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[Can'tPickaWinner2]

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[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Sparks (20-3) at Mystics (9-14)

Date: July 22, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

The Los Angeles Sparks have hit a speed bump down the stretch of their amazing first half of the regular season.

The Sparks, who won 20 of their first 21 games, have lost two straight heading into Friday's road contest against the reeling Washington Mystics at Verizon Center.

Los Angeles dropped a 92-82 decision at the Indiana Fever on Tuesday, two days after being blown out by the Atlanta Dream, 91-74.

The Sparks have surrendered 90-plus points in three straight games. They'll be looking to lock down the Mystics, who have lost six straight and are struggling on the offensive end of the floor.

"We aren't consistent at all," Mystics coach Mike Thibault told the Washington Post this week. "The biggest thing is I just don't want somebody to play harder than us. We're not shooting the ball well particularly. Our guards are struggling with consistency. The other night, our guards as a group shot 17, 18 percent. You have no chance of winning when you're playing like that."

The Mystics have lost three straight games against the Sparks, including both meetings this season.

Los Angeles star Candace Parker scored 26 points, grabbed 11 rebounds and dished out nine assists in the Sparks' 93-82 win over Washington on July 10.

Parker is averaging 16.3 points, 7.2 rebounds and 5.0 assists on the season. Forward Nneka Ogwumike is having a breakout season for the Sparks. She leads the team in both scoring (19.4) and rebounding (9.0).

All-Star Emma Meesseman leads the Mystics in points (15.7) and rebounds (5.7).

Washington is coming off an 88-81 home loss to the New York Liberty on Wednesday. The Mystics surrendered a WNBA-record 69 points to the Liberty's bench. Meesseman had 20 points to lead the Mystics in defeat.

Friday's game concludes the first-half of the regular season for both teams. They will not play again until late August, after the Summer Olympics conclude.

The first-place Sparks have a one-game lead over the defending-champion Minnesota Lynx in the Western Conference standings.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Wings (9-15) at Dream (12-12)

Date: July 22, 2016 7:30 PM EDT

Dallas Wings guard Skylar Diggins summed up her team's loss to Connecticut on Wednesday in one sentence.

"Today made it seem like we were on break already," Diggins told reporters after her team's lackluster performance in an 89-78 loss to the Sun, the last-place team in the Eastern Conference.

The struggling Wings will look to rebound from that loss and close out the first half of the regular season on a positive note when they visit the Atlanta Dream on Friday.

The Wings (9-15) have dropped five straight and eight of 10. They're now in 10th place in the overall league standings. The top eight teams, regardless of conference, qualify for the postseason.

The Dream (12-12) are coming off a disappointing performance of their own in a blowout loss to the defending-champion Minnesota Lynx.

Atlanta got off to a hot start to the season and climbed to the top of the Eastern Conference before suffering through a six-game losing streak.

They seemed to have righted the ship before starting forward Sancho Lyttle sustained a foot injury that initially was thought to have ended her season. But the Dream got good news earlier this week when further evaluation revealed no fracture and Lyttle, the team's leading rebounder, is now expected to return after the month-long Olympic break.

Angel McCoughtry leads four Atlanta players averaging double figures at 18.4 points per game. Forward Tiffany Hayes (14.9), post Elizabeth Williams (11.7) and point guard Layshia Clarendon also are averaging double figures for the balanced Dream.

Atlanta's plethora of offensive threats is a big problem for a Dallas team that is struggled on the defensive end of the floor. The Wings are surrendering 87.9 points per game, the most in the league.

"We just have to take more pride on our defense. It's no secret what it is," Diggins told reporters after the loss to Connecticut. "It's our transition defense, our half-court defense. That's something I'm sure will be discussed tomorrow in film."

The game will be played at McCamish Pavilion on the campus of Georgia Tech University in midtown Atlanta.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Storm (9-14) at Lynx (20-4)

Date: July 22, 2016 8:00 PM EDT

The Minnesota Lynx could have an opportunity to move back into first place in the WNBA's Western Conference with a win over the Seattle Storm on Friday night at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minn.

Minnesota (20-4) has won five consecutive games and seven of its last eight since losing three in a row in late June. The Lynx is a half game back of the first-place Los Angeles Sparks, who have lost two in a row. The Sparks will visit the Washington Mystics on Friday night.

A Minnesota win over Seattle coupled with a Los Angeles loss to Washington would put the Lynx in first place going into the WNBA's month-long break for the Summer Olympics. Both teams will resume their WNBA schedules on Aug. 26.

Seattle (9-14) is fourth in the Western Conference, 11 games behind Los Angeles. Seattle has won two of three and three of its last five.

Minnesota is coming off an 83-65 victory over the Atlanta Dream. Seimone Augustus scored 19 points for the Lynx. Rebekkah Brunson recorded a double-double, posing 13 points and 12 rebounds. The Lynx shot 50.9 percent from the field while holding the Dream to 38.3-percent shooting.

Seattle is coming off an 83-69 victory over the San Antonio Stars. Jewell Lloyd scored 25 points for the Storm. Breanna Stewart had 22 points.

Stewart is tied for fourth in the WNBA in scoring and second in rebounding, averaging 19.3 points and 9.3 rebounds per game. Loyd is ninth in scoring at 16.5 points per game.

Minnesota's Maya Moore is tied for fourth in scoring and fourth in steals, averaging 19.3 points and 1.6 steals per contest. Sylvia Fowles is second on the team in scoring at 12.9 points per game. Fowles is sixth in the WNBA in rebounding (8.4 rpg) and Brunson is 12th (7.2 rpg).

Minnesota and Seattle have already met twice this season. The Lynx beat the Storm 78-71 on May 22 and 96-84 on June 19. Both of those games were played in Seattle.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Sun (7-16) at Sky (11-12)

Date: July 22, 2016 8:30 PM EDT

The Chicago Sky will have a chance to carry a four-game winning streak into the WNBA's Olympic break when it plays host to the Connecticut Sun on Friday night at Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Ill.

Chicago (11-12) has won three in a row and four of its last five. The Sky is fourth in the Eastern Conference, just a half game behind the Atlanta Dream and Indiana Fever, which are tied for second behind the New York Liberty.

Connecticut (7-16) has won four of its last seven games. The Sun is last in the Eastern Conference, four games behind Chicago and 9 1/2 games behind New York.

Chicago is coming off a dramatic 79-77 victory over the Phoenix Mercury. Elena Delle Donne had 18 points and nine rebounds, Jamierra Faulkner scored 14 points and Jessica Breland made a putback with 0.2 seconds remaining to help the Sky prevail.

Connecticut is coming off an 89-78 road win over the Dallas Wings. Chiney Ogwumike turned in a monster performance, finishing with 26 points, 15 rebounds and seven blocked shots. Jasmine Thomas added 20 points for the Sun, which shot 49.3 percent from the field while holding the Wings to 38.4-percent shooting.

Delle Donne is leading the WNBA in scoring at 21.3 points per game. She is 10th in rebounding, averaging 7.4 rebounds per game.

Alex Bentley leads Connecticut in scoring at 13.5 points per contest. Ogwumike and Alyssa Thomas are tied for the team lead in rebounding, averaging six rebounds per game.

This is the second time Chicago and Connecticut have met this season. The Sky beat the Sun 93-70 in the season opener May 14 at Allstate Arena.

Courtney Vandersloot had 14 points and seven assists for Chicago. Cappie Pondexter scored 13 points. Bentley scored 14 points to lead Connecticut. Delle Donne missed that game due to illness.

Chicago and Connecticut will take time off after this game for the WNBA's month-long break for the Summer Olympics. Both teams will return to action Aug. 26.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

CFL Betting Recap - Week 4
By Joe Williams

League Betting Notes

-- Favorites went 3-1 SU in Week 4
-- Favorites went 2-1-1 ATS in Week 4
-- Road teams posted a 4-0 SU record in Week 4
-- Road teams posted a 3-0-1 ATS record in Week 4
-- The 'Under' went 3-1 in Week 4

Team Betting Notes

-- Ottawa (3-0-1) got back into the win column after last weekend's tie, rolling to a 30-20 win in Toronto (2-2). The RedBlacks are now 2-4 SU in six all-time meetings with the Argonauts while evening up at 3-3 ATS. The 'under' result was the first in four games in this series dating back to Nov. 7, 2014.

-- The 'under' has connected in three straight games for the Argos. Over the past two games it was due to their defense, allowing just 15.5 points per game. However, in this one it was a lack of offense on their part.

-- The good times continue to roll for road teams, as Edmonton (2-1) went east to Winnipeg (1-3) and dropped the Blue Bombers by a 20-16 count, pushing against the number at most shops. It was the first 'under' result in three games for the Eskimos, and the push makes them 0-2-1 ATS this season.

-- After failing to cover their first two of the season, Winnipeg is 1-0-1 ATS over the past two games. The 'under' has cashed in three of the first four games for the Bombers, mainly due to a lack of fireworks on offense. Winnipeg is averaging just 20.0 PPG while allowing 24 or fewer points in three of their four contests.

-- Hamilton (2-2) got well with a 31-7 road win against Montreal (1-3). The Tiger-Cats have averaged just 13.5 points per game after posting 42 in the opener, and they have allowed 28.0 PPG in the past two with the 'under' cashing in each game. After going 5-4 SU and 6-3 ATS in nine road games last season the Ti-Cats are 2-0 SU/ATS away from home this year.

-- The rough start continues for Saskatchewan (0-3), as they were dumped 40-27 at home by the red-hot BC Lions (3-1). The 'over' result was the only one of the CFL weekend, and it was the first 'over' in four games for the Travis Lulay and the Lions.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

CFL Betting Notes - Week 5
By David Schwab

Last week’s schedule in the CFL featured four head-to-head division matchups and the road team made it a clean sweep both straight-up and against the spread. Ottawa got things started with a 30-20 victory as a one-point road favorite against Toronto on Wednesday night. Thursday’s lone showdown between Edmonton and Winnipeg ended with the Eskimos grinding out a hard fought 20-16 victory as 3 ½-point favorites on the road.

On Friday night, Hamilton returned to form with a 31-7 pasting of Montreal as a one-point road favorite and British Columbia closed out Week 4 with a 40-27 romp over Saskatchewan on Saturday after closing as a slight 1 ½-point underdog. Here is a look at this week’s games.

Friday, July 22

Ottawa RedBlacks (3-0-1 SU, 3-1 ATS) vs. Saskatchewan Roughriders (0-3 SU, 1-2 ATS)
Point-spread: Ottawa -6 ½
Total: 55

Game Overview

Ottawa is starting to assert itself as once again being the team to beat in the East this season after winning the division last year. The RedBlacks have averaged 32.3 points a game so far with Trevor Harris running the show. In last week’s road victory at Toronto, he completed 28-of-31 passing attempts for 392 yards. Ottawa has also been a tough team to score on this year with a points-allowed average of 22.5.

After winning just three games last season with quarterback Darian Durant out of the lineup, the Roughriders could be faced with the same scenario early this year after he left last week’s game against BC in the first half with an ankle injury. The early injury report out of Saskatchewan has him listed as doubtful for Friday’s game. Mitchell Gale came in for Durant against the Lions and threw for 247 yards and a touchdown while going 17-for-30.

Betting Trends

These two interdivision foes have split the last four meetings SU with each team winning once at home and once on the road. Ottawa has the 3-1 advantage ATS and the total has gone OVER in three of the four games.

Saturday, July 23

Hamilton Tiger-Cats (2-2 SU, 2-2 ATS) vs. Edmonton Eskimos (2-1 SU, 0-2-1 ATS)
Point-spread: Edmonton -4
Total: 56

Game Overview

The Tiger-Cats will be looking to stay perfect on the road this season both SU and ATS. In two road wins this season, they have outscored both Toronto and Montreal by a combined 46 points while posting a total of 73 points on the scoreboard. In two stunning losses at home as favorites, they managed to score a combined 27 points. Jeremiah Masoli continues to run the offense with quarterback Zach Collaros still on the mend and he is ranked fourth in the league in total passing yards with 1,141.

Edmonton has had little trouble putting points on the board this season with Mike Reilly under center with an average of 32 points over its first three games. The problem in the Eskimos’ 2-1 start has been a defense that has given up an average of 32.3 points to its opponents. Edmonton has failed to cover ATS in five of their last seven home games and it has gone 1-4 ATS in its last five games in Week 5.

Betting Trends

The road team is 4-2 SU in the last six meetings and it has covered ATS in all six games. The total has stayed UNDER in four of those six matchups.

Monday, July 25

Montreal Alouettes (1-2 SU, 1-2 ATS) vs. Toronto Argonauts (2-2 SU, 2-2 ATS)
Point-spread: Toronto -3 ½
Total: 47

Game Overview

Alouettes have only managed to score a grand total of 42 points in their first three games. They turned to Rakeem Cato at quarterback in last week’s loss to Hamilton for Kevin Glenn, but he was rather ineffective with just 203 yards passing on 18 completions. Glenn is still listed as questionable for next Monday’s game with an eye injury. Montreal has been averaging 80 yards a game on the ground.

Toronto is now 0-2 (SU and ATS) at its new digs at BMO Field with a total of 20 points scored in each of the two losses. Defensively, the Argonauts allowed a total of 72 points in those two games. Overall, this offense is averaging 23.8 points over its first four games, but it is only generating 309.8 total yards including just 52.5 yards a game on the ground. Ricky Ray has thrown for 1000 yards and six touchdowns so far.

Betting Trends

This East Division clash has been dominated by the road team the past several seasons with a SU 9-1 run in the last 10 meetings. Montreal has covered ATS in four of the last six games and the total has stayed UNDER in all six contests.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

A trio of CFL betting trends having been cashing at a crazy good rate
By ANDREW CALEY

We know the Canadian Football League isn't the best football out there, but what is better than cashing bets?

That's exactly what you would be doing if you have been following the hot CFL trends four weeks in the season up north. Specifically, road underdogs, road teams and the Under.

Heading into Week 5 all three have been cashing at an insanely good rate, with road pups leading the way, going 10-1 against the spread (8-2-1 straight up), good for a success rate of an unfathomable 90.9 percent.

Meanwhile, road teams are almost as good going 14-2 ATS (12-3-1 SU), cashing 87.5 percent of the time, and Unders are no slouch either, racking up a 10-5 (66.7 percent) record through four weeks,.

“Dogs are barking, that's for sure. Maybe Ottawa is the best team in the league but are not being respected as such,” renowned CFL oddsmaker Randall “The Handle” says of this underdog betting trend. “They are 11-3-1 SU over past 15 games yet they have been favored only three times in that span and never by more than three points.”

The changes in Week 5 as the RedBlacks visit the Saskatchewan Roughriders currently pegged as 5.5-point road favorites. The Riders are 0-2 ATS/SU at home this season.

“With all other teams, there appears to be parity. And now the injury bug is biting which only complicates things even more,” The Handle said.

The rest of the week is shaping up that way, but road teams seem to be in a decent spot once again.

Calgary (2-1 ATS/SU) listed as 5-point road chalk at Winnipeg (0-2 ATS/SU at home), Hamilton (2-0 ATS/SU on the road) is 4.5-point pups at Edmonton (1-1 SU, 0-2 ATS at home) and Montreal (1-0 ATS/SU on the road) sitting at +6 for their Monday night matchup with Toronto (0-2 ATS/SU at home).

Oddsmakers like Randall “The Handle” won’t be making any knee-jerk reactions to these trends, despite how hot they are.

“We'll keep an eye on things but trends do not typically influence pointspreads,” he said. “Things usually even out over time but in a league that has only 81 games on its full schedule, there are no guarantees that there will be balance off a relatively small sample.”

“As for totals, they will be close to 50/50 by year end as they are more reliable.”

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Friday's CFL betting preview and odds: Redblacks at Roughriders

Ottawa Redblacks at Saskatchewan Roughriders (+5.5, 55)

The Ottawa Redblacks look to stay undefeated when they hit the road to take on the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Friday. The Redblacks came from behind to beat the Toronto Argonauts 30-20 to open up a three-point lead at the top of the East Division, and they can extend their regular-season unbeaten streak to nine games with another victory.

Ottawa leads the CFL in points (32.3), passing yards (431.5) and passing touchdowns (2.5) per game and hopes to continue its offensive onslaught by feasting on a Saskatchewan defence that concedes a league-worst 36.3 points per contest. The Roughriders remain the CFL's only winless team following a 40-27 setback to the BC Lions. To make matters worse for Saskatchewan, quarterback Darian Durant, who suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in the 2015 opener, left the game in the second quarter with a severe ankle sprain and his status is uncertain for the Week 5 clash with the Redblacks. "I knew that I hurt my ankle but I knew it wasn't my Achilles because I know that feeling for sure," Durant told reporters. "I'm glad the X-rays came back negative and we'll get aggressive on it and start the healing process."

TV: 9 p.m. ET, TSN

LINE HISTORY: The Ottawa Redblacks opened as big 6.5-point favorites over the host Roughriders. That line has dropped a full point down to +5.5 as of Thursday afternoon. The total opened at 55 and hasn't moved off the opening number.

ABOUT THE REDBLACKS (3-0-1 SU, 3-1 ATS, 1-2-1 O/U): Trevor Harris completed 28-of-31 passes for 392 yards in the win over Toronto and has now thrown for 1,475 yards and nine touchdowns since replacing Henry Burris in the third quarter of the Week 1 victory against the Edmonton Eskimos. Greg Ellingson caught nine passes for 218 yards and Tristan Jackson ran a punt back 75 yards for a score to record the first kick return touchdown in Redblacks history. "We have so many weapons that somebody's going to eat every night," Harris told reporters. "They all know their day will come."

ABOUT THE ROUGHRIDERS (0-3 SU, 1-2 ATS, 2-1 O/U): Durant was 7-of-10 for 104 yards and a touchdown before leaving the game while Mitchell Gale, who was acquired from the Toronto Argonauts on July 2, completed 17-of-30 passes for 247 yards and a score. Rob Bagg had four receptions and a score in the loss to the Lions to record touchdown catches in back-to-back games while Naaman Roosevelt hauled in eight passes for a game-high 132 yards. All-Star offensive lineman Brendon LaBatte suffered an undisclosed injury against the Lions, which will likely force Josiah St. John, who was the top-pick in the 2016 CFL Draft, into making his first career start.

TRENDS:

* RedBlacks are 8-1 ATS in their last 9 games overall.
* Roughriders are 0-5 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
* Under is 5-1 in RedBlacks last 6 road games.
* Over is 6-1 in Roughriders last 7 home games.

CONSENSUS: The public is backing the road favorites from Ottawa at a rate of 58 percent and Under 55 is holding a slight edge in totals wagering at 52 percent.

EXTRA POINTS:

* Harris has thrown just 22 incompletions in 14 quarters.
* The Redblacks are 6-0-1 in their last seven games against West Division opponents.
* The Roughriders have given up at least 30 points in each of their last eight losses.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Week 5 CFL games

Ottawa (3-0-1) @ Saskatchewan (0-3)-- RedBlacks scored 32.3 ppg in their fast start, with all three wins on road, scoring 34.3 ppg. Ottawa swept Roughriders 35-13/30-27 LY; both their visits to Regina (1-1) were decided by three points. Three of four series games went over the total. Saskatchewan allowed an average of 36.3 ppg in its 0-3 start, losing both home games by 13 points. Riders lost 24 of their last 28 games overall, dating back to 2014.

Hamilton (2-2) @ Edmonton (2-1)-- TiCats/Eskimos split their last eight series games, going 2-2 in each stadium. Three of last four series games stayed under. Road team won all four Hamilton games, with TiCats winning 42-20/31-7 in their two road games- only one of their four games was decided by less than 22 points. Two of Edmonton's three games (both home games) went to OT; Eskimos split those two games, then won road opener 20-16 at Winnipeg last week.

Montreal (1-2) @ Toronto (2-2)-- Road team won 10 of last 11 games in strange series; Alouettes won last seven games in Toronto, with last loss here in 2010. Underdogs are 7-3 SU in last seven series tilts. Under is 12-2 in last 14 series games. Montreal lost 28-13/31-7 at home last two weeks; they won only road game 22-14 at Winnipeg-- all three of their games stayed under total. Argonauts lost 42-20/30-20 in their two home games. Visitor won all four of their games this year. Home teams are 2-13-1 against spread in CFL this year-- how long can this trend continue?


Ottawa RedBlacks 5.5, 55
Saskatchewan Roughriders

Hamilton TigerCats
Edmonton Eskimos 5, 55

Montreal Alouettes
Toronto Argonauts 6, 44.5

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

At the Gate - Friday
By Mike Dempsey

We were on a nice roll the last couple of weeks of the Belmont Park meeting and I hated the fact we had a four-day break, but things heat up in a big way on Friday with the opening of Saratoga’s 40-day summer meeting.

It is by far my favorite meet of the year, and this year has the potential to be one to remember. Preakness (G1) winner Exaggerator and Belmont Stakes (G1) winner Creator are pointing toward the $600,000 Jim Dandy (G2) on July 30 and if all goes well with Nyquist in the Haskell Invitational (G1) at Monmouth Park on July 31 the trio could meet up in the $1.25 Travers Stakes (G1) on August 27.

During the 40-day meeting that runs until Labor Day there are 69 stakes races worth over $18 million. Things start off great on Friday with a pair of good betting races, the $150,000 Schuylerville (G3) for two-year-olds and the $200,000 Lake George (G2) for three-year-old fillies on turf.

Saturday’s feature is the $500,000 Diana (G1) at nine furlongs on turf. The race drew a solid field of 10 including New York (G2) winner Dacita, Marshua River (G3) winner Sandiva, Makers 46 Mile (G1) winner Miss Temple City, Just a Game (G1) winner up Recepta and Gamely (G1) runner up Wekeela.

Then on Sunday, Songbird is the headliner in the $300,000 Coaching Club of America Oaks (G1). She is perfect in eight starts and was last year’s Eclipse Award winner for top juvenile filly.

Among her foes are Carina Mia, who won the Acorn (G1) in her last start and Weep No More, who won the Ashland (G1) at Keeneland in April.

We have racing six days a week, with Tuesday our only off day.



Here is today’s opener from Saratoga to get the day off to a good start:

SAR Race 1 OClm $40,000N2X (1:00 ET)
#5 Thirst for Glory 5-1
#3 More Zen Tea 7-2
#4 Jet Black 3-1
#7 Battle of Evermore 10-1

Analysis: Thirst for Glory stalked the early pace and finished gamely in a runner up finish in his second try at this level. It took him four tries to pass his first state bred condition, getting the job done at a mile on the main track at Aqueduct three back. The Kimmel trainee owns solid late pace numbers and Rosario sticks. He has enough pedigree for his first trip at nine furlongs. Kimmel went just 1 for 20 here last summer but expecting to see more live runners from the barn this year.

More Zen Tea made a mild late run to finish third last out at this level going seven furlongs on the main track at Belmont Park. The gelding has won 11 times in his career but is just 0 for 1 at nine furlongs. He has won going two turns on the inner track at the Big A and has a decent enough pedigree to handle the stretch out. He makes his first start for the Contessa barn that is 9% winners first off the claim.

Wagering
WIN: #5 to win at 3-1 or better.
EX: 3,5 / 3,4,5,7
TRI: 3,5 / 3,4,5,7 / 3,4,5,6,7

Today’s Featured Race of the Day from Saratoga:

SAR Race 9 The Lake George G2 (5:40 ET)
#11 Tin Type Gal 8-1
#5 Ancient Secret 7-2
#3 Diamond Fields 6-1
#12 Gone Away 15-1

Analysis: Tin Type Gal makes her second start off an 8 1/2 month layoff here for the Motion barn. Last out in the Wild Applause off the bench she made a mild late run while wide to finish fifth, beaten two lengths for the top spot in a good effort. She won the Ms Grillo (G3) last fall at Belmont Park in her first start against winners before hitting the sidelines. She put in two more good works at Fair Hill and picks up a new jockey in Jose Ortiz, the top jock at the Belmont Park meeting. She draws a tough post and totes 121 pounds, but looks as if we should get a fair price. She is out of the Grade 1 stakes winner Miss Shop ($1.1 million) who won the 2007 Personal Ensign (G1) over the main track here. Motion won six races here last summer from 57 starters (11%).

Ancient Secret is perfect in three starts for the Chad Brown barn that won this race last year with Mrs McDougal. She stalked the early pace, came with a four wide bid and finished gamely to win the Wild Applause by a head. She makes her third start off the bench here and picks up five pounds. She still looks as if she has plenty of upside.

Diamond Fields invades from overseas for the Tommy Stack barn. The filly was second in a 21 horse field in the Sandringham Handicap at Ascot back in June. Her lone try in Group company came in the Ballyogan Stakes (G3) two back where she checked in fourth. She adds lasix here and while she broke her maiden on the all-weather she seems to be just as good on turf and this will be her first start beyond a mile.

Wagering
WIN: #11 to win at 9-2 or better.
EX: 5,11 / 3,5,11,12
TRI: 5,11 / 3,5,11,12 / 2,3,5,11,12

Live Longshots:
These are price plays for exotic players looking to find a couple of extra contenders to use in their trifecta and superfecta wagers. Or for those with smaller bankrolls, you might want to get in a small win-place wager.

Saratoga
R1: #7 Battle of Evermore 10-1
R2: #2 Ribbonite 10-1
R3: #4 Dynamo Flotilla 8-1
R4: #2 Distorted Beauty 8-1
R5: #7 Cosmopolitan Girl 8-1
R6: #3 Sunday Gravy 15-1
R8: #3 Lightning Dove 8-1
R9: #11 Tin Type Gal 8-1
R9: #12 Gone Away 15-1
R10: #7 Brotherly 15-1

Good luck today!

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Harrah's Philadelphia

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 5 - Post: 2:00 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 81 - Purse:$8500 - CLAIMING $10,000 WINNERS 2 RACES LAST 4 STARTS AT THIS CLAIMING LEVEL OR HIGHER INELIGIBLE PA PREFERENCE


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 5 JEFFERS PARTY 5/2



# 2 OVERLOADED 2/1



# 4 EXPENSIVE TOY 12/1



The consensus this time is that JEFFERS PARTY is the one to beat. Could unquestionably beat this pack given the 82 TrackMaster SR achieved in his most recent race. With a 47pct ROI, this driver/trainer has produced respectable dividends recently for players. A respectable win percentage has been achieved by contenders coming from the 5 position. OVERLOADED - This harness racer looks strong. Take a good look at the 82 average speed rating. This contender has shown us some prior ability, just look at the 83 average class number. Should play well in here. EXPENSIVE TOY - Post 4 has been winning at an above average statistic, suggesting really good probability of success in this event. Horoscope said take a chance today, this fine animal is as good as any to take a shot with.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Saratoga Harness

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 5 - Post: 8:25 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 78 - Purse:$4500 - FILLIES & MARES - NW $2,500 LAST 5 STARTS


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 5 LICULIA A 2/1



# 1 JERAMAYA 5/2



# 6 SEAFOOD MISSY 6/1



Look no further than LICULIA A as the bet here. This competition may be controlled by this mare. One look at the avgerage TrackMaster Speed Rating will confirm that. This fine animal has shown us some prior ability, just look at the 82 average class rating. Should play well in this one. Beckwith knows this horse well. Amazing in the money results when in the bike. JERAMAYA - May provide us a win based on respectable recent TrackMaster Speed Ratings - earning an avg of 79. This harness racer achieved a very nice TrackMaster Speed Rating last time out. Looks in good shape to come right back. SEAFOOD MISSY - Is a formidable win contender given the 80 speed rating from her most recent gathering.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Canterbury Park

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 10 - Claiming - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $11500 Class Rating: 69

FOR MN-BRED THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON THREE RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 119 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $10,000.



RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 7 JUMPIN JIMINEYS 4/1


# 2 BENNY'S GLORY 10/1


# 1 SPRING TO THE WIRE 5/2


I think JUMPIN JIMINEYS is a very good choice. Could beat this group given the 58 speed fig garnered in his last outing. He should have a good showing versus this less demanding field of horses. BENNY'S GLORY - His 77 average has this gelding with among the most respectable Equibase speed figs in this contest. Looks quite good to be on the lead at the first call. SPRING TO THE WIRE - Must be given a chance in this event if only for the solid speed figure garnered in the last affair. With a +13 ROI, this jock and conditioner combo has produced solid profits recently for risk takers.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Laurel

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 6 - Claiming - 8.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $15000 Class Rating: 87

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NOT WON A RACE SINCE JANUARY 22 OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON FOUR RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 119 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE AT A MILE OR OVER SINCE MAY 22 ALLOWED 2 LBS. SUCH A RACE SINCE APRIL 22 ALLOWED 4 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000, FOR EACH $250 TO $4,500 2 LBS. (RACES WHERE ENTERED FOR $4,000 OR LESS NOT



RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 3 D N A APPROVED 12/1


# 8 AMERICAN BLEND 3/1


# 4 WHISKEY SOUR 2/1


D N A APPROVED looks to be a quite good contender especially at a such a nice price. Don't overlook this gelding in your bets - very dangerous with Hole aboard. AMERICAN BLEND - Overall the Equibase Speed Figs of this horse look very good in this contest. Allen has a strong 22 percent win rate with entries running at this distance and surface. WHISKEY SOUR - Ought to go to the lead and could never look back. No strangers to the winner's circle, Ness and McCarthy will most likely have this gelding breaking away from the field.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Saratoga - Race #10 - Post: 6:17pm - Maiden Claiming - 8.5 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $45,000 Class Rating: 94

Rating: Golden DollarGolden Dollar

#5 MARKET STRENGTH (ML=5/2)
#12 DARK GEMINI (IRE) (ML=9/2)
#13 ARCHANGEL ROSE (ML=5/1)
#11 HE'S ONE WILD DUDE (ML=4/1)
#4 LIAM'S PRINCE (ML=20/1)


MARKET STRENGTH - Horses out of the barn of Brown have been strong on the grass. I'd calculate a good performance. Came home in fast time last out. A positive sign. Ranked number 1 in earnings per race. Another notice that this horse is the class of the race. DARK GEMINI (IRE) - Running 1 1/16 miles on the turf, you've have to look at horse's turf figures. This thoroughbred has the tops in the bunch. The 95 latest race speed rating looks strong in the TrackMaster PPs. ARCHANGEL ROSE - This equine has the class to win the race. A tactical ride by Saez, and this one could bound home the winner. Coming off a fifth place finish at Churchill Downs, some may pass on this horse. I'm not. He just missed hitting the show spot, and has respectable morning line odds today. HE'S ONE WILD DUDE - Rosario rode this horse for the first time last time around the track and comes right back today. A pony coming back this soon after a strong contest is a good omen. LIAM'S PRINCE - Lets try to beat the favorites with this gelding. Just missed last out, but ran a pretty good race. Entered a $25,000 Maiden Claiming race at Parx Racing last out and raced on a muddy track finishing fifth. Have to do better today.

Vulnerable Contenders: #2 ARCH CONTENDER (ML=6/1), #16 PASCHAL (ML=8/1),

ARCH CONTENDER - Will probably be far back with too much to do in the stretch. Don't believe this pony will do much running in today's race. That last fig was disappointing when compared with today's class rating. PASCHAL - This colt finished out of the money on Sep 11th and wasn't near the winner in the last race either. When examining today's Equibase class figure, he will have to register a better speed fig than last time around the track to vie in this turf route.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Go with #4 LIAM'S PRINCE on top if we're getting at least 10/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [4,12] Box [4,13]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Emerald Downs - Race #7 - Post: 9:14pm - Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $6,400 Class Rating: 81

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#6 SIR GAWAIN (ML=6/1)
#3 TIM TIM TIM (ML=9/5)


SIR GAWAIN - That last blow out tells me this gelding is set for a top effort. Dropping down in Equibase class figure points from his Jun 17th race at Emerald Downs. Based on that data point, I will give this horse the advantage. TIM TIM TIM - This gelding is at the top in earnings per race entered. Check out this animal in the paddock.

Vulnerable Contenders: #7 TOUCH OF DANZIG (ML=2/1), #9 TINY TRIBE (ML=4/1),

TOUCH OF DANZIG - Should have at least hit the board in the last sixty days in a short distance race to be any kind of value at short odds in a sprint. TINY TRIBE - You believe this horse is going to win just because he's always close. Just doesn't win regularly. This steed showed little last time out finishing ninth. Don't expect any betterment today.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#6 SIR GAWAIN to win at post-time odds of 5/2 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [3,6]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Saratoga

RACE #8 - SARATOGA RACE COURSE - 4:45 PM EASTERN POST


The Schuylerville Stakes

6.0 FURLONGS DIRT GRADE III TWO YEAR OLD FILLIES STAKES $150,000.00 PURSE

#5 MADE ME SHIVER
#1 OLIVE BRANCH
#4 SWEET LORETTA
#7 PLATINUM SPARK

From Rick's "History Department:" First run in 1918, the Schuylerville is named for a town located 12 miles east of Saratoga Springs in upstate New York. Schuylerville was the country home of General Philip Schuyler, who served as a member of the Continental Congress until he was appointed a Major General of the Continental Army in June, 1775. In command of the Northern Department, Schuyler planned the Invasion of Canada and was active in preparing a defense against the Saratoga Campaign, part of the British strategy to cut the American Colonies in two by invading and occupying New York State in 1777. Here in the 98th running of this stakes event for two year old fillies, #5 MADE ME SHIVER has exceptional early speed abilities to compliment for this sprint, and comes off a maiden-breaking, "POWER RUN WIN" in her "first asking." Jockey Irad Ortiz and Trainer Steve Asmussen send her to the post for the first stakes race of the 2016 Saratoga Meet ... they've hit the board with 58% of their entries saddled as a team to date. #1 OLIVE BRANCH also comes off a "POWER RUN WIN" to break her maiden in her respective "first asking." She is a daughter of Speightstown, whose progeny have hit the board in 49% of more than 7,500 combined lifetime starts to date. For your information folks, Speightstown also qualifies for my Three Star Sire list ... if you would like a description of the rigid rules that I "employ" to make this list, kindly send me an email ... and yes ... this list, and the "rules" are indeed free!.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mohawk: Friday 7/22 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale

DRF

Race 1 - $30,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool


PICK 5: 2,9/5/1,2,5,6,8,9/1,4,5/2,7,8 = $21.60

EARLY PICK 4: 1,4,5/2,7,8/1,2,9/1,2,6 = $81

LATE PICK 4: 4,5,9/1,2/1,2,3/1,5 = $36

MEET STATS: 228 - 668 / $1197.00 BEST BETS: 38 - 62 / $120.70

SPOT PLAYS: 14 - 61 / $76.60

Best Bet: SANDBETWEENURTOES (2nd)

Spot Play: DOCS SAUSALITO (4th)


Race 1

(9) BOURBON SEELSTER stands a good chance of taking the opener coast-to-coast with the drop back to Grassroots company. Perhaps the outer post will help the price just a bit. (2) WIDSUN GLORY also drops back to a class she dominated two back. This looks like a two filly race. (1) SOUTHWIND TANGO is a great bet to finish third it seems. (3) BERNADETTE has won two of her last three but will likely find the top two hard to beat here.

Race 2

(5) SANDBETWEENURTOES has simply moved too late in her last two starts. Expect a more aggressive approach here, and a win. (4) BEDROOMCONFESSIONS has been lights out since returning from a break and has won off three very different trips. She is the main threat to the choice. (2) MS MAC N CHEESE has 10 slices in 18 starts and likely completes the exacta or tri here again. (1) WRANGLER MAGIC can work out a following trip and take a share here.

Race 3

(5) VICTORIA SEMALU or (6) BROOKDALE SHADOW or may be able to work out the pocket trip here which I think has a good chance of being the winning trip. Slight edge to the former based on post position. (9) LAY LADY LAY and (8) MAYHEM SEELSTER are two capable sophomore fillies, but it's hard to predict how they will be driven here with some stakes engagements still left on the schedule. This should be a Pick 5 spread race.

Race 4

(4) DOCS SAUSILITO paced a 27 2/5 second 1/4 in the driving rain on a track rated three seconds slow and somehow still almost survived a long uncovered trip to win. She is a new filly on Lasix and merits top call despite facing tougher here. (5) TWIN B THONG had a brutal trip last time. Toss that line out; she's a top contender vs. these. (1) THISORTHAT HANOVER fits this class much better and is another threat and a must-use in multi-race bets. (2) KAYS

Race 5

(8) BUTTERMILK HANOVER doesn't look great off her last two lines but last time she was in a Grassroots race here on June 17th she was a very unlucky loser. A rebound performance is predicted here. (7) TONIGHTIMLOVINGYOU was a decent 2nd to a sharp winner here last week and she rates highly in this field. (2) IM IN LUV takes a slice better than a third of the time and she can share here. (4) ACTIVE LADY is still a maiden but she can get a spot near the front early here and stick around for a share.

Race 6

(9) MICHAELS TURN trotted a good mile in his qualifier after getting hung the mile on June 14th and dropping in class here might get him his first win of the year. (1) SECOND SISTER raced better when dropped to this class and she too has a good chance here. (2) ODDS ON AMETHYST was motoring last time in the lane but his lone win here this year was notched on the lead. He could be put into action early here. (5) TOTALLY RIPPED closes with a rush occasionally and is a good one to toss on tri bets.

Race 7

(2) WESTLUCKYCAM made up a ton of ground to win at Grand River after leaving from an outer post. Expect a much better start from an inside post here; top call. (1) QUEENOFTHEJUNGLE popped at a price last time which I had been expecting for a few weeks. She could trip out here leaving from the inside; using. (6) GOLDEN IDOL can race effectively on the lead or stalking the pace and is another to toss on Pick 4 tickets. (5) BAD LIGHTNING's closing kick might be more effective in this field.

Race 8

(5) DONNA PARTY drops back to the class where she fits and she should race much better here. (9) LUCKY COCKTAIL dominated in this class early in the meet and she is a multi-race bet must-use. (4) TIGRA SEELSTER is another that should enjoy class relief that should be used on Pick 4 tickets. (7) KYLES SECRET rarely misses a check and should grab a smaller share here.

Race 9

(2) MAXIM SEELSTER took a new life's mark in this kind of company two back and she should be tough to beat here. (1) WINDSONGMAGNIFIQUE beat the choice two back and she looks like the only real threat. Mark those two on your Pick 4 tickets and move on. (5) ROSY OUTLOOK should get a better trip here and take a slice. (6) THIS DAY FORWARD is a consistent earner, but still a maiden.

Race 10

(3) LADYHARDT has won four of her last five including a victory over similar company at Grand River. I'll stick with her while she is hot. (2) HP SISSY returns from Quebec after a couple of confidence-building wins and she can threaten here. (1) MATTJESTIC TEMPO doesn't win often but she rates highly here off her last two miles. (4) BONNIES GEM knows where the wire is but will need to find more speed to take more than a minor share here.

Race 11

(5) REGALLY READY takes a pretty big class plunge here and Zeron will likely try to take contril of the race with her before they reach the stretch; top call. (1) D GS PESQUERO also drops and moves inside. She should be the main threat to the choice. (4) DOCTOR TERROR has been racing better recently and she can take a good share here. (3) SHOW SOME LEG always races better when starting from an inner post. Use her in your exotic wagers here. (7) ST LADS PENNY LANE can close for a smaller share here.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Meadowlands: Friday 7/22 Analysis
By Derick Giwner

DRF

Race 1 - $30,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool

Race 3 - $25,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

Race 7 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

CHAMPIONSHIP MEET STATS: 97 - 262 / $541.90 (+$17.90) BEST BETS: 14 - 22 / $36.40 (-7.60)

Best Bet: FLY ON (2nd)

Spot Play: GRANDMAS MONI (3rd)


Race 1

(9) DREAM ROCKER finished nicely in last week’s amateur event. Hopefully he’ll be in striking position this week. (7) CARNEGIE has early speed in a field that seems to lack an abundance of that quality; clear player. (1) ROCKET MASTER is clearly in decent form and wouldn’t be a surprise. (6) DREAMS OF THUNDER is off an improved effort and Joe Lee has been doing well in the bike this year.

Race 2

(6) FLY ON raced well versus some quality foes in NJSS action and sticks out in this field as the clear one to beat. (1) FLY BEYOND weakened late in his first career start and can learn from that race. (5) SONGNATRA finished up willingly to begin his career; more now?

Race 3

(6) GRANDMA’S MONI qualified very nicely and lured Tim Tetrick off the Linda Toscano-trained (7) CRANN TARA, who also did okay during morning action. I’m siding with Tetrick on this one. (5) GRAND IDEA comes from great connections and does drop out of Sire Stake races.

Race 4

(3) RUBIO breezed through his morning qualifiers with wins and scored at first asking at Pocono. I wouldn’t call him a lock tonight, but he does look imposing at short odds. (8) INTERNATIONAL MONI didn’t have as smooth a trip as it looks on paper in his debut. There is some talent here and room for improvement. (4) HE’S GONE broke in his debut but deserves a second chance and does reunite with David Miller.

Race 5

(6) ONDA DI MARE ships in from Hoosier and finds herself in a new barn with a new pilot at the helm. She appears to fit nicely with this group and seems worth a play as long as she isn’t hammered at the windows. (9) FLYING ISA N has proven capable of trotting a 1:53 and change mile, which should be enough to put her at least in a win photo. (7) DETROIT RAPPER has been off his game but has proven to be faster than these when right. He is at least worth a look on the track. (1) WIN THE DAY gets a better post to work with and seems worth using on multi-race exotic tickets.

Race 6

(7) OVERDRAFT VOLO comes off a blowout qualifying win in a fast time and seems worth following. (1) AMBER ELLA chased the winner in that same mile and seems destined to be doing it again. (8) SUNSHINE DELIGHT comes off a decent debut mile at Monticello.

Race 7

(1) BARN DOLL is clearly moving in the right direction based on her last two races. This field is filled with some talent, so demand a bit of value. (3) WORLD CUP has won two straight and looms as an obvious threat. (5) DANISH DURANGO was scratched-sick in his last start and hasn’t raced since June 24, but he was on a nice winning streak. (7) FASHION CREDITOR gets some major class relief and should be right at home with this bunch.

Race 8

(6) REQUEST FOR PAROLE is back on the big track where he just missed in this class in June with Bongiorno driving. Now Gingras joins the equation and I’m expecting another strong effort. (8) NOT BEFORE EIGHT puts in an honest effort every week and is clearly a major threat. (1) HAZMATT came up short late after a few months on the bench; can show more now.

Race 9

(5) SUMATRA took care of business easily enough when down in class last week. Technically he climbs one rung on the class ladder, but this field doesn’t look that strong. (2) CLEMENTINE DREAM drew post one, which I’m not sure is a plus for him. A lot will depend on how hard he needs to work in the early stages. (1A) BLUE MUSE is a consistent sort who can certainly step up if given a smooth trip.

Race 10

(9) STACIA HANOVER closed well from a tough spot last time and now gets to double-drop in class. (6) DELIGHTFUL DRAGON exits the same race as the top pick and should prove her main competition. (5) INTOVIEW was a well meant winner last week and has the ability to step up the ranks.

Race 11

(5) VICTOR GIO IT was the talk of the town after his 12-plus length qualifying win. Son of Ready Cash looks like the real deal. (3) LIMERENCE is perfect and two career starts and deserves some respect. (6) WUTAN has been solid since adding hobbles.

Race 12

(8) WINDSUN GALLIANO has his trouble behaving but does go from an amateur to a catch-driver tonight. This guy knows how to win here and should bring a solid effort if he stays trotting. (3) PARIS PRINCESS N & (2) LAZURUS both drop a notch and seem capable.

Race 13

(4) R MARIE HANOVER returns to the Meadowlands at the basement condition and adds Gingras. (5) M A JACKIE has been racing reasonably well of late. (6) BODACIOUS BECKY was used hard last time and could improve with a smoother trip. (9) JANIE BAY is clearly facing an easier group this week.