT on ABC
Hockey -- Stanley Cup playoffs (if necessary)
Game 7: Flames vs. Stars at TBD on TBD
Game 6: Capitals vs. Islanders at TBD on TBD
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NASCAR
Cup Series: Drydene 311 at 4 p.m. EDT on NBC Sports Network
Baseball
Marlins at Nationals at 4:05 p.m. EDT on MLB Network
Brewers at Pirates at 4:05 p.m. EDT on FS1
Rockies at Dodgers at 9:10 p.m. EDT on MLB Network
Astros at Padres at 9:10 p.m. EDT on MLB Network
UFC Fight Night on ESPN
Daniel Rodriguez vs. Takashi Sato at 8:30 p.m. EDT
Mariya Agapova vs. Shana Dobson after first fight
Marcin Prachnio vs. Mike Rodriguez after second fight
Ovince Saint Preux vs. Alonzo Menifield after third fight
Frankie Edgar vs. Pedro Munhoz after fourth fight
Sunday
Golf
The Northern Trust: Fourth-round from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. EDT on Golf Channel; 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. EDT on CBS
Baseball
Yankees at Mets at 1:10 p.m. EDT on TBS
Astros at Padres at 4:10 p.m. EDT on ESPN
Phillies at Braves at 7:08 p.m. EDT on ESPN
Hockey -- Stanley Cup playoffs (if necessary)
Game 7: Canadiens vs. Flyers at TBD on TBD
Game 7: Islanders vs. Capitals at TBD on TBD
Game 7: Canucks vs. Blues at TBD on TBD
Basketball -- NBA playoffs
Celtics vs. 76ers at 1 p.m. EDT on ABC
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Clippers vs. Mavericks at 3:30 p.m. EDT on ABC
Raptors vs. Nets at 6:30 p.m. EDT on TNT
Nuggets vs. Jazz at 9 p.m. EDT on TNT
NASCAR
Cup Series: Drydene 311 at 4 p.m. EDT on NBC Sports Network


upi--2020-08-21--Four killed in raging California wildfires

Aug. 21 ( UPI ) -- Wildfires raging in northern and central California have killed at least four people as hundreds of thousands of acres burn throughout the state .
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said in an update Thursday night that four people were killed -- three in Napa County and another in Solano County -- as the LNU Lightning Complex Fire that started Monday has grown to 215,000 acres .
Napa County Sheriff 's Office spokesman Henry Wofford said three bodies were recovered Thursday after they were found dead in a residence the day prior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said on Facebook that a man was found dead on Thursday during a damage assessment .
At least two other people died fighting fires earlier this week .
A helicopter pilot died Wednesday when his aircraft crashed during a water-bombing mission in Fresno County , and a Pacific Gas & Electric employee was found dead in his vehicle while assisting firefighters battling the LNU Lightning Complex Fire that afternoon .
Cal Fire said the LNU Lightning Complex Fire grew from 131,000 acres to 215,000 over Thursday and was at 0 % contained .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to lightning has destroyed 480 structures , damaged 125 others and threatens an additional 30,500 , Cal Fire said .
South of it , the SCU Lightning Complex Fire that started Tuesday has grown to 157,475 acres and has resulted in two injuries , fire officials said .
At least 62,000 people evacuated from their homes and another 100,000 are under evacuation warnings , Cal Fire said as firefighters battle some two dozen blazes throughout the state .
Earlier in the week , Gov .
Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are deploying every resource available to keep communities safe as California battles fires across the state during these extreme conditions , '' he said on Tuesday .

At least 62,000 people throughout central and northern California have been evacuated due to wildfires. Photo courtesy of Napa County Sheriff's Office/ Twitter
Aug. 21 (UPI) -- Wildfires raging in northern and central California have killed at least four people as hundreds of thousands of acres burn throughout the state. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said in an update Thursday night that four people were killed -- three in Napa County and another in Solano County -- as the LNU Lightning Complex Fire that started Monday has grown to 215,000 acres. Advertisement
Napa County Sheriff's Office spokesman Henry Wofford said three bodies were recovered Thursday after they were found dead in a residence the day prior.
In Solano, Sheriff Tom Ferrara said on Facebook that a man was found dead on Thursday during a damage assessment.
At least two other people died fighting fires earlier this week. A helicopter pilot died Wednesday when his aircraft crashed during a water-bombing mission in Fresno County, and a Pacific Gas & Electric employee was found dead in his vehicle while assisting firefighters battling the LNU Lightning Complex Fire that afternoon.
Cal Fire said the LNU Lightning Complex Fire grew from 131,000 acres to 215,000 over Thursday and was at 0% contained.
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The vegetation fire that erupted Monday morning due to lightning has destroyed 480 structures, damaged 125 others and threatens an additional 30,500, Cal Fire said.
South of it, the SCU Lightning Complex Fire that started Tuesday has grown to 157,475 acres and has resulted in two injuries, fire officials said.
At least 62,000 people evacuated from their homes and another 100,000 are under evacuation warnings, Cal Fire said as firefighters battle some two dozen blazes throughout the state.
Earlier in the week, Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency due to the fires.
"We are deploying every resource available to keep communities safe as California battles fires across the state during these extreme conditions," he said on Tuesday.


upi--2020-08-21--Bright Eyes takes a new direction with a bit of nostalgia

Aug. 21 ( UPI ) -- Bright Eyes is back with Down in the Weeds , Where the World Once Was , their first new album in nearly 10 years , and the venerated indie rock band 's three core members said the record is designed to be a mix of the new and the familiar .
Down in the Weeds , Where the World Once Was marks Bright Eyes ' first album since 2011 's The People 's Key , and the band 's core members -- singer/guitarist Conor Oberst , composer/keyboardist Nate Walcott and multi-instrumentalist/producer Mike Mogis -- @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their return to the studio was inspired by their experiences and the state of the world .
`` Living in Trump 's America has felt extremely horrible and oppressive , '' Oberst said .
`` Not that he has anything to do with our record , and I 'm happy to say that , there 's nothing really overly political in it .
`` I just think there 's been a general climate of despair all around , even before the pandemic , and I think that coupled with different things that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I think we all felt like it would be a good time to bring it all back home . ''
Oberst and his bandmates agreed returning `` home '' to the studio offered a unique sense of comfort both from the state of the world and their personal tribulations , including separations , death of loved ones and the pressures of other professional pursuits .
`` The enjoyment working with these guys is on a level I do n't get elsewhere , '' Mogis said .
`` [ It 's ] just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them be met with open arms , even your wildest craziest ideas .
It 's fun . ''
Oberst 's work during the Bright Eyes hiatus included multiple solo albums and 2019 's self-titled album , Better Oblivion Community Center , a collaboration with fellow indie rocker Phoebe Bridgers , while Walcott recently went on tour as the keyboard , piano and trumpet player for the Red Hot Chili Peppers .
Mogis has remained active as a producer for indie bands and has collaborated with Walcott on film scores .
including 2014 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three men agreed recording with Bright Eyes is uniquely comfortable due to their shared history as musicians and friends , as well as the collaborative approach they take to crafting a record .
`` We all have to be equally happy with the result of the finished record , so what you 're hearing is sort of the combination of our three musical minds , if you will , all swirled together , '' Oberst said .
Walcott described the process as `` uniquely collaborative in a deep way . ''
`` When @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we 're kind of building this thing together from the ground up .
And I do n't really have any other projects in my life that are nearly as deeply collaborative in that sense , '' he said .
The two decades of Bright Eyes ' history are apparent in Down in the Weeds , which features what Mogis described as `` touchstones to other records that we had made in the past '' that were intentionally designed to give the record `` a little bit of nostalgia . ''
Familiar elements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a hammered dulcimer and Walcott 's use of simple melodies and low-fi elements in his arrangements that recall the band 's work on early albums like Fevers and Mirrors ( 2000 ) and Letting Off the Happiness ( 1998 ) .
While the nostalgic elements of the record were intentional , the musicians said they also were consciously working to ensure Down in the Weeds had its own , unique sound .
`` It felt like we were deliberately going in a new direction , but also deliberately capturing some sounds that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ records .
So with that intention , I do n't think any of us were feeling like we were just going to make the same record as last time , '' Walcott said .
The new elements on the record include incorporating a gospel choir on the track `` Forced Convalescence '' and bagpipes featuring in `` Persona Non Grata , '' the first single off Down in the Weeds .
The album also features the work of Jon Theodore ( Queens of the Stone Age ) on drums and Flea ( Red @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` There were some new people at the table , so I think that made it exciting and kind of something we had never done before , '' Oberst said .
`` We had some bagpipes , we had some choirs , and some things that were new , so that was good , to try new things among all the nostalgia . ''
The mixing of elements led to some surprising results : `` I never thought we would have slap bass on a record .
That was unexpected , '' Oberst @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we did hire Flea , so the odds of having slap bass went up a bit . ''
Oberst 's lyrics often deal apocalyptic imagery -- `` Found the throughline//For all humankind//If given the time//They 'll blow up or walk on the moon//It 's just what they do , '' he opines in the opening lines of `` Just Once in The World '' -- but the grand-scale disasters can serve as metaphors for a more personal sense of loss .
Oberst 's older brother , Matthew , died in 2016 , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Figueroa Escamilla , his wife of seven years -- although the two remain close friends and Escamilla 's voice appears on the new album 's opening track , `` Pageturner 's Rag . ''
The singer said turning the events of his life into music brings him more clarity than it does catharsis .
`` I think a lot of people will talk about that kind of thing as like , 'Oh that must be really cathartic , ' but I do n't really feel that way , it does n't feel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feels like maybe there 's a little more clarity , '' he said .
Oberst said that while making music gives him `` a little more understanding '' about his emotional experiences , there 's `` a delay period '' of sometimes years between when an event occurs and when it serves as the inspiration for a song .
`` It 's kind of got to live inside your head for a while before it magically appears in a song .
Most of the time , I do n't know what I 'm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already writing about it , '' he said .
A planned tour in support of Down in the Weeds , which was to have kicked off May 14 in Spokane , Wash. , was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic .
Band members said they are looking forward to being able to gather again to play live shows and make new music .
Oberst said life during the pandemic has left him feeling `` very unmotivated '' musically , while Walcott and Mogis have been working together on the score for the upcoming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stand -- which is appropriately , as Walcott put it , `` a TV show about a plague . ''
Down in the Weeds , Where the World Once Was is out Friday from record label Dead Oceans .

1/2
The members of Bright Eyes -- Nate Walcott (left to right) Conor Oberst and Mike Mogis -- said their new album, "Down in the Weeds, Where the World Once Was," includes intentional references to their past recordings. Photo courtesy of Shawn Brackbill/Dead Oceans
Aug. 21 (UPI) -- Bright Eyes is back with Down in the Weeds, Where the World Once Was, their first new album in nearly 10 years, and the venerated indie rock band's three core members said the record is designed to be a mix of the new and the familiar. Down in the Weeds, Where the World Once Was marks Bright Eyes' first album since 2011's The People's Key, and the band's core members -- singer/guitarist Conor Oberst, composer/keyboardist Nate Walcott and multi-instrumentalist/producer Mike Mogis -- told UPI in a recent interview that their return to the studio was inspired by their experiences and the state of the world. Advertisement
"Living in Trump's America has felt extremely horrible and oppressive," Oberst said. "Not that he has anything to do with our record, and I'm happy to say that, there's nothing really overly political in it.
Advertisement
"I just think there's been a general climate of despair all around, even before the pandemic, and I think that coupled with different things that we've experienced in our lives, personally, I think we all felt like it would be a good time to bring it all back home."
Seeking comfort
Oberst and his bandmates agreed returning "home" to the studio offered a unique sense of comfort both from the state of the world and their personal tribulations, including separations, death of loved ones and the pressures of other professional pursuits.
"The enjoyment working with these guys is on a level I don't get elsewhere," Mogis said. "[It's] just being able to share ideas and have them be met with open arms, even your wildest craziest ideas. It's fun."
Oberst's work during the Bright Eyes hiatus included multiple solo albums and 2019's self-titled album, Better Oblivion Community Center, a collaboration with fellow indie rocker Phoebe Bridgers, while Walcott recently went on tour as the keyboard, piano and trumpet player for the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Mogis has remained active as a producer for indie bands and has collaborated with Walcott on film scores. including 2014's The Fault in Our Stars.
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The three men agreed recording with Bright Eyes is uniquely comfortable due to their shared history as musicians and friends, as well as the collaborative approach they take to crafting a record.
"We all have to be equally happy with the result of the finished record, so what you're hearing is sort of the combination of our three musical minds, if you will, all swirled together," Oberst said.
Walcott described the process as "uniquely collaborative in a deep way."
"When we are recording and making a record, we're kind of building this thing together from the ground up. And I don't really have any other projects in my life that are nearly as deeply collaborative in that sense," he said.
'A little bit of nostalgia'
The two decades of Bright Eyes' history are apparent in Down in the Weeds, which features what Mogis described as "touchstones to other records that we had made in the past" that were intentionally designed to give the record "a little bit of nostalgia."
Familiar elements of the music include Mogis' use of a hammered dulcimer and Walcott's use of simple melodies and low-fi elements in his arrangements that recall the band's work on early albums like Fevers and Mirrors (2000) and Letting Off the Happiness (1998).
Advertisement
While the nostalgic elements of the record were intentional, the musicians said they also were consciously working to ensure Down in the Weeds had its own, unique sound.
"It felt like we were deliberately going in a new direction, but also deliberately capturing some sounds that were very familiar from all the previous records. So with that intention, I don't think any of us were feeling like we were just going to make the same record as last time," Walcott said.
The new elements on the record include incorporating a gospel choir on the track "Forced Convalescence" and bagpipes featuring in "Persona Non Grata," the first single off Down in the Weeds. The album also features the work of Jon Theodore (Queens of the Stone Age) on drums and Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers) on bass.
"There were some new people at the table, so I think that made it exciting and kind of something we had never done before," Oberst said. "We had some bagpipes, we had some choirs, and some things that were new, so that was good, to try new things among all the nostalgia."
The mixing of elements led to some surprising results: "I never thought we would have slap bass on a record. That was unexpected," Oberst said.
Advertisement
Walcott added: "Although we did hire Flea, so the odds of having slap bass went up a bit."
Finding clarity
Oberst's lyrics often deal apocalyptic imagery -- "Found the throughline//For all humankind//If given the time//They'll blow up or walk on the moon//It's just what they do," he opines in the opening lines of "Just Once in The World" -- but the grand-scale disasters can serve as metaphors for a more personal sense of loss.
Oberst's older brother, Matthew, died in 2016, and the following year, the singer separated from Figueroa Escamilla, his wife of seven years -- although the two remain close friends and Escamilla's voice appears on the new album's opening track, "Pageturner's Rag."
The singer said turning the events of his life into music brings him more clarity than it does catharsis.
"I think a lot of people will talk about that kind of thing as like, 'Oh that must be really cathartic,' but I don't really feel that way, it doesn't feel particularly cathartic to me. It just feels like maybe there's a little more clarity," he said.
Oberst said that while making music gives him "a little more understanding" about his emotional experiences, there's "a delay period" of sometimes years between when an event occurs and when it serves as the inspiration for a song.
Advertisement
"It's kind of got to live inside your head for a while before it magically appears in a song. Most of the time, I don't know what I'm going to write about until I'm already writing about it," he said.
A planned tour in support of Down in the Weeds, which was to have kicked off May 14 in Spokane, Wash., was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Band members said they are looking forward to being able to gather again to play live shows and make new music.
Oberst said life during the pandemic has left him feeling "very unmotivated" musically, while Walcott and Mogis have been working together on the score for the upcoming miniseries adaptation of Stephen King's The Stand -- which is appropriately, as Walcott put it, "a TV show about a plague."
Down in the Weeds, Where the World Once Was is out Friday from record label Dead Oceans.


upi--2020-08-21--Tropical Storm Genevieve brushes Baja California Sur

Aug. 20 ( UPI ) -- Despite continued weakening from its peak as a Category 4 hurricane earlier this week , Genevieve remains a dangerous storm as it paralleled the coast of Baja California Sur , Mexico , on Thursday .
Genevieve , which weakened to a tropical storm around midday Thursday , unleashed heavy rain and strong winds while producing pounding surf as it spun along the Baja Peninsula .
In its 12 a.m. MDT update on Friday , the National Hurricane Center said the storm was 130 miles west-southwest of Cabo San Lazaro , Mexico , with maximum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was moving west-northwest at 10 mph and was expected to continue in that general direction over the next few days .
The center forecasts the eye of the storm to move farther from the Baja California Peninsula as it weakens to become a tropical depression by Friday night .
Hurricane watches and warnings have been discontinued , but tropical storm warnings were in effect Friday morning for the southern Baja California Peninsula from Todos Santos to Cabo San Lazaro .
Tropical storm conditions were felt along the southern tip of the peninsula Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ throughout the day on Thursday .
Genevieve strengthened into the second major hurricane in the eastern Pacific basin of the 2020 season on Monday night as it rapidly intensified into Category 4 storm .
Even though Genevieve will continue to weaken over the next few days , it poses a threat to lives and property to portions of Baja California Sur .
The storm has been churning up the water along Mexico 's Pacific coast since it formed over the past weekend , and as the week progresses , tropical downpours and huge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the powerful center of the storm .
`` Total rainfall amounts of 2-4 inches with an AccuWeather Local StormMax of 6 inches and wind gusts of 50-60 mph with an AccuWeather Local StormMax wind gust of 70 mph will impact the southern Baja Peninsula , '' said AccuWeather hurricane expert Dan Kottlowski .
Favorable conditions , including very warm water and weak wind shear in the area , helped Genevieve become a monstrous storm earlier this week .
A huge eye was visible on satellite images on Tuesday morning .
Genevieve was born @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emerged in the warm waters just off the coast of El Salvador and Nicaragua Sunday morning .
As a result of the favorable conditions in the area , Genevieve had strengthened to hurricane status just one day later .
The only other storm to achieve major hurricane status so far in the East Pacific was Hurricane Douglas .
Douglas went on to track along the north side of the Hawaiian Islands in the central Pacific during the second half of July , bringing tropical downpours and gusty winds to the island chain .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Douglas in the coming days , as the storm is expected to bring the bulk of the impactful weather to waters just west of Mexico 's Pacific coast .
Even on relatively tranquil days , the shore break along Mexico 's west coast can feature large waves , posing dangerous conditions for swimmers .
As Genevieve churns just off the coast through the week , very large and dangerous swells are expected .
The hurricane 's most significant impacts along the coast and waters offshore will be dangerous surf and heavy seas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surf and avoid watching the storm from adjacent coastal areas .
Large breaking waves can lead to substantial overwash along the coast with the risk of coastal flooding and damage to vessels .
Small craft should remain in port and larger ships should avoid the region and the path of the hurricane .
Outer bands of Genevieve will also bring along tropical downpours to coastal cities through the coming days , especially over the southern portion of the Baja California Peninsula .
Enough rain can fall to cause flash flooding and debris flows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mexico that are forecast to experience impact from Genevieve include in line to possibly deal with wet weather from Genevieve include Cabo San Lucas , La Paz and San Carlos .
Rainfall from Genevieve 's outer bands can and likely will track into the higher terrain just inland of the aforementioned cities .
The mountainous terrain across this region can act to wring out ample amounts of moisture from the atmosphere , enhancing rainfall totals .
As this rain funnels into small streams and rivers , towns along their path could face flooding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coast , it will begin to track into cooler water off Baja California , into late week .
This interaction will undoubtedly begin a weakening trend of the hurricane , but that does n't mean the impacts will end there .
Genevieve is forecast to take a slightly curved path that takes the center of the storm progressively farther away from the west coast of Mexico and California later this weekend to early next week .
During this time , Genevieve is expected to transition into a non-tropical storm .
But it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moisture from the storm could stream into the southwestern United States in the form of clouds with a slight chance of spotty thunderstorm activity .
Along with a potential influx of moisture , increased swells , especially across Southern California , will be possible early next week .

Tropical Storm Genevieve was expected to weaken to a depression Friday. Photo courtesy of NOAA
Aug. 20 (UPI) -- Tropical Storm Genevieve gradually weakened Friday as it moved north away from the Baja California Peninsula, forecasters said. The storm is expected to become a tropical depression later Friday as it moved away from the coast. It will likely maintain that strength through the weekend. Advertisement
In its 9 a.m. MDT update, the National Hurricane Center said the center of the storm was about 155 miles west of Cabo San Lazaro, Mexico. It was moving northwest at 10 mph and had 45 mph maximum sustained winds.
There were no coastal watches or warnings in effect.
Genevieve strengthened into the second major hurricane in the eastern Pacific basin of the 2020 season on Monday night as it rapidly intensified into Category 4 storm.
The storm has been churning up the water along Mexico's Pacific coast since it formed over the past weekend, and as the week progresses, tropical downpours and huge swells will continue to extend outward from the powerful center of the storm.
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"Total rainfall amounts of 2-4 inches with an AccuWeather Local StormMax of 6 inches and wind gusts of 50-60 mph with an AccuWeather Local StormMax wind gust of 70 mph will impact the southern Baja Peninsula," AccuWeather hurricane expert Dan Kottlowski said Thursday night.
Favorable conditions, including very warm water and weak wind shear in the area, helped Genevieve become a monstrous storm earlier this week. A huge eye was visible on satellite images on Tuesday morning.
Genevieve was born first as Tropical Depression 12-E when it emerged in the warm waters just off the coast of El Salvador and Nicaragua Sunday morning. As a result of the favorable conditions in the area, Genevieve had strengthened to hurricane status just one day later.
The only other storm to achieve major hurricane status so far in the East Pacific was Hurricane Douglas. Douglas went on to track along the north side of the Hawaiian Islands in the central Pacific during the second half of July, bringing tropical downpours and gusty winds to the island chain.
Genevieve will not take a path similar to Douglas in the coming days, as the storm is expected to bring the bulk of the impactful weather to waters just west of Mexico's Pacific coast.
Advertisement
Even on relatively tranquil days, the shore break along Mexico's west coast can feature large waves, posing dangerous conditions for swimmers. As Genevieve churns just off the coast through the week, very large and dangerous swells are expected.
The hurricane's most significant impacts along the coast and waters offshore will be dangerous surf and heavy seas.
Forecasters urge people to avoid the surf and avoid watching the storm from adjacent coastal areas. Large breaking waves can lead to substantial overwash along the coast with the risk of coastal flooding and damage to vessels. Small craft should remain in port and larger ships should avoid the region and the path of the hurricane.
Outer bands of Genevieve will also bring along tropical downpours to coastal cities through the coming days, especially over the southern portion of the Baja California Peninsula. Enough rain can fall to cause flash flooding and debris flows. Cities along the west coast of Mexico that are forecast to experience impact from Genevieve include in line to possibly deal with wet weather from Genevieve include Cabo San Lucas, La Paz and San Carlos.
Rainfall from Genevieve's outer bands can and likely will track into the higher terrain just inland of the aforementioned cities. The mountainous terrain across this region can act to wring out ample amounts of moisture from the atmosphere, enhancing rainfall totals. As this rain funnels into small streams and rivers, towns along their path could face flooding.
Advertisement
As the storm continues to parallel the coast, it will begin to track into cooler water off Baja California, into late week. This interaction will undoubtedly begin a weakening trend of the hurricane, but that doesn't mean the impacts will end there.
Genevieve is forecast to take a slightly curved path that takes the center of the storm progressively farther away from the west coast of Mexico and California later this weekend to early next week. During this time, Genevieve is expected to transition into a non-tropical storm.
But it is possible that some of the residual moisture from the storm could stream into the southwestern United States in the form of clouds with a slight chance of spotty thunderstorm activity. Along with a potential influx of moisture, increased swells, especially across Southern California, will be possible early next week.


upi--2020-08-21--On This Day, Aug. 21: Hawaii becomes 50th state

Aug. 21 ( UPI ) -- On this date in history : In 1831 , Nat Turner launched a bloody slave insurrection in Southampton County , Va. , leading to the deaths of 60 people .
Turner , an educated minister who considered himself chosen by God to lead his people out of slavery , was hanged .
In 1911 , the Mona Lisa was stolen from the Louvre .
The painting by Leonardo di Vinci was recovered in 1913 .
In 1935 , Benny Goodman 's nationally broadcast concert at Los Angeles ' Palomar Theater was such a hit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the kickoff of the swing era .
In 1940 , exiled Bolshevik leader Leon Trotsky was assassinated in Mexico City on orders from Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin .
In 1951 , the United States ordered construction of the world 's first atomic submarine , the USS Nautilus .
The vessel was retired in 1985 .
In 1959 , Hawaii became the 50th state of the United States .
In 1983 , Philippine opposition leader Benigno Aquino Jr. was assassinated as he stepped from a plane at the Manila airport .
In 1986 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the remote mountains of Cameroon killed more than 1,700 people and injured 500 .
It became known as the Lake Nyos disaster .
In 1991 , Boris Yeltsin led a three-day resistance to crush an attempted coup d'etat against President Mikhail Gorbachev .
In 2009 , the U.S. Centers for Disease Control , assessing the H1N1 virus , or swine flu , in a mostly flu-free time of year , said there had been 522 reported deaths from confirmed cases of the illness and 7,963 people hospitalized .
In 2011 , Libyan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into Tripoli and seized control of Moammar Gadhafi 's besieged country , setting up their own government at the end of a three-day battle .
In 2013 , a U.S. military judge sentenced Army Pfc .
Bradley Manning to 35 years in prison for giving classified documents to the WikiLeaks whistle-blower site .
Manning , with credit for time already served , would be eligible for parole in seven years .
In 2016 , President Barack Obama pardoned Manning , who was by then going by Chelsea Manning .
In 2017 , millions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ solar eclipse in 38 years .
Experts said the event was one of the largest mass migrations in human history with more than 200 million Americans within a day 's drive of the path of totality .
In 2018 , a jury in Virginia found former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort guilty of eight of the 18 counts he faced for bank fraud .
He was sentenced to 47 months in prison .

1/7
Spectators watch massive waves crash on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, on December 13, 2004. On August 21, 1959, Hawaii became the 50th state of the United States. File Photo by Pierre Tostee/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 21 (UPI) -- On this date in history: In 1831, Nat Turner launched a bloody slave insurrection in Southampton County, Va., leading to the deaths of 60 people. Turner, an educated minister who considered himself chosen by God to lead his people out of slavery, was hanged. Advertisement
In 1911, the Mona Lisa was stolen from the Louvre. The painting by Leonardo di Vinci was recovered in 1913.
In 1935, Benny Goodman's nationally broadcast concert at Los Angeles' Palomar Theater was such a hit that it often has been referred to as the kickoff of the swing era.
In 1940, exiled Bolshevik leader Leon Trotsky was assassinated in Mexico City on orders from Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin.
In 1951, the United States ordered construction of the world's first atomic submarine, the USS Nautilus. The vessel was retired in 1985.
File Photo by U.S. Navy
In 1959, Hawaii became the 50th state of the United States.
In 1983, Philippine opposition leader Benigno Aquino Jr. was assassinated as he stepped from a plane at the Manila airport.
Advertisement
In 1986, gas released from a volcanic lake in the remote mountains of Cameroon killed more than 1,700 people and injured 500. It became known as the Lake Nyos disaster.
In 1991, Boris Yeltsin led a three-day resistance to crush an attempted coup d'etat against President Mikhail Gorbachev.
In 2009, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, assessing the H1N1 virus, or swine flu, in a mostly flu-free time of year, said there had been 522 reported deaths from confirmed cases of the illness and 7,963 people hospitalized.
File Photo by Israel Rosas/UPI
In 2011, Libyan rebels, with NATO support, stormed into Tripoli and seized control of Moammar Gadhafi's besieged country, setting up their own government at the end of a three-day battle.
In 2013, a U.S. military judge sentenced Army Pfc. Bradley Manning to 35 years in prison for giving classified documents to the WikiLeaks whistle-blower site. Manning, with credit for time already served, would be eligible for parole in seven years. In 2016, President Barack Obama pardoned Manning, who was by then going by Chelsea Manning.
Advertisement
In 2017, millions watched the United States' first total solar eclipse in 38 years. Experts said the event was one of the largest mass migrations in human history with more than 200 million Americans within a day's drive of the path of totality.
In 2018, a jury in Virginia found former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort guilty of eight of the 18 counts he faced for bank fraud. He was sentenced to 47 months in prison.