Sunday 8/21/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

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[superbeets]

Premier League Su 21Aug 13:30

Sunderland

v

Middlesbro

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SS1		8/5	21/10	21/10	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT SUNDERLAND	RECENT FORM
HDADHWHWADAL​ Most recent​	0 - 1 1 - 1 2 - 0 3 - 2	AWADHDADHDHD​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Boro conceded 31 goals in 46 league games last term

EXPERT VERDICT: Middlesbrough seem to have slipped under the radar after their promotion, but they can advertise their credentials win a win at Sunderland. Aitor Karanka has bought well, bringing in a number of attacking options and adding to a tight defence and they can surprise a Sunderland side adapting to a new manager.

RECOMMENDATION: Middlesbrough
2


REFEREE: Martin Atkinson STADIUM:



Opta facts

• Sunderland are unbeaten in four Premier League games with Middlesbrough (W2 D2), though the most recent meeting was in January 2009.
• After winning three league games in a row against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light between 2002 and 2006, Midddlesbrough have lost their last two there.
• However, Middlesbrough won the most recent meeting between the sides at the Stadium of Light in October 2012, a Scott McDonald goal settling a League Cup Fourth Round tie.
• David Moyes has lost just twice to Middlesbrough as a manager in the Premier League (W7 D5).
• Alvaro Negredo is looking to score in consecutive Premier League games for the first time since December 2013.
• Negredo will be looking to become the first Middlesbrough player to score in back-to-back Premier League games since Afonso Alves in October 2008.
• Jermain Defoe needs one more goal to become outright 10th in the all-time Premier League goalscoring charts (144 currently).
• Defoe has scored in six of his last 10 Premier League appearances for Sunderland.
• Since Jermain Defoe made his league debut for Sunderland on January 17th 2015, he has scored 20 Premier League goals - no other Sunderland player has more than five league goals in this period.
• Sunderland won their final two home matches of the 2015-16 Premier League season and if they win this match it'll be the first time that they have won three in a row there since February 2012.

 

[superbeets]

Premier League Su 21Aug 16:00

West Ham

v

Bournemouth

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SS1		21/20	13/5	14/5	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT WEST HAM	RECENT FORM
HWALALHWALAD​ Most recent​	3 - 4 2 - 0 4 - 1 3 - 1	HLHLALHDALHL​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Bournemouth have lost four of their last 15 away games

EXPERT VERDICT: West Ham’s league bow at the Olympic Stadium will be tricky as they aren’t due back from Romania until the early hours of Friday. The hostile atmosphere generated at Upton Park was a big factor in West Ham’s success last season, but Bournemouth were one of the three sides to win away there in 2015-16.

RECOMMENDATION: Draw
1


REFEREE: Craig Pawson STADIUM:






Opta facts

• West Ham scored three times in both games against Bournemouth last season, winning one (3-1) and losing one (3-4).
• Bournemouth's 4-3 away win at the Hammers last season was their first ever win in English football's top-flight.
• The Hammers' defeat to Bournemouth at Upton Park last season was their only home defeat in four meetings with the Cherries in all competitions, winning the other three (1929, 1990 and 1999).
• The Olympic Stadium will be the 55th venue to host a Premier League match. West Ham are the 10th Premier League club to play home games at two different stadiums.
• West Ham United only touched the ball seven times in the opposition box on MD1 (versus Chelsea); a lower tally than any other Premier League team on the opening weekend.
• Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson scored a hat-trick in Bournemouth's win away at West Ham last season & is only one of four players to net a treble away at the Hammers in the Premier League.
• The Cherries have picked up just one point in their last six Premier League matches (W0 D1 L5).
• Benik Afobe scored three goals in his first four Premier League games for Bournemouth, but has netted just once in his 12 appearances since.
• Bournemouth won three of their five away trips to London in the Premier League last season (W3 D0 L2).
• Dimitri Payet has had a hand in 11 goals in his last 13 Premier League appearances for West Ham United (three goals, eight assists).

 

[superbeets]

French Ligue 1 Su 21Aug 16:00

St-Etienne

v

Montpellier

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BT1		21/20	9/4	3	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT ST-ETIENNE	RECENT FORM
ALHLHDAWALAW​ Most recent​	3 - 0 1 - 0 2 - 0 4 - 1	AWHWAWHWALHW​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Montpellier have conceded at least two goals in four of their last five away league games

EXPERT VERDICT: St-Etienne were below par when losing 3-2 at Bordeaux in their opening match of the season but can respond with a home victory over Montpellier. Les Verts won 2-1 away to Europa League opponents Beitar Jerusalem on Wednesday, setting them up nicely for the match with Montpellier, who they defeated 3-0 in last season's corresponding fixture.

RECOMMENDATION: St-Etienne
1

 

[superbeets]

Italian Serie A Su 21Aug 17:00

Milan

v

Torino

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BT2		17/20	5/2	7/2	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT MILAN	RECENT FORM
HDALHDAWHLND*​ Most recent​	1 - 0 3 - 0 1 - 1 1 - 0	ALHLAWHLALHW​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Both teams scored in ten of Torino’s last 11 games in 2015-16

EXPERT VERDICT: Torino finished last season with four defeats in five but they scored in all of those games, including against high-flying Napoli and Roma, and should continue with their attacking approach this season. Milan conceded six goals in their last two home games in Serie A and attack may be the best form of defence for the hosts, who signed prolific Serie B striker Gianluca Lapadula in the summer.

RECOMMENDATION: Both teams to score
2

 

[superbeets]

Spanish La Liga Su 21Aug 17:15

Sp. Gijon

v

Ath Bilbao

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SS5		3	5/2	19/20	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT SP. GIJON	RECENT FORM
ADHWALHWADHW​ Most recent​	0 - 2 1 - 1 2 - 2 0 - 0	AWHLADHWADHW​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Athletic Bilbao lost only five of their 30 games against teams below them in the table last season

EXPERT VERDICT: Sporting Gijon produced a flurry of late-season home wins to avoid relegation in 2015-16 but they may not be able to recapture that form in this term’s opening fixture. Athletic Bilbao proved too strong for Gijon last season, winning their meetings 3-0 and 2-0, and showed great consistency against the weaker teams in La Liga throughout the campaign.

RECOMMENDATION: Athletic Bilbao
2

 

[superbeets]

French Ligue 1 Su 21Aug 14:00

Guingamp

v

Marseille

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BT1		17/10	21/10	9/5	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT GUINGAMP	RECENT FORM
AWHDALADHLAD​ Most recent​	2 - 0 0 - 1 1 - 3 0 - 1	HDAWHWADNL*HD​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Marseille failed to score in either meeting with Guingamp last season

EXPERT VERDICT: Marseille began the new season with a disappointing 0-0 draw against Toulouse last weekend and they are likely to continue to struggle after losing several key players, including star striker Michy Batshuayi. Guingamp earned a creditable point at Monaco in their season opener and could repeat the dose against L’OM.

RECOMMENDATION: Draw
1

 

[Scott602]

Fezzik GOY

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Rain postpones Sprint Cup race until Sunday
By Amanda Vincent, The Sports Xchange

BRISTOL, Tenn. -- NASCAR and Bristol Motor Speedway officials announced the postponement of the Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race Sprint Cup Series event on Saturday due to rain and lightning.
The race is slated to resume at 1 p.m. Sunday. The 500-lap race was halted in the 49th lap.
The start of the race was delayed by 50 minutes for rain and lightning. When the race got underway, 31 laps were completed before the yellow flag was waved for rain. The red flag was displayed, stopping the race after the completion of lap 38.
After an hour-and-24-minute red flag, cars returned to the track under caution to assist with track-drying efforts, but by lap 49, rain picked up, soaking the race track.
Kyle Busch will restart as the race leader, with rookies Chase Elliott and Ryan Blaney in second and third. Carl Edwards started on the pole, but lost the lead to Joe Gibbs Racing teammate and fellow front-row starter Denny Hamlin during the early laps. Elliott took the lead on lap eight, but a few laps later, he gave way to Busch.
NOTES: Jeff Gordon continued as substitute driver in the No. 88 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet for Dale Earnhardt Jr. ... Three drivers in the race field -- Kurt Busch, Kyle Busch and Gordon -- each have five wins at Bristol Motor Speedway. ... Michael Annett was sidelined by flu-like symptoms. Justin Allgaier substituted behind the wheel of the No. 46 HScott Motorsports Chevrolet. ... The lower portion of the track was "polished" with a sticky substance to increase traction since the Sprint Cup Series last visited in March in an attempt to get drivers to use the lower line on the track. ... Sprint Cup Series driver Kyle Larson dominated the NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Bristol on Friday night, but Sprint Cup driver Austin Dillon won the race. ... Pole sitter Carl Edwards won from the pole the last time the Sprint Cup Series visited Bristol in April. ... Joey Logano won last year's NRA Night Race.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Bass Pro Shops Preview
By Micah Roberts

After a week off from NASCAR Sprint Cup racing, we've got the perfect stage set for a reboot where some intensity is sure to unfold in Saturday's Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway. The half-mile bullring, coupled with the lights on and wild fans -- a few of them liquored-up -- makes the scene the perfect place to start the final 14 races of the season. No more off weeks for the rest of the season. It's go-time for every driver involved that has hopes for winning a championship.

We can say that 20 drivers have sights set on winning the title and in reality maybe only 10 can actually win. Only four races remain before the Chase with five positions available -- four if Chris Beuscher finishes within the top-30 after Richmond (he's 3-points behind 30th-place David Ragan).

The type of racing at Bristol has changed -- some say for the worse -- since they altered the track layout in 2007, but drivers still get pumped for the atmosphere, especially for the night race.

“Yes. Bristol is one of those tracks I get a little extra pumped up for," said five-time Bristol winner Kurt Busch. "For me, I think that feeling gets a little stronger when you’re talking about the night race at Bristol. There’s just something special about that race. I knew it before I ever made it to the big-league level of the Sprint Cup Series but, the first time I was able to experience the night race as a competitor, it’s almost indescribable. It’s a place that gives you a big adrenaline rush. You can literally feel the energy around the track from the competitors and the fans who are just excited for 500 laps of racing at Bristol. There’s really nothing quite like it.”

The first thing we want to do in handicapping the race is check out the Bristol results from April where Carl Edwards led 276 of the 500 laps starting from the pole. It was a dominating performance and kind of a prelude of what was about to happen the rest of the year at all tracks. Chevrolet had won three of the first five races, but then only twice in the next 17. The Joe Gibbs Racing Toyotas have won 11 of the 22 races this season. Surprisingly, Hendrick Motorsports hasn't won a race since Jimmie Johnson won his second and final race of the season at Fontana in March.

So from that perspective, you have to start with JGR cars again. They're all in the Chase, they all have raced well at Bristol over their career and they're all looking to tack on more wins. Kyle Busch is a five-time winner at Bristol, Matt Kenseth has won four times, including twice in the last six. Edwards also has four wins, twice in the last five. Denny Hamlin captured his only Bristol win in 2012 and was third last August.

"We’ve had a number of wins there," said Edwards. "Dave (Rogers) and I and our team’s first win of the season was there. We’re going back with what we think is a better plan, a better car, and hopefully we can go qualify well again and put the STANLEY Toyota in Victory Lane. Bristol is 500 laps of insanity with the groove being up by the fence. You’ve really got to plan your passes. You’ve got to work traffic. Hopefully we can start up front, stay up front and play the game the right way. We’ve been having a lot of fun. This race is one of the ones we look forward to as an opportunity to have a good time and win another trophy before the Chase starts.”

A better plan and a better care for Edwards? Wow, that could be bad news for the rest of the field. The last driver to sweep a season at Bristol was Kyle Busch in 2009.

It's hard to suggest another team will win this race, but if you had to take two guesses to derail Toyota, Team Penske's Joey Logano and Brad Keselowski would be the best candidates. Logano has won the past two August night races at Bristol and Keselowski won two straight there in the fall of 2011 and spring of 2012.

After those two Fords, and the five JGR Toyotas, the pickings are slim. Kevin Harvick will be considered one of the favorites just because he's so consistent with a series-leading 17 top-10 finishes, but he still has only one win on the year -- in the fourth race of season at Phoenix -- and his only Bristol win came in 2005 with the older layout when there was only one groove. The old layout provided much better racing because every driver was fighting for that inside line. Fans obviously agree as the Bristol Night Race is no longer the hardest ticket to get in the series.

Kurt Busch is a five-time winner at Bristol, but hasn't won there since 2006. He was third in the April race leading 41 laps. Of all the drivers outside of the Penske and Gibbs cars, he probably offers the best value on the board. But you're not going to get better than 12/1 odds and he's only won once this year. It's tough beating all those Gibbs cars.

Beyond looking at who has done what at Bristol over the years, we can also reference Dover's 1-mile high banked concrete layout. Bristol is only a half-mile, but it's also concrete and high-banked making the set-up requirements similar for crew chiefs. Kenseth won that race in May just prior to the Charlotte All-Star race. Kyle Larson was second -- leading 85 laps, Chase Elliott third, Kasey Kahne fourth and Kurt Busch fifth. Keselowski was sixth and Harvick led a race-high 117 laps before finishing a lap down in 15th.

There's enough reason to suggest Kurt Busch again who is using that same chassis this week from Bristol and Dover, but what about Elliott who also finished fourth at Bristol? He's got the Hendrick drought going against him and he's also finished 13th or worse in his last seven starts after having 11 top-10s in the first 15 races. His current form isn't so hot, which makes him a pass. Larson, who is trying to qualify for the Chase, might be a decent look at 25-to-1 odds to win this week.

So we've broken down a few things and everything still points to the Gibbs cars.

Good luck and enjoy the race!

Top-5 Finish Prediction:

1) #20 Matt Kenseth (8/1)
2) #19 Carl Edwards (8/1)
3) #18 Kyle Busch (6/1)
4) #22 Joey Logano (8/1)
5) #41 Kurt Busch (12/1)

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Drivers to Watch - Bristol

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race
Saturday, August 20th – 8:00 p.m. EDT
Bristol Motor Speedway – Bristol, TN

The Sprint Cup Series heads to Bristol for the Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race on Saturday. This is one of the most exciting and popular races of the year, so the drivers and fans will certainly be looking forward to it.

This 500-lap race will take place on a track that runs 266.5 miles and features a standard four turns. Joey Logano is the driver that will be looking forward to this thing the most.

Logano has won this race in each of the past two years and that is a good thing for Ford manufactured cars.

Four of the five winners before Logano were driving in Toyota cars, so now it’s looking like it’s winnable for any car in this race.

Other active drivers that have won more than once here are Matt Kenseth, Carl Edwards and Kyle Busch.

It’s also worth nothing that Jeff Gordon will once again be in the #88 car, as Dale Earnhardt Jr. is still recovering from concussion-like symptoms.

With that out of the way, let’s now take a look at some of the best values in this weekend’s race:

Drivers to Watch

Joey Logano (8/1) - As previously mentioned, Logano comes into this race after having won each of the past two races here. He is clearly the driver to beat on this track, but he is still getting some decent odds and that makes him worth putting a few units on. Logano also happens to be coming into this race in pretty solid form. He came in second place in the race before the break after Watkins Glen and has now racked up eight top-10 finishes in his past 10 races. Putting a few units on Logano is as safe as it gets this weekend and it’d also be wise to pair him with a dark horse that just might pay off bigger.

Kyle Busch (5/1) - If there’s anybody that is a major threat to defeat Joey Logano on this track then it’s Busch. Busch used to be the guy that dominated Bristol, as he won in 2009 and 2010. He has also done pretty well in the other years, as he has two second place finishes and another two top-10 finishes at this track. Busch also happens to be having a very good season thus far, as he has four victories and has finished inside the top-10 at each of the past four races. He is the only guy that is as hot as Logano coming into this one and is worth a few units if you want to avoid taking the popular pick on Saturday.

Jeff Gordon (18/1) - Gordon’s last race could be any week now, but he’ll be out there on Saturday and that means he has a good chance of winning. Gordon has not looked great since returning to the track, finishing outside the top-10 in each of his three appearances. He is, however, one of the greatest drivers ever and would love to win at Bristol on Saturday. Gordon has not won at this track since back in 2002 and it’d be a great way for him to potentially go out. He also happens to have some pretty solid odds after his string of recent mediocre performances.

AJ Allmendinger (Field - 18/1) - Allmendinger isn’t necessarily a dark horse, but he is somewhat off the radar and could pay off big this weekend. Allmendinger is coming off of a very good performance at Watkins Glen, coming in fourth place two weeks ago. It was his best race since coming in second in the sixth race of the year, so he should be feeling confident coming into this one. If you’re looking for a driver that could shock everybody then this just might be it, so putting a unit on him wouldn’t be a bad move.

Odds to win Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race -
Kyle Busch 5/1
Kevin Harvick 15/2
Brad Keselowski 8/1
Jimmie Johnson 8/1
Joey Logano 8/1
Matt Kenseth 8/1
Carl Edwards 9/1
Denny Hamlin 9/1
Kurt Busch 12/1
Martin Truex Jr. 12/1
Jeff Gordon 18/1
Kyle Larson 18/1
Field (Any Other Driver) 18/1
Tony Stewart 20/1
Chase Elliott 25/1
Austin Dillon 40/1
Kasey Kahne 40/1
Ryan Blaney 40/1
Jamie McMurray 60/1
Ryan Newman 60/1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

EPL Notebook - Week 2
By Chris David

Week 1 Recap

The English Premier League started with an upset last week as Hull City knocked off Leicester City 2-1 in its home opener from KCOM Stadium. The Tigers were listed as high as 7/2 underdogs over the Foxes.

Along with Hull, Manchester City and Chelsea were both able to secure 2-1 home victories in Week 1 over Sunderland and West Ham United.

Bettors saw four road teams capture wins in Week 1, which has been a common theme in the opening weekend the last four seasons. Many pundits would agree that Liverpool’s 4-3 win over Arsenal from the Emirates Stadium stood out as the most impressive road victory in Week 1.

We did have three draws and all of them ended with 1-1 outcomes. Total players saw the ‘under’ go 5-4-1 in Week 1 as 18 of the 20 clubs posted at least one goal.

Two-Horse Race?

Manchester City (2/1) and Manchester United (5/2) opened as the top two betting choices to capture this year’s trophy as both clubs boast deep talented rosters. VegasInsider.com soccer expert Toby Maxtone Smith believes bettors will have better options in the futures market.

He explained, “I quite like Chelsea at the prices, as I'm finding it hard to split the Manchester teams, and Chelsea are double the price at 9/2. Leicester have no chance, sadly. I expect them to finish about 10th. My surprise team would be Liverpool - if they can be called a 'surprise team.' They were fantastic against Arsenal in Week 1 and I think the Gunners might finish outside the top 4 for the first time in years, while the Reds could be in the title race.”

“Hull look very likely for relegations, despite its opening win against Leicester. Their squad is ludicrously thin and they look dreadfully underprepared for the season. Burnley look like their making the same mistake they always do - not buying enough players, though they do have an excellent striker in Andre Gray. I think Crystal Palace are badly vulnerable. They have only won two of their last 21 games, and badly struggle for goals.”

Liverpool is currently a 6/1 betting choice and last year’s champions Leicester City has already dipped down to 40/1 odds.

Chalky Weekend

Oddsmakers aren’t expecting many tight affairs this weekend, listing seven teams as very healthy home favorites.

Manchester United started off Week 2 on Friday by cashing a 2-0 victory over Southampton as a minus-250 favorite (Bet $100 to win $40).

For those new to wagering on soccer, the below table gives you a basic look at money-line odds and the implied probability for each team to win.

Soccer Betting Odds

Favorites Underdogs

Money-Line Win Probability Money-Line Win Probability

-400 80% +400 20%
-350 77.8% +350 22.2%
-300 75% +300 25%
-250 71.4% +250 28.6%
-200 66.7% +200 33.3%
-150 60% +150 40%
-125 55.6% +125 44.4%
-100 50% +100 50%


The remaining six games with teams laying money as favorites are listed below:

Manchester City (-145) at Stoke City
Liverpool (-185) at Burnley
Swansea City (-130) vs. Hull City
Tottenham (-225) vs. Crystal Palace
Chelsea (-135) at Watford
West Ham United (-115) vs. Bournemouth

Bettors should note that three of the six favorites listed above are on the road and you could be reluctant to back the trio of Man City (7-7-5), Liverpool (8-4-7) or Chelsea (7-5-7) based on last year’s records as visitors.

Tottenham is laying the highest price in its home opener versus Palace. The Spurs only lost three times at White Hart Lane last season but it did have six draws.

Trends to Watch - Week 2

-- Everton defeated West Bromwich Albion 3-2 last September on the road and that kind of offensive production is rare in this series. Despite that outcome, the ‘under’ has cashed in eight of the last 10 encounters between the pair.

-- Crystal Palace closed last season with an 11-game winless streak (0-5-6) on the road and only managed to score nine goals during this drought.

-- Since Leicester City moved up to the Premier League in 2014, the club has gone 0-1-3 against Arsenal. Last season, the Gunners outscored the Foxes 7-3 in two victories.

-- Last season, Chelsea was tied with Everton and West Ham with the most draws at 14. Two of those outcomes for the Blues came versus Watford, who travel to Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

-- West Ham United had the highest goal scoring average (3.05) in the EPL last season and Bournemouth (2.95) was ranked fourth amongst 20 teams. In the two head-to-head meetings last season, the pair split the matchups (4-3, 3-1) and both were high-scoring affairs. They meet Sunday morning from London Stadium.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Sunday's Rio 2016 Olympic men's basketball betting preview and odds
By MONTY ANDREWS

The final day of the Rio 2016 Olympics is upon us. Before they snuff out that weird Olympic flame thing in Brazil, first they will have to hand out the men's basketball medals. In the bronze medal game it will be Australia taking on Spain and the gold medal match will feature Serbia taking on the mighty Americans.

Australia vs. Spain (-7, 163)

With the disappointment of yet another loss to the powerhouse Americans in semifinal action weighing on them, Spain will have to settle for a spot in the bronze-medal match Sunday against Australia. The Spanish are decisive favourites in this one, though they may be slowed by a lack of motivation after suffering an 82-76 loss to the U.S. in Friday's semifinal matchup.

The Australians will be looking to regroup after being dominated from start to finish in an 87-61 rout at the hands of Serbia in the other semifinal. Australia managed just 14 points in the first half against the Serbians, and will need a much stronger effort to hang in against Spain. Australia is looking for its first Olympic medal in men’s basketball, having finished fourth three times.

TV: 10:30 a.m. ET, NBC

ABOUT AUSTRALIA: Nothing went right on the offensive end against Serbia, as the Australians shot just 6-for-29 (21 percent) from the field in the first half while not attempting a single free throw. Patty Mills led the way with 13 points for Australia, which finished at 33.3 percent for the game while connecting on just four of their 31 attempts from beyond the arc. The Aussies entered with the best shooting rate (51.7) in the tournament.

ABOUT SPAIN: A sluggish start was the Spanish side’s undoing against the defending Olympic champions, as they fell behind by nine points after the opening quarter and couldn’t recover. Their work on the glass left much to be desired, as the Americans out rebounded them 53-41 - including a whopping 21 boards coming on the offensive end. Pau Gasol led the way with 23 points and eight rebounds in defeat.

TRENDS:

* The teams have split four meetings since 1984, with Spain prevailing 82-70 in their most recent encounter four years ago.

* Australia has a significant advantage in points in the paint through seven games, averaging 43.7 compared to Spain at 33.1.

* Gasol leads the team in tournament scoring at 17.9 points per game, while Mills is the leading scorer for Australia at 17.0.

* Australia G Matthew Dellavedova is second in the tournament in assists (6.9), but had just two helpers against Serbia.


Serbia vs. United States (-14.5, 181)

A plucky Serbian side came closest to handing the United States a loss in preliminary-round play. They’ll need to be even better to achieve the task this time around as they face a highly motivated American team in Sunday’s gold-medal showdown. Serbia won just two of five games in the group stage, but rolled past Australia 87-61 to reach the final.

They’ll face all they can handle against the U.S., which seized an early lead and used intense defensive pressure to subdue Spain 82-76 in its quest for a third consecutive Olympic championship. Klay Thompson poured in 22 points while DeAndre Jordan was a force with nine points, 16 rebounds and four blocks. The U.S. has won 74 straight international games.

TV: 2:45 p.m. ET, NBC

ABOUT SERBIA: Sleep on the Serbians at your own risk, after they throttled an Australian team that had defeated them by 15 points in group play. Milos Teodosic led the way with 22 points for the Serbians, who shot a stunning 53.3 percent from the field and handily outrebounded their foes by a 43-30 margin. Most importantly, none of the Serbian players spent more than 28 minutes on the floor - giving the core group some much-needed rest.

ABOUT THE U.S.: Friday’s semifinal score flattered the Spaniards, who trailed by as many as 15 points in the fourth quarter before staging an ultimately futile rally. The Americans, who had struggled to play elite defence throughout the tournament, held the high-octane Spanish side to 38.9 percent from the floor en route to their 16th finals appearance in the 18th Olympic tournament in which they have competed.

TRENDS:

* Both teams rely heavily on their reserves, with Serbia’s bench averaging 41.1 points per game and the American second-stringers at 40.0.

* The U.S. has a significant rebounding edge through seven games, averaging 44.3 boards per game compared to Serbia at 36.4.

* The U.S. has won its last three gold-medal finals by an average of 9.3 points, after winning the final by an average of 27.5 points over its previous four gold-medal victories.

* Serbia has the highest free-throw percentage (77.7) of the four remaining medal-contending teams.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Leamington Raceway

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

Race 10 - Post: 4:30 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 71 - Purse:$2800 - CLAIMING $6000 FOR N/W $1000
CONSORTIUM*CHOICES

# 4 SPAGO HALL 3/1
# 5 NOR STAR RENEGADE 7/2
# 6 SOUTHWIND ILLUSION 9/2

SPAGO HALL is tough to overlook as our best wagering option in this affair. Horoscope said take a chance today, this entrant is as good as any to take a shot with. Could be the finest in the group here, showing competitive statistics of late. Avg speed is a solid 74. This nice horse has shown us some prior ability, just look at the 75 avg class ranking. Should play well in this race. NOR STAR RENEGADE - When Gaudreau moves his starters down in class he has a 84 percent return on investment. The handicapping team gives this horse a competitive chance to win this one, class ratings are tops in the pack. SOUTHWIND ILLUSION - Had one of the strongest speed ratings of the race in her last affair. I'd recommend using in your wagers.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Miami

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

Race 1 - Post: 1:30 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 43 - Purse:$1350 - NON WINNERS OF 1 TO 2 RACES LIFETIME HDCP 2 YEAR OLD MAIDENS TO DRAW INSIDE
CONSORTIUM*CHOICES

# 4 TRISHAS FANCY 2/1
# 6 REYS N A ROCKET 3/1
# 3 JOHNNY DIRTSPITTER 5/1

The consensus today is that TRISHAS FANCY is the one to beat. The better than average ROI for fine animals beginning from the 4 post makes this nice horse a terrific play. REYS N A ROCKET - Has the look of a profitable play, averaging a nifty 51 TrackMaster Speed Rating. Recent numbers for the driver - 22 percent win - make this filly a clear choice in the bunch. JOHNNY DIRTSPITTER - He has nice class rankings, averaging 52. Should be considered for a bet in this race. Mason has the way for getting horses in the right place to win. Especially knows how to win moving down in class.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Ajax Downs

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


Race 1 - Claiming - 250y on the Dirt. Purse: $16000 Class Rating: 50

QUARTER HORSE 250Y, FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. WEIGHT, 126 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $7,000.


RECOMMENDED*CHOICES


# 3 IZA JAZZ GAL 2/1

# 5 UPPER CANADA 9/2

# 2 SENATOR LOGAN 3/1

IZA JAZZ GAL has a competitive shot to take this race. Phillips will most likely be able to get this filly to break out early for this event. Broadstock and Phillips have a very good winning percentage together. UPPER CANADA - The price could be just right on this horse. Will probably come out solid - I have liked the way this gelding has moved quickly to the front end recently. SENATOR LOGAN - Handler boasts strong win figures at this distance and surface. A solid 59 avg class rating may give this gelding a distinct class edge against this group of horses in this race.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Ely

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


Race 6 - Claiming - 5.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $4500 Class Rating: 81

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND OLDER. THREE YEAR OLDS, 122 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $2,500.


RECOMMENDED*CHOICES


# 3 ATTACK MODE 7/5

# 7 FISHINKONABLUE 6/1

# 6 ROGUE TWISTER 8/1

ATTACK MODE has a quite good shot to take this race. Has put up sound Equibase speed figs in dirt sprint races in the past. Her 77 average has this mare with among the best Speed Figures in this race. Had one of the top Equibase Speed Figures of this group in her last contest. FISHINKONABLUE - Looks competitive to be close to the lead at the first call. Ran a strong last race. ROGUE TWISTER - He has been running admirably and the Equibase speed figs are among the top in this group of animals. He has decent class ratings, averaging 86, and has to be considered in this race.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Woodbine - Race #2 - Post: 1:27pm - Maiden Claiming - 7.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $25,400 Class Rating: 80

Rating:

#3 MAHOGANY CAT (ML=4/1)
#2 KATE'S WHISTLE (ML=6/1)
#6 CAPE MIST (ML=7/5)


MAHOGANY CAT - Filly looks like the lone speed here. She may turn the race into a procession. Taking a trip to a lower level; has the ability to make her presence felt. KATE'S WHISTLE - This equine wins a lot of dough per start. Utmost in this race. CAPE MIST - Jockey and handler do well when they team up. Husbands and Lynch have been consistent together. Last race August 12th was pretty strong for a $32,000 Maiden Claiming race so this filly's effort wasn't all that bad. Lynch brings this filly back into a race rather than a workout. He knows his filly is on top of her game. Lynch brings her right back. I suggest you stay with this hot filly. Lynch moves this filly to the main track today. Look for a pretty big improvement from the most recent grass race.

Vulnerable Contenders: #4 KINGHORN (ML=5/2),

KINGHORN - This stretch-runner looks to have little chance without a ding-dong battle on the front end. Hasn't been coming close at all recently.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:

Bet on #3 MAHOGANY CAT to win if we can get at least 4/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:

Box [2,3]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:

Box [2,3,6] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:

Pass

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Laurel - Race #3 - Post: 2:29pm - Maiden Claiming - 5.5 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $22,000 Class Rating: 70

Rating:

#11 GALROYALE (ML=4/1)


GALROYALE - It looks like Cintron had to know this mare on August 13th when riding her for the first time. Back on board again today. That last race must not have been too hard on this mare for her to be able to race again so quickly. Sneaky speed on this one. She'll probably be stalking thoroughbreds on the back side, then demolish them down the stretch. Entered a $25,000 Maiden Claiming race at Laurel last out and raced on the soft turf finishing sixth. Expect better in this event.

Vulnerable Contenders: #10 PEARL'S LOVE (ML=9/2), #9 SKIING IN RUSSIA (ML=6/1), #5 NABADAAT (ML=8/1),

PEARL'S LOVE - This animal likes to be there at the wire, but doesn't usually win. Leave out of the top spot. When checking today's class rating, she will have to garner a better speed figure than last time around the track to battle in this turf sprint. SKIING IN RUSSIA - If she goes off near the oddsmaker's morning line of 6/1, I'll have to pass. NABADAAT - Would have to improve off that seventh place finish last time out to make an impact here.

GUEST COMMENTARY: The Turf Man - GALROYALE - With the dominate speed number in sprint races on the turf, this mare is going to walk all over these thoroughbreds.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:

#11 GALROYALE is going to be the play if we are getting 1/1 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:

11 with [5,7]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:

11 with [5,7] with [5,6,7,13] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:

11 with [5,6,7,13] with [5,6,7,13] with [5,6,7,13] Total Cost: $24

SUPER HIGH 5 WAGERS:

11 with [5,7] with [5,6,7,13] with [2,5,6,7,13] with [2,5,6,7,13] Total Cost: $36

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Saratoga

RACE #8 - SARATOGA RACE COURSE - 4:42 PM EASTERN POST

The Lake Placid Stakes

9.0 FURLONGS INNER TURF GRADE II THREE YEAR OLD FILLIES STAKES $300,000.00 PURSE

#2 CATCH A GLIMPSE
#1 TIME AND MOTION
#4 PRICEDTOPERFECTION
#5 ELYSEA'S WORLD

This turf race for 3-year-old fillies is named after the site of the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympic Games, located in the Adirondack mountains about 100 miles north of Saratoga. Originally known as the Nijana Stakes from its inception in 1984 until 1997, the Lake Placid has been run at various distances and has been carded at 1 1/8 miles since 1996. Here in the 33rd renewal of the graded stakes test, #2 CATCH A GLIMPSE takes a slight class drop (-1), and is the overall speed and pace profile leader, and has won 8 straight, including "POWER RUN WINS" in each of her last four outings. Jockey Florent Geroux has been in her irons on 7 previous occasions, winning 'em all, en route to a +329% return on investment in the process, and is here this afternoon at "The Spa" for his 8th ride, gunning for a "Double Grand Slam Win!" #1 TIME AND MOTION" has hit the board in four straight, winning three times, including a "POWER RUN WIN" in her 2nd race back.