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MLB

National League
Phillies @ Mets
Gonzalez is 2-0, 2.70 in his last two starts (went five IP/both games).

Colon is 1-2, 11.15 in his last three starts; over is 4-1-1 in his last six.

Phillies lost six of last seven games with the Mets; over is 3-1-1 in their last five games played here. Phils lost three of last five games; under is 5-3 in last eight. Mets lost five of last six games overall but are 17-6 at home-- four of their last six games went over.

Rockies @ Reds
Butler is 0-4, 9.00 in his last four starts; under is 4-2-1 in his last seven.

Marquis is 0-3, 10.95 in his last three starts; his last six went over.

Colorado won three of last four games against the Reds; over is 7-2-1 in last ten series games. Rockies lost nine of last 11 road games; four of their last five games overall went over. Cincinnati lost its last eight games (over 5-3).

Giants @ Brewers
Lincecum is 3-0, 1.05 in his last four starts (under 3-0-1).

Lohse is 2-0, 2.84 in his last three starts; under is 3-1-2 in his last six.

Milwaukee lost last three games with the Giants, allowing 31 runs; six of last ten series games stayed under. Brewers lost four of last five games; five of their last eight stayed under. Giants lost their last two games after winning previous eight; three of their last four went over.

Nationals @ Cubs
Roark is making first '15 start; he was 15-10, 2.85 in 31 starts LY, has allowed six runs in 20.1 IP in 13 relief stints this season.

Wada is 0-3, 5.08 in his last six starts; six of his last nine stayed under.

Washington won four of last five games with the Cubs; seven of last nine in series went over total. Nationals won seven of last eight games; three of last four stayed under. Cubs are 3-4 in last seven games; under is 5-3 in their last eight games.

Diamondbacks @ Cardinals
Anderson is 1-0, 1.03 in his last four starts; six of his last eight went under.

Martinez is 1-1, 1.54 in his last two starts; his last four went over.

Arizona lost six of last seven games with the Cardinals; five of last six went under total. D'backs won six of last seven games with three of last four going over total. St Louis lost three of last four games; under is 6-2-1 in last nine. .

Marlins @ Pirates
Phelps is 2-1, 2.97 in his last six starts; three of his last four went over.

Morton is making first '15 start; he was 6-12, 3.72 in 26 starts LY, with four of last five starts going over.

Miami won last two days after losing previous eight games; they're 2-7 in last nine games with Pittsburgh- six of last seven series games went over the total. Six of last eight Marlin games stayed under. Pirates won last three games; under is 6-4 in their last ten.

Braves @ Dodgers
Perez allowed one run in five IP (79 PT) in his first MLB start.

Anderson is 1-1, 2.38 in his last four starts; under was 3-1 in those games.

Dodgers lost five of last eight games, scoring total of nine runs- six of their last seven games stayed under. LA won eight of last nine games vs Atlanta; four of last six stayed under total. Braves won seven of last nine games.

American League
Royals @ Bronx
Guthrie is 3-0, 1.96 in his last three starts; over is 3-1-1 in his last five.

Eovaldi is 1-1, 6.23 in his last three starts; three of his last four went under.

Bronx lost ten of last 11 games overall, they allowed 47 runs in last six games. NY lost three of last four games with Kansas City- three of those four stayed under. Royals won five of their last six games; under is 5-1-1 in last seven.

Astros @ Orioles
Keuchel is 7-0, 1.73 in his last ten starts; four of his last six went over.

Chen is 1-2, 2.83 in his last five starts (under 3-0-1 in last four).

Astros are 3-5 in last eight games with Baltimore; four of last five series tilts stayed under. Houston won seven of last ten road games; over is 12-5-1 in their last 18 road games. Orioles are 4-5 in last nine games; they scored total of nine runs in those five losses.

Red Sox @ Twins
Kelly is winless in last seven starts but has a 2.03 RA in his last two; his last three starts stayed under.

Nolasco is 4-0, 5.57 in his last four starts; Twins scored 25 runs in those five games-- four of his last six starts went over.

Boston won seven of last nine games with Minnesota; last four stayed under the total. Red Sox won last two games, allowing four runs- eight of their last ten games stayed under. Twins won six of last eight games with four of last five staying under the total.

Rangers @ Indians
Klein allowed one run in 5.1 IP (81 PT) in his first MLB start.

Marcum allowed two runs in 6.2 IP (89 PT) in his first start since 2013.

Texas gets Josh Hamilton back today; they've lost eight of last nine games vs Cleveland- over is 6-3-1 in last ten series games. Rangers won last five games overall, scoring 35 runs- five of their last seven games stayed under. Indians won six games in row; seven of their last eight stayed under.

Tigers @ A's
Greene is 1-0, 1.40 in his last three starts; three of his last four went under.

Oakland is 1-7 when Hahn starts (0-3, 7.54 in last four); four of his last five starts went over the total.

A's won back/back games for only second time (2-13 after win) this year; they lost last four games with Detroit, scoring 11 runs. Oakland is 8-22 in its last 30 games overall. Tigers are 3-5 in last eight games; under is 5-3-1 in last nine.

White Sox @ Blue Jays
Noesi is 0-6, 5.66 in his last seven starts; five of his last six stayed under.

Hutchison is 1-1, 3.57 in his last three starts; six of his last eight went over.

White Sox lost five of last six games, scoring 13 runs; six of their last seven games stayed under. Chicago won five of last six games with Toronto; under is 5-3 in last eight series games. Blue Jays lost seven of last ten games; four of last six stayed under the total.

Interleague
Padres @ Angels
Ross is 1-2, 3.24 in his last four starts; seven of his last ten went over.

Weaver is 3-0, 1.54 in his last three starts; his last four stayed under.

San Diego lost four of last six games with the Angels; three of last four stayed under the total. Padres lost seven of last nine games overall, with four of last five staying under total. Angels lost three of last four; three of those four went over.

Win-loss records this year for team with this starting pitcher:
Phil-NY-- Gonzalez 2-1; Colon 6-3
Colo-Cin-- Butler 3-5; Marquis 4-4
SF-Mil-- Lincecum 4-4; Lohse 4-5
Wsh-Chi-- Roark 0-0; Wada 1-0
Az-StL-- CAnderson 2-6; Martinez 6-2
Mia-Pitt-- Phelps 3-4; Morton 0-0
Atl-LA-- Perez 1-0; BAnderson 4-4

KC-NY-- Guthrie 6-2; Eovaldi 4-4
Hst-Balt-- Keuchel 8-1; Chen 4-4
Bos-Minn-- Kelly 4-4; Nolasco 4-1
Tex-Clev-- Klein 1-0; Marcum 1-0
Det-A's-- Greene 6-3; Hahn 1-7
Chi-Tor-- Noesi 0-4; Hutchison 5-4
Sea-TB-- Elias 1-4; Odorizzi 4-5

SD-LAA-- Ross 4-5; Weaver 4-5

Times this starting pitcher allowed a run in first inning:
Phil-NY-- Gonzalez 2-3; Colon 3-9
Colo-Cin-- Butler 4-8; Marquis 3-8
SF-Mil-- Lincecum 1-8; Lohse 4-9
Wsh-Chi-- Roark 0-0; Wada 0-1
Az-StL-- CAnderson 3-8; Martinez 1-8
Mia-Pitt-- Phelps 2-5; Morton 0-0
Atl-LA-- Perez 1-1; BAnderson 0-8

KC-NY-- Guthrie 2-8; Eovaldi 5-8
Hst-Balt-- Keuchel 2-9; Chen 2-8
Bos-Minn-- Kelly 4-8; Nolasco 0-5
Tex-Clev-- Klein 0-1; Marcum 0-1
Det-A's-- Greene 2-9; Hahn 3-8
Chi-Tor-- Noesi 1-4; Hutchison 2-9
Sea-TB-- Elias 2-5; Odorizzi 1-9

SD-LAA-- Ross 3-9; Weaver 3-9

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL Preview: Blackhawks (48-28) at Ducks (51-24)

Date: May 25, 2015 9:00 PM EDT

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) - After 17 grueling periods crammed into just four games, the Anaheim Ducks have no doubt they can play at hockey's highest level with the Chicago Blackhawks.

Heading into a pivotal Game 5 on Monday in the Western Conference finals, the Ducks also realize their two gut-wrenching overtime losses were missed opportunities to take out their veteran, playoff-tested opponents - and they can't afford two more.

Chicago evened the series at two games apiece on Saturday night with Antoine Vermette's goal in double overtime. The 5-4 win was the Blackhawks' fourth OT victory of an increasingly charmed postseason.

Anaheim still hasn't lost in regulation in the entire Stanley Cup playoffs, but Chicago has a knack for big moments that the Ducks haven't matched in this series.

So the Ducks will keep hitting hard, skating well and hoping the late-game bounces - and a few more whistles - start going against Chicago.

'I think (the Blackhawks) know they're in a series,' Ducks coach Bruce Boudreau said Sunday. 'I mean, I don't think they think they've had it very easy. It's our job to continue to make them feel that way.'

Both teams spent Sunday flying to the West Coast and resting up for the next collision in an already draining series. The Ducks have followed through on their plan to batter the Blackhawks' short-staffed defense with relentless checking and hard hits, but Chicago is surviving so far.

'We're just going to keep with our game plan,' said Ducks center Ryan Kesler, who has been matched against Chicago captain Jonathan Toews all series. 'I think it will wear them down. It's going to wear them down. No human can withstand that many hits. We're going to keep banging out there and going after them.'

The Blackhawks were credited with 52 hits of their own in Game 4, but that shaky defense also allowed three goals in 37 seconds in the third period, blowing a late two-goal lead. The defensemen playing heavy minutes don't acknowledge any damage from Anaheim's cumulative pressure: Brent Seabrook dismissed the idea with a shrug and a smile.

'I think it's both ways,' Chicago winger Bryan Bickell said. 'They are wearing us down, but they're getting tired from wearing us down.'

And for all the entertainment value of the first four games, one other aspect of this series is clear from the franchises' first playoff meeting: These West powers have already learned to dislike each other.

Chicago goalie Corey Crawford exemplified the growing mutual distaste late in regulation of Game 4 when he delivered an unpenalized, two-handed slash to Matt Beleskey's chest, nearly letting in a winning goal in the process. Afterward, Beleskey said he is 'sick of' the Blackhawks.

'This series is pretty amazing,' Chicago coach Joel Quenneville said. 'Every game is very close, very competitive. The road to trying to win the Cup has some amazing swings and highs, lows and twists and turns. The deeper you get in series, it is all the more challenging. Our group's experience and know-how and the will to find ways, last night was a great demonstration of that.'

A five-goal performance in Game 4 was a boost to the Blackhawks, who managed just three even-strength goals in the first 14 periods of this series against Ducks goalie Frederik Andersen.

'I thought the last game was a big step to find the back of the net against Andersen,' Bickell said. 'You see that he is kind of human, because he's been standing on his head as of late.'

The Blackhawks also have benefited from a distinct advantage in penalties, with just 22 minutes in the box compared to 38 for Anaheim. The Ducks are trying desperately not to criticize the officiating, hoping they'll be rewarded later.

The Ducks realize the stakes at Honda Center on Memorial Day, but Boudreau ordered his players to spend their Sunday thinking about anything but hockey. They hope their season-long knack for winning one-goal games will show up again late in a series being decided by thin margins in every aspect.

'It's about responding,' Anaheim captain Ryan Getzlaf said. 'Everything that we designed this team around this year, I think, was our ability to put things past us and move on and keep playing, and not let things affect us outside the game, or from game to game. So I think we get right back at it again, anxious to get back on the ice after a disappointing loss. We've been able to do that so far.'

NOTES: Quenneville said lineup changes are 'not likely,' while Boudreau is considering a shuffle in his forward lines. Tomas Fleischmann or Chris Wagner could get back into the lineup, Boudreau said.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Ducks favored for pivotal Game 5
Andrew Caley

The Anaheim Ducks have opened as -129 favorites for Monday night's pivotal Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals.

With the series tied at two games apiece the winner of Game 5 will have a massive edge in getting to the Stanley Cup. The Blackhawks are currently +117.

The total for the game has opened at 5.0 goals.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA Preview: Warriors (67-15) at Rockets (60-29)

Date: May 25, 2015 9:00 PM EDT

HOUSTON (AP) - Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors aren't worried about a letdown in Game 4 after taking a 3-0 lead over the Houston Rockets in the Western Conference finals.

'It's easy for us to stay hungry because none of us have really experienced this before or accomplished really anything,' Curry said.

The Warriors are one win away from reaching the NBA Finals for the first time since they won the 1975 title after Curry poured in 40 points in a 115-80 win in Game 3 on Saturday night. The MVP made seven 3-pointers in the victory to set an NBA record for most 3s in a postseason with 64.

Coach Steve Kerr doesn't believe anything will change for his team now that the Warriors are on the cusp of advancing heading into Monday night's game in Houston.

'They know that the most important thing is just the next play,' Kerr said. 'Keying in on competing and paying attention to all the little details, focusing on the mission and not the result, that's always been our mantra and it's especially true in moments like these. Just keep going, keep pushing.'

The Rockets are hoping to turn the page after an embarrassing showing in front of their home crowd that came after playing well in two close losses to start the series in Oakland. The Warriors controlled Game 3 from beginning to end and Houston looked listless and overmatched in the blowout.

'We've got to stay positive,' Houston center Dwight Howard said. 'It's that negative energy that can go from one person to the next, and we just seemed to fold. We don't want to be the team that folded under pressure.'

Houston has experience in rebounding from a series deficit this postseason after falling behind 3-1 to the Clippers in the conference semifinals before reeling off three straight victories to advance. They're undaunted by the fact that no team in NBA history has won a series after trailing 3-0.

'The rest of the series is about pride,' Houston point guard Jason Terry said. 'It's about coming out and establishing that you are a tough team, and we've been doing that throughout this postseason. There's no doubt in my mind that will be the case (Monday) night.'

Some things to know heading into Game 4.

HOWARD THE LEADER

Howard has emerged as Houston's leader in its playoff run and discussed the team's plight at length on Sunday when fellow star James Harden was unavailable to the media. Howard, who missed half of the regular- season games with injuries and who is playing through a knee injury suffered in Game 1, was upset about how the Rockets responded when they got down early Saturday night.

He was asked if he saw quit from his teammates in that game.

'I saw quit from everybody in the arena,' he said. 'We can't have that ... no matter how far you fall you're never out of the fight. That's the way you've got to look at it. We may be down 3-0, but we've got to continue to fight. That's the only way. If we don't believe, then who else will?'

CURRY'S REBOUND

For all of his great attributes, Curry isn't known for his rebounding. But the 6-foot-3 point guard got some love for that skill after jumping in front of the almost-7-foot tall Howard on Saturday to grab an offensive rebound. Curry shook his head when told it was one of the top 10 plays on ESPN's SportsCenter on Saturday night and said it was a stretch for that play to make the list.

'It's probably unexpected and surprising for most people,' he said. 'Right place, right time.'

Howard, who led the Rockets with 14 rebounds, downplayed the moment.

'I didn't even see Curry,' he said. 'My man was out on the perimeter, so I just thought nobody was there, and I turned around, and Steph Curry ... got a rebound. It happens. It's basketball.'

INSIDE GAME

The Warriors dominated inside Saturday night, grabbing 21 more rebounds than Houston and outscoring the Rockets 58-42 in the paint. Houston coach Kevin McHale was particularly unhappy with his team's offensive rebounding as they had just nine to 17 by Golden State.

'If we don't win the points in the paint, don't win the rebound battle, we don't win a lot of games,' McHale said. 'You can look at our record throughout the course of the year. We've got to win at least one of those, and if we win both of those, we do pretty well.'

THE WOW FACTOR

Kerr has had a front row seat to Curry's heroics all season, but said there are still times he is wowed by the things the superstar can do.

'(Saturday) night I had a few of those moments,' Kerr said. 'Third quarter when we're kind of sputtering and he makes a few 3s in transition. He's a special player. He's the MVP for a reason and guys like that they sort of lift you up when you most need it and he continues to do it.'

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA Game of the Day: Warriors at Rockets

Game of the Day: Golden State Warriors at Houston Rockets (+3.5, 213)
Warriors lead series 3-0

The Golden State Warriors are one victory away from advancing to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1975 and look to finish off a sweep of the host Houston Rockets on Monday. Golden State dismantled Houston 115-80 in Game 3 to take the commanding lead and no team in NBA history has recovered from such a deficit.

League MVP Stephen Curry poured in 40 points and was 7-of-9 from 3-point range on Saturday and he promises that the Warriors aren’t about to take their foot off the pedal. “We have five more wins to accomplish our main goal and obviously one more to get one step closer,” Curry said during Sunday’s press conference, “so until that happens there’s no time to really lose focus or to change anything about how we’ve gotten here.” The Rockets are on the other side of the equation and were demoralized during the contest and downright depressed following it. “We can’t fold. We can’t quit because we’re down,” center Dwight Howard said after Saturday’s game. “It’s easy to just give up and say they’re playing great. But they’re going to have to take all of us out on a stretcher.”

TV: 9 p.m. ET, ESPN

LINE HISTORY: Most books initially opened the Rockets +4.5, but that's been bet down a full point to +3.5 since.

INJURY REPORT: Warriors - O. Kuzmic (questionable), Speights (out indefinitely). Rockets - McDaniels (out indefinitely), Motiejunas (out for season), Beverley (out for season).

WHAT CAPPERS SAY: "The Rockets return to the scene of the crime after Saturday’s puzzling 35-point obliteration by the Warriors. It not only marked the first time Houston had dropped three straight games this season, but it was also the worst home defeat suffered by the Rockets since a 114-80 wipeout loss to the then-Seattle Supersonics in 1998. Meanwhile Golden State looks to close out the series knowing 3-0 road teams are 5-1 SU and 4-2 ATS in Game 4 of the conference finals since 1991. Does pride rear its head or does history repeat itself? Stay tuned." - Marc Lawrence

ABOUT THE WARRIORS: Curry’s sharpshooting has been superb this postseason and he has made 64 3-pointers to surpass the single-season playoff record set by Reggie Miller (58 in 2000) while also becoming the first player to drain five or more in five consecutive postseason games. “Just trying to have ultimate confidence every time I step foot on the floor that every shot you take is going to go in and just enjoy the moment,” Curry told reporters. Curry has 107 points in the series, third-best all-time in a player’s first three conference finals games behind Rick Barry (116) and Amar’e Stoudemire (112).

ABOUT THE ROCKETS: Houston will need a much better effort from NBA runner-up James Harden if it is to rebound from the worst home postseason defeat in franchise history. The star guard was just 3-of-16 shooting while scoring a playoff-low 17 points as he struggled while being defended primarily by Andre Iguodala and Harrison Barnes after having little trouble scoring against Klay Thompson over the first two games. “We were too relaxed, we were too comfortable,” Harden told reporters of the club’s woeful effort. “We were playing downhill the majority of the game. Trying to come back, trying to fight. The fight wasn’t enough.”

TRENDS:

*Rockets are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
*Under is 9-1 in Warriors last 10 overall.
*Road team is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
*Warriors are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.

CONSENSUS: Bets are split right down the middle, with each side receiving 50 percent of support each as of this writing.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Warriors open as faves for Game 4
Andrew Caley

The Golden State Warriors opened as 3.5-point road favorites for Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals as they try to close out the Houston Rockets and advance to the NBA Finals.

The Warriors were quickly bet to 4.5-point faves just shortly after the opening number was released. The total opened at a series low 214.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

'WC Finals!'

The Golden State Warriors behind Stephen Curry's 40 points along with a stifling defense crushed Houston Rockets 115-80 Saturday night to take a commanding 3-0 series lead in the Western Conference Final. Steve Kerr's troops with its confidence level very high have been installed 4.5 point road favorite to finish off the sweep of Houston. The Rockets may appear toast. But, were not in the camp and expect Rockets to be fired up, tighten up defensively. Rockets typically raise their level of play after a poor effort. That's confirmed by our trusted NBA number crunching machine that tells us Rockets have thrived against the betting number this season following a double digit loss (14-4 ATS). Another positive for Houston backers, the Rockets have won and covered the point spread eight straight times this season following back-2-back defeats. Additionally, Rockets have covered 4 of 6 following back-2-back post season losses and hit the hardwood 8-2 ATS as home pups of 6.5 or less points.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA

Warriors are 7-0 vs Houston this year; nine of last ten series tilts went under the total. Heart check for Houston here after they lost last game by 35 at home. Rockets were down 3-1 in last series but NBA teams down 3-0 in a 7-game series are 0-116 in that series. Rockets are 20-70 from arc in first three games of series; I can sit here and type in stats all night, only question that matters is this- do the Rockets want to keep playing? Golden State is 4-1 in last five visits here, with all four wins by 11+. Nine of last ten Golden State games stayed under, as have five of six games in this round.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Mohawk Racetrack

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


Race 3 - Post: 8:05 - 1 mile. TROT - Class Rating: 86 - Purse:$15000 - NW $7,000 LAST 5 STARTS OR $14,000 LAST 10 STARTS. AE: OPT. CLM. $20,000.


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 10 CANTABS FORTUNE 9/1


# 9 BURNIN MONEY 4/1


# 1 FORK 15/1


CANTABS FORTUNE will not be denied the win here especially at a long price. Can't gloss over based on TrackMaster Speed Ratings which have been exemplary (92 avg) recently. This solid standardbred has shown us ability in its prior races, just look at the 90 average class figure. Should play well here. Recorded a 84 TrackMaster Speed Rating last out. A duplicate affair here should get the victory in this event. BURNIN MONEY - Worth serious consideration here based on the ratings in the speed rating department alone. Surely the class of the field with an average rating of 91. A nice play. FORK - A good play in here as he has one of the highest winning clips in the pack as well as magnificent credentials all around.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Tioga Downs

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


Race 4 - Post: 2:30 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 83 - Purse:$30450 - NEW YORK STATE FAIR NEW YORK SIRE STAKES 3 YEAR OLD FILLIES 1ST DIVISION OF 4


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 5 NOT BEFORE EIGHT 5/2


# 4 BETTORHAVEANOTHER 7/5


# 2 A PLUS 6/1

Hey, listen up! NOT BEFORE EIGHT is the educated wager if you like to win. Cannot put a finger on it, but get behind this filly for a wager. Take a look at this standardbred's average speed figure of 85 and compare to today's class rating. Looks like a competitive bet. Really liked this filly's last race. Ran a solid 83 speed rating. Major contender. BETTORHAVEANOTHER - Not many folks know, but the 4 hole here at Tioga Downs has been exemplary for a better than expected win percentage. Earned a 87 TrackMaster speed fig in last race. A duplicate affair here should get the ultimate prize for this one. A PLUS - Good for a win wager just off the outstanding prior class figures. Have to like this solid standardbred. This horse will have to be a bet, based on the tremendous driver-trainer win percentage.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Lone Star

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


Race 2 - Claiming - 5.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $8500 Class Rating: 68

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 119 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $7,500.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 8 WILD SIP 6/1


# 6 TONTO M 7/2


# 7 JOHN LOUIS' CHIEF 12/1


WILD SIP has a very good shot to take this race. A solid 73 avg class fig may give this gelding a distinct class edge versus this group of animals. Has put up strong Equibase Speed Figures in dirt sprint races in the past. When a handler brings any horse back this quickly it is a positive signal. TONTO M - Is a strong contender based on numbers put up as of late under today's conditions. Should be given a chance in this competition if only for the very good speed rating garnered in the last outing. JOHN LOUIS' CHIEF - Has to be given consideration based on the respectable Equibase Speed Figure earned in the last contest. Has solid speed figures and has to be considered for a bet here.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Thistledown

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


Race 1 - Maiden Claiming - 5.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $13200 Class Rating: 50

FOR MAIDENS, FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 119 LBS.; OLDER, 122 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $10,000.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 2 CHIEF'S PICK 8/1


# 5 RED JOAN 3/1


# 7 THE RIDGE 9/2


I think CHIEF'S PICK is a solid selection especially at such a decent 8/1. Will most likely go to the lead and may never look back. RED JOAN - With Velez uptop her, this filly will probably be able to break out sharply for this race. This filly gets a boost with Velez in the irons. THE RIDGE - Rone has a sound 15 percent win rate with entries running at this distance and surface. With Colon getting the mount, watch out for this pony.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Parx Racing - Race #8 - Post: 4:04pm - Optional Claiming - 8.0 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $46,000 Class Rating: 112

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#7 SIETE DE OROS (ML=6/1)
#2 BLUEGRASS CHAT (ML=7/2)
#11 KOBEL (ML=9/2)
#12 ARROGANT OFFICER (ML=8/1)
#6 WAYNESBOROUGH (ML=10/1)


SIETE DE OROS - The ROI when Castillo and Preciado team up is fantastic. This first time turf runner is going to give these thoroughbreds a run for their money. He came in fourth in his try on a sluggish track on May 2nd. Should like the turf. This gelding has been training well, and the recent bullet work says he's primed for a good performance today. This animal absolutely loves this surface. All his trips to the winner's circle have been here at Parx Racing. Everybody's got their favorite tracks, but if you ask this horse, I think his answer would be Parx Racing. BLUEGRASS CHAT - This trainer brings horses to the turf fit and ready to go, winning over 20 pct of the time under similar conditions. Good return on investment for this jock and handler twosome. If this gelding gets out of the gate cleanly, he'll be tough to catch. This gelding has been claimed each of his last two starts. He figures to be tough in today's race. Past Performances show this racer with 3 improving speed figures. Navarro should be on a live one in this race. KOBEL - Have to give this gelding a shot. Ran a solid outing last time around the track within the last 30 days. I cannot ignore the fact that this gelding is working extremely well. This gelding's last speed fig earned on May 2nd is tops in last race speed ratings. ARROGANT OFFICER - This equine has the class to win the race. A tactical ride by Rivera, and this one could bound home the winner. WAYNESBOROUGH - Looking at this gelding's running lines, I see he's almost always in the money. Gelding's win percentage is better than 50 percent in first and second starts off a vacation. Bisono and Nations have had fantastic success together over the last twelve months.

Vulnerable Contenders: #9 CAN'THELPBELIEVING (IRE) (ML=5/2), #10 I. C. LIGHTNING (ML=6/1), #8 WILLY D'ROCKET (ML=8/1),

CAN'THELPBELIEVING (IRE) - No early speed in this bunch to help set-up his late kick. 5/2 odds isn't enough for this entrant when scrutinizing the most recent efforts. I. C. LIGHTNING - This gelding finished out of the money on February 24th and wasn't even close last time out either. Finished eighth in his most recent race with a common rating. When I look at today's Equibase class figure, it would take an improved performance to prove victorious after that in this group. WILLY D'ROCKET - Doesn't look inspiring to me after the lack of any sort of closing ability on October 18th. Hard to back any animal with lessening Equibase speed figures of 97/89/76.

Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: Winston - BLUEGRASS CHAT - The TM Power Rating tells me that this horse looks good versus the rest of this field. I'm wagering.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#7 SIETE DE OROS to win at post-time odds of 5/1 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [7,12] Box [6,7]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
[2,7] with [2,7,11] with [2,6,7,11,12] with [2,6,7,11,12] Total Cost: $24

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Prairie Mdws - Race #9 - Post: 4:33pm - Maiden Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $12,425 Class Rating: 53

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#4 TEA PARTY CAMPAIGN (ML=8/1)


TEA PARTY CAMPAIGN - This jockey and trainer have a profitable ROI when they combine forces. Medina rode this horse for the first time in the last race and comes right back today. This gelding is rounding his way back into shape. Should run well today.

Vulnerable Contenders: #8 ASTON (ML=3/1), #7 ODES OF PINDAR (ML=4/1), #3 HESOSO FURRY (ML=5/1),

ASTON - A pattern of lessening speed ratings 57/45/32 for this steed. 3/1 is not worth it for any animal in a sprint of 6 furlongs that hasn't finished in the money in a sprint event lately. ODES OF PINDAR - This gelding is always in the money, but just doesn't finish on top. Difficult to bet on him on the win end. This horse ran his best speed rating in awhile. May bounce and run poorly off that attempt. HESOSO FURRY - This horse doesn't have a winning state of mind. Repeatedly finishes second or third. When looking at today's class rating, he will have to earn a much better speed rating than in the last race to compete in this dirt sprint.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Bet on #4 TEA PARTY CAMPAIGN to win if you can get at least 1/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
4 with 8

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Belmont Park

RACE #8 - BELMONT PARK - 4:57 PM EASTERN POST


The Kingston Stakes

8.0 FURLONGS TURF THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD STAKES $125,000.00 PURSE

#9 KHARAFA
#3 KING KREESA
#4 OCALA JIM
#6 LUBASH

Some "old time history" folks ... the Kingston is named for the horse of the same name who raced 1885 to 1893. As a two year old, Kingston raced in the name of his trainer, E.V. Snedeker. In his 3-year-old season, he was bought by the Dwyer brothers, Mike and Phil, for $12,500. Kingston was a prolific winner, capturing nine of 10 starts as a 6-year-old. By the time he retired at the age of 10, he had won 89 of 138 starts for earnings of $138,891. This is the 36th running of this stakes test, and #9 KHARAFA shares the speed honors in this field racing at today's distance of a mile on the grass with #3 KING KREESA, and has nit the board in "POWER RUN FASHION" in each of his last five outings, including back-to-back, "POWER RUN WINS" in his last two starts. Jockey Javier Castellano has been in his irons on 8 previous occasions, hitting the board in 7, winning 5 times, en route to a +174% return on investment in the process, and is back this afternoon for his 9th ride. #3 KING KREESA has produced a quartet of "POWER RUNS" in his last five outings, hitting the board in three, including a "POWER RUN WIN" in his 4th race back.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mohawk: Monday 5/25 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale

DRF HARNESS

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

EARLY $1 PICK 4:

4,6,7/5,8/4,5,9,10/6 = $24


LATE $1 PICK 4: 1,3,5,6/5,9/4,5,8/3 = $24

MEET STATS: 85 - 257 / $499.60 BEST BETS: 12 - 23 / $42.50

SPOT PLAYS: 4 - 21 / $40.80

Best Bet: MAC RADIER (11th)

Spot Play: TWIN B SPORTSMAN (4th)


Race 1

(6) ANYWHERE WITH YOU is from a dam that has produced two winners that have gone quicker than 1:54 including Adversity, who has been tearing it up at this meet. She looks ready and can take this group at first asking. (9) TZIA passed more than 1/2 the field late in her debut and is an obvious threat but may be overbet. (5) MY MY HEY HEY is also from a decently-producing dam and can make an impact in her debut if she stays flat.

Race 2

(2) ANTAR PHIL raced faster in his winning qualifier than any of these did in their most recent pari-mutuel start; automatic play. (7) SPOIL SPORT was making a move, broke, and then recovered nicely to share. He looks like the main foe but has now missed three weeks. (6) MARACASSO is capable of much better than he showed from the 10-hole last week in his season's debut and now gets a better post.

Race 3

(4) STRONG HOPE trotted to a powerful win in his season's debut. The step up here isn't that great; call to repeat. (3) RAMAS LAST SON drops a level off a decent effort and can hit the ticket vs. these. (8) DONCANGO finished a belated third to the choice but is capable of being much closer with a better trip.

Race 4

(6) TWIN B SPORTSMAN left hard then took a shuffle due to several lead changes and came again late in his best effort yet. His good late speed should serve him well vs. these; top call. (4) WILDCAT LIGHTNING finished ahead of the choice in one of his better performances and should also be a factor. (7) MACH THE KASBAH made a move to the front in the third 1/4 then tired a bit late; another contender.

Race 5

(8) MUSCLE BABY DOLL was an ultra-impressive winner in her season's debut, trotting past her opponents in the lane as if they were standing still. She gets a slight preference here over (5) ADVERSITY, who has trotted to two consecutive lifetime marks and is one tough customer right now. (7) BAGS FOR ALL made two moves and almost lasted, but beating both of the two above will be a tall order here.

Race 6

(4) D GS JUSTLIKETHAT makes his second start in claimers and faces a slightly easier group. Perhaps the sloppy track led to his demise last out; top call in a wide-open dash. (9) I SCOOT SAM makes his second start off the claim and gets a favorable pace scenario but has missed some time; mixed signals. (5) CRAFTY MASTER is capable of better than he showed last week.

Race 7

(6) WEST SIDE STORY gets trotting hopples here which should solve the gait problems he has been having late in the mile. (4) WHISKEY TAX went a good trip in his season debut, losing to one who trotted to life's mark; contender. (7) BUDDY HALLY has been racing well from near or off the pace, he's a threat here.

Race 8

(3) AMORA BEACH has gone two big first-over trips since returning to the races as a sophomore and should be formidable here. (1) THE WAYFARING MAN displayed high speed in the Diplomat Series and is a main contender here starting from the inside. (6) AMERICAN ROCK also exits the Diplomat Series where he picked up a check every start.

Race 9

(9) SPLIT THE HOUSE has been an impressive winner in both outings and gets a slight preference over (5) WINDSONG LIGHTNING, who comes in off a dominant new life's mark win and will be tough. (10) FASHION MAVEN left, took a shuffle then closed rapidly to get into a win dead-heat. He will likely be fighting for a minor share here, though.

Race 10

(8) DORSAY almost pulled off a shocker last week in the Miss Versatility. She can take this group if the intent is there. (4) NORTHERN VICTORY had some good late trot last time but lacked room. He will blow up the tote one of these times. (5) BODY BALANCE left hard and finished well to just miss in the Preferred. That is the mark of a sharp horse; beware.

Race 11

(3) MAC RAIDER stepped into the NW2 L class and was beaten by two very good colts. These look much easier; top call. (7) LANCASTER PARK raced well enough in a rapid mile in his season opener to suggest he is a contender here. (5) JEB exits the same dash and finished just ahead of the one above. (4) SPEED RACER took some action at the windows but made a nasty break mid-race. He can get a piece of this if he behaves. (10) PIER HO TEMPTATION has been racing well at Flamboro and is capable of hitting the ticket at a big price here.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yonkers: Monday 5/25 Analysis
By Matt Rose

DRF HARNESS

Race 7 - $10,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool

MEET STATS: 153 - 477 / $809.50 BEST BETS: 20 - 38 / $74.10


Best Bet: NEPTUNE (2nd)

Spot Play: FOUR BOYS (12th)


Race 1

(2) ART FOR ARTS SAKE gets serious post relief in his second start at this basement level and he's capable of showing more. (4) P L FIGHTER faces softer in his debut for new connections. (7) JACKED UP returns locally and he has a long and successful history here.

Race 2

(2) NEPTUNE returns to Yonkers and is reunited with Stalbaum; those two have teamed up for some live efforts in the past. (6) LISTOWEL picks up leading driver Bartlett and he has some back class. (1) LENNON BLUE CHIP goes second-time Lasix and draws best.

Race 3

(5) CHARGER BLUE CHIP hasn't fired with his best this season but he's capable of so much better. (2) KEEMOSABE makes plenty of sense with his controlling speed but he's not the most reliable horse out there. (7) STONEBRIDGE COWBOY has raced well in his two starts for the Weiner barn; Brennan drives tonight and he should be trying to leave for position.

Race 4

(1) SPECIAL PACKAGE has just one win in her career but she may be faster than these; timid call. (4) HEAVEN'S LEGACY returns from Freehold off an easy win with Julie Miller in the bike. (2) DELIGHTFUL PLAN should be close up throughout.

Race 5

(4) LYONS SHADOW was a very comfortable winner upon arrival in just her third career start; mare is capable of repeating. (2) HEAVEN ON EARTH held okay after being passed last week. (1) SOUTHWIND LEA beat lesser here two back for Steve Elliott, who is undefeated here this year.

Race 6

(1) URBANA BAYAMA hit town two back and reeled in a classy rival; last week he had no shot from post eight but came home in :26 4/5; logical contender tonight departing from the rail. (3) FORT KNOX gets needed post relief and he may be controlling the action. (6) GOBAN was very good last week and he merits a look at a price.

Race 7

(6) O'SUNDLAND returned to Yonkers last week for Stalbaum and tired on the lead with little excuse; he's better than that and deserves a chance to rebound. (4) ALLSTAR PARTNER is zero for the last two years but he does fit well here. (1) THAT MAN OF MINE gets needed post relief and can hang around for a share.

Race 8

(4) ANNIESWESTERNCARD seems to have regained some of his old form in his last few starts after a dry spell; veteran deserves the call here based on class alone. (1) COLOSSAL lands all the way inside and does have plenty of early speed to secure a good spot. (6) LUCKY MAN had aim from the pocket last out and may have been going by but he broke; chance to rebound at a decent price.

Race 9

(1) ROCK TO GLORY took care of business in professional fashion last week and he gets a free ride at this level; repeats. (4) SAM'S ESCAPE was in too tough in his last few and he looks like the main threat with the drop in class. (3) SCARLET CHASER kicked in too late last week; consider underneath here.

Race 10

(1) SHORTSTACKED has a win and a second the last two times Brennan drove and he has an obvious post edge on his rivals here. (4) PANONGAHELA had no shot in his last two but raced well; post relief helps. (3) DELCO ROCKNROLL was improved last week and rates highly here.

Race 11

(3) BEST SAID had no chance last out versus some tough rivals; with the class and post relief tonight he'll be much more involved. (5) ALBERTO CONTADOR N also takes a needed drop in class. (1) GALLANT SEELSTER was a pocket-rocket winner versus lesser off the claim and he faces tougher now but does draw best again.

Race 12

(2) FOUR BOYS shipped in last week to the Godinez barn and had loads of late pace; he does face tougher here but is worth a follow-up look. (6) BIG JER is up in class again but he may try firing from the gate. (5) FORTY FIVE RED was hounded on the lead last out and held for a board spot; three back he was a solid winner.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Monday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE

Arlington Park (1st) Oo de Lally, 5-1
(4th) Sterlingten, 8-1

Belmont Park (1st) Hundred Percent, 5-1
(10th) Dot Product, 4-1


Belterra Park (2nd) April One, 5-1
(7th) Naturday, 4-1


Canterbury Park (5th) Gentle as a Breeze, 7-2
(8th) No Rain, 8-1


Churchill Downs (5th) Waldo, 3-1
(11th) Anusara, 7-2


Delaware Park (5th) Stormy Mouse, 8-1
(7th) Jean's Beauty, 3-1


Emerald Downs (6th) Miners Night, 5-1
(8th) Foolish Miss, 6-1


Finger Lakes (2nd) Destinys Mystery, 7-2
(8th) Maybry's Girl, 6-1


Golden Gate Fields (7th) Skip Tony, 4-1
(8th) Outside Nashville, 9-2


Gulfstream Park (2nd) Song Memory, 6-1
(8th) French Channel, 3-1


Lone Star Park (2nd) Tonto M., 7-2
(6th) Hyde and Go, 3-1


Louisiana Downs (3rd) Connor's Ace, 3-1
(7th) Joe Goshen, 9-2


Monmouth Park (2nd) Calvello, 4-1
(4th) Taty's Gold, 4-1


Mountaineer (3rd) Catch the Luck, 5-1
(4th) Dutchie Baby, 3-1


Parx Racing (3rd) Tender May, 3-1
(4th) Distinctive Lady, 7-2

Pimlico (6th) Trade Rumor, 6-1
(8th) Cloudy River, 5-1

Prairie Meadows (1st) Gaelic Passion, 4-1
(6th) Ghost Locket, 7-2

Presque Isle Downs (1st) Gdansk, 4-1
(6th) Dancin' Lil, 4-1


Santa Anita (2nd) Jaycee's Humor, 3-1
(7th) Flat Gone, 9-2


Thistledown (2nd) Pyrite Ice, 7-2
(5th) Dynafox, 6-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Monday's six-pack

Dodgers' payroll this year is .$271,608,629, highest ever in baseball........

-- Adrian Gonzalez-- Owed roughly $22M a year thru 2018; hitting .342 this year with 32 RBI. Pretty much worth every penny.

-- Carl Crawford-- Owed $21.M a year thru '17; an injury-prone stiff.

-- Clayton Kershaw-- Owed roughly $35M a year thru 2020; not sure how anyone can live up to that money-- this year, he is 2-3, 4.32 in his first nine starts.

-- Zack Greinke-- Owed $25.5M a year thru 2018; this year, he is 5-1, 1.48 in his first nine starts.

-- Justin Turner-- Makes $2.5M a year; is hitting .288 with a .374 OB%.

-- Yasiel Puig-- Makes $30M over next four years; has been limited by injuries this year, playing in only eleven games.