racingmeridian.com

GRIDIRON..Donovan McNabb has consistently displayed an alarming tendency to struggle at critical junctures of post season games (according to Terrell Owens, this included vomiting from stress while trying to call plays in the huddle). What a terrific move by the Philadelphia Eagles grabbing Michael Vick for use if and when McNabb gets the proverbial heaves. If McNabb appears exhausted, as he did in the fourth quarter against Arizona last January, a move to Vick would shake up the opposition defence and provide a spark for the offense. The new, improved Michael Vick should remain humble and devoted for, oh, a season at least. This move has considerably strengthened the Eagle playoff profile…rock star Pink was aggrieved at the signing of Vick by her hometown Eagles. She sent a twitter out asking fans in Philly to “rip” Vick apart. This for a man who served a lengthy criminal sentence and is looking to return to his craft. Pink needs to back up before she gets smacked up…the New England Patriots must be considered favourites for the 2010 Superbowl after an impeccable performance from Tom Brady last night. Brady was relaxed in the pocket, committed and as dynamic as ever. His stats were 10 of 15 for 100 yards with one interception.  I was only able to gleam the highlights off the net but it was clear that Brady is capable of delivering the type of leadership necessary for the Pats to return to championship form…next up on the docket; Carson Palmer. The Cincinnati Bengal stud has not played since Oct 2008. His return is a most welcome development for anyone who loves the “gunslinger” mentality in a pivot. The Bengals have a young but apparently physically imposing line. They’ll need to protect Palmer if the Bengals are too endure anything other than another wasted season…ICE..the Washington Post is reporting that Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau has named Jose Theodore as the teams starting goalie. Please let me find a bookie that will let me bet on Simeon Varalmov stepping into that role for the talented squad by New Years Day at the latest…TURN LEFT..Danica Patrick has confirmed her interest in joining the NASCAR circuit. The move has an enormous upside for the gorgeous driver. But, I’ll tell you, she’ll need to be more than a pretty face on the good ole boy circuit. She’ll need to show she can win races and be productive. The IRL is dead as a mainstream attraction so a move to the high profile ratings king looks like the smart play. But if you don’t win, if she is not good enough, she’ll be shown the door quickly…FOOTIE..there was much mirth and merriment at the Rail last night with news that Landon Donovan had come down with Swine Flu. David Beckham must be howling. Donovan when out of his way to assist a writer’s hatchet job on the English star and (lovin’ the karma, people!) he now looks like a low rent hillbilly. As they told Ned Beattie in Deliverance, “squeal, baby, squeal…”..PONIES..the Can Gamble site has an intriguing piece on the new modus operandi of cheats on the Woodbine backstretch. Apparently pure oxygen is being administered to thoroughbreds as a powerful performance enhancer. The site is careful not to name names, but he clearly is taking a shot at the freakish win percentage numbers of the Terry Jordan stable. The barn’s runners all show speed at the break and then, as they appear set to tire, find another gear in the lane. Jordan had a remarkable streak that saw him win eleven of twelve races with the only loss occurring in a high profile Stakes. Has the site found a smoking gun? Will Woodbine at least investigate the unwavering ability of local “supertrainers” to develop outlandish performances from modest stock? No, probably not…PUG LIFE..Ricky Hatton has claimed he is willing to fight junior welterweight sensation Amir Khan if he can promote the fight. The silence from the public and the Khan camp is overwhelming. After a couple of savage beatings it appears public opinion is virtually unanimous on Hatton; he should retire…heavyweight James Toney seems to have just disappeared. With an abundance of belts and a dearth of talent I was hoping my favourite Thug would find a way to remain on the stage. Toney, a middleweight champ who ended up knocking out Evander Holyfield at heavyweight, is one of the all time great fighters. His inability to train and condition properly robbed him of the reputation that surely should have followed a warrior of his capability…