Saturday 8/27/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

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[superbeets]

Premier League TODAY 12:30

Tottenham

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Liverpool

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT TOTTENHAM	RECENT FORM
HDADHLALADHW​ Most recent​	0 - 0 0 - 3 0 - 5 2 - 1	HDADHLAWALAW​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Premier League matches involving Liverpool averaged 2.97 goals last season

EXPERT VERDICT: Having already lost ground to Chelsea and the Manchester clubs, both these teams will be eager for three points. Jurgen Klopp's side, facing their third straight Premier League away fixture, have struggled at the back but were scintillating going forward against Arsenal. Both teams to score looks likely, but at least three goals have been scored in seven of the teams' last ten meetings.

RECOMMENDATION: Over 2.5 goals
3


REFEREE: Robert Madley STADIUM:





Opta facts:

• Tottenham Hotspur are without a win in their last seven Premier League meetings with Liverpool, losing five and drawing the last two.
• Liverpool have bagged 19 goals in their seven-game unbeaten run against Tottenham, an average of 2.7 per game.
• Liverpool are unbeaten in three league visits to White Hart Lane (W2 D1), scoring eight goals and conceding none.
• Liverpool (31 games) and Spurs (26 games) have gone longer without a 0-0 draw in the Premier League than any other clubs currently in the competition.
• Harry Kane has never scored a Premier League goal in the month of August, despite playing nine games and 545 minutes on the pitch in this month.
• Liverpool are the first team to play their opening three top-flight league games away from home since Chelsea and Bolton Wanderers in 1997-98.

 

[superbeets]

Premier League TODAY 15:00

Chelsea

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Burnley

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT CHELSEA	RECENT FORM
ALADHDHWAWHW​ Most recent​	1 - 1 3 - 0 1 - 1 2 - 1	AWHWAWHLHWAD*​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Burnley won just two points away at top eight teams in their last top-flight season

EXPERT VERDICT: Burnley had 19 per cent possession and scored with their only two shots on target against Liverpool, but are unlikely to get as lucky at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea have left it late to win both of their opening games, but if they can take more of their chances they should win with ease.

RECOMMENDATION: Chelsea-Chelsea double result
2


REFEREE: Mark Clattenburg STADIUM:




Opta facts:

• Chelsea are unbeaten in their four Premier League meetings with Burnley, winning three and drawing one.
• Burnley have found the back of the net in all but one of their last eight clashes with the Blues in all competitions (a 3-0 top-flight defeat to Chelsea in August 2009).
• Branislav Ivanovic scored in both league meetings in 2014/15, the last season the two sides met.
• The Blues have lost just one of their last 45 Premier League home games against newly-promoted opposition, but this came last season versus Bournemouth (0-1).
• Diego Costa has scored seven goals in nine Premier League appearances for Chelsea in the month of August.
• Costa is one of 38 different players to have scored 10+ goals for Chelsea in the Premier League, but he has the best minutes per goal ratio of all these players; netting a goal every 137 minutes on average.
• Burnley have picked up just two points from 11 previous visits to London in the Premier League (W0 D2 L9), scoring six times and conceding 28 goals.

 

[superbeets]

Premier League TODAY 15:00

Everton

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Stoke

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT EVERTON	RECENT FORM
ALALHWHDAWHW​ Most recent​	3 - 4 0 - 1 4 - 0 1 - 0	HDALHWADHLAW​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Stoke have not kept a clean sheet in 12 matches

EXPERT VERDICT: Everton look a better-balanced team this season and can continue their bright start by beating Stoke at Goodison. The Toffees defended well in their 2-1 victory at West Brom and looked powerful in attack while Stoke do not appear to have progressed over the summer.

RECOMMENDATION: Everton
2


REFEREE: Michael Oliver STADIUM:





Opta facts:

• Everton have scored exactly three goals in their last two Premier League contests with Stoke but have won only once, losing the other 3-4 in this exact fixture in December.
• Stoke have won three of their last five visits to Goodison Park in the Premier League, including the last two (L2).
• Romelu Lukaku has scored three goals in his last two Premier League appearances against Stoke City, this after netting just one in his first six versus them.
• Mark Hughes' side have secured just two wins in their last 12 Premier League fixtures (W2 D4 L6), picking up only 10 points from a possible 36.

 

[superbeets]

Premier League TODAY 15:00

Leicester

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Swansea

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT LEICESTER	RECENT FORM
ADHWADNLALHD​ Most recent​	4 - 0 2 - 0 2 - 1 2 - 1	HWAWHDAWHLAW​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Leicester are unbeaten in their last 16 home league matches

EXPERT VERDICT: Leicester have struggled to find last season’s form, but they can get their title defence up and running with a win over Swansea. Claudio Ranieri went with a similar side that won the league against Arsenal and that made a big difference. The Foxes have won the last three meetings to nil.

RECOMMENDATION: Leicester to win 2-0
3


REFEREE: Roger East STADIUM:




Opta facts:

• Leicester City have won their last three Premier League matches against Swansea City, scoring nine and conceding none.
• Swansea are winless in their last 12 games away to Leicester in all competitions (D3 L9), losing the last six in a row.
• Riyad Mahrez scored in both Premier League meetings with Swansea last season, netting a hat-trick at Liberty Stadium in December 2015 and one goal at the King Power Stadium in April 2016.
• Claudio Ranieri is still looking to secure his 100th Premier League win as a manager - he will be only the fifth non-British/Irish manager to reach this landmark if he guides the Foxes to victory in this match.
• Jamie Vardy has only scored in three of his last 12 Premier League appearances for Leicester City.

 

[superbeets]

Premier League TODAY 15:00

C Palace

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Bournemouth

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT C PALACE	RECENT FORM
HWALND*HLALHW​ Most recent​	1 - 2 2 - 3 3 - 0 4 - 1	ALHDALHLALAW​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Crystal Palace have won two of their last ten home league games

EXPERT VERDICT: Crystal Palace are the only top-flight team yet to score a league goal and it may take time for Christian Benteke to start firing. Benteke has had little playing time during pre-season and their attacking woes look set to continue. Bournemouth drew nine league games last season.

RECOMMENDATION: Draw
2


REFEREE: Mike Dean STADIUM:





Opta facts:

• Crystal Palace are without a win in their last four league meetings with Bournemouth, losing three and drawing one.
• The Cherries have won on each of their last two league visits to Selhurst Park, winning 2-1 last season and 3-2 in the second-tier back in 1989.
• Eddie Howe's side have won three of their six away trips to London in the Premier League (W3 D0 L3).
• Bournemouth are on the longest current run without a Premier League victory - seven games (W0 D1 L6).
• Crystal Palace have won just two of their 21 Premier League games in 2016 (W2 D5 L14).

 

[superbeets]

Premier League TODAY 15:00

Southampton

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Sunderland

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT SOUTHAMPTON	RECENT FORM
AWHWAWHWHDAL​ Most recent​	1 - 1 8 - 0 1 - 1 0 - 1	HWHWADALHLHW​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Southampton have lost just one of their last 11 home league matches

EXPERT VERDICT: Southampton should have run Manchester United closer last week and their finishing is likely to improve as the season wears on. Sunderland have more pressing problems after two defeats, and defensive injuries have to be a concern for David Moyes.

RECOMMENDATION: Southampton
3


REFEREE: Lee Mason STADIUM:




Opta facts:

• Southampton have won just two of their last 10 league games against Sunderland (D5 L3), although those two wins have arrived in the last four meetings.
• Sunderland have failed to keep a clean sheet in each of their last seven Premier League matches against Southampton (15 conceded).
• Southampton have seen a player sent off in two of their last three Premier League meetings with Sunderland (James Ward-Prowse in May 2015 and Jose Fonte in March 2016).
• Dusan Tadic has had a hand in six goals in just three Premier League games against Sunderland, scoring two and assisting four more.
• David Moyes is unbeaten in his last eight Premier League games against Southampton, though five of these have been draws (W3).

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

EPL Notebook - Week 3
By Chris David

Week 2 Recap

The second week of the Premier League season only had one draw posted and it took place in the must-see matchup between Leicester City and Arsenal. The top two finishers from last year failed to find the net, which helped ‘under’ bettors cash an easy ticket. Including that result, five other teams posted clean sheets in Week 2.

Road teams won four games in the opening weekend and the visitors followed that effort up with five victories in Week 2. Manchester City made a lot of noise last Saturday as it diced up Stoke City 4-1 in wire-to-wire fashion.

Underdog bettors taking shots on Burnley (+600) and Hull City (+400) both connected with wins over Liverpool and Swansea City respectively.

Champions League

The 32-team group draw for the 2016-17 UEFA Champions League was announced on Thursday and the Premier League will be represented with four teams.

Arsenal
Manchester City
Tottenham
Leicester City

Oddsmakers at the Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook aren’t buying the quartet at this point. Manchester City is a 12/1 choice but they’re playing in the same group with Spanish power Barcelona, plus Monchengladbach of Germany is no slouch and Celtic of Scotland won’t be a pushover either.

Arsenal (25/1) and Tottenham (30/1) are both on the third tier of teams according to the Las Vegas bookmaker and the pair should have a great shot to advance to the knockout round.

The Gunners will have to compete with French juggernaut Paris Saint-Germain while the Spurs have avoided any of the major European heavyweights.

Defending EPL champion Leicester City is a 50/1 betting choice and a lot of pundits believe the club has a great shot to advance to the Round of 16 with FC Porto appearing to be the main competition.

Manchester United and Southampton will represent the Premier League in the Europa League. The Red Devils will be favored to win their group but the Saints have drawn with Italian giants Inter Milan.

Still Perfect

Two weeks are in the books and there are four teams that still have a shot to finish with a perfect season (38-0, 114 points). Chelsea and the two Manchester clubs aren’t a surprise to be unbeaten but newly promoted Hull City has definitely turned heads, especially when you consider their ever-confusing situation.

The club’s manager (Steve Bruce) resigned three weeks before the season due to a dispute with the owners, who are known to sell rather than buy players. The team only has 13 fit players on the senior roster and the fan base has been protesting all of the above.

Despite all that, Hull knocked off Leicester City at home in Week 1 before upsetting Swansea City 2-0 at Liberty Stadium last weekend. The Tigers host Manchester United on Saturday night from KCOM Stadium and they’ve never beaten the Red Devils in eight (0-1-7) Premier League tries.

A short-handed Hull City could have tired legs for this contest after winning a 3-1 League Cup decision on Tuesday at Exeter City. Manchester United is listed as a healthy road favorite (-220) and is 1-0 as a visitor in league play this season.

Chelsea (-400) has been installed as the heaviest favorite of the weekend in its matchup versus Burnley from Stamford Bridge. Although unbeaten, the Blues have needed late surges in each of their first two games to produce 2-1 victories. The Clarets surprised Liverpool 2-0 at home despite being dominated in possession (81%).

Manchester City (-350) is expected to coast past West Ham United on Sunday afternoon but bettors could be hesitant to back the Citizens. The Hammers are 2-1-1 in their last four meetings against City and they’ve tallied six goals during this span. The emotional factor could come into play on Sunday as West Ham United suffered a disappointing miss in this year’s Europa League as it lost to Astra Giurgiu on Thursday at home.

Looking for Answers

With the good always come the bad and after two weeks, we still have four teams searching for points and coincidentally that will change this weekend when they square off against one another.

Sunderland (+550) and Southampton (-175) will have a chance to leave this grouping on Saturday and the bookmakers are favoring the host. The Saints have gone 2-1-1 in their last four versus the Black Cats, which includes the infamous 8-0 drubbing from St. Mary’s Stadium in the 2014 season.

Crystal Palace (+130) hasn’t scored a goal in two games and many pundits worry if the offense will ever get on track. The addition of Christian Benteke will help the Eagles if he ever gets fit and on the pitch. Dating back to last season, Palace has won just two of its last 21 EPL games but Bournemouth (+230) is 0-1-6 in its last seven league games.

Trends to Watch

Liverpool at Tottenham: These teams played to a pair of draws (1-1, 0-0) last season as the ‘under’ easily cashed in both affairs. Prior to those results, they combined for 3-plus goals in seven of their previous eight encounters.

Stoke City at Everton: The visitor has won three of the last four meetings and the ‘over’ has cashed in the last two games.

Swansea City at Leicester City: The Foxes have won three straight against the Swans and they’ve posted clean sheets in all of the victories.

Sunderland at Southampton: Four of the last five meetings between the two teams have seen two or less combined goals scored.

Arsenal at Watford: The Gunners swept both league games last season, cashing 3-0 and 4-0 victories.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

UFC heads to Vancouver

UFC on Fox 21: Maia vs. Condit
Date: Saturday, August 27th
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Time: 8:00 p.m. ET

Demian Maia (23-6-0) vs. Carlos Condit (30-8-0)
Five Round Welterweight Bout
Line: Maia +105, Condit -135

Welterweight contenders Demian Maia and Carlos Condit meet at UFC on Fox 21.

Demian Maia has been a mainstay on the MMA scene for the better part of a decade, and he has been competing in the UFC since 2007. The 38-year-old Brazilian has won his last five outings, including a submission of Neil Magny that earned him a Performance of the Night award.

At 32 years of age, Carlos Condit is no youngster himself, and he has been fighting in the UFC since 2009. In his most recent fight, Condit lost to Robbie Lawler in a split decision for the UFC Welterweight Championship, and amongst his most notable wins is a unanimous decision over Nick Diaz in 2012.

Maia lands just 1.83 significant strikes per minute at an accuracy of 44.93 percent. He is strong defensively, absorbing just 1.62 such strikes per minute with a defense rate of 62.71 percent.

Grappling is Maia’s strong suit, and he averages 2.96 takedown attempts per 15 minutes at a 31.25 percent clip. He defends takedowns at a 65.63 percent rate, and averages 1.24 submission attempts per 15 minutes.

Maia is hoping that he can get Condit onto the mat, as he won’t be able to win this thing if it turns into a standup brawl.

Condit is more of a power fighter than is his opponent, and he averages 3.80 significant strikes per minute at a 39.54 percent clip. He absorbs 2.44 significant strikes per minute and defends these strikes at a 56.39 percent rate.

The Albuquerque native averages 0.59 takedown attempts per 15 minutes and has a 52.94 percent accuracy, while he defends takedowns 39.78 percent of the time. Condit also averages 1.18 submission attempts per 15 minutes.

Other UFC on FOX 21 Bouts & Odds -

Lightweight Bout:
Alex Ricci +130
Jeremy Kennedy -160

Middleweight Bout:
Ryan Janes +145
Adam Hunter -175

Lightweight Bout:
Thibault Gouti +225
Chad Laprise -290

Lightweight Bout:
Felipe Silva -105
Shane Campbell -125

Middleweight Bout:
Garreth McLellan +205
Alessio Di Chirico -255

Featherweight Bout:
Enrique Barzola +147
Kyle Bochniak -180

Middleweight Bout:
Kevin Casey +180
Sam Alvey -225

Lightweight Bout:
Jim Miller +120
Joe Lauzon -150

Womens Strawweight Bout:
Bec Rawlings +167
Paige VanAant -205

Featherweight Bout:
Charles Oliveira +150
Anthony Pettis -185


Odds Subject to Change

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

By Joe Williams

League Betting Notes (Monday, July 11 through Sunday, July 17)

-- Favorites went 12-3 straight up (SU)
-- Favorites went 8-7 against the spread (ATS)
-- Home teams posted a 9-6 SU record
-- Road teams posted a 9-6 ATS record
-- The 'under' went 9-6

Team Betting Notes

-- It was a rare trying week for Los Angeles (20-2), as they were taken to overtime in Connecticut (6-16), and then they were drummed Sunday at Atlanta (12-11) by a 91-74 score. After opening the season 8-2 ATS over the first 10 games, the Sparks are just 4-8 ATS over the past 12 outings.

-- The Dream had its best game of the season in their rout of the Sparks. They entered the game just 6-10 ATS over the past 16 outings. The 'over' result Sunday also snapped a three-game 'under' run for Atlanta.

-- New York (17-7) picked up a seven-point win against the Sun Sunday, but narrowly missed out on a cover. It's nothing new for the Liberty, as they're just 2-5 ATS over the past seven games, and 5-8-2 ATS over the past 15 outings. They're also 2-8 ATS over the past 10 games at home.

-- Minnesota (19-4) won their fourth game in a row with an overtime road victory in Dallas (9-14). While the Lynx won the game, they failed to cover and are just 1-3 ATS over the past four outings on the road.

-- The Wings are in a tailspin, losing four straight games, and seven of the past nine straight up. They slapped the brakes on a three-game non-cover streak.

-- Washington (9-13) is in the thros of a five-game losing streak, and they're not covering, either. They're just 1-3 ATS over the past four outings. After an amazing 12-0 'over' streak to start the season, the 'under' has cashed in seven of the past 10 for the Mystics.

-- Phoenix (10-13) had one of the best weeks of the season, pushing aside San Antonio (5-17) and Washington, splitting against the number. The 'under' hit in both games, and is now 4-1 in the past five games for the Mercury.

-- For the Stars, they have dropped four in a row and are no longer covering, either. They're just 1-3 ATS over the past four games. One constant has been totals, as the 'under' is a perfect 5-0 on their past five games, and 7-2 in the past nine.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mystics (9-15) at Fever (12-12)

Date: August 27, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

The Indiana Fever may be the best break-even team in the WNBA though their first 24 games. They seek to continue the solid play they showed in July when they host the Washington Mystics on Saturday night in the first game for both teams since the league took a month-long break for the Rio Summer Olympics.

Don't let the 12-12 record fool you; the Fever have a track record built in past seasons of pacing themselves early on and playing their best basketball as the calendar turns from summer to fall.

Indiana began the 2016 campaign with a 7-11 start but headed to the Olympic break with wins in five of its last six contests.

"Going into the break, we were exactly where we wanted to be," Fever coach Stephanie White said. "We started to really find a rhythm and find a groove. Our chemistry had come together and we were healthy. It was a good time to get a physical break and a mental break and work on the fundamentals."

The final stretch of the 2016 season will be the swan song for Indiana forward Tamika Catchings, who leads the Fever in scoring (13.7 point per game) and will retire at the end of this season after 15 years in the league.

"(Catchings is) logging more minutes than most people do at age 37 and doing it at a very high level," White said. "Give her a lot of credit for having the work ethic and toughness that she has. She has the ability to impact the game in more ways than just her numbers. And she still impacts the stat sheet with her scoring, assists and steals."

Indiana, which has earned a spot in the playoffs for a record 11 consecutive seasons, holds down the fifth spot in the new-look WNBA playoffs, in which the top eight teams, regardless of conference, qualify for the postseason.

Washington, meanwhile, is 9-15 and enters this stretch tied with Seattle for the eighth and final playoff spot.

The Mystics were in a deep freeze as they when to the Olympic break, mired in a seven-game losing streak and scoring an average of just 79.6 points per game, the second fewest in the league.

Washington beat the Fever 76-62 at home on June 22 during a stretch in which it won four times in five games. But the Mystics' last victory was on June 29 against San Antonio and they'll be hard-pressed to duplicate the effort they produced against Indiana earlier in the year.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

StatFox Super Situations

WNBA*|*WASHINGTON*at*INDIANA
Play Against - Home teams (INDIANA) poor defensive team - shooting pct defense of >=44% on the season against opponent after 3 straight games - allowing a shooting pct. of 45% or higher
41-15*since 1997.**(*73.2%*|*24.5 units*)
4-2*this year.**(*66.7%*|*1.8 units*)

WNBA*|*WASHINGTON*at*INDIANA
Play Against - Underdogs vs the money line (WASHINGTON) off a home loss by 10 points or more, a bad team, winning 25% to 40% of their games on the season
96-25*since 1997.**(*79.3%*|*0.0 units*)
4-1*this year.**(*80.0%*|*0.0 units*)

WNBA*|*WASHINGTON*at*INDIANA
Play On - Road teams vs. the 1rst half line (WASHINGTON) after failing to cover 4 of their last 5 against the spread against opponent hot team - having covered 6 or 7 of their last 8 against the spread
46-18*since 1997.**(*71.9%*|*26.2 units*)

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Dinero Talks Preseason Week 3
Tony Mejia


Bad-Beat Bears nab Preseason Week 2 cover

With the clock about to slip inside 10 seconds, Connor Shaw dove head-first to get a first down on 4th-and-10, extending a drive that had no business being extended by sacrificing his body to gain 11 yards at New England in the closing seconds of a game most would describe as “meaningless.”

The Bears had already picked up one fourth-down conversion on the drive, the final one in a 22-13 game that the Patriots backups gained control of after Chicago won the first quarter 11-0. In that sense, they were already feeling good about themselves, which made what happened at the end greedy.

Chicago called timeout following the Shaw scramble, set up a short out route to get closer for the final play with four seconds left and scored when Shaw hit converted quarterback B.J. Daniels on a 22-yard heave that was placed perfectly enough that he made two defenders look bad.

The play didn’t make the initial AP recap, which covered Tom Brady’s absence, Jimmy Garoppolo’s work and Jay Cutler’s improvement from the preseason opener. For bettors, the swing meant just as much as Malcolm Butler’s pick of Russell Wilson in Super Bowl XLIX. New England laying three, or Chicago plus-3 if you’re feeling blessed, was decided by Shaw finding rookie Darrin Peterson for a 2-point conversion (!) with no time on the clock.

'Under' bettors were also toast, as the 'over' came in on the final touchdown.
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QBs debuts highlight Week 3 exhibition slate

One day, that type of bad beat will be the lead of every game recap distributed around the world, but we’re still at the point where people will admonish you and say “you shouldn’t bet on the preseason.”

And miss this?

Miss a two-point conversion being returned the other way to swing the winner in Baltimore-Indianapolis with minutes left to play?

Over the next decade-plus, I expect we’ll see references to the line and total continue to gain acceptance as a significant part of the action. The day is coming where we’ll see those colorful USA Today charts documenting national profits and losses is inevitable. Ironically, the fact the NFL continues to turn its nose up at the impact wagering has on its product while embracing fantasy is moronic since it makes the preseason far more watchable.

Here’s a look at Thursday and Friday’s games in Week 3 of the NFL exhibition schedule, the one that matters most since it’s utilized as a dress rehearsal and typically features starters working into the second half:
Thursday

Falcons at Dolphins: Pressure for Ryan Tannehill to finally get it this year leaves first-year coach Adam Gase with no real grace period. Thus far, Miami has looked rough in the red zone and it comes off a blowout loss at Dallas that had few bright spots. We could see boos early at the newly-renamed Hard Rock Stadium in South Florida. The Falcons are 2-0 thus far and will unleash Matt Ryan for at least a half.

Cowboys at Seahawks: Rookie Dak Prescott has been the preseason’s breakout star, so it will be fun to see how he fares up in Seattle, where the 12th Man will be in midseason form with Dallas in town. Wilson has gotten in a nice amount of work over the first two games, but it’s an important test for TCU’s Trevone Boykin. The rookie faces his hometown team hoping to keep Seattle for looking elsewhere for a veteran backup quarterback.
Friday

Patriots at Panthers: Brady was excused from Monday’s practice due to a personal issue, so don’t hold your breath on seeing him here either. Rob Gronkowski’s last preseason game came in 2012, so this one will be heavy on Carolina starters against New England backups. Garoppolo may get a full three quarters, although Bill Belichick is liable to give rookie Jacoby Brissett an extended look since he tends to march to his own drum this time of year.

Bills at ‘Skins: After taking last week’s game off, Kirk Cousins is expected to play into the third quarter here. Buffalo has been besieged by injuries this offseason, but comes off a 21-0 win over the Giants and typically pulls no punches defensively in any preseason game, much less the third one.

Browns at Bucs: Cleveland is excited that Robert Griffin III has done some really nice things this preseason, hitting big plays and showing it is possible for him to slide early enough to avoid unnecessary contact. The Bucs are debuting at home this preseason and are 7-23 at Raymond James Stadium over the past three years including exhibitions.

Steelers at Saints: Veteran Ben Roethlisberger has yet to play this preseason but will get his first taste of action in New Orleans. The Saints have lost a pair of road games thus far, so they’ll be looking for improvement against a Pittsburgh squad that went 0-2 at home over the first two weeks, getting shut out by Philadelphia last Friday.

Packers at 49ers: In a significant development, Aaron Rodgers opened the week taking all the snaps with the rest of the starters, which means it’s likely he’ll line up under center for the first time since last year’s playoff loss at Arizona. Blaine Gabbert has built a nice lead on Colin Kaepernick in the race to start at QB for San Francisco, but Chip Kelly is expected to get his first look at Kap in game action here. He’s been resting a “dead arm” thus far.
Saturday

Chiefs at Bears: The last time Chicago played at Soldier Field, it was manhandled by the Denver defense and failed to score. Jay Cutler got his first group going in New England and will work into the second half here, so if the Bears fail to score again, there will be serious cause for concern. The Chiefs are 0-2, but have lost a pair of one-point game and seen Alex Smith look terrific thus far, directing a pair of touchdown drives while going 12-for-16 for 173 yards and two TDs. Although Andy Reid doesn’t put much stock in preseason results, Kansas City went 4-0 last year and continues to answer the bell with a competitive approach.

Eagles at Colts: Rookie Carson Wentz started throwing again after being sidelined by a rib fracture, but he’s not playing here and may not get another chance this preseason. Chase Daniel hasn’t really pushed Sam Bradford, so this second half will be important for him to make some inroads. Andrew Luck played for the first time since last November on Saturday, completing all eight of his passes. Philadelphia has been stingy thus far, allowing just nine points over eight quarters and forcing numerous turnovers.

Lions at Ravens: Baltimore has won four of its last five preseason home games, but the Lions might be happy to be playing this one at M&T Bank Stadium since they were booed mercilessly by their own fans last week. Between turnovers and penalties, Detroit gave the paying customers plenty of ammo, so they’ll look for a better effort here as Matthew Stafford tries to continue operating at a high level despite shoddy offensive line play. The Ravens have held Joe Flacco back and were snake-bit by injuries last year, so they’ve picked up wins despite taking the cautious approach thus far.

Giants at Jets: This year’s Snoopy Bowl will be the first without Tom Coughlin since 2003, and although Ben McAdoo is right to downplay its significance, he’s coming off a 20-0 loss up in Buffalo and is in the wrong city to preach patience in. New York has been outscored 37-10 and its offensive line has often looked inept. The Jets have had their issues too, but Bryce Petty’s dramatic improvement to push Geno Smith for the No. 2 job has been an interesting development. If nothing else, it cements how shaky Smith is and how important it was to team stability to re-sign Ryan Fitzpatrick, who will be joined in the backfield by Matt Forte for the first time. Todd Bowles won this annual battle as a rookie head coach, 28-18.

Titans at Raiders: After spending the first two weeks of the exhibition season on the road, Oakland will debut at home and should again showcase Derek Carr, who played the bulk of the first half in Green Bay. Jack Del Rio has taken a long look at his regulars thus far, so Tennessee should get a great indication of where it stands after this one. Although they’re just 1-1, the Titans have seen Marcus Mariota go 14-for-15 with an interception his lone mistake. Rookie Tajae Sharpe, a fifth-round pick out of UMass, has been the team’s leading receiver. Reigning Heisman Trophy recipient Derrick Henry has also looked sharp in tandem with DeMarco Murray. What’s real and what isn’t? We should get a better indication in what looks to be one of this week’s most compelling matchups given the young talent all over the field.

Rams at Broncos: Unheralded second-year QB Trevor Siemian is getting another chance to start, which bodes well for his chances of ultimately winning this three-man to find Peyton Manning’s successor. Mark Sanchez has disappointed with familiar-looking turnovers, while rookie Paxton Lynch has displayed flashes of brilliance but ideally wouldn’t immediately be thrown into the fire. Los Angeles looks like it will also play it safe with its investment, likely turning to Case Keenum, who has started 10-for-12 in running with the starters. Jarred Goff will take the reins eventually, but hasn’t looked ready. Oddsmakers have Denver as this week’s biggest favorite (-5).
Sunday

Chargers at Vikings: Minnesota sat Teddy Bridgewater last week due to a sore shoulder and he didn’t throw a pass on Monday, so it isn’t likely that we’ll see him here. Mike Zimmer managed to improve to 10-1 in exhibition play and is 4-0 in Minneapolis, so don’t be surprised if the Vikings ride veteran Shaun Hill and rookie Joel Stave to another win. Philip Rivers has led the Chargers to a score on his only drive this season, took last week off and may not see the normal extended action here. Kellen Clemens is trying to hold off Zach Mettenberger and rookie Mike Bercovici for the backup gig and may wind up seeing the most action. Despite Bridgewater’s likely absence, the Vikings (-4) still opened as the third-heaviest favorite this week.

Cardinals at Texans: The Carson Palmer-led first-team offense came up empty on three drives in San Diego last week and is just 7-for-13 this preseason with an interception. He may not have all his weapons again here with Larry Fitzgerald (knee) and John Brown (concussion) just getting back in the mix, so it remains to be seen how long Bruce Arians exposes him and that first group. J.J. Watt won’t play at all this preseason after back surgery, but the defense has allowed an average of 11.0 points per game in wins over the 49ers and Saints. Brock Osweiler made his home debut last week, throwing a touchdown and interception while going 12-for-19, so Texans fans should get another long look at their new QB here.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Week 3 Preseason Trends
By Marc Lawrence

Week 3 of the NFL Preseason kicks off Thursday and concludes Sunday with 16 games on tap.

The third week is often called the "Dress Rehearsal" week as teams are expected to give extra minutes to starting units.

Handicapping exhibitions isn’t easy but veteran NFL Handicapper Marc Lawrence is here to help again as he breaks down Game 3 records of the preseason.

Looking at the below table from Lawrence’s PLAYBOOK magazine, you can view the Against the Spread records for all 32 teams from 1983.

Along with the overall ATS marks, Lawrence has identified Most Recent ATS trends for each team as well.

Best Game 3 Overall ATS Records (Week 3 Opponent)

New York Jets 21-11 (vs. N.Y. Giants)
Seattle Seahawks 24-9 (vs. Dallas)
San Francisco 49ers 20-13 (vs. Green Bay)
New England Patriots 19-13 (at Carolina)

Worst Game 3 Overall ATS Records (Week 3 Opponent)

Oakland Raiders 9-23 (vs. Tennessee)
Chicago Bears 13-20 (vs. Kansas City)
Dallas Cowboys 10-21 (at Seattle)

Most Recent Game 3 ATS Trends to Watch (Week 3 Opponent)

-- Oakland Raiders 1-7 ATS last eight (vs. Tennessee)
-- Philadelphia Eagles 6-0 last six (at Indianapolis)
-- Miami Dolphins 0-5 last five (vs. Atlanta from Orlando)
-- Detroit Lions 6-2 last eight (at Baltimore)
-- Washington Redskins 8-1 last nine (vs. Buffalo)
-- Kansas City Chiefs 2-7 last nine (at Chicago)

Listed below are all of the Game 3 ATS Preseason Trends for all 32 NFL teams.

Game 3 ATS Preseason Record (1983-2015)

Team ATS Record Most Recent ATS Trend

Arizona Cardinals 15-17 1-3
Atlanta Falcons 19-13 6-3
Baltimore Ravens 17-16 0-1
Buffalo Bills 17-15 1-3
Carolina Panthers 9-11 0-2
Chicago Bears 13-20 0-2
Cincinnati Bengals 14-18 2-0
Cleveland Browns 8-9 1-5
Dallas Cowboys 10-21 0-3
Denver Broncos 13-18 1-4
Detroit Lions 16-17 6-2
Green Bay Packers 16-15 0-1
Houston Texans 7-7 2-0
Indianapolis Colts 19-14 1-0
Jacksonville Jaguars 13-8 1-4
Kansas City Chiefs 14-17 2-7
Los Angeles Rams 18-14 7-1
Miami Dolphins 17-14 0-5
Minnesota Vikings 15-17 2-0
New England Patriots 19-13 2-0
New Orleans Saints 16-16 7-2
New York Giants 12-20 1-6
New York Jets 21-11 1-0
Oakland Raiders 9-23 1-7
Philadelphia Eagles 18-15 6-0
Pittsburgh Steelers 14-18 1-0
San Diego Chargers 18-12 3-1
San Francisco 49ers 20-13 7-2
Seattle Seahawks 24-9 4-1
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 19-13 4-1
Tennessee Titans 19-14 3-1
Washington Redskins 18-15 8-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

'Dress Rehearsal'

This week is the closest thing to a regular season game teams play during August. With games spread across Thursday to Sunday both fans and those with a penchant towards sports gaming should be in for an entertaining weekend of football.

Preseason results don’t count for anything in the end, but any NFL head coach should be somewhat concerned if his team is winless at this stage and should have troops play with a lot more urgency as this is really the last chance to ‘redeem’ themselves since Week Four usually involves just keeping everyone healthy.

On the flip side, any NFL head coach who's team is off to a perfect start is usually happy with overall performance and may very well have squads take their foot off the gas pedal and/or limit starters earlier than normal.

At this juncture there are eight winless, eight perfect teams heading into dress rehearsal week. So, do NFLx sports bettors side with the winless or the unblemished ?? History would suggest winless teams as this group has posted a 22-17 ATS record the past five years with those wearing road jerseys the best bets at 13-4 ATS. As for the flawless squads, you back them at some risk. The past five practice seasons teams with back-2-back wins heading into WK3 are just 19-18 ATS split betweem 6-8 ATS in front of a friendly crowd, 13-10 ATS in unfriendly territory.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Saturday's Preseason Tips
By Kevin Rogers

Chiefs (-1 ½, 41) at Bears – 1:00 PM EST

Kansas City
Head Coach: Andy Reid (32-38 SU, 30-36-4 in preseason)
Quarterback Rotation: Alex Smith, Nick Foles, Aaron Murray
Beat Writer Twitter Follow: Terez Paylor

The Chiefs have been on the wrong side of a pair of one-point defeats to NFC West foes in the preseason. After allowing a Hail Mary on the final play in a Week 1 home loss to Seattle, Kansas City failed to score a point in the second half of last Saturday’s 21-20 defeat at Los Angeles. The Chiefs’ passing game was strong against the Rams by compiling 308 yards through the air, including 133 from former Ram Nick Foles. In Reid’s three seasons as head coach, the Chiefs have put together a 2-1 SU/ATS record in the “dress rehearsal” game, including a 34-10 blowout of the Titans last August.

Chicago
Head Coach: John Fox (31-27 SU, 28-29-1 ATS in preseason)
Quarterback Rotation: Jay Cutler, Brian Hoyer, Connor Shaw
Beat Writer Twitter Follow: Zach Zaidman

The Bears grabbed a fortunate backdoor cover in a 23-22 defeat at New England last week by scoring 22-yard touchdown on the final play of regulation (also converted the two-point conversion). Chicago jumped out to a quick 11-0 lead before New England put up the next 23 points even though Tom Brady sat for the Patriots. The Bears have lost each of their last two Game 3’s of the preseason, with both defeats coming by double-digits, including a 21-10 setback at Cincinnati in 2015.

Eagles at Colts (-3, 42 ½) – 7:00 PM EST

Philadelphia
Head Coach: Doug Pederson (2-0 SU, 2-0 ATS in preseason)
Quarterback Rotation: Sam Bradford, Chase Daniel, McLeod Bethel-Thompson
Beat Writer Twitter Follow: Jeff McLane

Last preseason, the Eagles couldn’t stop scoring points under Chip Kelly. This time around under Pederson, Philadelphia has scored just 34 points through two victories, but has held the opposition to a total of nine points. Philadelphia pitched a shutout of Pittsburgh last Thursday, as the Eagles intercepted Landry Jones four times and returned one of those picks for a score. Sam Bradford put together an efficient performance at Pittsburgh by completing 14-of-19 passes for 115 yards, while rookie Carson Wentz continues to be sidelined due to a rib injury.

Indianapolis
Head Coach: Chuck Pagano (6-12 SU, 8-10 ATS preseason)
Quarterback Rotation: Andrew Luck, Scott Tolzien, Stephen Morris
Beat Writer Twitter Follow: Stephen Holder

The Colts are one of two teams to be involved in a pair of one-point decisions in the preseason (Chiefs the other), but it’s rare to see a club on each end of the same exact score. One week after rallying past Buffalo, 19-18, the Colts fell to the Ravens, 19-18 at home as Baltimore went ahead on a pick-two, an interception return on a two-point conversion taken back for a score. Luck was solid in his first preseason action by completing all eight of his passes for 71 yards, but Tolzien and Morris found the end zone with touchdown passes. The Colts have dropped five straight home preseason games since 2014, but Indianapolis has won two of the past three “dress rehearsal” contests.

Lions at Ravens (-3 ½, 43) – 7:00 PM EST

Detroit
Head Coach: Jim Caldwell (9-13 SU, 11-11 ATS in preseason)
Quarterback Rotation: Matthew Stafford, Dan Orlovsky, Jake Rudock (Rookie)
Beat Writer Twitter Follow: Dave Birkett

The Lions are facing their third consecutive AFC North squad in the preseason after splitting games against the Steelers and Bengals. In last week’s home loss to Cincinnati, Detroit allowed less than 300 yards, but the Bengals scored four touchdowns, including an interception return for a score. Stafford has been solid in his limited action, completing 12-of-17 passes for 171 yards and no interceptions, but has yet to throw a touchdown. The Lions have won and covered four of their last five road exhibition contests, while posting a 5-1 ATS mark in six preseason games as an underdog during Caldwell’s tenure.

Baltimore
Head Coach: John Harbaugh (22-12 SU, 21-13 ATS in preseason)
Quarterback Rotation: Joe Flacco, Ryan Mallett, Josh Johnson, Jarrod Johnson
Beat Writer Twitter Follow: Jamison Hensley

Flacco has yet to take a snap for Baltimore in the preseason, but the Super Bowl winning quarterback is expected to start against Detroit. The Ravens have won each of their first two preseason contests by a combined four points, both as an underdogs against the Panthers and Colts. Baltimore gained 251 yards of offense at Indianapolis, one week after racking up 288 yards against Carolina. The Ravens have split their last four Game 3’s of the preseason, while winning five straight exhibition contests at M&T Bank Stadium since 2014.

Giants (-2 ½, 43) at Jets – 7:30 PM EST

N.Y. Giants
Head Coach: Ben McAdoo (0-2 SU, 0-2 ATS in preseason)
Quarterback Rotation: Eli Manning, Ryan Nassib, Logan Thomas
Beat Writer Twitter Follow: Ralph Vacchiano

“Big Blue” has been less than impressive in two preseason losses to the Dolphins and Bills, tallying just 10 points in those defeats. New York posted only seven first downs and 166 yards of offense in last week’s 21-0 shutout at the hands of Buffalo, while turning the ball over four times. The Giants and Jets have alternated wins and losses in each of the past seven preseason contests since 2009 with the Jets winning last season, 28-18. The underdog has compiled a 5-2 ATS record in this span.

N.Y. Jets
Head Coach: Todd Bowles (4-2 SU, 4-2 in preseason)
Quarterback Rotation: Ryan Fitzpatrick, Geno Smith, Bryce Petty
Beat Writer Twitter Follow: Rich Cimini

The Jets have split a pair of preseason games, scoring a combined 35 points against the Jaguars and Redskins. New York is trying to figure out who its second quarterback will be behind Fitzpatrick, as Petty put up impressive numbers against Washington by throwing for 242 yards and two touchdowns. Smith struggled by completing 6-of-13 passes for 47 yards and an interception against the Redskins, one week after throwing for 79 yards and a touchdown against Jacksonville. The Jets have been up and down in the last six preseason “dress rehearsals” by going 3-3 SU/ATS, while the last three meetings with the Giants have flown OVER the total.

Titans at Raiders (-3 ½, 43 ½) – 8:00 PM EST

Tennessee
Head Coach: Mike Mularkey (7-7 SU, 8-6 in preseason)
Quarterback Rotation: Marcus Mariota, Matt Cassel, Alex Tanney
Beat Writer Twitter Follow: Jim Wyatt

Tennessee hits the road for the final two games of the preseason after routing San Diego and losing to Carolina at home. The Titans allowed nearly 400 yards to the Panthers in last Saturday’s 26-16 defeat, including 340 through the air. Mariota put together an efficient 9-of-10 line for 104 yards, a touchdown, and an interception against the defending NFC champions, as the Heisman Trophy winner has thrown one incompletion in two preseason games. The Titans have lost five of their past six road preseason games since 2013, while allowing 65 points in two away setbacks last August.

Oakland
Head Coach: Jack Del Rio (23-19 SU, 22-18-2 ATS in preseason)
Quarterback Rotation: Derek Carr, Matt McGloin, Connor Cook (Rookie)
Beat Writer Twitter Follow: Vic Tafur

The Raiders finally return home after spending the last two weeks at Arizona and Green Bay. Oakland split those two contests, while the offense was held out of the end zone in last week’s 20-12 defeat at Lambeau Field. The lone touchdown for the Raiders came on a blocked punt recovered in the end zone in the final minutes of regulation, as Oakland’s offense mustered 187 yards. The Raiders have won five of their previous eight home exhibition games, but own a 1-4 ATS as a home favorite.

Rams at Broncos (-5, 42) – 9:00 PM EST

Los Angeles
Head Coach: Jeff Fisher (40-42 SU, 38-42-2 ATS in preseason)
Quarterback Rotation: Case Keenum, Jared Goff (Rookie), Sean Mannion, Dylan Thompson
Beat Writer Twitter Follow: Gary Klein

The Rams leave Southern California for the first time in the preseason, as L.A. looks to improve to 3-0. Following a comeback victory over the Cowboys in the opener, the Rams rallied again for a 21-20 triumph over the Chiefs last Saturday. Los Angeles allowed 390 yards to Kansas City, while the Chiefs held the ball for 36:30. Goff improved from Week 1 by throwing for 82 yards and the go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter. The Rams have dropped seven of their past eight road preseason games, but have managed a 4-4 ATS record.

Denver
Head Coach: Gary Kubiak (23-15 SU, 23-13-2 ATS in preseason)
Quarterback Rotation: Trevor Siemian, Mark Sanchez, Paxton Lynch (Rookie)
Beat Writer Twitter Follow: Mike Klis

The Broncos put together perhaps the most dominant performance in a Week 1 shutout of the Bears on the road, but Denver was tripped up by San Francisco in Week 2. The 49ers put up 400 yards on Denver’s vaunted defense, while Lynch continues to fight for the starting job by tossing two touchdowns and accumulating 113 yards through the air. Siemian is expected to start for Denver in spite of a sore shoulder, as the former Northwestern standout was intercepted once and threw for 75 yards against San Francisco. Denver has compiled a 2-2 SU and 1-3 ATS mark in its last four “dress rehearsals,” while failing to cover twice as a favorite of at least 6 ½ points.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

At the Gate - Saturday
By Mike Dempsey

It is Travers Day at Saratoga on Saturday with six Grade 1 races on tap highlighted by the $1.25 million Travers which drew a full field of 14, with 13 to start after a scratch of Majesto.

The marathon 13-race card kicks off with a special early post time of 11:35am ET and NBC picks up the action at 4:30 ET for a 90-minute telecast.

Preakness Stakes (G1) and Haskell Invitational (G1) winner Exaggerator is the 3-1 morning line favorite but is not going to get the off track he seems to relish.

He faces a solid group of three-year-olds that include Belmont Stakes (G1) winner Creator, Iowa Derby (G3) winner American Freedom, Curlin victor Connect, Jim Dandy (G2) winner Laoban, Matt Winn (G3) winner Gun Runner and Tampa Bay Derby (G2) winner Destin.

Jockey Javier Castellano, who won the last two editions of the Travers aboard Keen Ice and V.E. Day has the call on Destin, who will be saddled by trainer Todd Pletcher, who won the 2011 running with Stay Thirsty, also with Castellano in the irons.

The stars will be out in full force. Among those competing at the Spa on the undercard on Saturday include Curalina, Wavell Avenue, Carina Mia, Mohayman, A.P. Indian, Flintshire, and Lady Eli.

Lady Eli is the even money favorite in the $200,000 Ballston Spa (G2), the race after the Travers. The filly is making her first start since winning the Belmont Oaks Invitational (G1) last July.

The Chad Brown trainee stepped on a nail shortly after the race and developed laminitis, which can be career and sometimes life ending. She has worked her way back to the track and looks to keep her perfect record intact.


Here is opening race from Saratoga to get the day off to a good start:

SAR Race 1 Md Sp Wt (11:35 ET)
#2 Monaco 7-2
#3 Reckling 4-1
#10 Mo Town 8-1
#4 Your Secret's Safe 9-2

Analysis: Monaco is a $1.3 million Ocala purchase making his debut for the Pletcher barn that is 20% winners with first timers. Here at this meeting the barn has hit with 7 of 22 (32% winners with a +ROI) with debut runners. The colt is by Uncle Mo out of the stakes winner Setareh ($239,418) who has dropped four foals to race, all winners. Solid works on the morning tab and Johnny V. takes the call.

Reckling tracked the early pace and could not get to the winner in the stretch in a runner up finish in his debut, running into a Pletcher first timer. The colt was four lengths clear of the rest of the field in the effort. Asmussen hits at a 25% clip with second out maidens. The $70,000 Keeneland purchase is by Dialed In out of a Distorted Humor mare that has dropped two other foals to race, both winners.

Wagering
WIN: #2 to win at 5-2 or better.
EX: 2,3 / 2,3,4,10
TRI: 2,3 / 2,3,4,10 / 2,3,4,8,10

Today’s Featured Race of the Day from Saratoga:

SAR Race 8 The King's Bishop G1 (3:35 ET)
#1 Economic Model 6-1
#13 Drefong 4-1
#6 Mohaymen 5-1
#2 Fish Trappe Road 8-1

Analysis: Economic Model tracked the early pace and finished up well while unable to get to Fish Trappe Road in the stretch in a runner up finish in the Dwyer (G2) last out going a one turn mile. He was entered in the West Virginia Derby (G3) where I made him my top pick but he scratched. He earned a career top speed fig two back winning the Easy Goer at Belmont Park. Brown adds blinkers and is 27% winners (with a +ROI) moving runners from route to sprint. He needs to work out a trip breaking from the rail but should end up a fair price.

Drefong makes his stakes debut here off a sharp win last out at Del Mar against Alw-2 optional claimers in his second start off the bench. The $450,000 Keeneland purchase is one of four in here that earned a triple digit Beyer Speed Figure last out. The Baffert trainee still looks as if he has some upside.

Mohaymen was the beaten chalk in the Jim Dandy (G2), checking in fourth after stumbling at the break. The Travers seemed logical but McLaughlin elects to cut him back to seven furlongs. He won the one turn mile Nashua (G2) last fall in his second career start. He popped a bullet work on Aug. 19 and looks capable of handling the cut back and being in the mix in this spot.

Wagering
WIN: #1 to win at 9-2 or better.
EX: 1,13 / 1,2,6,13
TRI: 1,13 / 1,2,6,13 / 1,2,3,6,13

Today’s Featured Race of the Day from Del Mar:

DMR Race 8 The Generous Portion (5:30 PT)
#2 You're Late 9-5
#1 Dixie Chick Rocks 3-1
#3 Miss Sunset 8-5
#5 How About Zero 6-1

Analysis: You're Late tracked the early pace and finished well to win the state bred CTBA last out in her first start against winners. She broke her maiden two back in her second career outing in gate to wire fashion. She is out of the multiple stakes winner Coastal Strike ($197,214) who has dropped four other foals to race, all winners. She has looked better with each outing and the extra ground her will suit her.

Dixie Chick Rocks broke outward last out and after tracking the early pace drew off late to a good looking maiden win in her second career outing. She was making her first start off a two-month break and wheels back quick here off a two week break for Hendricks. She still looks as if she has plenty of upside and should get some pace to run at.

Wagering
WIN: #2 to win at 8-5 or better.
EX: 1,2 / 1,2,3
TRI: no play

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: #10 Mo Town 8-1
R2: #3 Patterson Cross 15-1
R8: #2 Fish Trappe Road 8-1
R9: #3 Limousine Liberal 15-1
R9: #8 Stallwalkin’ Dude 8-1
R10: #2 Money Multiplier 8-1
R10: #4 Twilight Eclipse 10-1
R10: #1 Grand Tito 8-1
R11: #8 Destin 10-1
R11: #12 Creator 15-1
R12: #1 Sweet Acclaim 20-1
R13: #7 I Win 8-1
R13: #5 Space Oddity 8-1

Good luck today!

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Century Downs

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

Race 6 - Post: 2:50 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 78 - Purse:$7500 - CLM HCP 7500/10,000
CONSORTIUM*CHOICES

# 7 FIRE WATCH 3/1
# 4 BARONA MALIBU 5/1
# 6 IM GRACIES WIGWAM 8/1

FIRE WATCH will not be denied the ultimate prize in this event. Could quite possibly beat this grouping given the 79 speed rating earned in her last affair. This interesting entrant will be greatly helped with Cullen driving. 30 percent winners the past month. Take a good look at making this horse your win bet based on very high win pct alone. BARONA MALIBU - That 77 speed fig clocked in the last gathering puts this contender in the mix in here. One of the finest win clips with this driver/trainer make this mare dangerous. IM GRACIES WIGWAM - Been competing with some tougher customers of late, has a distinct class edge. (Average Rating 81). With one of the strongest drivers in terms of crossing the wire first, don't count this mare out of the affair.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Scioto Downs

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

Race 13 - Post: 10:30 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 80 - Purse:$7500 - HORSE AND GELDINGS CLAIMING $7500
CONSORTIUM*CHOICES

# 1 WILCOX 4/1
# 6 SMOKING JOEY 3/1
# 2 JAGGER BLUE CHIP 5/1

WILCOX will have you running to the cashier's window today. Worth careful consideration here based on the figures in the TrackMaster speed fig department alone. Has a strong shot for this race, if he can perform to his back racing class. Sutton and Morgan have a nice working relationship. Stellar results from their outings. SMOKING JOEY - Many analyzers will recognize the excellent speed rating in the last contest. Stacks up against any horse in this grouping. Some trainers just fit better with certain interesting entrants. That seems to be the case today with Ward. A really good wager. JAGGER BLUE CHIP - This standardbred may have some hidden form, a win would be a pleasant surprise. Overall ratings appear very nice. Can't throw out at this point.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Los Alamitos (Quarter Horse)

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


Race 7 - Maiden - 300y on the Dirt. Purse: $7425 Class Rating: 83

QUARTER HORSE 300Y, FOR MAIDENS, FILLIES TWO YEARS OLD. WEIGHT, 124 LBS.


RECOMMENDED*CHOICES


# 2 KASH 2/1

# 6 REMEMBERING FLORENCE 7/5

# 5 UNAPPEASABLE 6/1

I think KASH is a quite good choice. Looks strong to be up near the front end at the first call. With a competitive 73 speed rating last time out, will surely be a factor in this contest. Seems to have a respectable class edge based on the recent company kept. REMEMBERING FLORENCE - Is worth thinking about and may be a bet - strong Equibase Speed Figures (74 average) at today's distance and surface lately. Overall the speed figures of this racer look formidable in this outing. UNAPPEASABLE - Must be carefully examined given the class of races run recently.