Aidan O’Brien Considers Puerto Rico as Top Contender for Betfred 2000 Guineas Aidan O’Brien has indicated that Puerto Rico could be his leading contender for the Betfred 2000 Guineas, while weighing whether to supplement Albert Einstein for the Rowley Mile Classic following his recent performance. The Ballydoyle trainer expressed cautious optimism about Albert Einstein’s prospects despite a disappointing run in the Gladness Stakes at the Curragh, which led to his withdrawal from the Guineas due to a computer error. O’Brien plans to give the colt another opportunity to prove himself in the Greenham Stakes at Newbury, where he finished third behind Alparslan and Zavateri. O’Brien acknowledged that Albert Einstein’s performance in the Gladness Stakes was subpar, attributing part of the issue to a hood placed on the horse during the race. “Ryan Moore jumped out and thought they were going to go a good gallop, but they didn’t go very fast,” O’Brien explained. “He travelled a little bit strong, but nothing bad. Ryan was happy enough with all that, but I decided to put a hood on him, and it might not have been the right thing.” The trainer noted that the hood may have confused Albert Einstein, delaying his response until late in the race. Despite the setback, O’Brien remains confident in the horse’s potential, stating that a return to sprinting could showcase his best form. The decision to supplement Albert Einstein for the Guineas remains uncertain, as O’Brien emphasized the need to wait for the horse’s recovery and the owners’ input. “We’ll see how he comes out of it now and see what the lads want to do,” he said. “We still believe he’s quick, and if he goes back sprinting, we’re probably going to see the best of him.#puerto_rico #aidan_obrien #albert_einstein #rowley_mile_classic #betfred_2000_guineas
Puerto Rico In Prime Guineas Position Puerto Rico, the three-year-old colt trained by Aidan O’Brien, is positioned to challenge in the G1 2000 Guineas at Newmarket, with his stablemate Gstaad also likely to compete in the prestigious race. O’Brien confirmed that both horses are under consideration for the May 2 event, with Gstaad potentially heading to France for the French equivalent of the Guineas. Meanwhile, Albert Einstein, another horse in O’Brien’s stable, remains in a decision-making phase for his next race, with his trainer optimistic about his potential. Puerto Rico has enjoyed a strong run of form, winning his last three starts, including the G2 Champagne Stakes, the G1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere, and the G1 Criterium International. His recent performances have solidified his status as a top contender for the 2000 Guineas, with O’Brien praising his pace and consistency. “Puerto Rico is there [in the Guineas] at the moment,” O’Brien said on Racing TV’s Luck on Sunday programme. “He has won his last two races in France and is a pacey horse. Gstaad has run on lots of different tracks and is a very straightforward horse.” Gstaad, a winner of the G2 Coventry Stakes and the GI Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf, has also shown promise in Group 1 races, finishing second in the Prix Morny, the National Stakes, and the Dewhurst Stakes. O’Brien expressed confidence in both horses, noting that Puerto Rico’s progress has been steady, with the colt thriving in his winter preparation. “We’re very happy with Puerto Rico,” O’Brien said. “Last year he progressed with every run, and we’re very happy with everything he’s doing at the moment.” Albert Einstein, who has yet to secure a victory in his two starts at three, has shown improvement in recent races.#puerto_rico #aidan_obrien #gstaad #albert_einstein #2000_guineas
4-Year-Old Boy Missing from North Olmsted Located Safe in Puerto Rico; Mother Charged U.S. Marshals confirmed that a 4-year-old boy who had been missing since March 16 was found safe in Puerto Rico on Wednesday afternoon. The child, who is non-verbal due to autism, was located after his mother, Evelyn Otero, 37, was tracked down by authorities. The boy’s father, who holds legal custody through Cuyahoga County Courts, reported the child missing after the mother failed to return him following a three-day visit. Deputy United States Marshal Jordan Fisher explained that the father had allowed the mother temporary custody but expressed concern when the child was not returned as scheduled. “Once the child was supposed to be returned to him and was not returned, it raises a level of concern,” Fisher said. The father informed authorities about the child’s condition, emphasizing the need for careful handling during the recovery process. Investigators revealed that Otero, the non-custodial parent, had fled to Puerto Rico after the child went missing. U.S. Marshals collaborated with local law enforcement in Guayanilla, Puerto Rico, to locate the mother and the boy. The operation involved a “soft approach” to ensure the child’s safety and avoid causing additional stress. Fisher praised the team’s efforts, noting that the child was reunited with his family in a manner that prioritized his well-being. Otero has been charged with eight counts of interference with child custody. According to Marshals, she will be detained in Puerto Rico until she is extradited to Cuyahoga County for further legal proceedings. Authorities stated that the boy is expected to return home soon, with Fisher expressing relief at the successful resolution.#puerto_rico #evlyn_oter #north_olmsted #cuyahoga_county_courts #jordan_fisher
4-Year-Old Missing Child Found in Puerto Rico After 10-Day Search A four-year-old boy from North Olmsted, Ohio, was located safely in Puerto Rico after a 10-day search, according to the U.S. Marshals Service. The child was taken to the island by his mother, who did not have legal custody of the boy. The father, Cory Thomascik, shared his account with FOX 8 News, detailing the emotional journey of reuniting with his son. Thomascik, 38, explained that his son was born with severe health issues, including requiring heart surgery. Over time, the child was diagnosed with autism and was non-verbal. Thomascik and his former partner, Evelyn Otero, were committed to his care, but their relationship eventually ended two years ago. Courts awarded Thomascik custody, granting Otero limited visitation rights. Despite occasional conflicts, Otero reportedly improved in adhering to court-ordered timelines. On March 16, Otero failed to return their son after a three-day visit. Thomascik discovered she had fled to Puerto Rico with the child and left a message indicating she would not return. He filed a missing person report with North Olmsted police, who advised him to contact the U.S. Marshals Service. The agency prioritized the case, treating the child as a priority due to the nature of the abduction. Deputy U.S. Marshal Jordan Fisher emphasized the urgency of such cases, stating that the Marshals Service takes missing children cases seriously, using advanced technology and investigative methods to locate individuals. The agency collaborated with authorities in Puerto Rico to track down Otero and the child in Guayanilla. Otero was arrested, and Thomascik was reunited with his son after a whirlwind trip to Puerto Rico.#puerto_rico #north_olmsted #cory_thomascik #evlyn_oter #u_s_marshall_service
World Baseball Classic 2026 Quarterfinals Recap and DR/USA Preview The World Baseball Classic 2026 quarterfinals delivered thrilling performances and historic milestones as Italy and Venezuela advanced to the semifinals, while Puerto Rico and Japan fell short. The games highlighted the depth of talent across the globe and set the stage for a highly anticipated showdown between the United States and the Dominican Republic. In the Italy vs. Puerto Rico matchup, the Italian team showcased resilience and offensive firepower, overcoming a strong Puerto Rican lineup. Puerto Rico’s Willi Castro opened the scoring with a leadoff home run, giving his team a 4-1 lead after the first inning. However, Italy’s offense surged in the fourth, expanding their advantage to 8-2 despite a bases-loaded hit-by-pitch that cut the deficit to 4-2 in the second. Puerto Rico fought back in the late innings, but Red Sox reliever Jacob Weissert closed the game with a dominant 1.2-inning performance, securing an 8-6 victory for Italy. The win marked Italy’s first-ever semifinal appearance in the WBC, while Puerto Rico’s exit was bittersweet given the absence of several key players. The Venezuela vs. Japan game was a high-stakes battle featuring two of the tournament’s top pitchers. Venezuela’s Ranger Suarez faced off against Japan’s Yoshinobu Yamamoto, with neither starter dominating early. Suarez struggled through 2.2 innings before allowing two home runs, including one from Shohei Ohtani. Yamamoto held Japan’s potent lineup in check for four frames but couldn’t withstand Venezuela’s relentless offense. The Venezuelans’ infield, led by Rockies shortstop Ezequiel Tovar and Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia, fueled a comeback, while the pitching staff, including Mariners reliever Eduard Bazardo, stifled Japan’s offense.#japan #venezuela #italy #puerto_rico #world_baseball_classic_2026
Italy tops Puerto Rico, rides magical WBC run into semifinals HOUSTON — Italy’s remarkable journey in the World Baseball Classic reached a new milestone as the team secured an 8-6 victory over Puerto Rico on Saturday, advancing to the semifinals in Miami. The win, which came in front of a crowd of 34,291 at Daikin Park, solidified Italy’s perfect record in Pool B, including a notable triumph over Team USA. The Azzurri, now set to face Venezuela in the next round, are poised to make history as the farthest they’ve ever advanced in the tournament’s six editions. The victory underscored Italy’s dominance in the pool, with the team’s lineup of young, talented players—many of Italian American descent—showcasing their skill against a Puerto Rican squad missing several stars due to injuries and insurance issues. Italy’s past three wins, against the United States, Mexico, and Puerto Rico, have all come against baseball powerhouses, highlighting the team’s growing reputation. Despite Italy’s limited history in the sport, the success has brought the game into the spotlight, with Italian media and fans celebrating the breakthrough. Manager Francisco Cervelli, a longtime major league catcher making his debut as Italy’s skipper, expressed pride in the team’s achievements. “Imagine doing this for the first time and arriving at the semifinal,” he said. “It’s amazing. This is one of the best chapters of my life.” The sentiment was shared by captain Vinnie Pasquantino, a Kansas City Royals first baseman and key recruiter for the team. “This tournament is about more than just winning,” Pasquantino noted. “It’s about bringing people together and showing that Italy can compete on the world stage.” The game itself was a display of Italy’s relentless offense.#world_baseball_classic #italy #puerto_rico #francisco_cervelli #vinnie_pasquantino
2026 World Baseball Classic Bracket, Schedule, Standings The World Baseball Classic has moved into its knockout phase, with several teams securing their quarterfinal berths. Japan and Korea have already advanced from Pool C, while the Dominican Republic and Venezuela have claimed their spots in the quarterfinals from Pool D. Four remaining teams—two from Pool A and two from Pool B—will compete for the final four knockout round slots. In Pool A, Puerto Rico and Canada have emerged as the top contenders. Puerto Rico defeated Colombia 5-0 and Cuba 4-1, while Canada routed Colombia 8-2 and narrowly edged Panama 4-3. The remaining games in Pool A will determine the final two teams to advance. On March 10, Canada faces Puerto Rico at 7 p.m. ET on Tubi, with a potential matchup against Cuba on March 11 at 3 p.m. ET on FS2. Pool B has seen the United States dominate, with a 15-5 victory over Brazil and a 9-1 win against Great Britain. Mexico also advanced with a 8-2 win over Great Britain and a 5-3 victory over the U.S. The final games in Pool B will feature Italy, which defeated Great Britain 7-4 and Brazil 5-2, against the U.S. on March 10 at 9 p.m. ET on FS1, followed by a matchup against Mexico on March 11 at 7 p.m. ET on Tubi. In Pool C, Japan and Korea secured their spots, with Japan defeating Chinese Taipei 13-0 and Korea edging Chinese Taipei 5-4. The remaining teams in the pool, Australia and Czechia, will face off on March 10 at 6 a.m. ET on FS1. Pool D has been a showcase of power, with the Dominican Republic sweeping all its games, including a 12-3 win over Nicaragua and a 10-1 victory over Israel. Venezuela also advanced with a 11-3 win over Israel and a 4-0 shutout of Nicaragua. The final games in Pool D will see Israel face the Netherlands on March 10 at 7 p.m.#united_states #dominican_republic #world_baseball_classic #puerto_rico #canada
Canada secures dramatic upset victory over Puerto Rico in World Baseball Classic Canada delivered a thrilling upset victory over host Puerto Rico in a rain-impacted World Baseball Classic matchup on March 10, 2026, defeating the Caribbean nation 3-2 at Estadio Hiram Bithorn in San Juan. The win, which came after a series of delays due to inclement weather, marked a pivotal moment in Pool A as Canada (2-1) now faces Cuba (2-1) in the final group game of the round. A Canada victory would secure the Pool A title, while a Cuba win would send Puerto Rico (3-1) to the quarterfinals. The game, which began with a 45-minute delay due to rain, saw Canada’s pitching staff dominate Puerto Rico, limiting the hosts to just five hits. Three Canadian pitchers combined to hold Puerto Rico to a single extra-base hit, with a pair of bases-loaded walks in the third inning giving Canada a 2-1 lead. The decisive run came in the fourth when Miami Marlins outfielder Owen Caissie doubled and scored on Abraham Toro’s single, extending Canada’s advantage to 3-2. Caissie, who is now 6 for 11 in the tournament, became a key figure in Canada’s offensive surge. Canada’s bullpen played a critical role in preserving the lead, with Brock Dykxhoorn earning the save by pitching a perfect ninth inning. Dykxhoorn, who had not pitched in affiliated baseball since 2018, took over after Logan Allen and Brock Balazovic anchored the first three innings. Allen, who had previously pitched in the majors under the name L.T. Allen, delivered three strong innings of relief, keeping Canada’s pitching staff sharp despite the weather disruptions. Puerto Rico’s pitching, led by Jose De Leoń, initially held its own, striking out top Marlins prospect Owen Caissie in the second inning.#world_baseball_classic #puerto_rico #canada #san_juan #estadio_hiram_bithorn
2026 World Baseball Classic predictions: Will USA win it all? The 2026 World Baseball Classic, set to begin after a three-year hiatus, has sparked intense speculation about which teams will dominate the tournament. Following Japan’s 2023 victory over the United States, the 20-team event has drawn attention to the potential for a repeat of that historic matchup. ESPN’s baseball experts have weighed in on the tournament’s likely progression, focusing on which teams will advance from each pool, the final championship showdown, and standout performers. In Pool A, Puerto Rico and Canada are the top contenders, with Puerto Rico receiving the most votes as the winner. Experts believe both teams will advance to the quarterfinals, citing Puerto Rico’s roster of MLB stars like Nolan Arenado, Edwin Diaz, and Seth Lugo. Canada, despite being an emerging force, is expected to make a strong push. Colombia and Cuba are also predicted to advance, though with less confidence. Pool B features the United States as the overwhelming favorite, with 14 of 15 experts selecting the team to advance. The U.S. roster includes elite players like Juan Soto, Julio Rodriguez, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Fernando Tatis Jr., and Cristopher Sanchez, making them a formidable squad. Italy is the second-most likely team to advance, with some experts predicting it could edge out Mexico for the second quarterfinal spot. Mexico’s MLB talent, including players like José Abreu and José Ramírez, gives it a strong chance, but Italy’s depth and international experience may give it an edge. In Pool C, Japan is the clear favorite, with 14 of 15 experts picking the team to win. The Japanese squad, led by Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, is considered one of the most stacked in the tournament.#japan #united_states #world_baseball_classic #puerto_rico #canada
Powerball Jackpot Winner Claims $251 Million Prize A Powerball jackpot winner in Arkansas claimed the $251 million prize after the March 2 drawing, matching all five numbers and the Powerball. According to Powerball's website, the winner can choose between annuitized payments over time or a lump-sum payout of $118 million. As of now, no one has officially claimed the prize. The Powerball jackpot has been won nearly 200 times since the game began in 1992. Currently, 45 U.S. states, including Puerto Rico, Washington D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands, participate in the lottery. However, five states—Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah—opt out of the game. Some states have produced more winners than others. Indiana, Missouri, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin rank among the top five for the most Powerball winners, based on previous reports. The winning numbers for the March 2 drawing were 2, 17, 18, 38, 62, with the Powerball number 20. The Power Play multiplier was set at 2x, which increases non-jackpot prizes. While the Arkansas winner took the top prize, another player in Puerto Rico won the Match 5 + Power Play prize of $2 million. The jackpot has reset to $20 million ahead of the next drawing, scheduled for Wednesday, March 4, at 11 p.m. ET. Powerball drawings occur on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. If no one matches all numbers, the prize rolls over, increasing for subsequent draws. Players do not need to be U.S. citizens or residents to participate. Anyone visiting one of the 45 participating states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands can buy a ticket, provided they meet the legal age requirement, typically 18 years old, and purchase from a licensed retailer. To play, players select six numbers: five white balls numbered 1 through 69 and one red Powerball numbered 1 through 26.#arkansas #puerto_rico #powerball #washington_d_c #march_2
World Baseball Classic 2026: Schedule, Bracket, Format, Rosters, and Viewing Guide The 2026 World Baseball Classic is set to begin on March 5 and conclude on March 17, featuring games across Puerto Rico, Japan, and the United States. The tournament will follow a structured format with a pool stage from March 5 to March 11, followed by quarterfinals on March 13 and 14, semifinals on March 15 and 16, and the championship game on March 17 in Miami. The event will include 20 teams divided into five pools, with the top two teams from each pool advancing to the quarterfinals. The bracket will then proceed with single-elimination matches, with reseeding for the semifinals to ensure teams from different pools face each other. The final will determine the champion through a single, decisive game. The 2026 tournament will see participation from some of the most prominent MLB players, including Team USA’s Aaron Judge, Paul Skenes, Bryce Harper, and Bobby Witt Jr. Japan, aiming to defend its 2023 title, will feature Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, though Ohtani will not pitch. The Dominican Republic will include Juan Soto, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Vladimir Guerrero Jr., while Mexico and Venezuela will also field star-laden rosters. Other notable players include Nolan Arenado for Puerto Rico, Vinnie Pasquantino for Italy, Jose Quintana for Colombia, and Liam Hendriks for Australia. The tournament will also include teams like Team Italy and Colombia, with their rosters featuring MLB talent. The format of the 2026 WBC will begin with the pool stage, where teams play every other team in their respective pools. The two best-performing teams from each pool will advance to the quarterfinals, with tiebreakers based on head-to-head records and a runs-allowed metric.#japan #united_states #miami #world_baseball_classic #puerto_rico
