Monday 2/23/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

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[superbeets]

Italian Serie A TODAY 18:00

Napoli

v

Sassuolo

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
ESPN		1/2	16/5	6	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT NAPOLI	RECENT FORM
HWAWHWHWALAW​ Most recent​	1 - 1	ALADALHWADHL​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Napoli have won five of their last seven home fixtures

EXPERT VERDICT: Sassuolo have been more competitive than many expected but the plucky outsiders should suffer a seventh league defeat of the campaign in Naples. The return of the Europa League puts added strain on Napoli, but they thrashed Trabzonspor 4-0 on Thursday and should be too strong for Sassuolo, who are winless on the road since early January.

RECOMMENDATION: Napoli-Napoli double result
1

 

[superbeets]

Italian Serie A TODAY 20:00

Cagliari

v

Inter

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
ESPN		23/10	23/10	5/4	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT CAGLIARI	RECENT FORM
ALADHWALHLAD​ Most recent​	1 - 1 2 - 0 2 - 2 0 - 1	HLALALHWAWAD​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Both teams have scored in each of Cagliari’s last seven matches

EXPERT VERDICT: Inter, having scored ten goals in their last three matches, are in the mood to avenge their most humiliating defeat of the season. A 4-1 home loss by Cagliari in September was as bad as it gets and Inter’s form has been mixed all season, but they boast the attacking tools to unpick a defence which hasn’t kept a clean sheet in nine.

RECOMMENDATION: Inter
3

 

[superbeets]

Portuguese Liga TODAY 20:00

Boavista

v

Porto

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
BT1		14	5	1/5	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT BOAVISTA	RECENT FORM
ALHLHWALHDAD​ Most recent​	0 - 0 2 - 1 1 - 1 1 - 0	AWALHWAWHWAD​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Jackson Martinez has scored in eight of his last 11 league and European away appearances

EXPERT VERDICT: Boavista gained an unlikely point at Porto earlier on in the season, but they were facing ten men for 65 minutes of that contest and the visitors are fancied to land a comfortable victory in the return match. Jackson Martinez, with 16 goals in 21 league matches, is easily the most likely to send Porto on their way to victory.

RECOMMENDATION: Jackson Martinez first goalscorer
1

 

[superbeets]

Champions League Tu 24Feb 19:45

Juventus

v

B Dortmund

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
		21/20	12/5	11/4	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT JUVENTUS	RECENT FORM
HWAWADHWADHW​ Most recent​	1 - 2 3 - 0	ALADHLAWHWAW​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Juventus have lost one of their last 15 European home fixtures

EXPERT VERDICT: Borussia Dortmund have won each of their last three Bundesliga matches, but they are still struggling domestically and their vulnerable defence could be found out in Turin. Dortmund have conceded four goals in their last two outings and Juventus can grab a first-leg advantage.

RECOMMENDATION: Juventus
2

 

[superbeets]

Champions League Tu 24Feb 19:45

Man City

v

Barcelona

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
		12/5	13/5	11/10	More markets

​

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT MAN CITY	RECENT FORM
HLHLADHDAWHW​ Most recent​	0 - 2	AWHWAWHWHWHL​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Man City have kept one clean sheet in their last 11 matches

EXPERT VERDICT: This has the potential to be a Champions League blockbuster and the most sensible call is to back both teams to score. Manchester City have scored nine goals in their last two Premier League matches and possess multiple threats, but so too do Barcelona with their world-class attacking trident of Neymar, Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi.

RECOMMENDATION: Both teams to score
4

 

[superbeets]

Champions League We 25Feb 19:45

Arsenal

v

Monaco

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
		1/2	3	13/2	More markets

​

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT ARSENAL	RECENT FORM
AWHWALHWHWAW​ Most recent​	Unknown	AWHDHDALHWAW​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Monaco have lost one of their last 17 matches

EXPERT VERDICT: Monaco have conceded three goals in their last 17 games and one of those came in extra-time so Arsenal may need to show patience to win at the Emirates. Eventually the better quality of the Gunners should prove to be the difference but Monaco are capable of keeping it tight for at least 45 minutes.

RECOMMENDATION: Draw-Arsenal double result
1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL Grand Salami - February

The Grand Salami in pro hockey is decided by adding up all the goals scored in every game scheduled for that particular day. You can wager on 'over' or 'under' the Grand Salami total. The total is set by adding up all listed 'over/under' odds for each game on that particular day.

Note: The Grand Salami will have no action if any game is suspended or cancelled before the regulation time of three twenty minute periods. Also, regardless of the number of goals scored during the shoot out portion of the overtime, the final scored recorded for the game will give the winning team on more goal than its opponent based on the score at the end of regulation time.

*The majority of sportsbooks do not put out a total on the Grand Salami when there is only one game on the card. For tracking purposes, we will continue to show the 'over/under' for goals and combined goals scored on days with just one game.

NHL GRAND SALAMI

Date No. of Games Total Goals Combined Goals Scored Result
2/1 4 22.5 22 UNDER
2/2 3 15.5 25 OVER
2/3 11 60 55 UNDER
2/4 3 16.5 11 UNDER
2/5 9 49.5 43 UNDER
2/6 5 27 25 UNDER
2/7 11 58 57 UNDER
2/8 8 43 45 OVER
2/9 5 25.5 28 OVER
2/10 9 50.5 47 UNDER
2/11 3 16.5 23 OVER
2/12 9 49.5 57 OVER
2/13 5 26.5 26 UNDER
2/14 10 53 63 OVER
2/15 5 27.5 24 UNDER
2/16 8 42.5 55 OVER
2/17 7 38.5 35 UNDER
2/18 6 32.5 33 OVER
2/19 7 38.5 42 OVER
2/20 7 37 37 PUSH
2/21 11 59.5 61 OVER
2/22 8 42.5 50 OVER
2/23 2 - - -
2/24 11 - - -
2/25 3 - - -
2/26 9 - - -
2/27 6 - - -
2/28 10 - - -

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL Preview: Red Wings (33-14) at Ducks (37-16)

Date: February 23, 2015 10:00 PM EDT

Henrik Zetterberg leads the Detroit Red Wings in points while playing in every game this season after spending most of 2013-14 on injured reserve.

Detroit hopes his latest setback isn't as serious.

Zetterberg's status is in doubt as the Red Wings look to avoid dropping a fourth consecutive meeting with the host Anaheim Ducks on Monday night.

Detroit (33-14-10) sits third in the Atlantic Division and has won two straight after rallying to beat Dallas 7-6 in overtime Saturday. Niklas Kronwall's goal completed the comeback after the Red Wings faced a pair of two-goal deficits in the third period.

"We weren't a very good hockey club in lots of ways as far as systematic and the way you play and the structure in the game," said Pavel Datsyuk, who had two goals and two assists. "We found a way to win the game. We needed the points and we found a way to get them."

Detroit overcame the deficits despite losing Zetterberg in the second period to an upper-body injury. There's a possibility he suffered a head injury after replays showed Jamie Benn punched Zetterberg, who has 15 goals and 34 assists.

The Red Wings' captain didn't practice Sunday and may have to miss his first game of the season as Detroit plays its third on a six-game trip. Zetterberg sat out 37 games last season, the bulk of which was due to back surgery.

General manager Ken Holland said Zetterberg's status won't be determined until close to game time.

"That's tough to see," forward Justin Abdelkader said. "You know, he's been playing so well for us. Hopefully he's all right."

Defenseman Kyle Quincey didn't play against Dallas because of a lower-body injury and is questionable against the Ducks (37-16-7), who hold a sizable lead atop the Pacific.

Ryan Getzlaf scored in the third period to give Anaheim a 2-1 win over Edmonton on Saturday.

"Points are hard to come by, and we'll take them any way we can right now," Getzlaf said. "Nobody is going to roll over and give you anything down the stretch. You have to earn it."

The Ducks have won two straight after dropping four of five.

"During that two-week stretch we did far too many hope passes into the front of the net," defenseman Ben Lovejoy said. "Our forwards have done a great job the last two nights and it has really changed the complexion of our team right now. I don't think we can be complacent. I think that is sort of what got us into that two-week stretch. We need to continue to get better."

John Gibson made 26 saves and is 3-2-0 with a 2.82 goals-against average while starting the last five. Frederik Andersen has been dealing with a neck injury, and the Ducks reportedly placed Ilya Bryzgalov on waivers Sunday.

Andersen made 27 saves in the first meeting with Detroit on Oct. 11. Getzlaf scored his second goal of that game with 24 seconds remaining to give Anaheim a 3-2 victory.

Jimmy Howard had gone 7-1-1 with a 1.55 GAA in his previous nine regular-season starts against the Ducks before taking the loss in the last matchup. He could be in net again despite being 1-1-1 with a 3.26 GAA in four starts since missing a month with a groin injury.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Woodbine

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


Race 6 - Post: 9:05 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 82 - Purse:$18000 - 5 YEAR OLDS & YOUNGER, NW 2 RACES OR $47,000 LIFETIME. AE: NW OF A RACE IN 2014-15.


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 6 INNOCENT VICTIM 4/1


# 5 MAJOR TRICK 7/2


# 8 IDEAL SHADOW 3/1


INNOCENT VICTIM quite possibly looks like the race horse to beat today. Horoscope said take a chance today, this horse is as good as any to take a shot with. This race could be controlled by this gelding. One look at the avgerage TrackMaster SR will prove that. The panel of smart guys gives this nice horse a very nice chance to come home a winner, class numbers are tops in the field of horses. MAJOR TRICK - Starters win from this hole at Woodbine with better than average regularity, suggesting this tremendous wager. It's somewhat risky to consider based only on class, but this horse has among the most favorable class ratings of the field. IDEAL SHADOW - May be the most competitive in the field of horses here, showing competitive figures of late. Average speed is a solid 84. Look for Baillargeon and this contender to score in this event. Great in the money stat for the trainer/horse pair.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Yonkers Raceway

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


Race 8 - Post: 9:30 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 82 - Purse:$17000 - NON-WINNERS OF 6 P-M RACES OR $60,000 LIFETIME. 3,4& 5 YEAR OLD FILLIES & MARES


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 5 SAFE FROM TERROR 2/1


# 4 HUNGER GAMES 7/1


# 3 CAROBBEAN PACETRY 7/2


If you want a respectable play in this contest, feast your eyes on SAFE FROM TERROR. Not many knocks against this interesting entrant, let's give her a shot. Racing solidly, earned a huge TrackMaster SR in her most recent race (82). 100 percent of the time this trainer and horse match end up in the money. Big players in here. HUNGER GAMES - Talk about a dynamic duo, Carlson and Garcia-Herrera have some of the best driver-trainer numbers at the track. This horse has a nose for the wire, just look at her better than average win pct. CAROBBEAN PACETRY - Has the look of a profitable play, averaging a rather good 85 TrackMaster speed fig. The knowledge group gives this harness racer a good chance to take this race, class numbers are tops in the group of horses.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Hialeah

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


Race 3 - Claiming - 350y on the Dirt. Purse: $13000 Class Rating: 81

QUARTER HORSE 350Y, FOR ACCREDITED FLORIDA BREDS)FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 124 LBS.; OLDER, 126 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $10,000.



RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 5 DOWN SEIS 2/1


# 3 FITY CENT 4/1


# 6 HQH SPECIAL CHARLIE 4/1


I've got to go with DOWN SEIS. Should be given consideration - I like the figures from the last race. Win percentage under similar conditions may be the key for this gelding. FITY CENT - The average class fig of 69 makes this horse tough to beat. Could best this group here, showing quite good figures of late. HQH SPECIAL CHARLIE - Will most likely compete very well in the early pace battle which bodes well with this group of horses in this race. Looks formidable for the conditions of this race today, showing solid figs in short races recently.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Mahoning Valley Race Course

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


Race 3 - Claiming - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $12400 Class Rating: 54

FOR REGISTERED OHIO BRED THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 118 LBS.; OLDER, 126 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE JANUARY 23 ALLOWED 2 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $7,500.



RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 3 DAVES KIND EYES 1/1


# 4 MAKE SOME SILVER 2/1


# 1 STONEY LAKE 9/2


DAVES KIND EYES looks to be a respectable contender. With Stanley on top him, this gelding ought to be able to break out early here. Recorded a strong Equibase speed fig in the most recent race. Can run another good one in this contest. Strong average speed figs in dirt sprint races make this equine a definite contender. MAKE SOME SILVER - Trainers don't bring mounts back this soon without a good reason. The drastic drop in competition can only help out this one this time out. STONEY LAKE - Will make a strong showing versus this group. This pony has to be in form coming back to race so soon.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Sam Houston - Race #1 - Post: 1:00pm - Claiming - 8.3 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $6,500 Class Rating: 57

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#3 SHEZA PRIZE (ML=4/1)


SHEZA PRIZE - I am keen on that recent effort on February 7th at Sam Houston where she finished third. I like the way this filly's finish positions have gotten better with each start recently. A sign of a thoroughbred coming into top form. Racing at a similar level as last race on February 7th at Sam Houston. I think West has found a good spot for her, and I like her chances today.

Vulnerable Contenders: #6 LOVELY JANDENISE (ML=2/1), #5 WHISKEY TALKING MS (ML=3/1), #1 MOONLIGHT MYSTERY (ML=5/1),

LOVELY JANDENISE - This horse likes to finish in the money, but doesn't usually win. Don't play in the top spot. WHISKEY TALKING MS - Will be tough for this entrant to beat this field off of that last speed rating. Not probable to improve enough to run a figure anywhere near today's class figure, so put her on the vulnerable competitors list. MOONLIGHT MYSTERY - Awfully difficult to wager on this steed when she hasn't been showing any fighting spirit lately.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Have to go with #3 SHEZA PRIZE on the win end if we get at least 1/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Skip

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Parx Racing - Race #8 - Post: 3:34pm - Starter Allowance - 6.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $34,000 Class Rating: 96

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#6 SIETE DE OROS (ML=5/1)
#5 STRONGBAKSTEELTOES (ML=7/2)


SIETE DE OROS - This thoroughbred could be close at the end. He's got a terrific late kick. Is ranked number one in earnings per race. A powerful try in today's race can increase that total. STRONGBAKSTEELTOES - After the event aboard this equine on Feb 8th, the jockey is going to be acquainted with the gelding much better.

Vulnerable Contenders: #4 RAPID ROUGE (ML=5/2), #3 LAWYER DAVE (ML=4/1), #2 CHARLIE MURRAY (ML=6/1),

RAPID ROUGE - Quite unimpressive speed fig last time out at Parx Racing at 6 furlongs. Don't feel this steed will improve too much in today's event. LAWYER DAVE - Difficult to put any dough on this gelding on the win end. Likes to finish in the money though. CHARLIE MURRAY - This gelding raced well above average on February 1st winding up first, but hasn't even visited the track since then. Not really a good sign. When looking at today's class figure, he will have to register a much better speed figure than in the last race to compete in this dirt sprint. Ran a great speed rating last race out, but the struggle will probably take too much out of him.

Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: Winston - SIETE DE OROS - I scan the TrackMaster Platinum PPs for this type of horse. Has the top Power Rating by at least 5 points.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Have to go with #6 SIETE DE OROS on the win end if we get at least 7/5 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [5,6]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
6 with 5 with [1,2,4] Total Cost: $3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Woodbine Harness: Monday 2/23 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale

DRF HARNESS

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

EARLY $1 PICK 4:

3,8 / 3,5,7,10 / 6 / 5,6,9 = $24

MEET STATS: 70 - 198 / $391.70 BEST BETS: 9 - 19 / $38.10

SPOT PLAYS: 5 - 18 / $54.10

Best Bet: INNOCENT VICTIM (6th)

Spot Play: TEAM CAPTAIN (4th)


Race 1

(1) GUSCREST is a homebred out of a dam that broke her maiden first out in the Trillium then won a $130K Gold Final in her third start. She has produced 4 winners from 6 foals that have races and this son of Angus Hall stands every chance to become the 5th of 7 in this weak group. (8) TAROT was called to win and looked like he had the upset nailed down when he got a bit sideways late in the lane. He has talent but seems tough to drive. (6) TYMAL SIGNATURE has shown good improvement in her last two starts and is getting closer to breaking her maiden.

Race 2

Two in this group make their first start off claims and of those two we'll side with (6) MISTER ICON who fell just short last week and is in top form now. (1) UNIQUE BARAN has paced some ugly miles the past two starts but may perk back up moving into Waxman's barn. (9) COWBOY CODY paced a big mile from the 10-hole first off the claim and draws outside here again but almost certainly will feel some opposition much earlier in the mile this time.

Race 3

(5) MYSTERY BET isn't the most reliable trotter on the grounds, but he is sure to show more dropping out of the General Brock series if he stays flat. (8) MAGIC MADNESS had a slow third 1/4 work against her last time and couldn't close into a quickening pace late. She fits in here and could take the top one down. (1) WIRE ME CASH has been finishing his miles nicely when he minds his manners but is another that is a threat to break.

Race 4

(8) TEAM CAPTAIN is out of an unraced daughter of Abercrombie that produced 8 winners from 9 that raced including 5 that went in 1:53 or better. She didn't show a whole lot in her lone qualifier but trainer Brethour has struck with one like this already this meet. The tote board may provide some clues here. (3) IMAGINE THIS won by the length of the stretch at Maywood and transfers to a high % barn here. He is likely to go off a prohibitive favorite but is no lock. (5) WELL WRITTEN showed good late kick in his seasonal bow and could go better here.

Race 5

(7) ROAD SENSE tried in vain to chase down a blowout winner that was taking a huge edge and she only gave up the place and show spots very late in a much-improved effort; top call here. (5) BRUCE THE BRAVE was first up in the same dash and finished together with the choice. He should be close here at the wire. (10) ORDER BY COMMANDER was given a brutal steer in London last Wednesday. He has some trot to offer and the driver change should help.

Race 6

(6) INNOCENT VICTIM actually drops in class for this switch to this circuit and anything but an open-length win vs. this group would be a bit of a surprise; the night's BEST BET. (4) MERVS TRU LEGACY moves into the Moreau barn and is almost sure to show immediate improvement. (3) ARTIES MAGIC also switches barns and makes his season's debut. He had a great record on the Maritimes last year.

Race 7

(5) FUTURE MILLION got backed up in traffic last time but showed good energy down the lane and should go even better here in his second start on the bigger oval; top call. (6) ARI ALLSTAR closed nicely for 2nd in the same dash but had a better trip, too. (9) JAC SPADE drops back to a level where he figures highly but is a difficult one to motivate at times.

Race 8

(7) STEPHANA DREAM took plenty of cash at the windows off the barn change but found herself too far back early to threaten late. Look for the Z Man to lay closer and move earlier here. (3) YANKEE PUZZLE returns from a short break and should contend with these. (2) WHITEGLOVES makes his season's debut and showed some talent in a brief campaign last year. He might try to take these all the way.

Race 9

(3) LOST IN PANSLATION was outleft last week by a powerful winner and had to go first-up as a result which is not his trip. He may be able to control his own destiny vs. this weaker group. (2) PL GYRO has reached his very best from and is the one to fend off late. (9) ROCKNROLL BAND finally broke through for a win but rode the rail the entire way to get there. A minor share is far more likely here.

Race 10

(1) WHISKEY N PIE moved into NW2 off a loss in the maiden ranks and dusted the field. This one seems to have a great deal of talent and gets to race back in the same class here; tough to beat. (10) TOUCH THE SKY got a horrid steer and despite winning was disqualified for interference. He is the main danger but post 10 doesn't help his cause. (2) HARBOR PLACE continues to race well and pick up checks. He should be right there again.

Race 11

(5) BROADIES SONG left hard, tried to retake from an uncooperative leader that put him back in the hole on the backside then encountered traffic issues in the stretch. This one has been sitting on a winning race for a couple of weeks but needs a decent steer. (9) BLISSFUL YEARS had similar issues in the same race. He can be closer here. (3) MONTE CHRISTO finished well for third and is likely to be over bet as a result. He has gone a long time between wins. (2) GOLDSTAR BADLANDS will likely be used harder early by Henry here and can better this placing. (10) SEA DONKEY showed a bit of life in the 2nd half of his race vs. the speedy Speedy Mark. He can hit this ticket at a big price.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yonkers: Monday 2/23 Analysis
By Matt Rose

DRF HARNESS

Race 7 - $10,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool

MEET STATS: 38 - 119 / $181.90 BEST BETS: 6 - 10 / $20.70


Best Bet: DANISHDUJOUR (7th)

Spot Play: HICKORY ICON (9th)


Race 1

(3) ROSE PETAL ships up from Dover off two nice efforts to begin her career; Harris trainee should get the job done in this suspect opener. (7) HIGHLAND ROCKSTAR qualified effectively and the four-year-old could be involved early. (4) TAMMY ANN can sit close up in this compact group.

Race 2

(5) BORN TO FIGHT ships in from The Meadowlands where he's been showing solid speed and that should translate well here. (8) VALLEY GLIDER drops a notch in class off last week's long trip but he's got to overcome the eight hole. (3) BROADWAYS FORTUNE was used early and stopped in an added-distance event; worth considering from the Garcia-Herrera barn, which always seems live except when I bet.

Race 3

(3) FRAME WORTHY held her own in stakes competition at The Big M and when last seen here she was second best; worth a try with Kakaley driving. (1) BABY REMIND ME will take the money from this spot and control the action, but can she last the duration? (4) HAY STACKED makes her second start off the layoff and she can be tighter tonight.

Race 4

(1) PACIFIC DESPERADO gets Brennan back in the bike, lands the best post and should be in line for a perfect trip. (3) TALKTOMECOURAGE N is up in class off the claim and he does his best work at the basement level. (4) LUCKY TIMES can save ground and go evenly late, which may be enough to snatch third.

Race 5

(3) MR COOLIE takes a needed drop in class and faces no standouts here; price should be right to take a shot. (2) THE POKESTER didn't go the easiest of trips last week and understandably flattened; veteran is capable of taking this but he doesn't have a winning profile. (4) FALL TOY raced well last week and gets post relief; logical but may be overbet.

Race 6

(1) ABBEYLARA is a bit of a curious selection because he doesn't really like to win but he does draw best again and I can't find anyone else to endorse. (5) COLD BATH steps up in class off a win and he should be another good price. (2) HACIENDA is back in claimers off a good second place effort.

Race 7

(3) DANISHDUJOUR blew the doors off the field in his first for Banca and he stays at the same level tonight. (8) FLYING INSTRUCTOR has not come back sharp in 2015 and he drops again to the basement level; he needs to be firing from the gate in order to have any chance. (7) JEPSON HANOVER seems to fit with these but he may have too far to come.

Race 8

(3) CAROBBEAN PACETRY needed last week's start, where she had no chance anyway; mare will be much more involved tonight. Note that this barn had a winner at The Meadowlands the other day. (1) CRUISINWITHMYBABY gets post relief and she's proven to have a good closing kick. (7) VILLAGE JESSICA is capable of firing from the gate at a big price.

Race 9

(1) HICKORY ICON has looked sharp since joining the DiDomenico barn and he ships in landing the best post and the sharp Dube; worth a long look. (2) TRACK MASTER D was a bit short last week at The Meadowlands but he was off a month. (4) LEGENDS LUCK had some finishing pace last out after getting shuffled.

Race 10

(3) BAMBINO HALL came up a little short late after cutting the mile last week, but it was his first start in almost five weeks. Veteran trotter has to be tighter tonight. (1) JERSEY BOY got going too late in last; Stratton needs him closer. (4) ABC CROWN ME QUEEN was digging in pretty nicely to the wire last week after an uncovered trip.

Race 11

(1) ROCKIN ROBERT has had no chance in his last handful of races. The last time he was at this level from a good post he won by almost six lengths. (6) GALLANT SEELSTER qualified very willingly off that pari-mutuel disaster last month. (5) HPYNOTIST dropped to this level and somehow got the job done; obviously he's got the ability to repeat.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Monday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE

Parx Racing (7th) Ration, 9-2
(8th) Siete de Oros, 5-1


Sam Houston (2nd) Sun King Sister, 8-1
(3rd) Gray Forest, 6-1


Sunland Park (4th) Wild as the Wind, 5-1
(5th) Weather Ranger, 3-1


Turf Paradise (1st) Duchess Debbie, 8-1
(6th) Cup of Soup, 7-2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA Preview: Grizzlies (40-14) at Clippers (37-19)

Date: February 23, 2015 10:30 PM EDT

The Los Angeles Clippers haven't had too many problems putting up points even with leading scorer Blake Griffin out.

The Clippers might have a considerable challenge keeping that production going Monday night during a visit from the league's stingiest team, the Memphis Grizzlies.

The Clippers (37-19) haven't had their star forward since he had surgery for a staph infection in his elbow Feb. 9 but they've averaged 115.6 points in going 4-1 without him. Their season mark of 107.3 is second-best in the NBA.

They had one of their best scoring performances of the season Saturday, a 126-99 victory against Sacramento in their third of four consecutive home games. In his 16th game with his father's team since being acquired from Boston, Austin Rivers provided a career-high 28 points in Los Angeles' fourth consecutive win.

Rivers, averaging 7.8 points with the Clippers, missed a 119-115 victory over San Antonio on Thursday because of a sore left foot.

"There's a will and guys really want to win. It's nice to be a part of that," he said. "We've just got to keep going, take it game by game because it's the (Western Conference) and it's tough."

J.J. Redick contributed 24 points, his most since scoring 25 in a loss at Milwaukee on Dec. 13. Jamal Crawford had 23 points and is averaging 22.0 in his last six games.

The Clippers had 31 assists, their most since a season-high 41 on Jan. 22. They're averaging 26.2 in Griffin's absence after averaging 20.2 in their prior six games.

"We have one of the top five players in the league out, and the only way we play well is by moving the ball," coach Doc Rivers said.

The Clippers will next seek a seventh consecutive home victory while trying to avoid their eight loss in the last nine games against Memphis (40-14), including the 2013 postseason. The Grizzlies are allowing 95.7 points per game and have given up an average of 88.3 in their last 13 contests.

The Southwest Division leaders bounced back from just their third defeat in an 18-game stretch Sunday by rallying for a 98-92 victory over Portland.

The Grizzlies trailed by 13 points in the fourth quarter but Marc Gasol aided his team's comeback with eight of his team-best 21 points in the final 5:45. Courtney Lee had seven of his 19 points in the last 2 1/2 minutes, playing a major role in a game-ending 9-2 run.

"They got the big lead, but we kept playing, came out scoring well in the fourth and getting stops," Gasol said. "We kept scratching and clawing and getting closer and closer. Then we ended the game with a lot of stops."

Gasol had a team-best 30 points - two shy of matching a career high - on 13-of-18 shooting and 12 rebounds in a 107-91 home victory over the Clippers on Nov. 23. The Grizzlies also limited Los Angeles to 41.6 percent shooting and a 7-of-25 performance from 3-point range.

Gasol is averaging 23.3 points and 10.3 rebounds in his last three games against Los Angeles.

 

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'Monday Blues'

When it comes to NBA betting on the first day of the week there is a situation that offers the sports handicapper an opportunity to take advantage of. The exact situation comes about when a home team is playing on Monday without rest and facing an opponent who also played the previous day. History tells us in this situation the visitor has been the best NBA choice to make. That's because since 2008 road teams have compiled a 48-22 point-spread record (68.6%). Whether the road team was favored or getting points hasn’t mattered, the betting numbers are virtually the same in either case. Road chalks compiled a 14-8 ATS record (63.6%), road underdogs posted a 24-14 mark against the betting line (63.2%). Better yet, back a road favorite playing without rest taking on an un-rested home team off a road loss the previous effort the situation improves to 72.7% (8-3 ATS). An NBA trend such as this doesn’t pop up too often, but given the hit rate paying attention can pay off handsomely.