Gred Daraban
Marlins at Brewers
Prediction: Marlins
Byung-Hyun Kim pitched a gem on Monday at Chicago and has been a pleasant surprise since joining the Marlins. He is 2-2 on the road.
Capuano is a solid pitcher, but not having the best of seasons.
The Marlins score the upset at Miller Park.
Take Florida.
Jimmy Sirody
Yankees at Red Sox
Prediction: 'OVER'
Boston and the New York Yankees topped the total in the first three meetings this year at Fenway Park prior to Fridays series opener and in 16 of the last 22 showdown in Beantown.
The Bronx Bombers have eclipsed the number in 18 of 23 as dogs at prices up to $1.50 and in 17 of 21 as road pups with the same mutuals in play. The Sox have zipped over in 21 of their last 35 against division foes and in 50 of 82 as home chalk.
Curt Schilling has seen 19 of his last 24 appearances against AL-East rivals fly over. He has faced the Yankees twice this season, allowing 10 earned runs in 13 innings and both outing went over.
Dave Price
7* AL East vs. West Game of the Year on Angels -130 (action)
3* on Red Sox -140 (listing Schilling)
1 Unit on Royals +110 (listing Perez and Jackson)
5* NBA Playoffs Do-or-Die Game of the Week on Detroit +1
Ethan Law
1* UNIT ON INDIANS/TIGERS OVER 11 +$100
Handicapper World
NBA:
Detroit @ Cleveland
Line: 1
Pick: Cleveland -1
Black Widow
6* Widow Wiseguy NL Pitchers Gem on Pittsurgh -131
4* MAJOR on Cincinnati +167
5* Wiseguy Pistons/Cavs Game 6 BLOODBATH on Detroit +1.5
1* on LA Angels -140
Hondo
10 units: Tigers
Michael Cannon
Michael Cannon Money Train
Saturday's Plays..
30 Dime –
PISTONS
Take the Pistons tonight in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals over the Cavaliers.
I know LeBron James put this team on his back and delivered one of the all-time greatest performances in NBA playoff history in Game 5, but you can’t ignore the fact that the Pistons have been here before and will not be overcome by the magnitude of the situation tonight.
Cleveland will come into this game with all the jitters of a team that is treading into unknown waters, and for that I don’t think their supporting cast will have what it takes to get the job done. LeBron is carving out his place in history right before our eyes, but for him to take that next step he needs the help of his teammates to get him to the next level.
He doesn’t have it yet.
The Pistons remain a team that can get production from any or all five of their starters and you can believe that they’ll show up tonight with a chip on their shoulders.
They always seem to play their best when everyone else writes them off, and everyone was still expecting them to win at home in Game 5.
Not tonight. With LeBron’s performance still fresh in everyone’s mind and Cleveland playing at home, the prevailing sentiment will be that they are a lock to advance to the NBA Finals. They still might make it there, but they’re going to have to do it with a Game 7 win at Detroit.
LeBron will come to play tonight, there’s no question about that. But the Pistons find themselves with their backs to the wall for the first time in these playoffs and I expect them to answer the bell.
Take Detroit as they force a Game 7 with the win tonight.
5 Dime –
TIGERS (With Durbin and Lee as listed pitchers)
Take the Tigers as the road dog for the win tonight at Cleveland.
It looks like it’s going to be a good night for Detroit fans. I like the Pistons to grab the win over the Cavs and ditto that for the Tigers over the Indians.
Chad Durbin has pitched great for Detroit this year. The right-hander is 4-0 with a 2.38 ERA in his last seven starts. He’s been even better on the road this year, going 3-0 with a 1.64 ERA in his last five starts away from Comerica Park.
The Indians will counter with Cliff Lee and the southpaw has struggled against Detroit lately. Lee went 0-4 with a 4.75 ERA in five starts against the Tigers last season, and is 3-5 with a 4.92 ERA in 13 games lifetime against them. The left-hander has given up 11 runs in 9 1-3 innings in his last two starts.
Take the Tigers at a plus return for the road win.
ORIOLES (With Trachsel as listed pitcher)
Take the Orioles for the win tonight as a road dog against the Angels.
Steve Trachsel gets the nod for Baltimore and I expect him to turn in another fine start. The right-hander is 3-0 with a 2.61 ERA over his last five starts.
The Orioles had been on quite a run, winning six straight before losing 3-2 last night to the Halos.
Los Angeles will start Joe Saunders tonight, who is being recalled from Triple-A to take Bartolo Colon’s scheduled turn in the rotation. I like the Orioles chances to get back on the winning tracks against Saunders.
This line should be closer to even with Saunders going against Trachsel, so I’ll gladly side with the Orioles at this underdog price.
Take the O’s as they grab the road win.
Bonus Play: PIRATES
Michael Cannon Free Pick Writeup, 10-2 Free Pick Run
LA Dodgers at PITTSBURGH (-130) By Michael Cannon, Featured Handicapper
I am on a 10-2 overall run with my last 12 Bonus Plays after a winner on the Yankees last night. That ups my record to 83-63-2 over my last 148 Bonus Plays.
Take the Pirates tonight at home over the Dodgers.
Ian Snell will start for the Bucs and along with Tom Gorzellany has been the backbone of the Pirates starting rotation.
I like him to right the ship for the floundering Bucs at home tonight over the Dodgers.
Hong-Chih Kuo will make his first start of the season for the Dodgers. He was sidelined with left shoulder inflammation in spring training and I don't see him outpitching Snell tonight.
The Dodgers left-hander is 0-2 with a 7.88 ERA in four games (two starts) lifetime against the Bucs.
Snell will try to avoid losing his third straight start of his career even though he hasn't pitched poorly over his last two. He just hasn't received any run support but I expect that to change tonight against Kuo.
Lay the juice with the Bucs as they grab the home win over the Dodgers
Gator
70% Situations
MLB (Saturday): Play Against MLB road teams with a bullpen whose ERA is 4.50 or worse this season facing an opponent whose starting pitcher is winless after 5 or more starts.
(30-12 last 5 seasons.) (71.4%)
PLAY: Tampa Bay -121
Vegas Experts
VEGAS EXPERTS
Los Angeles Dodgers at Pittsburgh Pirates
First start of the year for the Dodgers Hong Chih Kuo who started once vs. the Bucs last year and did not fare well. The LA DODGERS are 11-23 against the money line in road games when playing against a bad team (Win Pct. 38% to 46%) over the last 3 seasons. Pittsburgh starter IAN SNELL is 21-11 against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
Play on: Pittsburgh
Dave Cokin
Take "(901) ATL Braves"
Rich Hill can't buy any run support lately and the Cubs have dropped each of his last four starts. Hill himself had been struggling until hist last start, in which he found his form. But the fact Hill can't seem to make it past six innings could be a problem with the erratic Cubs pen likely to be involved. Atlanta lefty Chuck James is of a razor sharp outing and is worth a look at the underdog price today.
Jim Feist
Take "(923) KC Royals"
How is a pitcher, who hasn't won a game this year, on one of the worst teams this season- FAVORED!!! That's just what we have on Saturday as Edwin Jackson brings his 0-6 record and 7.12 ERA into this game and he's a 1.20 favorite. Granted, it's against the Kansas City Royals who aren't going to burn up any winning streaks themselves. The Royals have Odalis Perez on the hill today and he's only 2-5 on the year with a 5.61 era. However, we'll go against a pitcher who hasn't won all year and is favored. Take the Royals here on Saturday.
Mejia's Projected Score in the Pistons/Cavs Game Tonight
Cavs 94 Pistons 92
Some More Free Picks For Saturday
Detroit at CLEVELAND (-1') By Sports Gambling Hotline, Featured Handicapper
A winner on Friday with the Yankees to make it an 11-6 Bonus Play run, and an overall run of 181-136-3 with our comp selections.
After Thursday's grueling double-overtime affair, we look for both teams to have some tired legs in this game, and for the UNDER to be the way to go.
The last pair of meetings in this series have both landed in the over column, but the UNDER is still a dominant 21-5 the last 26 times these teams have faced one another.
The Pistons have held low in 7 of their last 10 on the road, while the Cavaliers have been UNDER in 7 of their last 9 playoff games overall.
After a massive explosion of 216-points last time out, look for the points to once again be hard to come by, and for the UNDER to come through.
Play on the UNDER tonight in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
St. Louis at HOUSTON (-140) By Drew Gordon, Featured Handicapper
137-117-4 over my L258 Freebies, incl. 11-4 L15 MLB Bonus Play releases!
Despite seemingly reverting back to their old ways in yesterday's 8-1 loss to the Cardinals, I expect the Astros to bounce back strong this afternoon. Their success will come in large part due to the fact their facing the struggling Kip Wells, who's coming off another disappointing start after it appeared he was getting back on track.
After 7 straight losses, Wells got only his second win of the season against the Pirates May 23rd... Only to get rocked in his next start against the Rockies, allowing 6 runs (5 earned) on 11 hits over 6 1/3 innings! Last time Wells pitched against the Astros he allowed a whopping 7 runs on 6 hits over just 4 1/3 innings... More of the same in this one!
Another reason you've got to like the Astros is their starting one of their more consistent hurlers in righty Chris Sampson, who despite going just 1-2 has posted a strong 2.50 ERA over his last 3 starts! Give the guy some support and I guarantee his numbers would be far more impressive, as he's pitched better than his 4-5 record might indicate.
Bottom line, I know they're struggling, but the Astros get just what the doctor ordered facing the Cardinals' Wells in this one, who's really nothing more than a liability as far as I'm concerned. Sampson has pitched well enough to win, but this time around he gets more than enough support to get the "W!"
Take Houston behind Sampson over St. Louis in this NL Central showdown.
L.A. Dodgers (+120) at PITTSBURGH By Bobby Maxwell, Featured Handicapper
Hit two big plus-money Bonus Plays in a row after the White Sox blanked the Blue Jays in Toronto Friday night. Today we'll make it three in a row with a complimentary play on the Dodgers as they are catching plus-money in Pittsburgh.
The Dodgers have dominated this series lately, winning seven of the last 10 meetings and taking three of four from the Pirates this season. And in Pittsburgh the Dodgers are 22-6 in their last 28 in the Steel City, including Friday’s 5-4 victory.
Los Angeles is sending lefty Hong-Chih Kuo (0-0, 15.43 ERA) to the mound to face the Pirates' Ian Snell (4-4, 3.14 ERA).
Might remember Kuo from last September when the Dodgers called him up and he delivered six starts, with five of them being quality, not allowing the opposition more than three runs. He twice faced the Mets last season and allowed just two runs on seven hits over 10 1/3 innings to the hard-hitting Mets.
Kuo faced the Pirates last season and gave up five runs on six hits in 5 1/3 innings of a 10-6 loss.
Snell has been touched up in his last three starts, giving up 11 runs on 19 hits as the Pirates have dropped two of his last three. He faced the Dodgers back on April 21 and gave up two runs on five hits over seven innings and lost 7-3.
Look for Kuo to give the Dodgers about six great innings and then hand it to the bullpen for the rest of the way. Meanwhile Snell will likely give up four runs or so to the Los Angeles offense and we'll get a relatively easy winner in this one.
Play Los Angeles to get the road win and plus-money today.
trev rogers- royals +120
VEGAS SPORTS PICS
Atlanta (James) + 130* over Chicago Cubs (Hill)
Boston (Schilling) - 130** over N.Y.Yankees (Mussina)
Seattle (Batista) - 140** over Texas (Loe)
San Francisco (Lowry) + 150* over Philadelphia (Hamels)
--------------------------------------------
Mike Rose
AFL
Tampa Bay Storm @ New Orleans Voodoo u100.5
Los Angeles Avengers +5.0 (-110)
--------------------------------------------
WISE OWL SYNDICATE
2 units Cubs
2 units Red Sox
1 unit Twins
1 unit Royals
Bonus Parlay Reds over 9.5 & DRays over 10.5
--------------------------------------------
Michael Cannon
30 Dime
PISTONS
5 Dime
TIGERS (With Durbin and Lee as listed pitchers)
ORIOLES (With Trachsel as listed pitcher)
--------------------------------------------
Inside Info Investors
Boston Red Sox (-130) at Betus
Oakland Athletics (-135) at Caribsports
Colorado Rockies (-170) at Bodog
Milwaukee Brewers (-165) at Sportsbook
Pittsburgh Pirates (-129) at Sportsbook
--------------------------------------------
BLACK WIDOW
6* Widow Wiseguy NL Pitchers Gem on Pittsurgh -131
(List Snell and Kuo)
4* MAJOR on Cincinnati +167
(Action)
5* Wiseguy Pistons/Cavs Game 6 BLOODBATH on Detroit +1.5
1* on LA Angels -140
(List Trachsel and Saunders)
--------------------------------------------
DAVE PRICE
7* AL East vs. West Game of the Year on Angels -130 (action)
3* on Red Sox -140 (listing Schilling)
1 Unit on Royals +110 (listing Perez and Jackson)
5* NBA Playoffs Do-or-Die Game of the Week on Detroit +1
--------------------------------------------
JIMMY BOYD
3* Astros -145 (listing Wells and Sampson)
3* Brewers -175 (listing Capuano)
1 Unit on Philadelphia -165 (listing Lowry and Hamels)
3* Cleveland -1
5* AL West Game of the Year on Mariners -140 (listing Loe and Batista)
--------------------------------------------
JEFF ALEXANDER
Red Sox -140 (listing Mussina and Schilling)
3* on Indians -150 (listing Lee)
5* Wiseguy NL Home Favorite of the Year on Colorado -175 (listing Lohse and
Francis)
4* Major Elimination Game of the Playoffs on Cleveland -1
--------------------------------------------
LARRY COOK
3* on Chicago White Sox -110
(Listing Contreras and McGowan)
8* MAJOR NL Central Blowout on Houston -140
(Listing Sampson and Wells)
7* MAJOR on New York Yankees +124
(Listing Mussina)
10* Eastern Conference Game of the Year on Detroit Pistons +1.5
Accupicks
5* Cleveland -1.5
comp pick
Marc Lawrence
Game: St Louis Cardinals at Houston Astros Jun 2 2007 3:55PM
Prediction: Houston Astros
Reason: Houston over St. Louis w/Wells:
Astros host the Cardinals in Game Two of this series knowing they are 7-2 home in Game Two of a series this season. With St. Louis 2-7 away in Game Two of a series and just 2-10 behind Kip Wells this season, we'll stay home home with Houston here today
comp pick
Scott Spreitzer
Game: Detroit Tigers at Cleveland Indians Jun 2 2007 7:05PM
Prediction: Detroit Tigers
Reason: Chad Durbin has been red-hot away from Comerica this season. He's 3-1 in seven starts on the road with a 3.89 ERA and 1.25 WHIP. Take away his first two starts of the season (both away) and his numbers are ridiculously strong. In his last five road starts, Durbin has allowed just six earned runs and 31 base runners in 33 IP, for a 1.64 ERA & 0.94 WHIP. We'll give him a pass on his weak numbers at the Jake. After all, he hasn't pitched there since the 2004 season as a member of the Indians. And, he hasn't actually faced the Cleveland organization since 2001 as a member of the Royals. Meanwhile, Cliff Lee is getting knocked around quite a bit in 2007. Opponents are averaging 7.5 RPG against the Indians in the lefty's last four starts. The Tigers own solid numbers in roadies against southpaws this season and we'll look for that to continue today. Detroit is the play on Saturday. Thanks! GL! Scott.
comp pick
Big Al Mcmordie
Game: San Diego Padres at Washington Nationals Jun 2 2007 7:05PM
Prediction: under
Reason: At 7:05pm our selection is on the San Diego Padres and the Washington Nationals 'under' the total. I never thought I'd use this phrase this year (and it's going to sound a bit strange) but the Nats are hot. All of sudden, Washington is playing like it means it, and not because it's had a string of games against weak teams. First, the Nats took three of four games in Cincinnati, then they took two of three in St. Louis. Next, although they lost the series at home to the Dodgers, they dominated them in the third and final game on Thursday, and now they just knocked off the Padres and their ace Jake Peavy in the first game of the current series at home. After winning that game in 10 innings with the help from outstanding performances from Christian Guzman, Ryan Zimmerman, and Dmitri Young, they'll come back for game two against a pitcher who could be the Padres' "Jake Peavy of the future", young righthander Justin Germano. The Nats are going to give one more start (at least) to their struggling young righty Levale Speigner, mainly because they have so many pitching injuries that they are forced to keep him in the rotation. But this could be a good thing, as a decent start at home against a weak-hitting opponent like the Padres could be all Speigner needs to turn it around. San Diego is only batting .238 vs. righties and one of their hottest hitters, catcher Josh Bard, may be forced to miss this one as he is scheduled to start serving a suspension soon for bumping an umpire. Five of the last six games played between these two at RFK Stadium have totaled eight runs or less. Take the 'under'. As always, good luck...Al McMordie.
comp pick
John Ryan
Game: Florida Marlins at Milwaukee Brewers Jun 2 2007 7:05PM
Prediction: Florida Marlins
Reason: Ai Simulator 3* graded play on Florida Marlins - Supporting this graded play is a system that has gone 31-17 and has made 35.2 units since 2001. The average play has been a whopping 168 dog too. Play against NL home favorites with a money line of -150 or more that is an average hitting team with a batting average = .255 to .269 and with a good bullpen that converts on 75%+ of their save opportunities, and is now facing an average starting pitcher sporting an ERA=4.20 to 5.20. Also note that Kim has been solid in his last 3 starts sporting a 3.24 ERA, while Capuano has struggled with a 6.61 ERA over his last 3 starts. MILWAUKEE is 12-25 (-20.5 Units) against the money line in home games vs. a starting pitcher whose lasts less than 5 innings per start since 1997. Take the Marlins
comp pick
Ben Burns
Game: Los Angeles Dodgers at Pittsburgh Pirates Jun 2 2007 7:05PM
Prediction: over
Reason: After yesterday's game slipped above the total, the OVER is now a perfect 9-0 the last nine times that the Dodgers traveled to Pittsburgh. This could prove to be another relatively high-scoring affair. These pitchers faced each other last September and the game finished with 16 combined runs. While Kuo will be making his first start of the season, Snell's last two home starts have sailed above the total with scores of 11-5 and 13-2. That brings the OVER to 5-2-1 his last eight home starts. Its also worth noting that the OVER is a perfect 7-0 when Pittsburgh has played on a Saturday this season. Consider a play on the OVER
comp pick
Tom Freese
Game: Cincinnati Reds at Colorado Rockies Jun 2 2007 8:05PM
Prediction: Colorado Rockies
Reason: Colorado starter Jeff Francis is excellent KW form with a better than 4 to 1 strikeout to walk ratio in his last 3 starts. Francis is 2-0 with a 1.38 ERA in his last 2 home starts vs. the Reds. Cincinnati starter Kyle Lohse has allowed 16 runs in his last 10.1 innings of work in his last 3 road starts. Play On Colorado - (Francis vs. Lohse)
comp pick
Larry Ness
Game: St Louis Cardinals at Houston Astros Jun 2 2007 3:55PM
Prediction: Houston Astros
Reason: Can things get much worse for the Astros? They allowed seven ninth-inning runs last night, losing 8-1 to the Cards. It was the team's 11th loss in its last 12, as the Astros have scored two runs or less seven times in their skid. The good news is they get to face Kip Wells on Saturday afternoon. Wells entered this season with a 57-74 (4.46 ERA) record. That's not much of a record but he's been MUCH WORSE for the Cards in 2007. He's 2-9 with a 6.20 ERA in 11 starts. If the Astros don't get to Wells, they may as well "pack it in." In 15 career starts vs Houston, Wells is 4-7 (team is 6-9) and he's posted a 5.11 ERA, so it's likely the Astros will finally score some runs. Chris Sampson could use some support, as he's pitched pretty well his last six outings this year, with an ERA of 3.00. I'm going with the Astros
comp pick
MTI Sports
Game: Atlanta Braves at Chicago Cubs Jun 2 2007 1:05PM
Prediction: over
Reason: The Braves have had 15, 14 and 20 hits in their last three games respectively. Atlanta is 15-3-1 as a road dog after a win in which they had 12+ hits for a net profit of $1150 when playing the over. This season, they are 2-0 in this situation, going over by 7 and 4 runs respectively.
The Cubs are also in a strong OVER situation, as they are 16-3 OU after a loss in which they drew 1 or fewer walks and 24-10-5 OU as a home favorite when they are seeking immediate revenge for a loss in which they never led. Take the OVER.
NHL - comp pick
Brian Hansen
Game: Anaheim Ducks at Ottawa Senators Jun 2 2007 8:05PM
Prediction: Ottawa Senators
Reason: The Ottawa Senators hope friendlier confines can help them get into the win column as they look to avoid losing 3 straight with Game 3 on Saturday night. The Sen's top scoring line of Heatley, Spezza and Alfredsson has been shut down on the road but Ottawa should be able to get more favorable line matchups when playing at home. The Ducks are a very poor 11-13 (-13.2 units) their last 24 games when playing with 2 days rest. Not only do the Sen's have home ice advantage working for them, they are a team that loves playing on Saturday, as they are 20-10 (+4.7 units) their last 30 times! Taking all of these factors into consideration, there is good value on the SENATORS!
comp pick
Jimmy The Moose
Game: Chicago White Sox at Toronto Blue Jays Jun 2 2007 1:05PM
Prediction: under
Reason: Chicago has played the under in 2 straight. The under is 7-2 in Contreras last 9 road starts. The under is 9-2-1 in Chicago's last 12 games vs. AL East opponents. The under is 5-1 in Toronto's last 6 games. The Jays have played under the total in McGowan's last 4 starts. The under is 21-9-1 in the last 31 meetings between the clubs in Toronto. Play the under.
comp pick
Robert Ross
Game: New York Yankees at Boston Red Sox Jun 2 2007 3:55PM
Prediction: Boston Red Sox
Reason: Big game for both squads. Yankees entertain hopes of getting back in the race and can take a big step this weekend with a sweep. Red Sox looking to keep them at bay. The
NY YANKEES are 6-14 against the money line against division opponents this season and
7-11 against the money line in day games this season. BOSTON is 29-8 against the money line as a favorite of -110 or higher this season. SCHILLING is 22-6 against the money line in the first half of the season over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record) Take Boston
Spreitzer 15* - Red Sox
Saturday Horse Racing Picks/Preview
SPOT PLAYS
For Saturday
TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE
Arlington Park (5th) Giant Shift, 4-1
(8th) Bold Days, 4-1
Belmont Park (6th) Woodmere, 9-2
(9th) Legal Tender, 10-1
Calder Race Course (2nd) Alarming Afleet, 10-1
(5th) Paradise Dancer, 4-1
Canterbury Park (5th) Shimmering Sunset, 9-2
(8th) Cut of Music, 9-2
Charles Town (3rd) Sabas Princess, 3-1
(4th) Out of the Trap, 5-1
Churchill Downs (1st) Vast, 5-1
(6th) Gaelic Storm, 3-1
Delaware Park (1st) Honey Love, 3-1
(5th) Smart Growth, 6-1
Emerald Downs (1st) Jewel in the Ruff, 9-2
(6th) Maid in Monroe, 3-1
Evangeline Downs (4th) Cheery Hour, 8-1
(7th) Bienheureux, 6-1
Finger Lakes (4th) Midnight Secret, 9-2
(9th) Tactical Chatter, 5-1
Golden Gate Fields (5th) Best Friend Gracie, 9-2
(6th) Zig Zag Zoom, 3-1
Great Lakes Downs (1st) Can't We Smooch, 7-2
(6th) Cody's Wish, 10-1
Hastings Park (4th) Big City Kat, 6-1
(5th) Mayne's Finale, 3-1
Hollywood Park (6th) California Flag, 6-1
(9th) Lovehi, 6-1
Indiana Downs (6th) Raja's Star, 9-2
(8th) Lucky Mitterand, 4-1
Lone Star Park (5th) Bond Forum, 10-1
(7th) Fast Eddie Charles, 5-1
Louisiana Downs (8th) Singforclara, 9-2
(10th) Laa Windy, 3-1
Monmouth Park (3rd) Mother Mary C., 7-2
(8th) Waltz Brightly, 8-1
Mountaineer (5th) Tim Has Money, 4-1
(6th) Burnt Bush, 6-1
Philadelphia Park (8th) Defiant Maid, 7-2
(9th) Majestic Emblem, 3-1
Pimlico (8th) Paying Off, 7-2
(10th) Jets Nice an Nasty, 4-1
Prairie Meadows (4th) Snow Squall, 7-2
(5th) Struck Smart, 4-1
River Downs (5th) Duesenberg, 10-1
(9th) True Hearted, 4-1
Suffolk Downs (5th) Crimson Flame, 6-1
(7th) More Advice, 4-1
Thistledown (2nd) Declaration, 7-2
(4th) Spirit of Fire, 3-1
Woodbine (1st) Cool Selection, 7-2
(3rd) Executrix, 4-1
TRACK BANDIT PREVIEWS
OHIO DERBY (G2), 9TH-TDN, $300,000, 3YO, 1 1/8M, 5:33 P.M. EDT, 6-2
PP HORSE TRAINER JOCKEY WT
1 FORTY GRAMS ASMUSSEN STEVEN M LANERIE C J 115
2 OFFICER ROCKET (GB) HOLTHUS ROBERT E MCKEE J 117
3 MOYER'S POND REINSTEDLER ANTHONY SHEPHERD J 115
4 STARBASE LUKAS D WAYNE MARTINEZ W 115
5 DELIGHTFUL KISS ANDERSON PETE D SANCHEZ JEFFREY 115
6 COWTOWN CAT PLETCHER TODD A VELAZQUEZ J R 124
7 DANNY SEZ ROWE DONN A GONZALEZ L A 115
8 REPORTING FOR DUTY ASMUSSEN STEVEN M QUINONES LUIS 115
COWTOWN CAT (Distorted Humor), who was in the early mix before fading to last in the Kentucky Derby (G1), is our top choice for Saturday's Ohio Derby (G2). A valuable soldier in the army of three-year-olds trained by Todd Pletcher, Cowtown Cat stalked Hard Spun (Danzig) around the first turn and down the backstretch before retreating around the second turn in the Run for the Roses. The chestnut, obviously, was eased in the stretch when all hope was lost.
In his previous start, Cowtown Cat set the pace under a hold, was headed by Catman Running (Tactical Cat) near the three-eighths pole, dueled with that one into the stretch, then responded nicely and drew off under very little encouragement to win the nine-furlong Illinois Derby (G2) by a comfortable 2 1/4 lengths. Before that, he was a daylight winner in his two-turn debut in the Gotham S. (G3) where he bulled his way through from between horses while in tight in upper stretch then drew off to a convincing 2 1/2-length victory in the 1 1/16-mile test.
Cowtown Cat has excellent tactical speed and appears to be a cut above these. He may offer playable odds beneath go-to rider John Velazquez.
STARBASE (Tale of the Cat), trained by Pletcher's mentor, D. Wayne Lukas, comes off an excellent runner-up effort in the Lexington S. (G2) at Keeneland. The bay colt broke forwardly from the outside and clocked Belmont S. (G1) bound Slew's Tizzy (Tiznow) around the first turn and down the backstretch. Starbase held his position while three wide around the second turn, then finished well through the lane, holding sway over a hard-ridden FORTY GRAMS (Distorted Humor). In his previous outing, Starbase dueled for the early lead, then held on well for fifth in the Lane's End S. (G2) at Turfway Park. After two starts on Polytrack, he returns to the dirt and could be the one to catch at square odds.
OFFICER ROCKET (GB) (Officer) was taken back after being crowded at the break, advanced from the outside down the backstretch, then finished a distant, but even, seventh to Preakness S. (G1) winner Curlin (Smart Strike) in the Arkansas Derby (G2). In his previous start, Officer Rocket was a decent second to Curlin in the Rebel S. (G3). The Bob Holthus pupil has been training well of late and is a threat for a top-three placing.
Despite what the comment line says in the past performances, Forty Grams moved in tandem with his stablemate, REPORTING FOR DUTY (Deputy Commander), around the second turn, then dove to the inside and finished with interest along the rail, ending in a dead-heat for third in the Lone Star Derby (G3). In his previous outing, the Steve Asmussen charge rallied for third under an energetic ride by Garrett Gomez in the Lexington. Forty Grams projects a forwardly placed, inside trip, and could earn a share.
MOYER'S POND (Monarchos) has been first or second in four career starts and comes off a late-closing second in the Lone Star Derby. The Tony Reinstedler charge broke forwardly, dropped back from between foes, advance from the outside around the second turn, then closed well in the closing strides for runner-up honors to Slew's Tizzy. Moyer's Pond clearly has some ability, and could crash the vertical exotics.
Reporting for Duty advanced on the rail with his stablemate around the second turn, then finished evenly for fifth in the Lone Star Derby. Before that, he was a good, but non-threatening second to our top choice in the Illinois Derby. Like Moyer's Pond, Reporting for Duty is a player for a minor award.
DELIGHTFUL KISS (Kissin Kris), who was excluded from the Kentucky Derby, ran instead in the Crown Royal American Turf S. (G3). The gray swung widest of all turning for home before finishing an even ninth in the 1 1/16-mile event over yielding ground. In his prior start, he finished a decent fourth in the Arkansas Derby. Trained by Pete Anderson, who rode National to victory in the 1964 Ohio Derby, Delightful Kiss has a license to improve, and rates our sentimental sleeper.
DANNY SEZ (King Cugat) angled out turning for home and closed for fifth in the Derby Trial S. last out. The Donn Rowe trainee has been finishing on the fringes in minor stakes company this year but is in tough with these. As the lone locally based entrant, he is hard to recommend.
TRACK BANDIT SELECTIONS: 1st-COWTOWN CAT
2nd-STARBASE
3rd-OFFICER ROCKET (GB)
TRACK BANDIT PREVIEWS
CALIFORNIAN S. (G2), 8TH-HOL, $250,000, 3YO/UP, 1 1/8M, 4:50 P.M. PDT, 6-2
PP HORSE TRAINER JOCKEY WT
1 PERFECT DRIFT JOHNSON MURRAY W COURT J K 116
2 SAINT STEPHEN CLEMENT CHRISTOPHE ESPINOZA V 118
3 PORFIDO (CHI) FRANKEL ROBERT J TALAMO JOSEPH 116
4 BOBOMAN MANDELLA RICHARD E SOLIS A 118
5 HOCKEY THE GENERAL BAFFERT BOB GARCIA MARTIN 116
6 JACK'S WILD GUTIERREZ JORGE BLANC B 118
7 SUN BOAT (GB) MITCHELL MIKE BAZE M C 116
8 WILKO DOLLASE CRAIG NAKATANI C S 116
9 BUZZARDS BAY ELLIS RONALD W VALDIVIA J JR 116
10 KIP DEVILLE DUTROW RICHARD E SMITH M E 120
11 GRAND POINT BAFFERT BOB GRYDER A T 116
12 A. P. XCELLENT SHIRREFFS JOHN MIGLIORE R 116
Turf star KIP DEVILLE (Kipling) will switch to the Cushion Track and return off a five-day rest in Saturday's $250,000 Californian S. (G2), and the 1 1/8-mile race marks the second start back for Grade 1 hero BUZZARDS BAY (Marco Bay), who looked so promising when capturing the Oaklawn H. (G2) by 6 1/2 lengths last year but raced only once more, heading to the sidelines with an ankle injury last summer.
Both own a fine chance for the win, but we'll side with A. P. XCELLENT (A.P. Indy). Three-for-three over the Cushion Track at Hollywood Park, the four-year-old runs better over the synthetic surface than on dirt or turf. He's stuck on the far outside (post 12), but A. P. Xcellent is the possible lone speed. He'll be first or second entering the first turn, and the John Shirreffs charge won't have any trouble with the distance. A. P. Xcellent went fast early and then drew off to a convincing 5 3/4-length allowance score last out, registering a career-best 101 BRIS Speed rating, and the late-blooming colt can record his first stakes win here.
Buzzards Bay ran into a sharp Molengao (Brz) (Royal Academy) when returning from an 11-month layoff in the Mervyn LeRoy H. (G2) last out and got off to a bad start that afternoon, bobbling after the break. He still offered a good rally for third, and the Ron Ellis-trained five-year-old figures to move forward with that start under his belt. Buzzards Bay earned a 114 Speed rating for his Oaklawn H. tally, and he's got the class to prevail here with his best effort.
PERFECT DRIFT (Dynaformer) finished a disappointing fourth in the Alysheba S. (G3) last out, but the veteran gelding is eligible to show more in his third start off the layoff. Always a good traveler, the $4.6 million earner brings a 13-race losing skein into the Californian, but he's finished second in five of his last nine starts and has never finished off the board at nine furlongs (11-3-4-4). Perfect Drift will be able to save ground from the rail, and we'll look for an improved showing on Saturday from the Murray Johnson trainee.
BOBOMAN (Kingmambo), a Grade 1 winner on turf, finished third in both the Santa Anita H. (G1) and Oaklawn H. in his last two starts on dirt, and we won't be surprised to see the Richard Mandella charge transfer his form to the synthetic track. The late runner will need to step it up a level to contend for it all, but he's definitely capable of a minor award. SAINT STEPHEN (Saint Ballado) has finished off the board in his last two outings, but the seven-year-old captured the Native Diver H. (G3) in his last start over the Cushion Track. This is a tougher spot, but his preference for the surface should be noted. Consider for the exotics.
Kip Deville drew a tough outside post and will be tested at this distance. Rank during the early stages of the Shoemaker Breeders' Cup Mile (G1), the Richard Dutrow runner is a confirmed turf miler stepping out of his element in this spot. He might be talented enough to overcome the obstacles, but we'll try to beat him. WILKO (Awesome Again) faltered as the 2-1 favorite versus allowance/optional claiming rivals last time and doesn't look sharp enough to contend presently.
PORFIDO (Chi) (Mash One [Chi]), a talented South American performer, might keep improving for Bobby Frankel as he gets more acclimated to the United States. However, he's been unplaced in five U.S. attempts and we can't recommend his chances here. JACK'S WILD (Lil Tyler) enters in pretty good form for trainer Jorge Gutierrez, but we'll watch to see how the California-bred fares against graded rivals.
HOCKEY THE GENERAL (General Meeting) faces a serious class check and is tough to like off his last couple of efforts. GRAND POINT (Point Given) has finished off the board in his last two starts versus allowance rivals and now steps up to face stakes competition. SUN BOAT (GB) (Machiavellian) exits a win over $40,000 claimers and would be a major surprise in his second appearance for Mike Mitchell.
TRACK BANDIT SELECTIONS: 1st-A. P. XCELLENT
2nd-BUZZARDS BAY
3rd-PERFECT DRIFT
TRACK BANDIT PREVIEWS
ARISTIDES BREEDERS' CUP S. (G3), 10TH-CD, $150,000, 3YO/UP, 6F, 5:51 P.M. EDT, 6-2
PP HORSE TRAINER JOCKEY WT
1 OFF DUTY WHITING LYNN S LEPAROUX JULIEN 118
2 GREG'S GOLD HOFMANS DAVID FLORES D R 122
3 GAFF ASMUSSEN STEVEN M BRIDGMOHAN S X 122
4 SAINT ANDDAN FRANKEL ROBERT J BEJARANO R 124
5 FABULOUS STRIKE BEATTIE TODD M DOMINGUEZ R A 120
6 SANTANA STRINGS ASMUSSEN STEVEN M BOREL C H 118
7 COUGAR CAT WERNER RONNY ALBARADO R J 118
Seven sprinters will settle Saturday's $150,000 Aristides Breeders' Cup S. (G3) at Churchill Downs, and we're not sure what to do with FABULOUS STRIKE (Smart Strike). He's been earning incredible BRIS Speed ratings at Mountaineer Park, including a 122 three starts back, and looms as the probable pacesetter with his early speed. Fabulous Strike looks very dangerous, but we'll use SAINT ANDDAN (A.P. Indy) on top.
Trained by Bobby Frankel, the late-blooming Saint Anddan made his stakes bow two starts back, winning the Duncan F. Kenner Breeders' Cup S. at Fair Grounds. The five-year-old was dismissed at 8-1 in the Churchill Downs S. (G2) last time out and turned in a big performance, sitting just off the lead before seizing command at the top of the stretch, and the bay horse earned a career-best 103 Speed rating. Saint Anddan is going very well presently and likes racing under the Twin Spires (3-2-0-1). We like his chances.
GAFF (Maria's Mon) is one-for-one on Churchill's main track, posting an impressive allowance victory, and the stalker figures to sit a perfect trip in this race. The Steve Asmussen runner exits a sharp score in the Aegon Turf Sprint S. (G3), a five-furlong turf affair on Kentucky Oaks (G1) day, and the versatile five-year-old can switch surfaces effectively. Gaff owns three wins at the six-furlong distance, and he could add to that total on Saturday.
GREG'S GOLD (Lake George) will attempt to capitalize upon a hot pace with a ferocious late rally. Winner of the 2005 Bing Crosby H. (G1), the six-year-old gelding appears to be rounding back into top form for conditioner David Hofmans, capturing the Tiznow S. at Hollywood last out, and we like the way he's training for this event, with a pair of recent six-furlong works in preparation. Greg's Gold is a threat to run past all of his rivals here.
Fabulous Strike might outperform our expectations, but he faces a class check in this spot. He's obviously stepped up his game in his recent starts for trainer Todd Beattie, winning his last three efforts by daylight margins, but we'll try to beat him in his Churchill debut.
OFF DUTY (Yes It's True) likes Churchill (three-for-four) and merits consideration for a minor award in this spot. The improving Lynn Whiting trainee gained valuable seasoning when finishing third in the Count Fleet Sprint H. (G3) last out, and we wouldn't be surprised to see Off Duty keep moving forward.
COUGAR CAT (Storm Cat) will add to the pace, but the Ronny Werner charge might need an easier spot to be effective. SANTANA STRINGS (Wheaton) hasn't been the same horse since capturing the 2005 Amsterdam S. (G2). We'll let him turn his form around without us.
TRACK BANDIT SELECTIONS: 1st-SAINT ANDDAN
2nd-GAFF
3rd-GREG'S GOLD
TRACK BANDIT PREVIEWS
DOGWOOD BREEDERS' CUP S. (G3), 9TH-CD, $150,000, 3YO, F, 1M, 5:21 P.M. EDT, 6-2
PP HORSE TRAINER JOCKEY WT
1 LADY JOANNE NAFZGER CARL A BOREL C H 123
2 SILVERINYOURPOCKET PITTS HELEN DOMINGUEZ R A 117
3 MOONEE PONDS PROCTOR THOMAS F THERIOT H J II 121
4 UPCOMING STORY BIANCONE PATRICK L LEPAROUX JULIEN 117
5 SUAVENESS ARANGO ROBERTO BEJARANO R 117
6 LOOKY YONDER MCPEEK KENNETH G ALBARADO R J 117
7 HIGH AGAIN MOTT WILLIAM I FLORES D R 123
8 GIRLS PEARLS MCPEEK KENNETH G MELANCON L 117
9 GATORIZE PITTS HELEN BRIDGMOHAN S X 117
Nine sophomore fillies are set to line up in Saturday's $150,000 Dogwood Breeders' Cup S. (G3) at Churchill Downs, and LADY JOANNE (Orientate) will be going for her third straight win. The Carl Nafzger trainee broke her maiden by 6 1/2 lengths last October at Keeneland before running third in the Pocahontas S. (G3) at Churchill. She ended her juvenile campaign with a win in the Golden Rod S. (G2) back at that track, and her connections began making plans on sending the bay lass to the Kentucky Oaks (G1) in early May.
Those plans had to be shelved, though, as Lady Joanne didn't respond well when returning to training. Nafzger took his time with the three-year-old, gradually stepping her up and giving her breaks when she needed them, and the filly rewarded that patience with an easy 1 1/4-length allowance win last out on May 1 under the Twin Spires. She's recorded three works since that score, including a bullet five furlongs in :59 last Sunday, and Lady Joanne appears to have the screws tightened for her return to stakes competition. Calvin Borel, winner of the Kentucky Derby (G1) aboard Nafzger's Street Sense (Street Cry [Ire]), has the call.
With those connections, Lady Joanne probably will go off the favorite on Saturday, so we're going to look for some value in the exotics. MOONEE PONDS (Mizzen Mast) is listed at 6-1 on the morning line and could make a run for best of the rest under Jamie Theriot. The Tom Proctor-trained bay broke her maiden at Fair Grounds on the dirt, then was immediately switched to the turf, where she strung together victories in an allowance and the Bedanken S. The bay miss was fourth most recently on Churchill's yielding turf in the Edgewood S., and could get back to her winning form while moving back to the main track and reverting to a mile.
UPCOMING STORY (Tale of the Cat) is also listed at 6-1 on the morning line and could move forward in a big way. The Patrick Biancone charge broke her maiden on Keeneland's Polytrack in mid-April, then rallied five wide to take third in the La Troienne S. (G3) last out on Churchill's dirt. The chestnut lass will be stretching out past that race's 7 1/2-furlong distance for the first time here, but will be getting Lasix added for the first time. She'll also have Julien Leparoux in the irons, which only improves her chances at a slight upset.
SILVERINYOURPOCKET (Silver Deputy) is undefeated on dirt, including a half-length victory in the La Troienne most recently. The bay's only two losses have come on the Polytrack at Turfway and Keeneland, and the Helen Pitts trainee has been working consistently at Churchill since early April. Silverinyourpocket will be attempting to keep her main track record perfect with Ramon Dominguez in the saddle for the first time.
GIRLS PEARLS (Talk Is Money) might jump up and surprise in the top three. The Kenny McPeek-conditioned chestnut doesn't own quite the same BRIS numbers as others in here, but she has steadily improved with each race. She earned her first win against maiden claimers at Keeneland, before taking a claiming event and moving up to face, and beat, allowance company most recently. Girls Pearls should go off at nice odds if her 12-1 morning line is anything to judge by and might coming running late for a place in the exotics. LOOKY YONDER (Johannesburg), fourth in the La Troienne in her stakes debut, is a consistent performer who was third in her only try at a mile, but that came on the turf. The dark bay miss, also trained by McPeek, might earn a check.
SUAVENESS (Suave Prospect) is the most experienced runner in this field, owning 10 starts. She hasn't been able to do better than second in her past three races while rallying late, and we don't think she'll be able to make up enough ground to factor here. HIGH AGAIN (High Yield), winner of the Bonnie Miss S. (G2) in early March, really tailed off in her past two races and we can't back with any confidence. GATORIZE (Exploit) looks out of her class in this spot. We'll let her beat us.
TRACK BANDIT SELECTIONS: 1st-LADY JOANNE
2nd-MOONEE PONDS
3rd-UPCOMING STORY
TRACK BANDIT PREVIEWS
SANDS POINT S. (G3), 8TH-BEL, $100,000, 3YO, F, 1 1/8MT, 4:45 P.M. EDT, 6-2
PP HORSE TRAINER JOCKEY WT
1 SHARP SUSAN MOTT WILLIAM I VELASQUEZ CORNE 121
2 SURVIVED JERKENS H ALLEN SAMYN J L 117
3 CLASSIC NEEL MCLAUGHLIN KIARAN P GARCIA A 117
4 RUTHERIENNE CLEMENT CHRISTOPHE GOMEZ G K 121
5 BIT OF WHIMSY TAGG BARCLAY PRADO E S 115
6 TEARS I CRY BUSH THOMAS M CASTELLANO J J 115
7 SISTER DESIREE CONTESSA GARY C HILL C 115
8 OLIVINE DONK DAVID NO RIDER 123
9 BOLD ASSURANCE HENNIG MARK NO RIDER 118
10 OFFICER IN PURSUIT CONTESSA GARY C NO RIDER 123
Saturday's $100,000 Sands Point S. (G3) has attracted a field of 10 sophomore fillies, including three main track only entrants. Among the seven who intend to travel nine furlongs over Belmont Park's inner turf, RUTHERIENNE (Pulpit) holds the most appeal. The Christophe Clement trainee captured both of her starts at two, a six-length maiden romp followed by an up-in-time rally in the Cherokee Frolic S. Rutherienne suffered her lone career defeat in her sophomore debut, a deep renewal of the one-mile Appalachian S. at Keeneland. After rating near the tail of the field off a steady pace, she closed boldly for fourth, beaten only 1 1/2 lengths by Audacious Chloe (More Than Ready). Last time out at Belmont, Rutherienne went from last to first in the 1 1/16-mile Sugar Plum Time S. The dark bay will relish the extra half-furlong here, and she should get an honest pace up front. Garrett Gomez stays aboard Rutherienne, who routinely posts triple-digit BRIS Late Pace ratings.
SHARP SUSAN (Touch Gold), a half-sister to Grade 1 queen Sharp Lisa from an impeccable family, is the most serious threat to our top selection. In her latest venture, the Bill Mott pupil posted a commanding, front-running score in the Herecomesthebride S. (G3) at this trip at Gulfstream Park. The placed horses haven't upheld the value of that form, with both finishing off the board in subsequent allowance races, but Sharp Susan could not have been a more impressive winner. She's also capable of winning from off the pace, as demonstrated in both her maiden and entry-level allowance victories. The versatile filly promises to be involved at the finish beneath regular rider Cornelio Velasquez.
Like Rutherienne, CLASSIC NEEL (El Corredor) is exiting a terrific effort in the Appalachian, where she finished second. The Kiaran McLaughlin filly closely tracked the pace along the inside, then found her best stride late to come within a neck of the winner at the wire. She had a more advantageous trip than Rutherienne on that occasion, so we don't expect Classic Neel to finish in front of her in these circumstances. Still, the chestnut is well qualified to crack the top three with new rider Alan Garcia.
SURVIVED (Stravinsky) was toiling in the maiden claiming ranks for her first six starts before finally breaking through at the $50,000 level. The bay began to catch on quickly after that, recording a runner-up effort in an entry-level allowance before capturing a similar event last time out at this course. Survived is taking a step up in class in her stakes debut, but considering how well Allen Jerkens' horses have been firing recently, we won't leave her out of the exotics. TEARS I CRY (Chester House) is coming off a debut maiden score for Tom Bush, and her Speed rating (90) is competitive with those of the major contenders. Her dam is a half-sister to Grade 1 hero and hot young sire Street Cry (Ire), and European champion Shamardal is another high-profile member of the family. She's never faced winners before, but on pedigree, Tears I Cry could be worth a flyer.
BIT OF WHIMSY (Distorted Humor) is likewise exiting a maiden victory, but hers came over ground that had plenty of give in it at Aqueduct. We don't think that was a particularly strong event, and we'd prefer to give her a start at this level. SISTER DESIREE (Vision and Verse) has been beaten by lesser.
Leading the main track only contingent is OLIVINE (Royal Academy). A five-length winner of the Busher S. on Aqueduct's inner dirt in February, she was a creditable third to Rutherienne in the Sugar Plum Time. OFFICER IN PURSUIT (Officer), fifth in the Sugar Plum Time, also has solid form on the dirt, having won the National Treasure S. and finished fourth in the Comely S. (G2). BOLD ASSURANCE (Stormy Atlantic) has been trounced in both of her prior stakes attempts.
TRACK BANDIT SELECTIONS: 1st-RUTHERIENNE
2nd-SHARP SUSAN
3rd-CLASSIC NEEL
TRACK BANDIT PREVIEWS
BERKELEY S. (G3), 8TH-GG, $100,000, 3YO/UP, 1 1/16M, 4:35 P.M. PDT, 6-2
PP HORSE TRAINER JOCKEY WT
1 VISA PARADE (ARG) SADLER JOHN W BAZE R A 117
2 DESERT BOOM SHERMAN ART LOPEZ D G 117
3 A GALLANT DISCOVER SCOLAMIERI SAM J JOHN K 117
4 WANNA RUNNER BAFFERT BOB OCHOA JUAN 117
5 MCCANN'S MOJAVE SPECHT STEVE ALVARADO F T 123
6 GUIDING HAND MILLER PETER COHEN DAVID 119
7 MAMBO TRAIN POLANCO MARCELO GONZALEZ R M 117
8 MY CREED HESS R B LINARES M G 119
MCCANN'S MOJAVE (Memo [Chi]) was an easy winner of the Sunshine Millions Classic in his 2007 debut at Gulfstream Park and looks to be the class of Saturday's Berkeley S. (G3) at Golden Gate Fields. The Steve Specht-trained seven-year-old earned the first of three straight triple-digit BRIS Speed ratings for that score, and stepped up to finish fourth, beaten just 2 1/4 lengths, in the Santa Anita H. (G1) two back. The bay ended his 2006 campaign with a two-length victory in the Union Square S. at this track and could easily find himself back in the winner's circle here with regular rider Frank Alvarado in the saddle.
DESERT BOOM (Boomerang) is out to reclaim his title in this 1 1/16-mile test. The Art Sherman-conditioned dark bay captured the 2005 edition while garnering a career-best 106 Speed figure for the effort. He raced just twice last year, finishing off the board in the Sunshine Millions Classic at Santa Anita and then returning to take an allowance/optional claiming test at Hollywood Park in mid-July. The seven-year-old gelding returned in early April and will be tough in the exotics considering he's undefeated over the track (three-for-three) and loves the distance (11-7-1-2).
MY CREED (Beau Genius) is another track (9-0-3-5) and distance (12-4-0-4) specialist. The six-year-old chestnut scored in the President's Day H. at Bay Meadows two back and was third to our top pick in the Union Square last season. Trained by Bob Hess, the gelding doesn't appear to like the winner's circle, but is a threat in the exotics whenever he runs.
VISA PARADE (Arg) (Parade Marshal) will be making his U.S. debut here and getting first-time Lasix added. The John Sadler-trained four-year-old has finished off the board only once from nine career starts and is a Group 1 winner on dirt. He hasn't raced since October and might need a race to acclimate himself to his new surroundings, but did post a bullet six furlongs in 1:12 1/5 on Hollywood's Cushion Track last Saturday. If Visa Parade brings his Argentinean form to the states, the rest of this field will be running for second. Russell Baze has the call.
WANNA RUNNER (El Corredor) captured last year's Lone Star Derby (G3) by easy lengths, but didn't do so well when shipped to Woodbine for the Queen's Plate. After a fading sixth in the West Virginia Derby (G3) in early August, the four-year-old was given some time off by trainer Bob Baffert, not seen in competition again until early May, when he finished fifth on the Cushion Track in the Mervyn LeRoy H. (G2). Wanna Runner was in contention early, just fading in the stretch, and probably needed that race off the layoff. He could show much more here in his second start of the year.
GUIDING HAND (Helmsman) is a former claimer making his first start for new trainer Peter Miller in this spot. The four-year-old gelding is a confirmed pacesetter, using his speed to take four of his last seven races, but might not be fast enough for these rivals. A GALLANT DISCOVER (Discover) loves both the track and distance, but could also find this field too much at this time. MAMBO TRAIN (Kingmambo) hasn't done so well in his past five starts. We'll let him beat us.
TRACK BANDIT SELECTIONS: 1st-MCCANN'S MOJAVE
2nd-DESERT BOOM
3rd-MY CREED
Mike Superstein's Hollywood Park Analysis for Saturday, June 2
RACE ONE
KRIS' SIS needed a brief rest after a lackluster third as the favorite in the Santa Lucia Stakes in April. She comes back with blinkers, leading rider Michael Baze, and a switch back to the turf. She drew the rail and will be on or near the lead throughout. MUSICAL HIGH got within a half-lengh of 'KRIS last summer at Del Mar and comes off an ultra game score at Santa Anita. Espinoza, who rode both fillies last time out, shows up on 'MUSICAL. RIVER MELODY is a new shooter from Germany with solid Time Form ratings.
RACE TWO
RUDEAMEANIE finished fourth in a better than looked debut early May. The son of Lit de Justice raced close up, got caught five wide on the turn, battled for command in the lane, then weakened very late. With that experience, he should prove best over this mediocre field. VIRTUE N VICE, who like the top pick is trained by Doug O'Neill, ran a much improved race over the Cushion Track May 1. He adds blinkers and should get a great stalking trip. WESTERN COMMAND exits a fast race at Turf Paradise and fits well with this field.
RACE THREE
KALOOKAN DANCER chased Belle Fleur from start to finish, but had to settle for the place. Still, that effort would be good enough to win this. She obviously thrives on the local lawn. LA TEE ran super in her debut, taking maidens wire to wire for a $58 surprise. There was nothing fluky about her win and she poses the main threat to 'KALOOKAN. USK POPPY has been a major disappointment in three U.S. starts. Maybe she'll have more luck on this course.
RACE FOUR
HEZA CHARGER broke last, moved up on the backstretch, then steadied on the turn before winding up fourth. A clean break is all he needs to escape the maiden ranks. Jon Court rides back. HARD ALEE was claimed for $40,000 by O'Neill and now shows up a year later for $25,000. However, he's trained exceptionally well recently, including a 59 flat gate drill May 28. WHITEOUT STORM was pulled up at Del Mar but returns with a new trainer (Paddy Gallagher) and rider (Alex Solis) and has some decent moves in Arcadia.
RACE FIVE
SINDY WITH AN S lost nothing in defeat when finishing third in the Railbird Stakes. Making only her third start, 'SINDY sped through gruelling splits of 21 3/5 and 43 4/5, put away her pace rival, and wound up four lengths ahead of the fourth-place filly. Her pedigree indicates she should relish the turf. SEASIDE AFFAIR is nicely drawn outside, where she can eye her opponents to see what develops. Though she hasn't won on this surface, she's run well. YOU ARE THE ANSWER tried two turns in the Melair, tiring late to finish third. Her two best races have been sprinting on the turf, so expect a big try here.
RACE SIX
CALIFORNIA FLAG slackened late as the even money favorite and now tries the main track for the first time. This full brother to multiple stakes winner Cambiocorsa shouldn't be a maiden much longer. TOVAR has a speed pedigree and has displayed talent in his morning spins for Richard Mandella. A first out victory would come as no surprise. VICTORY JOE was eliminated at the start and the race should be dismissed. He showed zip in all his previous starts and Solis stays with him.
RACE SEVEN
Top trainer Jerry Hollendorfer appears to have found a perfect spot for Bay Area invader PRINCE OF GOLD. Though only three for 23 lifetime, 'PRINCE has knocked heads with much better and draws red-hot apprentice Joe Talamo. BELTLINE JACK is a difficult horse to gauge. When he wins, it's usually by a large margin. But when he gets into a dog fight, he often hangs. With 'PRINCE on his tail, 'JACK may not be able to shake loose. ROY JONES may have needed his last and drops to a new career low. He'll try to snap the slump that's seen him go winless since September of 2005.
RACE EIGHT
The 2007 Californian has come up a great betting race; with shippers, turfers, up-and-comers, and past classers getting together in this final prep for the Hollywood Gold Cup. BUZZARDS BAY may have the most going for him. He's a multi-graded stakes winner, three-for-five at this distance, and had the perfect tightener in the recent Mervyn LeRoy. Jose Valdivia won the All American and Oaklawn Handicaps with him. BOBOMAN, a stablemate of The Tin Man, hasn't run since April, but has trained spectacularly for this (58 1/5, 138 4/5, 34 4/5). Maybe he's been eating 'TIN's oats. KIP DEVILLE was a surprising entrant four days after competing in the grassy Shoemaker Mile. 'DEVILLE was blocked the entire race as the favorite in the Shoemaker and didn't have to expend much energy, thus the quick turnaround.
RACE NINE
TASHA'S MIRACLE is a good looking daughter of Harlan's Holiday who brought $125,000 last year at the Ocala Yearling Sale. She's trained exceptionally well for John Sadler and lures the rejuvenated Corey Nakatani. LOVEHI has a race under her belt, finishing second to the promising Another Aleyna. She appears to be the best of the familiar faces. HI LILY HI LO was third in both starts and gets a five-pound weight break today with Talamo taking over.
Best Bet--KALOOKAN DANCER (3)
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Belmont
By Dave Litfin
BEST BET: Brickell (5th race)
First Race
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1. Rockaway Tod 2. Subtitles 3. Truman's Gold
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ROCKAWAY TOD has been the early pacesetter in three of four starts, but late gain after a stumbling start back on Feb. 17 indicates he can probably be effective with stalk-and-pounce tactics drawn outside some other speed; note the winner of that inner track sprint, Wafi City, came back to run second in the Gotham. SUBTITLES has put up two vastly improved race since claimed from last-place finish over a wet track he disliked; three-time winner is another who can work out a clean outside trip stalking NEED THE WRITE OFF and TRUMAN'S GOLD. The latter seeks third straight win at the meet, after skipping a condition to wire non-winners of three sprinters through leisurely fractions when claimed; $650K cast-off Beyered 97 in only loss on this track.
Second Race
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1. Royal Spaulding 2. Double Down Dixie 3. Leaveitinthering
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Well, who do you trust - ROYAL SPAULDING, a beaten favorite in her last four starts, or DOUBLE DOWN DIXIE, defeated as the chalk in her last three starts at Tampa Bay Downs? Royal Spaulding is back relatively quickly after finishing evenly at 1 1/16 miles off a two-month break, and may offer a better late kick cutting back to a sprint. Double Down Dixie was sharpened for speed in a five-furlong dash last out, and looks to have improved since she last raced in New York in 2006. LEAVEITINTHERING was a respectable third in her only start on turf here last June, and this will be the 6-year-old maiden's first grass start with Lasix; worked well for this.
Third Race
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1. Tight Grip 2. Hedge Fund 3. Papa Bear
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TIGHT GRIP would've won had he run at exactly seven furlongs first out, but he was in one of those "about" seven-furlong races at Keeneland that goes an additional 184 feet, and he was nosed out while beating 10 rivals; he took a lot of money that day, considering he was bet to 3-2 in a full field of 12. HEDGE FUND should appreciate turning back to 6 1/2 furlongs, after dueling for the lead and faltering out of the chute; nicely drawn outside, owns the two best figures. PAPA BEAR, like Tight Grip, finished second in a full field of maidens at Keeneland; main concern is that he's on the rail, and broke slow from the same position in debut.
Fourth Race
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1. Western Call 2. Prime Obsession 3. Black Adonis
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WESTERN CALL is bred for speed on both sides of his pedigree, debuts for a live outfit, and looks to have some ability judging from recent workouts at Saratoga; wouldn't be surprised to see him on or near the lead in race without much early pace. PRIME OBSESSION showed some speed in two starts on this track as a juvenile, and could be sent aggressively as he switches back to dirt for his second start off a layoff of 11 months. BLACK ADONIS is back two weeks after a prolonged battle for the lead that resulted in a new top Beyer figure; he can win if he holds form, but is obviously a candidate to bounce, and often finds himself far back early.
Fifth Race
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1. Brickell 2. Wallstreet Scandal 3. Noah A.
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BRICKELL caught a lot of people napping when he returned to form on his preferred turf course opening weekend, kicking home strongly to defeat several of these at 27-1; that was pretty much a routine effort for him last year, so he can be expected to maintain form. WALLSTREET SCANDAL has been away since January, but did post his lone win of 2006 on this course off a shorter layoff last June, when he recorded a lifetime top Beyer with a clear trip on the rail; training regularly for break-even layoff outfit. NOAH A. wore new front bandages first time out in nearly 10 months, but turned in a good race forcing the pace and outfinishing GAELIC SUNRISE for second; like Wallstreet Scandal, he put up his Beyer top of 93 winning on this course last season, so award extra credit if the front wraps come off.
Sixth Race
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1. Bagavond 2. Manhattan Mack 3. Bruce Tickets
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It may be a subtle change, but BAGAVOND is moving back to the inner course, where he turned in three solid sprint races last year, after racing much farther behind than he's accustomed to in return on the Widener; likely to be much more of a pace factor. MANHATTAN MACK makes the third start of a form cycle for the first time, after overcoming a slow break to win faster division of maiden sprint; also the first time he's had back-to-back races the same surface & distance. BRUCE TICKETS was a rallying second at nearly 30-1 when put on turf first time off the claim, and breezed nicely last week; much shorter price today. WIN FOR GOLD split Bruce Tickets and Bagavond last out, and is entitled to move forward second time on grass.
Seventh Race
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1. Ice Cool Kitty 2. Waytotheleft 3. Stolen Star
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It could be a coincidence, but ICE COOL KITTY has raced twice at Belmont, and has responded with her two fastest races, beginning with a come-again second in last year's Bouwerie vs. stablemate and subsequent Grade 2 winner Oprah Winney; versatile filly has won her last two at a mile under different pace tactics. WAYTOTHELEFT reeled off three straight victories after being claimed from first start at age 5, before regressing at even money in a restricted stake at Pimlico; given a chance to bounce back here, but it's not an easy spot stretching out to a mile and giving weight. STOLEN STAR posted an on-the-pace win this track & distance last May that would put her right in the thick of things; good second-off-layoff stats for trainer.
Eighth Race
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1. Sharp Susan 2. Rutherienne 3. Classic Neel
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Whether she sets the pace or rallies from behind, SHARP SUSAN has finished strongly to win three of four starts on turf, the lone defeat due to equipment trouble and obviously a throw-out; slight edge. RUTHERIENNE has also shown promise winning three of four turf starts, and the only loss was a tough set-up where she still managed to pass six rivals through a very fast final quarter in the Appalachian; makes her first attempt past 1 116 miles, as does CLASSIC NEEL. The latter decisioned Rutherienne in the Appalachian, when beaten just a neck in a sharp performance; improving figures each time on turf.
Ninth Race
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1. Freudian 2. Akebono 3. Brushed Prince
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FREUDIAN is on a favorable figure pattern, after slightly exceeding his 2-year-old Beyer top first time out at age 3; set to improve for trainer with a $4.01 ROI second time back. AKEBONO is top-rated in the field on the Tomlinson turf numbers, and is coming off a blowout from the gate; homebred may go well at first asking. BRUSHED PRINCE and MIDTOWN SOUTH own the top Beyers (73). The former ran that number in a route last year when 77-1 and hasn't been out in eight months, while the latter is making his 18th start vs. maidens.
__________________
Marlins at Brewers
Prediction: Marlins
Byung-Hyun Kim pitched a gem on Monday at Chicago and has been a pleasant surprise since joining the Marlins. He is 2-2 on the road.
Capuano is a solid pitcher, but not having the best of seasons.
The Marlins score the upset at Miller Park.
Take Florida.
Jimmy Sirody
Yankees at Red Sox
Prediction: 'OVER'
Boston and the New York Yankees topped the total in the first three meetings this year at Fenway Park prior to Fridays series opener and in 16 of the last 22 showdown in Beantown.
The Bronx Bombers have eclipsed the number in 18 of 23 as dogs at prices up to $1.50 and in 17 of 21 as road pups with the same mutuals in play. The Sox have zipped over in 21 of their last 35 against division foes and in 50 of 82 as home chalk.
Curt Schilling has seen 19 of his last 24 appearances against AL-East rivals fly over. He has faced the Yankees twice this season, allowing 10 earned runs in 13 innings and both outing went over.
Dave Price
7* AL East vs. West Game of the Year on Angels -130 (action)
3* on Red Sox -140 (listing Schilling)
1 Unit on Royals +110 (listing Perez and Jackson)
5* NBA Playoffs Do-or-Die Game of the Week on Detroit +1
Ethan Law
1* UNIT ON INDIANS/TIGERS OVER 11 +$100
Handicapper World
NBA:
Detroit @ Cleveland
Line: 1
Pick: Cleveland -1
Black Widow
6* Widow Wiseguy NL Pitchers Gem on Pittsurgh -131
4* MAJOR on Cincinnati +167
5* Wiseguy Pistons/Cavs Game 6 BLOODBATH on Detroit +1.5
1* on LA Angels -140
Hondo
10 units: Tigers
Michael Cannon
Michael Cannon Money Train
Saturday's Plays..
30 Dime –
PISTONS
Take the Pistons tonight in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals over the Cavaliers.
I know LeBron James put this team on his back and delivered one of the all-time greatest performances in NBA playoff history in Game 5, but you can’t ignore the fact that the Pistons have been here before and will not be overcome by the magnitude of the situation tonight.
Cleveland will come into this game with all the jitters of a team that is treading into unknown waters, and for that I don’t think their supporting cast will have what it takes to get the job done. LeBron is carving out his place in history right before our eyes, but for him to take that next step he needs the help of his teammates to get him to the next level.
He doesn’t have it yet.
The Pistons remain a team that can get production from any or all five of their starters and you can believe that they’ll show up tonight with a chip on their shoulders.
They always seem to play their best when everyone else writes them off, and everyone was still expecting them to win at home in Game 5.
Not tonight. With LeBron’s performance still fresh in everyone’s mind and Cleveland playing at home, the prevailing sentiment will be that they are a lock to advance to the NBA Finals. They still might make it there, but they’re going to have to do it with a Game 7 win at Detroit.
LeBron will come to play tonight, there’s no question about that. But the Pistons find themselves with their backs to the wall for the first time in these playoffs and I expect them to answer the bell.
Take Detroit as they force a Game 7 with the win tonight.
5 Dime –
TIGERS (With Durbin and Lee as listed pitchers)
Take the Tigers as the road dog for the win tonight at Cleveland.
It looks like it’s going to be a good night for Detroit fans. I like the Pistons to grab the win over the Cavs and ditto that for the Tigers over the Indians.
Chad Durbin has pitched great for Detroit this year. The right-hander is 4-0 with a 2.38 ERA in his last seven starts. He’s been even better on the road this year, going 3-0 with a 1.64 ERA in his last five starts away from Comerica Park.
The Indians will counter with Cliff Lee and the southpaw has struggled against Detroit lately. Lee went 0-4 with a 4.75 ERA in five starts against the Tigers last season, and is 3-5 with a 4.92 ERA in 13 games lifetime against them. The left-hander has given up 11 runs in 9 1-3 innings in his last two starts.
Take the Tigers at a plus return for the road win.
ORIOLES (With Trachsel as listed pitcher)
Take the Orioles for the win tonight as a road dog against the Angels.
Steve Trachsel gets the nod for Baltimore and I expect him to turn in another fine start. The right-hander is 3-0 with a 2.61 ERA over his last five starts.
The Orioles had been on quite a run, winning six straight before losing 3-2 last night to the Halos.
Los Angeles will start Joe Saunders tonight, who is being recalled from Triple-A to take Bartolo Colon’s scheduled turn in the rotation. I like the Orioles chances to get back on the winning tracks against Saunders.
This line should be closer to even with Saunders going against Trachsel, so I’ll gladly side with the Orioles at this underdog price.
Take the O’s as they grab the road win.
Bonus Play: PIRATES
Michael Cannon Free Pick Writeup, 10-2 Free Pick Run
LA Dodgers at PITTSBURGH (-130) By Michael Cannon, Featured Handicapper
I am on a 10-2 overall run with my last 12 Bonus Plays after a winner on the Yankees last night. That ups my record to 83-63-2 over my last 148 Bonus Plays.
Take the Pirates tonight at home over the Dodgers.
Ian Snell will start for the Bucs and along with Tom Gorzellany has been the backbone of the Pirates starting rotation.
I like him to right the ship for the floundering Bucs at home tonight over the Dodgers.
Hong-Chih Kuo will make his first start of the season for the Dodgers. He was sidelined with left shoulder inflammation in spring training and I don't see him outpitching Snell tonight.
The Dodgers left-hander is 0-2 with a 7.88 ERA in four games (two starts) lifetime against the Bucs.
Snell will try to avoid losing his third straight start of his career even though he hasn't pitched poorly over his last two. He just hasn't received any run support but I expect that to change tonight against Kuo.
Lay the juice with the Bucs as they grab the home win over the Dodgers
Gator
70% Situations
MLB (Saturday): Play Against MLB road teams with a bullpen whose ERA is 4.50 or worse this season facing an opponent whose starting pitcher is winless after 5 or more starts.
(30-12 last 5 seasons.) (71.4%)
PLAY: Tampa Bay -121
Vegas Experts
VEGAS EXPERTS
Los Angeles Dodgers at Pittsburgh Pirates
First start of the year for the Dodgers Hong Chih Kuo who started once vs. the Bucs last year and did not fare well. The LA DODGERS are 11-23 against the money line in road games when playing against a bad team (Win Pct. 38% to 46%) over the last 3 seasons. Pittsburgh starter IAN SNELL is 21-11 against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
Play on: Pittsburgh
Dave Cokin
Take "(901) ATL Braves"
Rich Hill can't buy any run support lately and the Cubs have dropped each of his last four starts. Hill himself had been struggling until hist last start, in which he found his form. But the fact Hill can't seem to make it past six innings could be a problem with the erratic Cubs pen likely to be involved. Atlanta lefty Chuck James is of a razor sharp outing and is worth a look at the underdog price today.
Jim Feist
Take "(923) KC Royals"
How is a pitcher, who hasn't won a game this year, on one of the worst teams this season- FAVORED!!! That's just what we have on Saturday as Edwin Jackson brings his 0-6 record and 7.12 ERA into this game and he's a 1.20 favorite. Granted, it's against the Kansas City Royals who aren't going to burn up any winning streaks themselves. The Royals have Odalis Perez on the hill today and he's only 2-5 on the year with a 5.61 era. However, we'll go against a pitcher who hasn't won all year and is favored. Take the Royals here on Saturday.
Mejia's Projected Score in the Pistons/Cavs Game Tonight
Cavs 94 Pistons 92
Some More Free Picks For Saturday
Detroit at CLEVELAND (-1') By Sports Gambling Hotline, Featured Handicapper
A winner on Friday with the Yankees to make it an 11-6 Bonus Play run, and an overall run of 181-136-3 with our comp selections.
After Thursday's grueling double-overtime affair, we look for both teams to have some tired legs in this game, and for the UNDER to be the way to go.
The last pair of meetings in this series have both landed in the over column, but the UNDER is still a dominant 21-5 the last 26 times these teams have faced one another.
The Pistons have held low in 7 of their last 10 on the road, while the Cavaliers have been UNDER in 7 of their last 9 playoff games overall.
After a massive explosion of 216-points last time out, look for the points to once again be hard to come by, and for the UNDER to come through.
Play on the UNDER tonight in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
St. Louis at HOUSTON (-140) By Drew Gordon, Featured Handicapper
137-117-4 over my L258 Freebies, incl. 11-4 L15 MLB Bonus Play releases!
Despite seemingly reverting back to their old ways in yesterday's 8-1 loss to the Cardinals, I expect the Astros to bounce back strong this afternoon. Their success will come in large part due to the fact their facing the struggling Kip Wells, who's coming off another disappointing start after it appeared he was getting back on track.
After 7 straight losses, Wells got only his second win of the season against the Pirates May 23rd... Only to get rocked in his next start against the Rockies, allowing 6 runs (5 earned) on 11 hits over 6 1/3 innings! Last time Wells pitched against the Astros he allowed a whopping 7 runs on 6 hits over just 4 1/3 innings... More of the same in this one!
Another reason you've got to like the Astros is their starting one of their more consistent hurlers in righty Chris Sampson, who despite going just 1-2 has posted a strong 2.50 ERA over his last 3 starts! Give the guy some support and I guarantee his numbers would be far more impressive, as he's pitched better than his 4-5 record might indicate.
Bottom line, I know they're struggling, but the Astros get just what the doctor ordered facing the Cardinals' Wells in this one, who's really nothing more than a liability as far as I'm concerned. Sampson has pitched well enough to win, but this time around he gets more than enough support to get the "W!"
Take Houston behind Sampson over St. Louis in this NL Central showdown.
L.A. Dodgers (+120) at PITTSBURGH By Bobby Maxwell, Featured Handicapper
Hit two big plus-money Bonus Plays in a row after the White Sox blanked the Blue Jays in Toronto Friday night. Today we'll make it three in a row with a complimentary play on the Dodgers as they are catching plus-money in Pittsburgh.
The Dodgers have dominated this series lately, winning seven of the last 10 meetings and taking three of four from the Pirates this season. And in Pittsburgh the Dodgers are 22-6 in their last 28 in the Steel City, including Friday’s 5-4 victory.
Los Angeles is sending lefty Hong-Chih Kuo (0-0, 15.43 ERA) to the mound to face the Pirates' Ian Snell (4-4, 3.14 ERA).
Might remember Kuo from last September when the Dodgers called him up and he delivered six starts, with five of them being quality, not allowing the opposition more than three runs. He twice faced the Mets last season and allowed just two runs on seven hits over 10 1/3 innings to the hard-hitting Mets.
Kuo faced the Pirates last season and gave up five runs on six hits in 5 1/3 innings of a 10-6 loss.
Snell has been touched up in his last three starts, giving up 11 runs on 19 hits as the Pirates have dropped two of his last three. He faced the Dodgers back on April 21 and gave up two runs on five hits over seven innings and lost 7-3.
Look for Kuo to give the Dodgers about six great innings and then hand it to the bullpen for the rest of the way. Meanwhile Snell will likely give up four runs or so to the Los Angeles offense and we'll get a relatively easy winner in this one.
Play Los Angeles to get the road win and plus-money today.
trev rogers- royals +120
VEGAS SPORTS PICS
Atlanta (James) + 130* over Chicago Cubs (Hill)
Boston (Schilling) - 130** over N.Y.Yankees (Mussina)
Seattle (Batista) - 140** over Texas (Loe)
San Francisco (Lowry) + 150* over Philadelphia (Hamels)
--------------------------------------------
Mike Rose
AFL
Tampa Bay Storm @ New Orleans Voodoo u100.5
Los Angeles Avengers +5.0 (-110)
--------------------------------------------
WISE OWL SYNDICATE
2 units Cubs
2 units Red Sox
1 unit Twins
1 unit Royals
Bonus Parlay Reds over 9.5 & DRays over 10.5
--------------------------------------------
Michael Cannon
30 Dime
PISTONS
5 Dime
TIGERS (With Durbin and Lee as listed pitchers)
ORIOLES (With Trachsel as listed pitcher)
--------------------------------------------
Inside Info Investors
Boston Red Sox (-130) at Betus
Oakland Athletics (-135) at Caribsports
Colorado Rockies (-170) at Bodog
Milwaukee Brewers (-165) at Sportsbook
Pittsburgh Pirates (-129) at Sportsbook
--------------------------------------------
BLACK WIDOW
6* Widow Wiseguy NL Pitchers Gem on Pittsurgh -131
(List Snell and Kuo)
4* MAJOR on Cincinnati +167
(Action)
5* Wiseguy Pistons/Cavs Game 6 BLOODBATH on Detroit +1.5
1* on LA Angels -140
(List Trachsel and Saunders)
--------------------------------------------
DAVE PRICE
7* AL East vs. West Game of the Year on Angels -130 (action)
3* on Red Sox -140 (listing Schilling)
1 Unit on Royals +110 (listing Perez and Jackson)
5* NBA Playoffs Do-or-Die Game of the Week on Detroit +1
--------------------------------------------
JIMMY BOYD
3* Astros -145 (listing Wells and Sampson)
3* Brewers -175 (listing Capuano)
1 Unit on Philadelphia -165 (listing Lowry and Hamels)
3* Cleveland -1
5* AL West Game of the Year on Mariners -140 (listing Loe and Batista)
--------------------------------------------
JEFF ALEXANDER
Red Sox -140 (listing Mussina and Schilling)
3* on Indians -150 (listing Lee)
5* Wiseguy NL Home Favorite of the Year on Colorado -175 (listing Lohse and
Francis)
4* Major Elimination Game of the Playoffs on Cleveland -1
--------------------------------------------
LARRY COOK
3* on Chicago White Sox -110
(Listing Contreras and McGowan)
8* MAJOR NL Central Blowout on Houston -140
(Listing Sampson and Wells)
7* MAJOR on New York Yankees +124
(Listing Mussina)
10* Eastern Conference Game of the Year on Detroit Pistons +1.5
Accupicks
5* Cleveland -1.5
comp pick
Marc Lawrence
Game: St Louis Cardinals at Houston Astros Jun 2 2007 3:55PM
Prediction: Houston Astros
Reason: Houston over St. Louis w/Wells:
Astros host the Cardinals in Game Two of this series knowing they are 7-2 home in Game Two of a series this season. With St. Louis 2-7 away in Game Two of a series and just 2-10 behind Kip Wells this season, we'll stay home home with Houston here today
comp pick
Scott Spreitzer
Game: Detroit Tigers at Cleveland Indians Jun 2 2007 7:05PM
Prediction: Detroit Tigers
Reason: Chad Durbin has been red-hot away from Comerica this season. He's 3-1 in seven starts on the road with a 3.89 ERA and 1.25 WHIP. Take away his first two starts of the season (both away) and his numbers are ridiculously strong. In his last five road starts, Durbin has allowed just six earned runs and 31 base runners in 33 IP, for a 1.64 ERA & 0.94 WHIP. We'll give him a pass on his weak numbers at the Jake. After all, he hasn't pitched there since the 2004 season as a member of the Indians. And, he hasn't actually faced the Cleveland organization since 2001 as a member of the Royals. Meanwhile, Cliff Lee is getting knocked around quite a bit in 2007. Opponents are averaging 7.5 RPG against the Indians in the lefty's last four starts. The Tigers own solid numbers in roadies against southpaws this season and we'll look for that to continue today. Detroit is the play on Saturday. Thanks! GL! Scott.
comp pick
Big Al Mcmordie
Game: San Diego Padres at Washington Nationals Jun 2 2007 7:05PM
Prediction: under
Reason: At 7:05pm our selection is on the San Diego Padres and the Washington Nationals 'under' the total. I never thought I'd use this phrase this year (and it's going to sound a bit strange) but the Nats are hot. All of sudden, Washington is playing like it means it, and not because it's had a string of games against weak teams. First, the Nats took three of four games in Cincinnati, then they took two of three in St. Louis. Next, although they lost the series at home to the Dodgers, they dominated them in the third and final game on Thursday, and now they just knocked off the Padres and their ace Jake Peavy in the first game of the current series at home. After winning that game in 10 innings with the help from outstanding performances from Christian Guzman, Ryan Zimmerman, and Dmitri Young, they'll come back for game two against a pitcher who could be the Padres' "Jake Peavy of the future", young righthander Justin Germano. The Nats are going to give one more start (at least) to their struggling young righty Levale Speigner, mainly because they have so many pitching injuries that they are forced to keep him in the rotation. But this could be a good thing, as a decent start at home against a weak-hitting opponent like the Padres could be all Speigner needs to turn it around. San Diego is only batting .238 vs. righties and one of their hottest hitters, catcher Josh Bard, may be forced to miss this one as he is scheduled to start serving a suspension soon for bumping an umpire. Five of the last six games played between these two at RFK Stadium have totaled eight runs or less. Take the 'under'. As always, good luck...Al McMordie.
comp pick
John Ryan
Game: Florida Marlins at Milwaukee Brewers Jun 2 2007 7:05PM
Prediction: Florida Marlins
Reason: Ai Simulator 3* graded play on Florida Marlins - Supporting this graded play is a system that has gone 31-17 and has made 35.2 units since 2001. The average play has been a whopping 168 dog too. Play against NL home favorites with a money line of -150 or more that is an average hitting team with a batting average = .255 to .269 and with a good bullpen that converts on 75%+ of their save opportunities, and is now facing an average starting pitcher sporting an ERA=4.20 to 5.20. Also note that Kim has been solid in his last 3 starts sporting a 3.24 ERA, while Capuano has struggled with a 6.61 ERA over his last 3 starts. MILWAUKEE is 12-25 (-20.5 Units) against the money line in home games vs. a starting pitcher whose lasts less than 5 innings per start since 1997. Take the Marlins
comp pick
Ben Burns
Game: Los Angeles Dodgers at Pittsburgh Pirates Jun 2 2007 7:05PM
Prediction: over
Reason: After yesterday's game slipped above the total, the OVER is now a perfect 9-0 the last nine times that the Dodgers traveled to Pittsburgh. This could prove to be another relatively high-scoring affair. These pitchers faced each other last September and the game finished with 16 combined runs. While Kuo will be making his first start of the season, Snell's last two home starts have sailed above the total with scores of 11-5 and 13-2. That brings the OVER to 5-2-1 his last eight home starts. Its also worth noting that the OVER is a perfect 7-0 when Pittsburgh has played on a Saturday this season. Consider a play on the OVER
comp pick
Tom Freese
Game: Cincinnati Reds at Colorado Rockies Jun 2 2007 8:05PM
Prediction: Colorado Rockies
Reason: Colorado starter Jeff Francis is excellent KW form with a better than 4 to 1 strikeout to walk ratio in his last 3 starts. Francis is 2-0 with a 1.38 ERA in his last 2 home starts vs. the Reds. Cincinnati starter Kyle Lohse has allowed 16 runs in his last 10.1 innings of work in his last 3 road starts. Play On Colorado - (Francis vs. Lohse)
comp pick
Larry Ness
Game: St Louis Cardinals at Houston Astros Jun 2 2007 3:55PM
Prediction: Houston Astros
Reason: Can things get much worse for the Astros? They allowed seven ninth-inning runs last night, losing 8-1 to the Cards. It was the team's 11th loss in its last 12, as the Astros have scored two runs or less seven times in their skid. The good news is they get to face Kip Wells on Saturday afternoon. Wells entered this season with a 57-74 (4.46 ERA) record. That's not much of a record but he's been MUCH WORSE for the Cards in 2007. He's 2-9 with a 6.20 ERA in 11 starts. If the Astros don't get to Wells, they may as well "pack it in." In 15 career starts vs Houston, Wells is 4-7 (team is 6-9) and he's posted a 5.11 ERA, so it's likely the Astros will finally score some runs. Chris Sampson could use some support, as he's pitched pretty well his last six outings this year, with an ERA of 3.00. I'm going with the Astros
comp pick
MTI Sports
Game: Atlanta Braves at Chicago Cubs Jun 2 2007 1:05PM
Prediction: over
Reason: The Braves have had 15, 14 and 20 hits in their last three games respectively. Atlanta is 15-3-1 as a road dog after a win in which they had 12+ hits for a net profit of $1150 when playing the over. This season, they are 2-0 in this situation, going over by 7 and 4 runs respectively.
The Cubs are also in a strong OVER situation, as they are 16-3 OU after a loss in which they drew 1 or fewer walks and 24-10-5 OU as a home favorite when they are seeking immediate revenge for a loss in which they never led. Take the OVER.
NHL - comp pick
Brian Hansen
Game: Anaheim Ducks at Ottawa Senators Jun 2 2007 8:05PM
Prediction: Ottawa Senators
Reason: The Ottawa Senators hope friendlier confines can help them get into the win column as they look to avoid losing 3 straight with Game 3 on Saturday night. The Sen's top scoring line of Heatley, Spezza and Alfredsson has been shut down on the road but Ottawa should be able to get more favorable line matchups when playing at home. The Ducks are a very poor 11-13 (-13.2 units) their last 24 games when playing with 2 days rest. Not only do the Sen's have home ice advantage working for them, they are a team that loves playing on Saturday, as they are 20-10 (+4.7 units) their last 30 times! Taking all of these factors into consideration, there is good value on the SENATORS!
comp pick
Jimmy The Moose
Game: Chicago White Sox at Toronto Blue Jays Jun 2 2007 1:05PM
Prediction: under
Reason: Chicago has played the under in 2 straight. The under is 7-2 in Contreras last 9 road starts. The under is 9-2-1 in Chicago's last 12 games vs. AL East opponents. The under is 5-1 in Toronto's last 6 games. The Jays have played under the total in McGowan's last 4 starts. The under is 21-9-1 in the last 31 meetings between the clubs in Toronto. Play the under.
comp pick
Robert Ross
Game: New York Yankees at Boston Red Sox Jun 2 2007 3:55PM
Prediction: Boston Red Sox
Reason: Big game for both squads. Yankees entertain hopes of getting back in the race and can take a big step this weekend with a sweep. Red Sox looking to keep them at bay. The
NY YANKEES are 6-14 against the money line against division opponents this season and
7-11 against the money line in day games this season. BOSTON is 29-8 against the money line as a favorite of -110 or higher this season. SCHILLING is 22-6 against the money line in the first half of the season over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record) Take Boston
Spreitzer 15* - Red Sox
Saturday Horse Racing Picks/Preview
SPOT PLAYS
For Saturday
TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE
Arlington Park (5th) Giant Shift, 4-1
(8th) Bold Days, 4-1
Belmont Park (6th) Woodmere, 9-2
(9th) Legal Tender, 10-1
Calder Race Course (2nd) Alarming Afleet, 10-1
(5th) Paradise Dancer, 4-1
Canterbury Park (5th) Shimmering Sunset, 9-2
(8th) Cut of Music, 9-2
Charles Town (3rd) Sabas Princess, 3-1
(4th) Out of the Trap, 5-1
Churchill Downs (1st) Vast, 5-1
(6th) Gaelic Storm, 3-1
Delaware Park (1st) Honey Love, 3-1
(5th) Smart Growth, 6-1
Emerald Downs (1st) Jewel in the Ruff, 9-2
(6th) Maid in Monroe, 3-1
Evangeline Downs (4th) Cheery Hour, 8-1
(7th) Bienheureux, 6-1
Finger Lakes (4th) Midnight Secret, 9-2
(9th) Tactical Chatter, 5-1
Golden Gate Fields (5th) Best Friend Gracie, 9-2
(6th) Zig Zag Zoom, 3-1
Great Lakes Downs (1st) Can't We Smooch, 7-2
(6th) Cody's Wish, 10-1
Hastings Park (4th) Big City Kat, 6-1
(5th) Mayne's Finale, 3-1
Hollywood Park (6th) California Flag, 6-1
(9th) Lovehi, 6-1
Indiana Downs (6th) Raja's Star, 9-2
(8th) Lucky Mitterand, 4-1
Lone Star Park (5th) Bond Forum, 10-1
(7th) Fast Eddie Charles, 5-1
Louisiana Downs (8th) Singforclara, 9-2
(10th) Laa Windy, 3-1
Monmouth Park (3rd) Mother Mary C., 7-2
(8th) Waltz Brightly, 8-1
Mountaineer (5th) Tim Has Money, 4-1
(6th) Burnt Bush, 6-1
Philadelphia Park (8th) Defiant Maid, 7-2
(9th) Majestic Emblem, 3-1
Pimlico (8th) Paying Off, 7-2
(10th) Jets Nice an Nasty, 4-1
Prairie Meadows (4th) Snow Squall, 7-2
(5th) Struck Smart, 4-1
River Downs (5th) Duesenberg, 10-1
(9th) True Hearted, 4-1
Suffolk Downs (5th) Crimson Flame, 6-1
(7th) More Advice, 4-1
Thistledown (2nd) Declaration, 7-2
(4th) Spirit of Fire, 3-1
Woodbine (1st) Cool Selection, 7-2
(3rd) Executrix, 4-1
TRACK BANDIT PREVIEWS
OHIO DERBY (G2), 9TH-TDN, $300,000, 3YO, 1 1/8M, 5:33 P.M. EDT, 6-2
PP HORSE TRAINER JOCKEY WT
1 FORTY GRAMS ASMUSSEN STEVEN M LANERIE C J 115
2 OFFICER ROCKET (GB) HOLTHUS ROBERT E MCKEE J 117
3 MOYER'S POND REINSTEDLER ANTHONY SHEPHERD J 115
4 STARBASE LUKAS D WAYNE MARTINEZ W 115
5 DELIGHTFUL KISS ANDERSON PETE D SANCHEZ JEFFREY 115
6 COWTOWN CAT PLETCHER TODD A VELAZQUEZ J R 124
7 DANNY SEZ ROWE DONN A GONZALEZ L A 115
8 REPORTING FOR DUTY ASMUSSEN STEVEN M QUINONES LUIS 115
COWTOWN CAT (Distorted Humor), who was in the early mix before fading to last in the Kentucky Derby (G1), is our top choice for Saturday's Ohio Derby (G2). A valuable soldier in the army of three-year-olds trained by Todd Pletcher, Cowtown Cat stalked Hard Spun (Danzig) around the first turn and down the backstretch before retreating around the second turn in the Run for the Roses. The chestnut, obviously, was eased in the stretch when all hope was lost.
In his previous start, Cowtown Cat set the pace under a hold, was headed by Catman Running (Tactical Cat) near the three-eighths pole, dueled with that one into the stretch, then responded nicely and drew off under very little encouragement to win the nine-furlong Illinois Derby (G2) by a comfortable 2 1/4 lengths. Before that, he was a daylight winner in his two-turn debut in the Gotham S. (G3) where he bulled his way through from between horses while in tight in upper stretch then drew off to a convincing 2 1/2-length victory in the 1 1/16-mile test.
Cowtown Cat has excellent tactical speed and appears to be a cut above these. He may offer playable odds beneath go-to rider John Velazquez.
STARBASE (Tale of the Cat), trained by Pletcher's mentor, D. Wayne Lukas, comes off an excellent runner-up effort in the Lexington S. (G2) at Keeneland. The bay colt broke forwardly from the outside and clocked Belmont S. (G1) bound Slew's Tizzy (Tiznow) around the first turn and down the backstretch. Starbase held his position while three wide around the second turn, then finished well through the lane, holding sway over a hard-ridden FORTY GRAMS (Distorted Humor). In his previous outing, Starbase dueled for the early lead, then held on well for fifth in the Lane's End S. (G2) at Turfway Park. After two starts on Polytrack, he returns to the dirt and could be the one to catch at square odds.
OFFICER ROCKET (GB) (Officer) was taken back after being crowded at the break, advanced from the outside down the backstretch, then finished a distant, but even, seventh to Preakness S. (G1) winner Curlin (Smart Strike) in the Arkansas Derby (G2). In his previous start, Officer Rocket was a decent second to Curlin in the Rebel S. (G3). The Bob Holthus pupil has been training well of late and is a threat for a top-three placing.
Despite what the comment line says in the past performances, Forty Grams moved in tandem with his stablemate, REPORTING FOR DUTY (Deputy Commander), around the second turn, then dove to the inside and finished with interest along the rail, ending in a dead-heat for third in the Lone Star Derby (G3). In his previous outing, the Steve Asmussen charge rallied for third under an energetic ride by Garrett Gomez in the Lexington. Forty Grams projects a forwardly placed, inside trip, and could earn a share.
MOYER'S POND (Monarchos) has been first or second in four career starts and comes off a late-closing second in the Lone Star Derby. The Tony Reinstedler charge broke forwardly, dropped back from between foes, advance from the outside around the second turn, then closed well in the closing strides for runner-up honors to Slew's Tizzy. Moyer's Pond clearly has some ability, and could crash the vertical exotics.
Reporting for Duty advanced on the rail with his stablemate around the second turn, then finished evenly for fifth in the Lone Star Derby. Before that, he was a good, but non-threatening second to our top choice in the Illinois Derby. Like Moyer's Pond, Reporting for Duty is a player for a minor award.
DELIGHTFUL KISS (Kissin Kris), who was excluded from the Kentucky Derby, ran instead in the Crown Royal American Turf S. (G3). The gray swung widest of all turning for home before finishing an even ninth in the 1 1/16-mile event over yielding ground. In his prior start, he finished a decent fourth in the Arkansas Derby. Trained by Pete Anderson, who rode National to victory in the 1964 Ohio Derby, Delightful Kiss has a license to improve, and rates our sentimental sleeper.
DANNY SEZ (King Cugat) angled out turning for home and closed for fifth in the Derby Trial S. last out. The Donn Rowe trainee has been finishing on the fringes in minor stakes company this year but is in tough with these. As the lone locally based entrant, he is hard to recommend.
TRACK BANDIT SELECTIONS: 1st-COWTOWN CAT
2nd-STARBASE
3rd-OFFICER ROCKET (GB)
TRACK BANDIT PREVIEWS
CALIFORNIAN S. (G2), 8TH-HOL, $250,000, 3YO/UP, 1 1/8M, 4:50 P.M. PDT, 6-2
PP HORSE TRAINER JOCKEY WT
1 PERFECT DRIFT JOHNSON MURRAY W COURT J K 116
2 SAINT STEPHEN CLEMENT CHRISTOPHE ESPINOZA V 118
3 PORFIDO (CHI) FRANKEL ROBERT J TALAMO JOSEPH 116
4 BOBOMAN MANDELLA RICHARD E SOLIS A 118
5 HOCKEY THE GENERAL BAFFERT BOB GARCIA MARTIN 116
6 JACK'S WILD GUTIERREZ JORGE BLANC B 118
7 SUN BOAT (GB) MITCHELL MIKE BAZE M C 116
8 WILKO DOLLASE CRAIG NAKATANI C S 116
9 BUZZARDS BAY ELLIS RONALD W VALDIVIA J JR 116
10 KIP DEVILLE DUTROW RICHARD E SMITH M E 120
11 GRAND POINT BAFFERT BOB GRYDER A T 116
12 A. P. XCELLENT SHIRREFFS JOHN MIGLIORE R 116
Turf star KIP DEVILLE (Kipling) will switch to the Cushion Track and return off a five-day rest in Saturday's $250,000 Californian S. (G2), and the 1 1/8-mile race marks the second start back for Grade 1 hero BUZZARDS BAY (Marco Bay), who looked so promising when capturing the Oaklawn H. (G2) by 6 1/2 lengths last year but raced only once more, heading to the sidelines with an ankle injury last summer.
Both own a fine chance for the win, but we'll side with A. P. XCELLENT (A.P. Indy). Three-for-three over the Cushion Track at Hollywood Park, the four-year-old runs better over the synthetic surface than on dirt or turf. He's stuck on the far outside (post 12), but A. P. Xcellent is the possible lone speed. He'll be first or second entering the first turn, and the John Shirreffs charge won't have any trouble with the distance. A. P. Xcellent went fast early and then drew off to a convincing 5 3/4-length allowance score last out, registering a career-best 101 BRIS Speed rating, and the late-blooming colt can record his first stakes win here.
Buzzards Bay ran into a sharp Molengao (Brz) (Royal Academy) when returning from an 11-month layoff in the Mervyn LeRoy H. (G2) last out and got off to a bad start that afternoon, bobbling after the break. He still offered a good rally for third, and the Ron Ellis-trained five-year-old figures to move forward with that start under his belt. Buzzards Bay earned a 114 Speed rating for his Oaklawn H. tally, and he's got the class to prevail here with his best effort.
PERFECT DRIFT (Dynaformer) finished a disappointing fourth in the Alysheba S. (G3) last out, but the veteran gelding is eligible to show more in his third start off the layoff. Always a good traveler, the $4.6 million earner brings a 13-race losing skein into the Californian, but he's finished second in five of his last nine starts and has never finished off the board at nine furlongs (11-3-4-4). Perfect Drift will be able to save ground from the rail, and we'll look for an improved showing on Saturday from the Murray Johnson trainee.
BOBOMAN (Kingmambo), a Grade 1 winner on turf, finished third in both the Santa Anita H. (G1) and Oaklawn H. in his last two starts on dirt, and we won't be surprised to see the Richard Mandella charge transfer his form to the synthetic track. The late runner will need to step it up a level to contend for it all, but he's definitely capable of a minor award. SAINT STEPHEN (Saint Ballado) has finished off the board in his last two outings, but the seven-year-old captured the Native Diver H. (G3) in his last start over the Cushion Track. This is a tougher spot, but his preference for the surface should be noted. Consider for the exotics.
Kip Deville drew a tough outside post and will be tested at this distance. Rank during the early stages of the Shoemaker Breeders' Cup Mile (G1), the Richard Dutrow runner is a confirmed turf miler stepping out of his element in this spot. He might be talented enough to overcome the obstacles, but we'll try to beat him. WILKO (Awesome Again) faltered as the 2-1 favorite versus allowance/optional claiming rivals last time and doesn't look sharp enough to contend presently.
PORFIDO (Chi) (Mash One [Chi]), a talented South American performer, might keep improving for Bobby Frankel as he gets more acclimated to the United States. However, he's been unplaced in five U.S. attempts and we can't recommend his chances here. JACK'S WILD (Lil Tyler) enters in pretty good form for trainer Jorge Gutierrez, but we'll watch to see how the California-bred fares against graded rivals.
HOCKEY THE GENERAL (General Meeting) faces a serious class check and is tough to like off his last couple of efforts. GRAND POINT (Point Given) has finished off the board in his last two starts versus allowance rivals and now steps up to face stakes competition. SUN BOAT (GB) (Machiavellian) exits a win over $40,000 claimers and would be a major surprise in his second appearance for Mike Mitchell.
TRACK BANDIT SELECTIONS: 1st-A. P. XCELLENT
2nd-BUZZARDS BAY
3rd-PERFECT DRIFT
TRACK BANDIT PREVIEWS
ARISTIDES BREEDERS' CUP S. (G3), 10TH-CD, $150,000, 3YO/UP, 6F, 5:51 P.M. EDT, 6-2
PP HORSE TRAINER JOCKEY WT
1 OFF DUTY WHITING LYNN S LEPAROUX JULIEN 118
2 GREG'S GOLD HOFMANS DAVID FLORES D R 122
3 GAFF ASMUSSEN STEVEN M BRIDGMOHAN S X 122
4 SAINT ANDDAN FRANKEL ROBERT J BEJARANO R 124
5 FABULOUS STRIKE BEATTIE TODD M DOMINGUEZ R A 120
6 SANTANA STRINGS ASMUSSEN STEVEN M BOREL C H 118
7 COUGAR CAT WERNER RONNY ALBARADO R J 118
Seven sprinters will settle Saturday's $150,000 Aristides Breeders' Cup S. (G3) at Churchill Downs, and we're not sure what to do with FABULOUS STRIKE (Smart Strike). He's been earning incredible BRIS Speed ratings at Mountaineer Park, including a 122 three starts back, and looms as the probable pacesetter with his early speed. Fabulous Strike looks very dangerous, but we'll use SAINT ANDDAN (A.P. Indy) on top.
Trained by Bobby Frankel, the late-blooming Saint Anddan made his stakes bow two starts back, winning the Duncan F. Kenner Breeders' Cup S. at Fair Grounds. The five-year-old was dismissed at 8-1 in the Churchill Downs S. (G2) last time out and turned in a big performance, sitting just off the lead before seizing command at the top of the stretch, and the bay horse earned a career-best 103 Speed rating. Saint Anddan is going very well presently and likes racing under the Twin Spires (3-2-0-1). We like his chances.
GAFF (Maria's Mon) is one-for-one on Churchill's main track, posting an impressive allowance victory, and the stalker figures to sit a perfect trip in this race. The Steve Asmussen runner exits a sharp score in the Aegon Turf Sprint S. (G3), a five-furlong turf affair on Kentucky Oaks (G1) day, and the versatile five-year-old can switch surfaces effectively. Gaff owns three wins at the six-furlong distance, and he could add to that total on Saturday.
GREG'S GOLD (Lake George) will attempt to capitalize upon a hot pace with a ferocious late rally. Winner of the 2005 Bing Crosby H. (G1), the six-year-old gelding appears to be rounding back into top form for conditioner David Hofmans, capturing the Tiznow S. at Hollywood last out, and we like the way he's training for this event, with a pair of recent six-furlong works in preparation. Greg's Gold is a threat to run past all of his rivals here.
Fabulous Strike might outperform our expectations, but he faces a class check in this spot. He's obviously stepped up his game in his recent starts for trainer Todd Beattie, winning his last three efforts by daylight margins, but we'll try to beat him in his Churchill debut.
OFF DUTY (Yes It's True) likes Churchill (three-for-four) and merits consideration for a minor award in this spot. The improving Lynn Whiting trainee gained valuable seasoning when finishing third in the Count Fleet Sprint H. (G3) last out, and we wouldn't be surprised to see Off Duty keep moving forward.
COUGAR CAT (Storm Cat) will add to the pace, but the Ronny Werner charge might need an easier spot to be effective. SANTANA STRINGS (Wheaton) hasn't been the same horse since capturing the 2005 Amsterdam S. (G2). We'll let him turn his form around without us.
TRACK BANDIT SELECTIONS: 1st-SAINT ANDDAN
2nd-GAFF
3rd-GREG'S GOLD
TRACK BANDIT PREVIEWS
DOGWOOD BREEDERS' CUP S. (G3), 9TH-CD, $150,000, 3YO, F, 1M, 5:21 P.M. EDT, 6-2
PP HORSE TRAINER JOCKEY WT
1 LADY JOANNE NAFZGER CARL A BOREL C H 123
2 SILVERINYOURPOCKET PITTS HELEN DOMINGUEZ R A 117
3 MOONEE PONDS PROCTOR THOMAS F THERIOT H J II 121
4 UPCOMING STORY BIANCONE PATRICK L LEPAROUX JULIEN 117
5 SUAVENESS ARANGO ROBERTO BEJARANO R 117
6 LOOKY YONDER MCPEEK KENNETH G ALBARADO R J 117
7 HIGH AGAIN MOTT WILLIAM I FLORES D R 123
8 GIRLS PEARLS MCPEEK KENNETH G MELANCON L 117
9 GATORIZE PITTS HELEN BRIDGMOHAN S X 117
Nine sophomore fillies are set to line up in Saturday's $150,000 Dogwood Breeders' Cup S. (G3) at Churchill Downs, and LADY JOANNE (Orientate) will be going for her third straight win. The Carl Nafzger trainee broke her maiden by 6 1/2 lengths last October at Keeneland before running third in the Pocahontas S. (G3) at Churchill. She ended her juvenile campaign with a win in the Golden Rod S. (G2) back at that track, and her connections began making plans on sending the bay lass to the Kentucky Oaks (G1) in early May.
Those plans had to be shelved, though, as Lady Joanne didn't respond well when returning to training. Nafzger took his time with the three-year-old, gradually stepping her up and giving her breaks when she needed them, and the filly rewarded that patience with an easy 1 1/4-length allowance win last out on May 1 under the Twin Spires. She's recorded three works since that score, including a bullet five furlongs in :59 last Sunday, and Lady Joanne appears to have the screws tightened for her return to stakes competition. Calvin Borel, winner of the Kentucky Derby (G1) aboard Nafzger's Street Sense (Street Cry [Ire]), has the call.
With those connections, Lady Joanne probably will go off the favorite on Saturday, so we're going to look for some value in the exotics. MOONEE PONDS (Mizzen Mast) is listed at 6-1 on the morning line and could make a run for best of the rest under Jamie Theriot. The Tom Proctor-trained bay broke her maiden at Fair Grounds on the dirt, then was immediately switched to the turf, where she strung together victories in an allowance and the Bedanken S. The bay miss was fourth most recently on Churchill's yielding turf in the Edgewood S., and could get back to her winning form while moving back to the main track and reverting to a mile.
UPCOMING STORY (Tale of the Cat) is also listed at 6-1 on the morning line and could move forward in a big way. The Patrick Biancone charge broke her maiden on Keeneland's Polytrack in mid-April, then rallied five wide to take third in the La Troienne S. (G3) last out on Churchill's dirt. The chestnut lass will be stretching out past that race's 7 1/2-furlong distance for the first time here, but will be getting Lasix added for the first time. She'll also have Julien Leparoux in the irons, which only improves her chances at a slight upset.
SILVERINYOURPOCKET (Silver Deputy) is undefeated on dirt, including a half-length victory in the La Troienne most recently. The bay's only two losses have come on the Polytrack at Turfway and Keeneland, and the Helen Pitts trainee has been working consistently at Churchill since early April. Silverinyourpocket will be attempting to keep her main track record perfect with Ramon Dominguez in the saddle for the first time.
GIRLS PEARLS (Talk Is Money) might jump up and surprise in the top three. The Kenny McPeek-conditioned chestnut doesn't own quite the same BRIS numbers as others in here, but she has steadily improved with each race. She earned her first win against maiden claimers at Keeneland, before taking a claiming event and moving up to face, and beat, allowance company most recently. Girls Pearls should go off at nice odds if her 12-1 morning line is anything to judge by and might coming running late for a place in the exotics. LOOKY YONDER (Johannesburg), fourth in the La Troienne in her stakes debut, is a consistent performer who was third in her only try at a mile, but that came on the turf. The dark bay miss, also trained by McPeek, might earn a check.
SUAVENESS (Suave Prospect) is the most experienced runner in this field, owning 10 starts. She hasn't been able to do better than second in her past three races while rallying late, and we don't think she'll be able to make up enough ground to factor here. HIGH AGAIN (High Yield), winner of the Bonnie Miss S. (G2) in early March, really tailed off in her past two races and we can't back with any confidence. GATORIZE (Exploit) looks out of her class in this spot. We'll let her beat us.
TRACK BANDIT SELECTIONS: 1st-LADY JOANNE
2nd-MOONEE PONDS
3rd-UPCOMING STORY
TRACK BANDIT PREVIEWS
SANDS POINT S. (G3), 8TH-BEL, $100,000, 3YO, F, 1 1/8MT, 4:45 P.M. EDT, 6-2
PP HORSE TRAINER JOCKEY WT
1 SHARP SUSAN MOTT WILLIAM I VELASQUEZ CORNE 121
2 SURVIVED JERKENS H ALLEN SAMYN J L 117
3 CLASSIC NEEL MCLAUGHLIN KIARAN P GARCIA A 117
4 RUTHERIENNE CLEMENT CHRISTOPHE GOMEZ G K 121
5 BIT OF WHIMSY TAGG BARCLAY PRADO E S 115
6 TEARS I CRY BUSH THOMAS M CASTELLANO J J 115
7 SISTER DESIREE CONTESSA GARY C HILL C 115
8 OLIVINE DONK DAVID NO RIDER 123
9 BOLD ASSURANCE HENNIG MARK NO RIDER 118
10 OFFICER IN PURSUIT CONTESSA GARY C NO RIDER 123
Saturday's $100,000 Sands Point S. (G3) has attracted a field of 10 sophomore fillies, including three main track only entrants. Among the seven who intend to travel nine furlongs over Belmont Park's inner turf, RUTHERIENNE (Pulpit) holds the most appeal. The Christophe Clement trainee captured both of her starts at two, a six-length maiden romp followed by an up-in-time rally in the Cherokee Frolic S. Rutherienne suffered her lone career defeat in her sophomore debut, a deep renewal of the one-mile Appalachian S. at Keeneland. After rating near the tail of the field off a steady pace, she closed boldly for fourth, beaten only 1 1/2 lengths by Audacious Chloe (More Than Ready). Last time out at Belmont, Rutherienne went from last to first in the 1 1/16-mile Sugar Plum Time S. The dark bay will relish the extra half-furlong here, and she should get an honest pace up front. Garrett Gomez stays aboard Rutherienne, who routinely posts triple-digit BRIS Late Pace ratings.
SHARP SUSAN (Touch Gold), a half-sister to Grade 1 queen Sharp Lisa from an impeccable family, is the most serious threat to our top selection. In her latest venture, the Bill Mott pupil posted a commanding, front-running score in the Herecomesthebride S. (G3) at this trip at Gulfstream Park. The placed horses haven't upheld the value of that form, with both finishing off the board in subsequent allowance races, but Sharp Susan could not have been a more impressive winner. She's also capable of winning from off the pace, as demonstrated in both her maiden and entry-level allowance victories. The versatile filly promises to be involved at the finish beneath regular rider Cornelio Velasquez.
Like Rutherienne, CLASSIC NEEL (El Corredor) is exiting a terrific effort in the Appalachian, where she finished second. The Kiaran McLaughlin filly closely tracked the pace along the inside, then found her best stride late to come within a neck of the winner at the wire. She had a more advantageous trip than Rutherienne on that occasion, so we don't expect Classic Neel to finish in front of her in these circumstances. Still, the chestnut is well qualified to crack the top three with new rider Alan Garcia.
SURVIVED (Stravinsky) was toiling in the maiden claiming ranks for her first six starts before finally breaking through at the $50,000 level. The bay began to catch on quickly after that, recording a runner-up effort in an entry-level allowance before capturing a similar event last time out at this course. Survived is taking a step up in class in her stakes debut, but considering how well Allen Jerkens' horses have been firing recently, we won't leave her out of the exotics. TEARS I CRY (Chester House) is coming off a debut maiden score for Tom Bush, and her Speed rating (90) is competitive with those of the major contenders. Her dam is a half-sister to Grade 1 hero and hot young sire Street Cry (Ire), and European champion Shamardal is another high-profile member of the family. She's never faced winners before, but on pedigree, Tears I Cry could be worth a flyer.
BIT OF WHIMSY (Distorted Humor) is likewise exiting a maiden victory, but hers came over ground that had plenty of give in it at Aqueduct. We don't think that was a particularly strong event, and we'd prefer to give her a start at this level. SISTER DESIREE (Vision and Verse) has been beaten by lesser.
Leading the main track only contingent is OLIVINE (Royal Academy). A five-length winner of the Busher S. on Aqueduct's inner dirt in February, she was a creditable third to Rutherienne in the Sugar Plum Time. OFFICER IN PURSUIT (Officer), fifth in the Sugar Plum Time, also has solid form on the dirt, having won the National Treasure S. and finished fourth in the Comely S. (G2). BOLD ASSURANCE (Stormy Atlantic) has been trounced in both of her prior stakes attempts.
TRACK BANDIT SELECTIONS: 1st-RUTHERIENNE
2nd-SHARP SUSAN
3rd-CLASSIC NEEL
TRACK BANDIT PREVIEWS
BERKELEY S. (G3), 8TH-GG, $100,000, 3YO/UP, 1 1/16M, 4:35 P.M. PDT, 6-2
PP HORSE TRAINER JOCKEY WT
1 VISA PARADE (ARG) SADLER JOHN W BAZE R A 117
2 DESERT BOOM SHERMAN ART LOPEZ D G 117
3 A GALLANT DISCOVER SCOLAMIERI SAM J JOHN K 117
4 WANNA RUNNER BAFFERT BOB OCHOA JUAN 117
5 MCCANN'S MOJAVE SPECHT STEVE ALVARADO F T 123
6 GUIDING HAND MILLER PETER COHEN DAVID 119
7 MAMBO TRAIN POLANCO MARCELO GONZALEZ R M 117
8 MY CREED HESS R B LINARES M G 119
MCCANN'S MOJAVE (Memo [Chi]) was an easy winner of the Sunshine Millions Classic in his 2007 debut at Gulfstream Park and looks to be the class of Saturday's Berkeley S. (G3) at Golden Gate Fields. The Steve Specht-trained seven-year-old earned the first of three straight triple-digit BRIS Speed ratings for that score, and stepped up to finish fourth, beaten just 2 1/4 lengths, in the Santa Anita H. (G1) two back. The bay ended his 2006 campaign with a two-length victory in the Union Square S. at this track and could easily find himself back in the winner's circle here with regular rider Frank Alvarado in the saddle.
DESERT BOOM (Boomerang) is out to reclaim his title in this 1 1/16-mile test. The Art Sherman-conditioned dark bay captured the 2005 edition while garnering a career-best 106 Speed figure for the effort. He raced just twice last year, finishing off the board in the Sunshine Millions Classic at Santa Anita and then returning to take an allowance/optional claiming test at Hollywood Park in mid-July. The seven-year-old gelding returned in early April and will be tough in the exotics considering he's undefeated over the track (three-for-three) and loves the distance (11-7-1-2).
MY CREED (Beau Genius) is another track (9-0-3-5) and distance (12-4-0-4) specialist. The six-year-old chestnut scored in the President's Day H. at Bay Meadows two back and was third to our top pick in the Union Square last season. Trained by Bob Hess, the gelding doesn't appear to like the winner's circle, but is a threat in the exotics whenever he runs.
VISA PARADE (Arg) (Parade Marshal) will be making his U.S. debut here and getting first-time Lasix added. The John Sadler-trained four-year-old has finished off the board only once from nine career starts and is a Group 1 winner on dirt. He hasn't raced since October and might need a race to acclimate himself to his new surroundings, but did post a bullet six furlongs in 1:12 1/5 on Hollywood's Cushion Track last Saturday. If Visa Parade brings his Argentinean form to the states, the rest of this field will be running for second. Russell Baze has the call.
WANNA RUNNER (El Corredor) captured last year's Lone Star Derby (G3) by easy lengths, but didn't do so well when shipped to Woodbine for the Queen's Plate. After a fading sixth in the West Virginia Derby (G3) in early August, the four-year-old was given some time off by trainer Bob Baffert, not seen in competition again until early May, when he finished fifth on the Cushion Track in the Mervyn LeRoy H. (G2). Wanna Runner was in contention early, just fading in the stretch, and probably needed that race off the layoff. He could show much more here in his second start of the year.
GUIDING HAND (Helmsman) is a former claimer making his first start for new trainer Peter Miller in this spot. The four-year-old gelding is a confirmed pacesetter, using his speed to take four of his last seven races, but might not be fast enough for these rivals. A GALLANT DISCOVER (Discover) loves both the track and distance, but could also find this field too much at this time. MAMBO TRAIN (Kingmambo) hasn't done so well in his past five starts. We'll let him beat us.
TRACK BANDIT SELECTIONS: 1st-MCCANN'S MOJAVE
2nd-DESERT BOOM
3rd-MY CREED
Mike Superstein's Hollywood Park Analysis for Saturday, June 2
RACE ONE
KRIS' SIS needed a brief rest after a lackluster third as the favorite in the Santa Lucia Stakes in April. She comes back with blinkers, leading rider Michael Baze, and a switch back to the turf. She drew the rail and will be on or near the lead throughout. MUSICAL HIGH got within a half-lengh of 'KRIS last summer at Del Mar and comes off an ultra game score at Santa Anita. Espinoza, who rode both fillies last time out, shows up on 'MUSICAL. RIVER MELODY is a new shooter from Germany with solid Time Form ratings.
RACE TWO
RUDEAMEANIE finished fourth in a better than looked debut early May. The son of Lit de Justice raced close up, got caught five wide on the turn, battled for command in the lane, then weakened very late. With that experience, he should prove best over this mediocre field. VIRTUE N VICE, who like the top pick is trained by Doug O'Neill, ran a much improved race over the Cushion Track May 1. He adds blinkers and should get a great stalking trip. WESTERN COMMAND exits a fast race at Turf Paradise and fits well with this field.
RACE THREE
KALOOKAN DANCER chased Belle Fleur from start to finish, but had to settle for the place. Still, that effort would be good enough to win this. She obviously thrives on the local lawn. LA TEE ran super in her debut, taking maidens wire to wire for a $58 surprise. There was nothing fluky about her win and she poses the main threat to 'KALOOKAN. USK POPPY has been a major disappointment in three U.S. starts. Maybe she'll have more luck on this course.
RACE FOUR
HEZA CHARGER broke last, moved up on the backstretch, then steadied on the turn before winding up fourth. A clean break is all he needs to escape the maiden ranks. Jon Court rides back. HARD ALEE was claimed for $40,000 by O'Neill and now shows up a year later for $25,000. However, he's trained exceptionally well recently, including a 59 flat gate drill May 28. WHITEOUT STORM was pulled up at Del Mar but returns with a new trainer (Paddy Gallagher) and rider (Alex Solis) and has some decent moves in Arcadia.
RACE FIVE
SINDY WITH AN S lost nothing in defeat when finishing third in the Railbird Stakes. Making only her third start, 'SINDY sped through gruelling splits of 21 3/5 and 43 4/5, put away her pace rival, and wound up four lengths ahead of the fourth-place filly. Her pedigree indicates she should relish the turf. SEASIDE AFFAIR is nicely drawn outside, where she can eye her opponents to see what develops. Though she hasn't won on this surface, she's run well. YOU ARE THE ANSWER tried two turns in the Melair, tiring late to finish third. Her two best races have been sprinting on the turf, so expect a big try here.
RACE SIX
CALIFORNIA FLAG slackened late as the even money favorite and now tries the main track for the first time. This full brother to multiple stakes winner Cambiocorsa shouldn't be a maiden much longer. TOVAR has a speed pedigree and has displayed talent in his morning spins for Richard Mandella. A first out victory would come as no surprise. VICTORY JOE was eliminated at the start and the race should be dismissed. He showed zip in all his previous starts and Solis stays with him.
RACE SEVEN
Top trainer Jerry Hollendorfer appears to have found a perfect spot for Bay Area invader PRINCE OF GOLD. Though only three for 23 lifetime, 'PRINCE has knocked heads with much better and draws red-hot apprentice Joe Talamo. BELTLINE JACK is a difficult horse to gauge. When he wins, it's usually by a large margin. But when he gets into a dog fight, he often hangs. With 'PRINCE on his tail, 'JACK may not be able to shake loose. ROY JONES may have needed his last and drops to a new career low. He'll try to snap the slump that's seen him go winless since September of 2005.
RACE EIGHT
The 2007 Californian has come up a great betting race; with shippers, turfers, up-and-comers, and past classers getting together in this final prep for the Hollywood Gold Cup. BUZZARDS BAY may have the most going for him. He's a multi-graded stakes winner, three-for-five at this distance, and had the perfect tightener in the recent Mervyn LeRoy. Jose Valdivia won the All American and Oaklawn Handicaps with him. BOBOMAN, a stablemate of The Tin Man, hasn't run since April, but has trained spectacularly for this (58 1/5, 138 4/5, 34 4/5). Maybe he's been eating 'TIN's oats. KIP DEVILLE was a surprising entrant four days after competing in the grassy Shoemaker Mile. 'DEVILLE was blocked the entire race as the favorite in the Shoemaker and didn't have to expend much energy, thus the quick turnaround.
RACE NINE
TASHA'S MIRACLE is a good looking daughter of Harlan's Holiday who brought $125,000 last year at the Ocala Yearling Sale. She's trained exceptionally well for John Sadler and lures the rejuvenated Corey Nakatani. LOVEHI has a race under her belt, finishing second to the promising Another Aleyna. She appears to be the best of the familiar faces. HI LILY HI LO was third in both starts and gets a five-pound weight break today with Talamo taking over.
Best Bet--KALOOKAN DANCER (3)
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Belmont
By Dave Litfin
BEST BET: Brickell (5th race)
First Race
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1. Rockaway Tod 2. Subtitles 3. Truman's Gold
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ROCKAWAY TOD has been the early pacesetter in three of four starts, but late gain after a stumbling start back on Feb. 17 indicates he can probably be effective with stalk-and-pounce tactics drawn outside some other speed; note the winner of that inner track sprint, Wafi City, came back to run second in the Gotham. SUBTITLES has put up two vastly improved race since claimed from last-place finish over a wet track he disliked; three-time winner is another who can work out a clean outside trip stalking NEED THE WRITE OFF and TRUMAN'S GOLD. The latter seeks third straight win at the meet, after skipping a condition to wire non-winners of three sprinters through leisurely fractions when claimed; $650K cast-off Beyered 97 in only loss on this track.
Second Race
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1. Royal Spaulding 2. Double Down Dixie 3. Leaveitinthering
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Well, who do you trust - ROYAL SPAULDING, a beaten favorite in her last four starts, or DOUBLE DOWN DIXIE, defeated as the chalk in her last three starts at Tampa Bay Downs? Royal Spaulding is back relatively quickly after finishing evenly at 1 1/16 miles off a two-month break, and may offer a better late kick cutting back to a sprint. Double Down Dixie was sharpened for speed in a five-furlong dash last out, and looks to have improved since she last raced in New York in 2006. LEAVEITINTHERING was a respectable third in her only start on turf here last June, and this will be the 6-year-old maiden's first grass start with Lasix; worked well for this.
Third Race
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1. Tight Grip 2. Hedge Fund 3. Papa Bear
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TIGHT GRIP would've won had he run at exactly seven furlongs first out, but he was in one of those "about" seven-furlong races at Keeneland that goes an additional 184 feet, and he was nosed out while beating 10 rivals; he took a lot of money that day, considering he was bet to 3-2 in a full field of 12. HEDGE FUND should appreciate turning back to 6 1/2 furlongs, after dueling for the lead and faltering out of the chute; nicely drawn outside, owns the two best figures. PAPA BEAR, like Tight Grip, finished second in a full field of maidens at Keeneland; main concern is that he's on the rail, and broke slow from the same position in debut.
Fourth Race
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1. Western Call 2. Prime Obsession 3. Black Adonis
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WESTERN CALL is bred for speed on both sides of his pedigree, debuts for a live outfit, and looks to have some ability judging from recent workouts at Saratoga; wouldn't be surprised to see him on or near the lead in race without much early pace. PRIME OBSESSION showed some speed in two starts on this track as a juvenile, and could be sent aggressively as he switches back to dirt for his second start off a layoff of 11 months. BLACK ADONIS is back two weeks after a prolonged battle for the lead that resulted in a new top Beyer figure; he can win if he holds form, but is obviously a candidate to bounce, and often finds himself far back early.
Fifth Race
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1. Brickell 2. Wallstreet Scandal 3. Noah A.
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BRICKELL caught a lot of people napping when he returned to form on his preferred turf course opening weekend, kicking home strongly to defeat several of these at 27-1; that was pretty much a routine effort for him last year, so he can be expected to maintain form. WALLSTREET SCANDAL has been away since January, but did post his lone win of 2006 on this course off a shorter layoff last June, when he recorded a lifetime top Beyer with a clear trip on the rail; training regularly for break-even layoff outfit. NOAH A. wore new front bandages first time out in nearly 10 months, but turned in a good race forcing the pace and outfinishing GAELIC SUNRISE for second; like Wallstreet Scandal, he put up his Beyer top of 93 winning on this course last season, so award extra credit if the front wraps come off.
Sixth Race
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1. Bagavond 2. Manhattan Mack 3. Bruce Tickets
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It may be a subtle change, but BAGAVOND is moving back to the inner course, where he turned in three solid sprint races last year, after racing much farther behind than he's accustomed to in return on the Widener; likely to be much more of a pace factor. MANHATTAN MACK makes the third start of a form cycle for the first time, after overcoming a slow break to win faster division of maiden sprint; also the first time he's had back-to-back races the same surface & distance. BRUCE TICKETS was a rallying second at nearly 30-1 when put on turf first time off the claim, and breezed nicely last week; much shorter price today. WIN FOR GOLD split Bruce Tickets and Bagavond last out, and is entitled to move forward second time on grass.
Seventh Race
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1. Ice Cool Kitty 2. Waytotheleft 3. Stolen Star
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It could be a coincidence, but ICE COOL KITTY has raced twice at Belmont, and has responded with her two fastest races, beginning with a come-again second in last year's Bouwerie vs. stablemate and subsequent Grade 2 winner Oprah Winney; versatile filly has won her last two at a mile under different pace tactics. WAYTOTHELEFT reeled off three straight victories after being claimed from first start at age 5, before regressing at even money in a restricted stake at Pimlico; given a chance to bounce back here, but it's not an easy spot stretching out to a mile and giving weight. STOLEN STAR posted an on-the-pace win this track & distance last May that would put her right in the thick of things; good second-off-layoff stats for trainer.
Eighth Race
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1. Sharp Susan 2. Rutherienne 3. Classic Neel
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Whether she sets the pace or rallies from behind, SHARP SUSAN has finished strongly to win three of four starts on turf, the lone defeat due to equipment trouble and obviously a throw-out; slight edge. RUTHERIENNE has also shown promise winning three of four turf starts, and the only loss was a tough set-up where she still managed to pass six rivals through a very fast final quarter in the Appalachian; makes her first attempt past 1 116 miles, as does CLASSIC NEEL. The latter decisioned Rutherienne in the Appalachian, when beaten just a neck in a sharp performance; improving figures each time on turf.
Ninth Race
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1. Freudian 2. Akebono 3. Brushed Prince
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FREUDIAN is on a favorable figure pattern, after slightly exceeding his 2-year-old Beyer top first time out at age 3; set to improve for trainer with a $4.01 ROI second time back. AKEBONO is top-rated in the field on the Tomlinson turf numbers, and is coming off a blowout from the gate; homebred may go well at first asking. BRUSHED PRINCE and MIDTOWN SOUTH own the top Beyers (73). The former ran that number in a route last year when 77-1 and hasn't been out in eight months, while the latter is making his 18th start vs. maidens.
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