Drew Gordon
Boston (+110) at SAN DIEGO
After getting shut down by Chris Young yesterday, I expect the Red Sox to come out fired up for this one, although expecting many runs would be fool hardy with today's pitching match up between aces Peavy and Beckett.
Look guys, there's little negative you can say about either hurler - Beckett is 5-0 with a lockdown 1.59 ERA on the road this year, while Peavy is 6-0 with a 1.93 ERA over his last 9 outings! Needless to say, neither offense is going to get much done this afternoon.
That brings me to my point: Which offense are you going to trust to break what will be surely be a pitchers duel today? The answer is the Red Sox, plain and simple. No matter what anyone says, the Padres are still batting .242 as a team against righties... Simply not good enough against a pitcher like Beckett.
Take Boston behind Beckett over San Diego in this interleague showdown.
2? BOSTON
Bobby Maxwell
N.Y. Yankees at SAN FRANCISCO (+145)
It's the rubber match between the Yankees and Giants and we're giving out San Francisco to take this one at home and send the Yankees out of town with another loss. It's another big Bonus Play winner on a plus-money home team as we go with San Francisco.
The Giants won for the first time since June 12 on Saturday with a 6-5, 13-inning victory over the Yankees. New York has now lost four of its last five games and give the ball today to Mike Mussina (3-4, 5.10 ERA) who has struggled a bit lately.
Last time out Mussina gave up three runs in six innings in a 3-1 loss to the Rockies Tuesday. His ERA is 4.41 in 10 career interleague road starts.
For the Giants it's Noah Lowry (6-6, 3.74) on the mound. This kid is so much better at home than on the road he is becoming one of those pitchers we really need to look at every time out in San Francisco. His home numbers are 5-1 with a 2.74 ERA.
Last time out at home he allowed two runs on four hits in six innings of a 3-2 win over the Blue Jays. He can pitch and he's very comfortable on that home mound. Let's play the Giants to get this win and take the series.
2? SAN FRANCISCO
Sports Gambling Hotline
Cubs (pick) at WHITE SOX
Windy City series closes for the '07 season today, and we are all about the broom coming out on the South Side.
The Cubs have held the White Sox to just 2 runs through the first 2 games played this weekend, as the Pale Hose slide into the lower pits of the American League continues.
The White Sox have now lost their last 4, and are 12 games below .500 for the season. They aren't getting any hitting, and the bullpen has not been getting the job done either. That is a bad combination to back, so we suggest you ride the Cubbies who have now evened their road record for the season at .500, and have also taken 4 of the 5 games played against the White Sox this year.
Sweet Lou owns Ozzie!
Play on the Cubs.
2? CUBS
Karl Garrett
Colorado at TORONTO (-120)
Today I say; "sweep, sweep, sweep!", as Toronto hands Colorado another setback.
The Rockies were riding high, as they took 2 of 3 at Fenway Park against the Red Sox, then swept the Yankees at Coors Field, but their weekend foray north of the border has yield a pair of clunker losses.
Just don't think Josh Fogg is all that good, and his two game winning streak - besting Boston and the Yanks - is about to come tumbling down on him!
Toronto may still be a game under .500 for the season, but they are a positive 23-18 at home this season. Starter Dustin McGowan was showing progress until his last start against the Dodgers, but I think he will come out strong today and keep the Rockies at bay at the Rogers Centre.
Brooms are out in force this afternoon, as Toronto sweeps Colorado!
2? TORONTO
Dave Cokin
Take "(925) BAL Orioles"
It's never easy to pull the trigger and fire on Steve Trachsel, but let's face it, the old pro righty manages to find ways to win, even though it's rarely pretty. Such would seem to be the case here. The Orioles have suddenly shown some signs of life, and while I believe they're an awful team that will revert to its losing ways soon enough, they're actually in a go with mode right now. Arizona lefty Doug Davis is in a funk right now, so Trachsel is very likely to get plenty of run support and that's enough to justify grabbing the price here with Baltimore.
Jim Feist
Take "(924) SF Giants"
Mike Mussina still looking for the form that saw him win 15 games last season versus just eight losses. So far in the 07 campaign Mussina is just 3-4 with a 5.10 era. In fact, his last seven starts have seen the Yankees win just two of those games. Noah Lowry has been very good for the Giants this year, especially at home where he has posted a 5-1 record with a nifty 2.74 era. The one knock against Lowry is his strikeout ratio which normally should be at least two-to-one. Lowry has struck out 49 on the year but has walked 42. However, our feeling here is that Mussina is way over priced and with a Giants pitcher that is obviously at ease pitching in the bay area, we'll take the big home dog on Sunday.
Sunday @ The Track Spots/Previews
SPOT PLAYS
For Sunday
TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE
Arlington Park (2nd) Jaybird's Miracle, 3-1
(7th) Gustiamo, 6-1
Belmont Park (7th) Building New Era, 3-1
(9th) Bruce Tickets, 4-1
Calder Race Course (3rd) Charing Cross, 3-1
(10th) Half Pint of Gold, 3-1
Canterbury Park (3rd) Silver Shaman, 3-1
(4th) Stevens Sword, 3-1
Charles Town (3rd) Rockzilla, 8-1
(7th) Galway Lass, 3-1
Churchill Downs (1st) C C's Prospect, 5-1
(9th) Liquoreux, 4-1
Colonial Downs (6th) Yankee Pride, 3-1
(7th) Solomon's Song, 3-1
Delaware Park (1st) Amazin Webb Snyder, 8-1
(5th) Street 'em Sheila, 6-1
Emerald Downs (2nd) Swing With Astair, 7-2
(7th) Judi's Kat, 3-1
Finger Lakes (1st) Time Stands Still, 7-2
(5th) Prospectforme, 6-1
Hastings Park (8th) Earl's Diamond, 4-1
(9th) Corone Real, 8-1
Hollywood Park (4th) Electric Daze, 7-2
(6th) Classic Attire, 5-1
Lone Star Park (4th) Excesseries, 9-2
(6th) Eddies Girl, 4-1
Louisiana Downs (2nd) Livvy Leigh, 9-2
(4th) It's a Boy, 4-1
Monmouth Park (7th) Tease, 9-2
(8th) Mary'sdixietune, 8-1
Mountaineer (9th) Centennial Cat, 9-2
(10th) Pull Over Please, 5-1
Northlands (5th) Blowing in the Wind, 7-2
(8th) Wake Up Mike, 8-1
Philadelphia Park (4th) Acumen, 9-2
(8th) Loquacious Lover, 8-1
River Downs (5th) Our Felicity, 5-1
(7th) Cherokee Waltz, 3-1
Suffolk Downs (1st) Western Sissy, 7-2
(2nd) Frankie Boy, 4-1
Thistledown (2nd) Razdazzle, 3-1
(14th) Loaded Soda, 6-1
Woodbine (9th) Renga's Girl, 3-1
(11th) Septieme Vague, 4-1
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Mike Superstein's Hollywood Park Analysis for Sunday, June 24
RACE ONE
SOUTHSIDE JOHNNY B has the market on current form. Racing near the bottom of the barrel at Golden Gate Fields, 'JOHNNY has reeled off three straight and finds a soft spot locally to capture his fifth victory of the year. BARRON H is a durable 9-year-old who has scored 17 times in his long career. He may have needed his recent start, as he had been away since February at Turf Paradise. MYSTERIOUS CAT threw in a clunker after being claimed by Jeff Mullins. He's usually a hard-knocker at this level, so a rebound is possible.
RACE TWO
BEAU GENI got caught up chasing a very fast pace June 6 and paid the price late. He won his two previous starts by daylight when allowed reasonable early fractions, a scenario he revisits today. MASHINA ran well last time out, but isn't very reliable. This one's last victory came in October of 2005. SILBER is another who looks good on paper but has had trouble locating the winners circle, as indicated by her two for 36 win percentage. A positive is that Corey Nakatani stays with her.
RACE THREE
GETBACK TIME was disqualified out of a third consecutive victory in the B Thoughtful Stakes, but the demotion was deserved. 'TIME shut off favored Somethinaboutlaura at the top of the stretch, costing that one a fair opportunity. Still, GETBACK TIME ran super despite the dq and deserves top billing. VACA CITY FLYER has won an amazing 14 times from just 27 starts while primarily racing in northern California. The caution is that her two races this year have been well below her best stuff. GN GROUP MEETING comes from the clouds and may be hindered by what figures to be a slow pace.
RACE FOUR
B R'S GIRL debuted in the Cinderella Stakes and ran a credible fifth despite racing wide throughout. The fact that she was only 3-1 as a first time starter in a stakes race displays how much her connections think of her. Facing maidens today, she should graduate. ELECTRIC DAZE is bred for speed (Gilded Time) has some flashy workouts for Doug O'Neill. This one could be something special. WEEKEND CONNECTION, a daughter of Pulpit, shows a swift 5-panel gate drill June 14 for Richard Mandella.
RACE FIVE
DIXIE CRISP is a rocket ship out of the gate and lands a good spot for her southern California debut. Trained by Bay Area kingpin Jerry Hollendorfer and ridden by Victor Espinoza, DIXIE CRISP has trained brilliantly since her last start, posting works of 58 flat and 58 4/5 at Golden Gate Fields. UNUSUAL BEAUTY is also fast, but must deal with the inside slot. She's fresh from a game score over California breds, but will have to hustle to keep up with the top one. COM EASY has been a major disappointment for Bob Baffert, losing as the favorite in three of her last four starts. At least she's back at her best distance today.
RACE SIX
In a real maiden turf scramble, let's give MI ARCOBALENO another chance. The Bobby Frankel trainee had a terrible trip here opening week, as he was shuffled right out of the contest while racing on the rail. Turf specialist Brice Blanc takes over today and if he doesn't lose too much ground, he could be along in time. LEGATE finished strongly to be second behind Isipingo, who returned from that race to win again. The Deputy Minister colt might just be starting to figure things out. ASCARI has been one of the few European import disappointments for Julio Canani. In an effort to right the ship, Canani installs blinkers.
RACE SEVEN
In a bulky field, it's important to have tactical speed. KELLY CARSON fits the bill nicely for Ted West. One of only two horses in the field with two victories this year, 'KELLY defeated much better as recently as April 6 and retains the services of Joe Talamo. SUGAR DOLL was runnerup in a blanket finish June 3 and now drops a peg for Art Sherman. She gets a significant rider change to Richard Migliore. NAUGHTYLILHOTTIE showed late interest in her latest outing and now moves back to the level of her last victory. Martin Garcia fills the unoccupied seat left vacant by Talamo.
RACE EIGHT
FILM EDITOR returned after a three-month freshening with a gritty score over Cushion Track May 16. She has the most balanced attack of any entrant and could come right back as she returns to the turf. IMAGINE was the beneficiary of a pace meltdown as she defeated first-level Cal breds. She could win another, but figures to be an underlay. CHARMING LEGACY tested the Cushion and was a non-threatening second. She'll do much better on this surface.
RACE NINE
MIKE'S TRIPPIN was an even fourth in a fast race for the class May 26. He gets a rider upgrade to Talamo and should make short work of this field from on or just off the pace. RANGE ROOVER had the lead til deep stretch before tiring. He'll make a run for it early under recent arrival Joel Rosario. FAMOUS FLASH has been outrunning his odds recently for low-profile trainer Mary Lou Tuck and could get another small share.
Best Bet-SOUTHSIDE JOHNNY B (1)
__________________
Belmont
By Dave Litfin
BEST BET: Callmetony (3rd race)
First Race
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1. Champchu 2. Omaha Beach 3. Shining Bull
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CHAMPCHU returned from a year on the sidelines with two races of similar quality; appears primed for a forward move stretching back to distancne of lifetime best effort. OMAHA BEACH got through non-winners of two claiming condition when claimed from first start on Belmont's main track; the one to fear if he holds form. SHINING BULL returns from a layoff, and returns to surface off both career victories; may rally late for a share.
Second Race
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1. Big Wig 2. Roadster 3. Fiumes
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BIG WIG raced wide in a strung-out field when unveiled on the main track just 11 days ago; half-brother to multiple turf stakes-winning 3-year-old filly Rutherienne is likely to improve with the surface switch. ROADSTER is the only other entrant besides the choice with a Tomlinson rating over 300 for grass; two gate works earlier this month. FIUMES was finished early at 3-5 in same dash as Big Wig first out; dam has produced a turf winner.
Third Race
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1. Callmetony 2. Anew 3. Bizzy Trick
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CALLMETONY has compiled an outstanding record on Belmont's main track, including a lifetime Beyer top in the slop last September that he was able to match earlier at this meet; can set or force the pace, depending on what ANEW does. The latter staged a remarkable turnaround after being gelded, winning four in a row last year climaxed by a front-running score in the True North; chased a very fast pace in much-needed tightener first time back from an extended absence. BIZZY TRICK won a pace duel, and held well for second last time out behind Rumspringa, who came back to run a good second to odds-on Rondo in a tough optional claimer; gets plenty of weight from the top two (and deservedly so).
Fourth Race
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1. The Ag 2. Glamour Star 3. Bella Attrice
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THE AG was strung out wide around the clubhouse turn, moved to contention down the backstretch with a sharp move, rallied three wide around the far turn and went clear with another move into the stretch, and held on well through a last eighth in 11.85 seconds first time out; better post this time. GLAMOUR STAR prompted the pace, was in a cluster of horses turning for home and finished willingly on good turf in first local attempt; bred for the additional ground. BELLA ATTRICE, like the top two, was a beaten favorite last out, but that was last October - and it wasn't the first time she had disappointed; trainer change for comeback.
Fifth Race
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1. Classic Flirt 2. Magical Mona 3. Smokin Sarah
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CLASSIC FLIRT looks to have been keeping company with stablemate Berry Bound (see today's Mike Lee) in workouts at Delaware, and ran faster than that promising colt (now an allowance winner) when they won respective maiden sprints on May 9; the central question is whether she can handle an additional furlong, but that's also a question for MAGICAL MONA. The latter was pounded to odds-on first time out, and posted a very professional win from off the pace; trio of progressively faster workouts since then. SMOKIN SARAH hasn't run quite as fast as the top two yet, but has the benefit of two races over the track in allowance and stakes company, and is turning back from a mile after overtaking CITY IN THE CLOUDS deep stretch of the NY Stallion.
Sixth Race
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1. Peace Mon 2. Perfect Bullet 3. Holiday Trip
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A large handful of contenders have recorded similar figures on turf, but perhaps the most likely candidate to improve is PEACE MON, who altered course to the outside in the stretch and finished well in sprint debut; trainer is deadly with second-time starters, and merely excellent with stretch-outs. PERFECT BULLET owns the top figure by a narrow margin, earned second time out at Gulfstream back in March; could be set to get back to that level after finishing evenly at 1-2 behind VIRGINIA MINSTREL in return from two-month layoff. HOLIDAY TRIP is likely to make presence felt in the lane, but has been prone to trouble while coming out on short end of close finishes several times.
Seventh Race
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1. Accountforthegold 2. Naughty New Yorker 3. Carminooch
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ACCOUNTFORTHEGOLD has beaten several of these in recent starts at Aqueduct, then had a difficult set-up chasing insanely fast fractions of 44.08 and 1:08.76 in a two-turn stake vs. open company at Monmouth Park; needs careful rating due to the presence of STARCASTIC (stretching out) and SMELLING SALTS (throw out latest in slop). If the top one becomes embroiled in a too-fast pace, it could set the table for NAUGHTY NEW YORKER, who was thrust into role of setting the fractions vs. open stakes rivals to begin this form cycle; has rebounded repeatedly from "off"' races to win immediately afterward when put back in statebred spots. CARMINOOCH and ORGANIZER aren't separated by much based on their last meeting on this track in the '06 Empire Classic. Carminooch has run well fresh, while Organizer comes off an improved try and may be rounding back to form third start off the layoff.
Eighth Race
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1. What a Tale 2. Chief's Lake 3. I'm a Numbers Guy
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WHAT A TALE could "bounce" off 17-point improvement on the Beyers to a 101 last out, but then again, he was ridden out as much the best, and has had five weeks of recovery time; that was also his first race on conventional dirt with Lasix, and he did sell for $750K as a juvenile, so perhaps he is simply a late bloomer. CHIEF'S LAKE and I'M A NUMBERS GUY were the two best statebred juveniles here last fall, winning their stakes assignments decisively. Each is on a favorable figure pattern based on their lone starts at 3, in which they slightly surpassed their best previous numbers.
Ninth Race
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1. Strikeuptheblues 2. Defrizz 3. Inside Info
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STRIKEUPTHEBLUES was a bit of a slow-breaking type last season, so it may be noteworthy that he broke on top of the field in his first start back from a four-month freshening; may be able to catch DEFRIZZ this time. Defrizz is also second back from a layoff, after shaking loose and hanging on well for second behind 8-5 Trick Meeting; continues to train swiftly at Saratoga. INSIDE INFO has been inching forward on the Beyers in every turf start dating back to last September; closed with a rush in first try at this level.
__________________
Churchill Downs
Analysis:: by Jill Byrne
Race 1 -
FORTY SI (2) could appreciate today’s shorter distance after failing to stay at a mile at this level last out. Her second place finish prior to that was good enough to take this. WORK IN PROGRESS (7) defeated older mares at this level last out and a repeat of that performance makes her perfectly capable of tackling her elders. C C’S PROSPECT (1) comes into Churchill off two wins and a second at Indiana Downs and looks well spotted to transfer that form to this group.
2-7-1
Race 2 -
RIDE EM COWGIRL (8) has run already four times, which is quite a bit for a juvenile at this time of the year. All of those races have been good performances and she gets another chance today and figures to be a short priced favorite. BAMBOO (2) ran a good race in her debut and showed professionalism as she made up ground from the inside late. She can improve with the experience of that race. UNBRIDLED RHAPSODY (5) has had no apparent excuses in her two starts, but is still eligible to run better off a nice recent workout.
8-2-5
Race 3 -
GOLDEN HARE (2) gets the slight edge today over QUE CANDY (4) in this six furlong starter allowance race. Que Candy defeated the top choice by a nose to halt a eight race win streak, but that was going seven furlongs and Golden Hare is better at today’s distance. Que Candy could not handle $10,000 starter horses last out, but is the one to beat again on the drop. WW CONQUISTADOR (6) is a stablemate of the top pick who will be running late if the fractions are fast on the front end.
2-4-6
Race 4 -
BUBBA SWAYBACK (2) was second at big odds against open claiming company and looms tough today in this race against conditioned claimers. Like the rest of this group, he is inconsistent and hard to put much faith in. DELTA SLAM (5) drops back down a level after being well beaten against slightly better horses, but he was a decent third prior to that. BILL HEINZ (6) has been away since November and is the biggest class dropper today as he faced allowance company before going to the sidelines.
2-5-6
Race 5 -
WESTWARD MISS (6) has a win and a second on the grass since her return to Churchill and looks well placed to be a factor again at this level. WITHLAPATIENCE (5) was second to the top pick after setting the pace last out and figures to be close or on the lead again today. But she will likely get pressure from Island Kitty and that could hurt her chances. COME ON CATHY ANN (2) comes in off a couple of sprint efforts and now stretches out as she makes her third start off a layoff. Main Track Selections: Island Kitty (3), Wundelia (7)
6-5-2
Race 6 -
POSSIBLE (5) is a first time starter from the powerful 2-year-old arsenal of Steve Asmussen who looks ready to go off a series of steady workouts that fit the stable’s winning profile. ITS READY (6) was wide in her debut. She has two nice local works since that effort and can improve today. SPIRIT LINE (4) is a daughter of excellent first time out sire Indian Charlie with a couple of nice morning drills for her debut.
5-6-4
Race 7 -
THUNDER ONE (5) ran well in a strong turf allowance sprint in his first race off the claim and is in a good spot today as he returns to the main track and drops back into a claimer. TOCQUEVILLE (4) will pressure the top pick on the front end as he goes for new connections today off an impressive win against conditioned claimers. He has two wins when facing claimers at Churchill Downs and is the biggest threat to the top choice. PREMIUM UNLEADED (1) was second behind a tough winner in Forest Phantom last out and would benefit from a speed duel between the top two choices.
5-4-1
Race 8 -
PARIOLI’S TRICK (2) has run very well in both his starts and sharp recent works point to another big performance. LAUNCHED MISSILE (3) raced close to the lead after stumbling at the start in his debut and can improve with that experience behind him. FOR GLORY (6) closed well to miss by just a nose in his racing debut. He showed little as the favorite in his next race, but gets another chance today for top connections. GUINNESS CHARLIE (4) is a debut runner for sire Indian Charlie who has been working very well at River Downs for his first out.
3-6-4
Race 9 -
MONTSTAR (6) drops a level after failing to be able to hold on against stronger company. He is very quick and has a strong local record and today’s different class of competition can help him hold on longer. GRADY O (7) was an easy winner at this level last out and looks capable of a repeat today if the top pick gets too much early pressure. LIQUOREUX (4) was an easy winner against a softer group at Mountaineer Park in his most recent start and has run well at Churchill Downs.
6-7-4
Race 10 -
VOTE EARLY (3) made a wide run in her last start against a slightly weaker group of fillies to draw away for a nice win. She has always shown promise and has a very good record on the main track. MORETHANAPRINCESS (6) and OCEAN CURRENT (9) drop out of the Grade III Winning Colors Stakes that was run in a very quick 1:08.60 for six furlongs. Morethanaprincess was third that day after making a premature move on the turn. Ocean Current defeated the top pick two back, but will likely face plenty of pace pressure if she wants to make the lead.
3-6-9
Race 11 -
GO RED GO (10) made up a tremendous amount of ground in his debut while racing wide. He figures to improve off that effort and draws well to the outside of the ample speed in this group today. UNBRIDLED TRUST (3) figures to be part of that speed off his two starts and could be able to hang on longer as he shortens up in distance. RED HOT POKER (6) finished well at decent odds in his most recent start and retains Leparoux as he tries to repeat that effort.
10-3-6
__________________
Calder
Analysis:: by Ron Nicoletti
12:50PM
Race 1 -
6 SPOKEN SOFTLY, a full sister to multiple Grade 1 winner Spoken Fur, turns back slightly after finishing a distant second vs. this level of competition at a mile and a sixteenth. Hot jock Eduardo Nunez is in the saddle again. 3 POWERGIRL is making her first trip around two turns after earning a check in both local sprint starts. The daughter of Golden Gold should be able to handle the distance. 2 SCHOOL TEACHER moved to the Tim Ritvo barn via the claim after posting a competitive speed figure (59) when beaten 2 lengths by $32K maidens at a mile and a sixteenth.
6-3-2
Race 2 -
7 ALL HAIL STORMY, aptly named to compete in soggy South Florida, drops after encountering trouble at the start (steadied) in his local turf debut vs. $25K optional claimers. Note that the Bill White/Jermaine Bridgmohan collaboration is a 3-time turf winner, a 3-time winner on a fast track, and 2-1-0-1 on wet surfaces. 13 DEAD RED needs two things to happen to get the call as the one to beat. First: The stakes-placed gelding needs to get in off the also eligible list. Second: The race needs to stay on the turf. 10 CUYUNI WATERS makes his optional claiming debut after defeating next-out winners Sheikh & Trickanometry in a fruitful 5-furlong maiden test last out. 2 ZAFIN, first on the turf, and second on the dirt at this level during May, drops after finishing fifth in a pair vs. $25K optional claimers.
7-13-10-2
Race 3 -
7 CHARING CROSS is by a sire (Cape Canaveral) that produces first-out freshman winners at a strong 26% rate, and from a trainer (Ed Plesa Jr.) who has a 20% win average with his 2-year-old runners. 5 HYPOCRITE is a son of Outofthebox that shows 6 local workouts, including 3 bullets, in preparation for what should be a speedy debut. Trainer Manny Tortora adds Lasix and Manny Aguilar for this assignment. 4 FINAL CALL, a full brother to stakes-placed Family Favorite, has trained consistently enough to be a factor in his lifetime debut. 1 SURREALDEAL shows a couple of swift 3-furlong drills in preparation for his career debut. The colt breaks from the rail with a front-running trip in his plans.
7-5-4-1
Race 4 -
4 SALTY'S ACTOR is turning back to 6 1/2 furlongs after setting the pace and fading late to finish fourth vs. similar in a stamina tweaking performance at a mile and a sixteenth. 5 KIDS GOT SKILLS is stretching out after posting the best last-race speed figure (67) when finishing second at 5 furlongs vs. similar at 20-1. However the gelding's zero-for-3 record at the distance is a concern (3-0-0-0). 2 CRAFTMANSHIP will wear blinkers after losing his best chance when he broke slowly in his local debut vs. similar at five-eighths of a mile. Trainer Wesley Ward, 24% with first-time blinkers, tabs Elvis Trujillo to ride.
4-5-2
Race 5 - THE LIBERADA
2 POTRA CLASICA, a versatile daughter of Potrillon, who is 3-2-1-0 on the Calder turf, 11-4-0-1 on fast tracks, and 3-2-1-0 on wet surfaces, makes her first start since drawing clear to win the $45K Emergency Nurse on May 6. She's the one to fear come rain or shine. 7 SAFFRONISTA gets 2 pounds from Potra Clasica after finishing second to her in the Emergency Nurse when both carried 119 pounds. Manoel Cruz handles the rematch. 8 EL BANK ROBBER, Potra Clasica's stablemate, who won the Ga. Oaks here at this distance last May 7, hopes to return to the turf after finishing second in a $25K optional claimer in the slop last out. 4 FUNNY ANNIE, who beat Potra Clasica on the dirt in the $60K Wayward Lass at Tampa, is looking for more on the grass after surrendering a mid-race lead to finish fourth behind her in the Emergency Nurse.
2-7-8-4
Race 6 -
2 SILK RIDGE comes off a promising but troubled debut in which she steadied entering the turn, apparently bled, and still managed to finish second. Trainer Gordon Potter adds first-time Lasix for this assignment. 4 DAZZLING PRINCESS is a daughter of Montbrook who shows three local workouts, including a half-mile bullet in the slop, in preparation for her career debut. Manoel Cruz rides for trainer Luis Olivares. 10 WONDERA, a $55K daughter of Three Wonders, shows a solid morning work tab in preparation for her career debut. Trainer Bill White adds Lasix and jockey Elvis Trujillo for this assignment. 3 BELLA CARINA may have signaled her intentions when she worked a 3-furlong bullet in :34 & 4 in preparation for this event.
2-4-10-3
Race 7 -
10 MANNINGTON is stretching out after dueling for the lead and finishing second in his promising 4 1/2-furlong career debut. Note that trainer Ed Plesa Jr. has a 22% win average with horses making their second start. 5 HEAVEN'S AWESOME gets Lasix after encountering trouble (tight quarters), and apparently bleeding, when finishing fourth behind Mannington last out. 3 API MOHKAT debuts for trainer Bill White with 6 local workouts showing, including the recent sharp 3-furlong drill out of the gate in which he worked in company with stablemate - and sixth race participant - Wondera. Use the earlier race as a handicapping guide before you plunk your coin down on this son of Early Flyer. 6 TINY MIRACLE can come up big when stretching out to 5 1/2 furlongs after closing to finish a willing third vs. similar at 4 1/2.
10-5-3-6
Race 8 -
1 LUCCHESE, drops, and turns back, after following his $16K maiden win with a so-so sixth place finish vs. $16K "two-lifetime" claimers at a mile. 10 WHITE WIND is stretching out after hitting the board in 1 of 2 recent 6-furlong sprints vs. this level of competition. 3 RIVER OF DREAMS drops into a competitive spot after failing to fire when facing $25K "two-lifetime" types at a mile on a sealed sloppy track. 7 CASSIDY'S GOLD moved to the Mike Thomas barn via the claim after edging away to defeat $12.5K maidens. The lightly raced gelding fits nicely vs. a group that has only 9 victories from 134 races.
1-10-3-7
Race 9 -
1 AT FIRST GLANCE is turning back after a very promising 5-furlong debut in the slop in which she was boxed in on the turn and still managed to finish second - beaten a length. 10 BARN DANCER, a half sister to Paul Maxwell-trained 8-time stakes winner Formal Miss, debuts with 7 local workouts showing. The daughter of Montbrook starts her career with Lasix added. 5 AMERICAN ASSET is a beautifully bred daughter of Mineshaft debuting for trainer Ed Plesa Jr. with three solid workouts showing. Plesa has go-to jock Roimes Chirinos in the saddle. 8 FULL EXCHANGE will stretch out after an eventful 2-furlong debut in which she broke awkwardly and steadied prior to finishing third.
1-10-5-8
Race 10 -
5 HALF PINT OF GOLD is stretching out after following her $16K 7-length maiden win at three-quarters of a mile with a second place finish vs. this level of competition at 5 1/2 furlongs. 6 PERFECT LIE totes only 113 pounds including apprentice Jermaine Bridgmohan after rallying late to finish third vs. similar at 6 1/2 furlongs when carrying 121 pounds in her last start. 3 TRIPPI'S DREAM showed a fondness 7-furlongs when she held on to defeat $20K maidens in her last race. 1 RHAPSODY IN PURPLE will face winners after leading every step of the way to defeat $20K maidens at 6 furlongs on sealed sloppy track.
5-6-3-1
Race 11 -
6 AWESOME ALEXANDRA is stepping up after a good $20K debut in the slop in which she recovered from a pokey start to get beat three-quarters of a length. 9 MARCHESA drops to the $32K level after finishing third vs. better in consecutive races at three-quarters of a mile. 8 BARBS BEST is stepping up after rallying to finish second behind 10th race participant Trippi's Dream last out. Use the penultimate race on the card as a handicapping guide before you get serious with this daughter of Luhuk. 7 REAL FORTUNATE gets some class relief after failing to earn a check in both local sprints vs. better competition.
BEST BET: RACE 5 - POTRA CLASICA
LONG SHOT: RACE 7 - TINY MIRACLE
6-9-8-7
__________________
TRACKMASTER RACE OF THE DAY
Today's Free Race: Calder for Sunday June 24, 2007
Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts at Calder
Calder - Race #8 - Post: 4:06pm
Rating: 4
Choice Plays:
#3 RIVER OF DREAMS (ML=6/1)
#8 FORTUNATELY BOLD (ML=12/1)
#4 KNOCKOUT'S IMAGE (ML=8/1)
RIVER OF DREAMS - Don't throw this horse out due to his last race at Calder where he finished eighth on a sloppy track. I look for an improvement today. Last raced at Calder carrying 7 lbs more. The lower weight in this race should serve him well. FORTUNATELY BOLD - This gelding is rounding his way back into shape. Should run well today. KNOCKOUT'S IMAGE - You have to really like that most recent race speed fig, 78, which is the highest latest race speed figure of this bunch. Taking a trip down in class; has the capability to make his presence felt. I believe the addition of the 'hood' today will help this gelding focus his attention on racing.
Vulnerable Contenders: #1 LUCCHESE (ML=5/2), #10 WHITE WIND (ML=3/1), #7 CASSIDY'S GOLD (ML=5/1)
LUCCHESE - Tough to play any questionable contender in a sprint race if he hasn't finished in the money in a sprint in the last 60 days. WHITE WIND - When checking today's Equibase class figure, he will have to notch a better speed fig than in the last race to compete in this dirt sprint. CASSIDY'S GOLD - Be uncertain about this sophomore versus the older ones. Will do better with more seasoning.
GUEST COMMENTARY: Winston - RIVER OF DREAMS - The event on June 8th had a class rating of 88 while today's class rating is 73. I got to bet this one on such a big drop.
STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Play #3 RIVER OF DREAMS to win if you can get odds of 3/1 or more
EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [3,4,8]
TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [3,4,8] Total Cost: $6
__________________
cappersaccess
(Sun) MLB Blue Jays Rockies 120 Blue Jays
(Sun) MLB Padres Red Sox 125 Red Sox
(Sun) MLB W. Sox Cubs 115 W. Sox
Larry Cook
Bonus Play: New York (A) Yankees vs San Francisco Giants
3* on NY Yankees -157 (Listing Mussina and Lowry) The Yankees are a much more powerful team than the Giants this season and it will show today. Mike Mussina struggled early, but has really turned it on in his last 3 starts with a 2.75 ERA. The Yankees catch Lowry in one of his worst ruts of the season with a 5.60 ERA in his last 3 starts. In their last 10 games, the Giants are hitting just .213 while the Yankees are swinging with a .282 batting average in tact. The Yankees are 7-0 in their last 7 vs. a team with a losing record. They keep beating the teams they are supposed to beat recently. The Yankees are 5-1 in Mussina’s last 6 Interleague starts. The Giants are 2-14 in their last 16 games as an underdog of +110 to +150 and 1-6 in Lowry's last 7 starts as an underdog of +110 to +150. Bet the Yankees as our Bonus Play today
Brian Gabrielle
Bonus Play: Proposition 1 Special vs Proposition 2 Special
At this week's Travelers Championship, Take David Toms (12-1), 1/6 unit: TPC River Highlands outside of Hartford, Connecticut, is short at 6,800 yards. There's a big pond that's in play on three finishing holes. I like the steady Toms to steer clear of trouble, which is my concern with picking Vijay. Both played well last week at Oakmont. Toms was steady as she goes with rounds of 72, 72, 72, 73 to finish T5 in the rough conditions. He's got six top-10s this year in total and nine top-25s (he has not missed a cut in the 15 tourneys.) Take Anthony Kim (25-1), 1/6 unit: The Q-School graduate and Tour rookie leads in final round scoring average (68.5)---you have to like that. The best example happened last week when he followed an 80 on Saturday with a 67 on Sunday to finish T20. It goes some way in explaining his consistent year of missing only four cuts out of 17 tournaments and four top-10s. Take Will MacKenzie (50-1), 1/6 unit: I was thinking we would not hear much from the dude after his splash out West to start the year. It has been true and not true: he has been streaky, playing well, top-20s one week, missing a cut or two, playing OK for stretches. For example, he missed three cuts in a row to start May, and since has gone T52, T11 and T8. He does not do anything particularly well or badly out there, but tends to let aggressive play get the better of him. A question is how much he wants to win because you can make a damn good living on the PGA Tour, which allows for plenty of surf trips. There is another young surfer who has won some on Tour, though: Adam Scott
brian gabrielle
NASCAR
Take Jeff Gordon (+313), 1/6th unit. It ain't sexy, but what can you do? Gordon has won at Sonoma on five occasions, including last summer. Plus, this is a Car of Tomorrow race, and we all know Hendrick Motorsports has won every COT event they've run so far this year save one. Gordon's dirt-tracking background serves him well in these road-course events; he also has four career wins at Watkins Glen, where the Smokeless Set will run later this summer. Take Tony Stewart (+497), 1/6th unit. Again, not what you'd call an adventurous pick, but it's hard to ignore Smoke on road courses, too. He had the second-best car all day last summer (Gordon was best), and would've easily finished second except he pushed the limit late and wound up hurting his car and coming in 28th. Stewart has won twice at Infineon and three times at Watkins Glen, and he's been exceedingly good in a few COT events so far this year. He also hasn't won a race yet this year, which makes him due. Take Juan Pablo Montoya (+627), 1/6th unit. Yes, I've just gone and done it: I've picked the three favorites at this race. I'm sorry...I'd like to be more adventurous, maybe try my luck with Ryan Newman (+1790), Kurt Busch (+1226), Boris Said (+1727) or Robby Gordon (+986). But I can't do it. Montoya is a Formula One veteran who's been salivating for the opportunity to get these round-and-round drivers on his home turf; now that they're at a road course, you're going to see the tiger unleashed from his cage. Remember, Montoya won a Busch Series road event earlier this year, in which he bumped aside his teammate, Scott Pruett, to win.
Marc Lawrence
Game: Cincinnati Reds at Seattle Mariners
Jun 24 2007 4:05PM
Prediction: Seattle Mariners
Reason: Seattle w/Batista over CIncinnati w/Arroyo:
Mariners send Miguel Batista up against Brandon Arroyo and the Reds in the wrap up of this three game set in Seattle knowing Batista is 3-0 with a 2.04 ERA in his MLB career team starts against thee Reds. With Arroyo in struggling current form and just 4-11 in his 15 team starts this season, look for the M's to get the money here today
Bobby Maxwell
It's the rubber match between the Yankees and Giants and we're giving out San Francisco to take this one at home and send the Yankees out of town with another loss. It's another big Bonus Play winner on a plus-money home team as we go with San Francisco.
The Giants won for the first time since June 12 on Saturday with a 6-5, 13-inning victory over the Yankees. New York has now lost four of its last five games and give the ball today to Mike Mussina (3-4, 5.10 ERA) who has struggled a bit lately.
Last time out Mussina gave up three runs in six innings in a 3-1 loss to the Rockies Tuesday. His ERA is 4.41 in 10 career interleague road starts.
For the Giants it's Noah Lowry (6-6, 3.74) on the mound. This kid is so much better at home than on the road he is becoming one of those pitchers we really need to look at every time out in San Francisco. His home numbers are 5-1 with a 2.74 ERA.
Last time out at home he allowed two runs on four hits in six innings of a 3-2 win over the Blue Jays. He can pitch and he's very comfortable on that home mound. Let's play the Giants to get this win and take the series.
2? SAN FRANCISCO
THE SPORTS ADVISORS
INTERLEAGUE
Detroit (44-29) at Atlanta (38-37)
The Tigers look to complete their second consecutive three-game interleague sweep on the road when they send rookie Andrew Miller (2-1, 3.63 ERA) to the mound to face the Braves’ Chuck James (6-6, 4.11) in this nationally televised contest from Turner Field.
Behind yet another strong outing from Justin Verlander, Detroit eked out a 2-1 victory on Saturday, its sixth consecutive victory. Jim Leyland’s squad is now 7-1 on its current road trip, scoring a total of 61 runs in the process.
After getting shutout in three straight games, the Braves finally managed to scratch across a run yesterday, but it wasn’t enough for them to avoid their fourth straight loss, all at home. Atlanta, which has scored on run in the last 38 innings, is just 6-14 in its last 20, producing three runs or less in 13 of those contests. Bobby Cox’s team is also just 4-12 in its last 15 home games.
Including wins in the first two games of this series, the Tigers are now 13-4 in interleague play, while the Braves are 4-10 versus the A.L.
Miller suffered his first big-league loss a week ago today at Philadelphia, giving up four runs (three earned) in six innings, falling 6-3 in the young lefthander’s first-ever road start. In two starts since being recalled from the minors, Miller has surrendered eight runs (seven earned) in 11 1/3 innings. However, he has pitched into the sixth inning in all three of his major-league outings.
James outdueled Curt Schilling in his most recent start on Monday, giving up two runs on five hits in 5 1/3 innings, en route to a 9-4 victory. The southpaw has now allowed two earned runs or less in five of six starts and three earned or less in nine of his last 10. On the downside, James has completed six innings or more just four times in 15 starts.
James is just 2-3 at home despite a solid 3.13 ERA.
The under is 8-2 in James’ last 10 starts (4-1 at home), w N.Y. Yankees (36-36) at San Francisco (31-42)
Mike Mussina (3-4, 5.10 ERA) will attempt to even his 2007 record when he leads the Yankees against Noah Lowry (6-6, 3.74) and the struggling Giants in the rubber match of a three-game interleague series at AT&T Park.
San Francisco snapped an eight-game slide by outlasting New York 6-5 in 13 innings on Saturday. Still, the Giants are just 7-20 in their last 27 games dating to May 25, including 3-8 at home. Finally, the Giants remain just 4-10 in interleague play this season, including 1-5 in the last six.
The Yankees are just 1-4 during their current nine-game road trip, all against the N.L. West. This five-game slump follows a season-best 11-2 run for New York.
Mussina has strung together three straight quality starts (2.75 ERA) for the first time this season, and he pitched well at Colorado on Tuesday night (three runs on seven hits in six innings), but had nothing to show for it as New York fell 3-1. The Yankees are just 4-7 when Mussina pitches this year, including 2-5 in the last seven.
With the loss at Coors Field, Mussina fell to 1-2 with a 4.60 ERA in six outings on the road.
Mussina’s only career start against San Francisco came at Yankee Stadium in June 2002, and he surrendered a run on eight hits in six innings of a 2-1 New York victory.
Lowry is coming off one of his worst efforts of the season, as he gave up all five runs in Monday’s 5-4 loss at Milwaukee, yielding nine hits and three walks over 5 2/3 innings. Since a string of a four starts in which he gave up two earned runs or fewer in each, Lowry has allowed at least four runs in four of his last five outings. During that stretch, his ERA has gone from 2.69 to 3.74
Lowry has shined at home this year, going 5-1 with a 2.74 ERA, as opposed to 1-5 with a 4.66 ERA on the road. Today marks his first-ever start against the Yankees.
Mussina is 0-1 with a 6.48 ERA in three day games (all Yankee losses), while Lowry is 2-0 with
RAZOR SHARP
BOSTON/SAN DIEGO OVER the total of 7
Trev Rogers....2-1 Saturday
36-19-1 Last 33 days
75-40-3 Last 118 selections
1. Rockies +110
The top 2 WNBA cappers both agree on Indiana, Indiana Over and the Houston/Phoenix Under for Sunday. The #1 ranked Arena capper picked Georgia. Georgia is a heavy favorite, like Tampa Bay last night who did not cover. Last night's WNBA and Arena got smoked.
Arena capper "daviddesveaux"
Record = 118-65
#1 WNBA capper "wgocts"
Record = 93-50-3
#2 WNBA capper "BADGUY"
Record = 95-59-2
AxisGranted
member since 4/2/2007
Survivor Pick Record: 30-20-1
Sunday Arena Georgia (Arena record = 5-0)
All records are 100% monitored and can be verified.
Untouchable Dime Players
MLB = 6-3 (+5.70 units)
Sunday Arizona for 1 unit
Untouchable Dime Players are a free sports handicapping service based in Las Vegas. We do not need to charge money for our picks. Enjoy your winnings!
III Elite Club
MLB = 15-27 (-132.80 units)
Sunday Hou/Tex Under for 5 units
This service is also monitored at a free pick site, where their June comps are 2-8-1 (-765 units).
This is the place where high rollers come for their sports handicapping needs, simply put, you must be an experienced and well bankrolled player to enjoy the full benefits of being an Inside Info Investors Elite Club member.
Dr G Spot
MLB = 261-244 (-180.80 units)
Yesterday = 10-13 (-31.80 units)
Sunday (all 5 units):
Min
Nym
Was
Chc
Phi
Sd
Sea
Sf
Det
Lad Over
Pit Under
Bos Under
IC: June 24th
529/864
1-0 (R)
1-1-1 (Fr)
3-2 (Sa)
I do make plays every day, but I write down a lot of notes whenever I go through games and what I'm going to do from here on out is just post all those notes here. I used to email the notes for those who asked, but I think it would be easier for all to put up the notes/research here.
Keep in mind that these notes are my train of thoughts as I'm going and as I type - they will be short, blunt and be jumping from thought to thought. Once I finish the notes, I return to the plays I like and make the plays on the bottom. I will keep this up so people understand how I approach betting. I research. I type. I go through my notes. I wind down the choices. I then re-write the plays that I like in greater detail. This is what has worked for for years so of course I will stick with it. Every 3-4 days I do series research, on the days, that I do not do series research, I just post the notes for the day. I do this as I feel that If I have done all of these steps, I have done everything I can to have a winning day and frankly, I do it so I don't have a irritable feeling at night that I missed something. At least in this way, win or lose, I have done everything I can to make sure that I win. This has resulted in 60%+ with 900 plays approaching soon. Although this is very tough in the fall, this approach is most worthwhile in college basketball and college football with a ton of weak underdog lines where the theme of the game is to take dogs that can win outright.
Mongi, the above was the answer to your question bro - ?FPRIVATE "TYPE=PICT;ALT="
MLB Notes:
Tempted to take the over with the phillies/cards but don't want to touch an over with the Cards. Kip Wells is on the mound which is a nice fade and should go over anyway, however Hamel is laying a lot of juice. Colorado should do well today with Fogg. The price is too hefty for Johan on the road and Kim hasn't been all that bad. The Tigers/Braves game is a tossup I think as Miller and Moyer were a tossup but the Phillies won and James is a good pitcher. Kennedy vs. Maine another toss up and no play there for me either although that game is likely to be pitcher's duel similar to yesterday. Would take the over between Cleveland/Wash but if Wash can only get 3 off of Byrd, who knows, so I'm laying off that as well. Would be tempted to take the Dodgers but not sure what to expect out of Kuo as he is still a relatively new pitcher. I'd rather lay it with some other known devil. lol. Gallardo is still too new to lay this kind of juice and the over/under presents no value. Lean on the Padres but I don't want to bet against the Sox on a bounce-back and I trust Young more than I do Peavy. Like the Mariners to hit Arroyo who is back in the AL. Too much juice on the Yanks although they should bounce-back and get it done today as the Giants were on a 8 game slide prior to winning in 13 yesterday. Tachsel and Davis should go over much like Livan's game yesterday. Cubs should sweep the White Sox although I hate betting against a home team avoiding a sweep but the White Sox are horrible and I think Guillen gets the hook at the end of teh season. Sampson/Tejada should go under as Sampson is on a big bounce-back and Tejada has looked better and better of late.
WNBA Notes:
Seattle is struggling on the road and I hate to bet against the Sparks at home as they have gotten things together despite all the injuries and pregnancy "leaves". The line has jumped a full 15 points in the total from the last game and this game is likely to go over again as the Storm come off a bad game. Indiana vs. New York - 2 teams in the thick of the eastern standings. New York finally broke out of their slump but Indiana has lost just 3 games all year and the series season split is at 1-1. 141 and 145 were the last 2 totals and I think this is going to be a tight over but this is likely to go over as well. I don't see much value in the Houston/Phoenix game besides Houston being a dog, but Phoenix comes off a very disappointing loss to the Shock and betting on Phoenix is a roller coaster, so I'd rather not.
Mariners -132 (5dimes)
Bronson Arroyo is always decent fade material this year. He did have a good game against the Angels at home, but I don't see him having such a good game today at home. The Reds are 4-11 when Arroyo is on the mound. Arroyo is 2-8 with a 5.24 ERA as he was supposed to be the anchor of this squad but it seems that he is as unpredictable as ever. I wish I got the Mariners off a loss but they are playing good baseball and their offense is solid as ever now. They just come off a 9 run performance as it seems that lineup is finally starting to hit and the pitching with Washburn is also coming together. In Arroyo's last 7 starts, 5 of which he has given 6 runs. The other was the Pads where he gave up 1 earned run and the Angels for 3 earned runs. Batista has gotten better and better and he has given up 3 earned runs in his past 2 starts and I think he hangs tough today. This could be a slugfest I am aware but I'll take my chances right now with the Seattle offense. The Reds are 0-7 in Arroyo's last 7 starts as an underdog, while the Mariners are 8-2 in their last 10 games against losing teams of interleague play, 11-5 as favs of late and 4-1 when Batista comes off 4 days rest.
Angels/Pitt Over 9
Colon is struggling and I've hit the over with him several times now and will do so again today. He could be injured but I'm not positive but that would not surprise me as he pitches through injury all the time as he has done previously in his career. Colon's ERA is up to 6.17 and he has pitched in the over in 9 out of 11 games. Colon has given up 29 earned runs in his last 5 starts and Gorzelanny is a good pitching talent and quite possibly the Pirates win this game. However, Gorz did give up 4 and 5 to the Yanks/Rangers and these are the Angels and they can put up runs on anyone. Right now the over train is what has been hitting with Colon on the mound and I don't see it so far off for the Angels to get runs against Pitt as they've already put up 10 and 5 in this seires. The over is 7-0 in the Angels last game of a 3 game series, over is 11-2-1 when they play losing teams of interleague play and over is 14-3 when Colon faces a losing team at home. The Pirates have all under trends with Gorzelanny on the mound but the over is 6-2 when the opponent scores 5 or more runs in a previous game and seeing that they only scored 1 run yesterday, I have this game at 6-5.
Indiana/New York Over 141.5
I was looking forward to this over and had this slated at 145, however, to see it this low made me a bit happier. The last 2 times these 2 teams played this year the totals were 141 and 145. Indiana is 2nd in the league in points and 1st in the league in free throw shooing at over 80% this is why I like the WNBA, they actually make their free throws and take the time to practice them where as the men, well we know how bad they are at making free throws. Indiana is #1 in the league in defense but Indiana lost to New York their last visit there. Indiana also put up 80 points on the Liberty at home in a blowout win. I think the Liberty do well back at home to avenge that 19 point loss, but I think Indiana gets its fair share of points as they come off a bad peformance against the Sun losing at home. I think both teams top 72 points and this game goes over as well. I have this game at 76-78 Indiana. It was either this over or the Seattle/L.A. Over and I'll lay the shorter number with new york as the active dog at home with revenge.
That's what I got gents, good luck today -
ic
__________________
Indiancowboy
Boston (+110) at SAN DIEGO
After getting shut down by Chris Young yesterday, I expect the Red Sox to come out fired up for this one, although expecting many runs would be fool hardy with today's pitching match up between aces Peavy and Beckett.
Look guys, there's little negative you can say about either hurler - Beckett is 5-0 with a lockdown 1.59 ERA on the road this year, while Peavy is 6-0 with a 1.93 ERA over his last 9 outings! Needless to say, neither offense is going to get much done this afternoon.
That brings me to my point: Which offense are you going to trust to break what will be surely be a pitchers duel today? The answer is the Red Sox, plain and simple. No matter what anyone says, the Padres are still batting .242 as a team against righties... Simply not good enough against a pitcher like Beckett.
Take Boston behind Beckett over San Diego in this interleague showdown.
2? BOSTON
Bobby Maxwell
N.Y. Yankees at SAN FRANCISCO (+145)
It's the rubber match between the Yankees and Giants and we're giving out San Francisco to take this one at home and send the Yankees out of town with another loss. It's another big Bonus Play winner on a plus-money home team as we go with San Francisco.
The Giants won for the first time since June 12 on Saturday with a 6-5, 13-inning victory over the Yankees. New York has now lost four of its last five games and give the ball today to Mike Mussina (3-4, 5.10 ERA) who has struggled a bit lately.
Last time out Mussina gave up three runs in six innings in a 3-1 loss to the Rockies Tuesday. His ERA is 4.41 in 10 career interleague road starts.
For the Giants it's Noah Lowry (6-6, 3.74) on the mound. This kid is so much better at home than on the road he is becoming one of those pitchers we really need to look at every time out in San Francisco. His home numbers are 5-1 with a 2.74 ERA.
Last time out at home he allowed two runs on four hits in six innings of a 3-2 win over the Blue Jays. He can pitch and he's very comfortable on that home mound. Let's play the Giants to get this win and take the series.
2? SAN FRANCISCO
Sports Gambling Hotline
Cubs (pick) at WHITE SOX
Windy City series closes for the '07 season today, and we are all about the broom coming out on the South Side.
The Cubs have held the White Sox to just 2 runs through the first 2 games played this weekend, as the Pale Hose slide into the lower pits of the American League continues.
The White Sox have now lost their last 4, and are 12 games below .500 for the season. They aren't getting any hitting, and the bullpen has not been getting the job done either. That is a bad combination to back, so we suggest you ride the Cubbies who have now evened their road record for the season at .500, and have also taken 4 of the 5 games played against the White Sox this year.
Sweet Lou owns Ozzie!
Play on the Cubs.
2? CUBS
Karl Garrett
Colorado at TORONTO (-120)
Today I say; "sweep, sweep, sweep!", as Toronto hands Colorado another setback.
The Rockies were riding high, as they took 2 of 3 at Fenway Park against the Red Sox, then swept the Yankees at Coors Field, but their weekend foray north of the border has yield a pair of clunker losses.
Just don't think Josh Fogg is all that good, and his two game winning streak - besting Boston and the Yanks - is about to come tumbling down on him!
Toronto may still be a game under .500 for the season, but they are a positive 23-18 at home this season. Starter Dustin McGowan was showing progress until his last start against the Dodgers, but I think he will come out strong today and keep the Rockies at bay at the Rogers Centre.
Brooms are out in force this afternoon, as Toronto sweeps Colorado!
2? TORONTO
Dave Cokin
Take "(925) BAL Orioles"
It's never easy to pull the trigger and fire on Steve Trachsel, but let's face it, the old pro righty manages to find ways to win, even though it's rarely pretty. Such would seem to be the case here. The Orioles have suddenly shown some signs of life, and while I believe they're an awful team that will revert to its losing ways soon enough, they're actually in a go with mode right now. Arizona lefty Doug Davis is in a funk right now, so Trachsel is very likely to get plenty of run support and that's enough to justify grabbing the price here with Baltimore.
Jim Feist
Take "(924) SF Giants"
Mike Mussina still looking for the form that saw him win 15 games last season versus just eight losses. So far in the 07 campaign Mussina is just 3-4 with a 5.10 era. In fact, his last seven starts have seen the Yankees win just two of those games. Noah Lowry has been very good for the Giants this year, especially at home where he has posted a 5-1 record with a nifty 2.74 era. The one knock against Lowry is his strikeout ratio which normally should be at least two-to-one. Lowry has struck out 49 on the year but has walked 42. However, our feeling here is that Mussina is way over priced and with a Giants pitcher that is obviously at ease pitching in the bay area, we'll take the big home dog on Sunday.
Sunday @ The Track Spots/Previews
SPOT PLAYS
For Sunday
TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE
Arlington Park (2nd) Jaybird's Miracle, 3-1
(7th) Gustiamo, 6-1
Belmont Park (7th) Building New Era, 3-1
(9th) Bruce Tickets, 4-1
Calder Race Course (3rd) Charing Cross, 3-1
(10th) Half Pint of Gold, 3-1
Canterbury Park (3rd) Silver Shaman, 3-1
(4th) Stevens Sword, 3-1
Charles Town (3rd) Rockzilla, 8-1
(7th) Galway Lass, 3-1
Churchill Downs (1st) C C's Prospect, 5-1
(9th) Liquoreux, 4-1
Colonial Downs (6th) Yankee Pride, 3-1
(7th) Solomon's Song, 3-1
Delaware Park (1st) Amazin Webb Snyder, 8-1
(5th) Street 'em Sheila, 6-1
Emerald Downs (2nd) Swing With Astair, 7-2
(7th) Judi's Kat, 3-1
Finger Lakes (1st) Time Stands Still, 7-2
(5th) Prospectforme, 6-1
Hastings Park (8th) Earl's Diamond, 4-1
(9th) Corone Real, 8-1
Hollywood Park (4th) Electric Daze, 7-2
(6th) Classic Attire, 5-1
Lone Star Park (4th) Excesseries, 9-2
(6th) Eddies Girl, 4-1
Louisiana Downs (2nd) Livvy Leigh, 9-2
(4th) It's a Boy, 4-1
Monmouth Park (7th) Tease, 9-2
(8th) Mary'sdixietune, 8-1
Mountaineer (9th) Centennial Cat, 9-2
(10th) Pull Over Please, 5-1
Northlands (5th) Blowing in the Wind, 7-2
(8th) Wake Up Mike, 8-1
Philadelphia Park (4th) Acumen, 9-2
(8th) Loquacious Lover, 8-1
River Downs (5th) Our Felicity, 5-1
(7th) Cherokee Waltz, 3-1
Suffolk Downs (1st) Western Sissy, 7-2
(2nd) Frankie Boy, 4-1
Thistledown (2nd) Razdazzle, 3-1
(14th) Loaded Soda, 6-1
Woodbine (9th) Renga's Girl, 3-1
(11th) Septieme Vague, 4-1
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Mike Superstein's Hollywood Park Analysis for Sunday, June 24
RACE ONE
SOUTHSIDE JOHNNY B has the market on current form. Racing near the bottom of the barrel at Golden Gate Fields, 'JOHNNY has reeled off three straight and finds a soft spot locally to capture his fifth victory of the year. BARRON H is a durable 9-year-old who has scored 17 times in his long career. He may have needed his recent start, as he had been away since February at Turf Paradise. MYSTERIOUS CAT threw in a clunker after being claimed by Jeff Mullins. He's usually a hard-knocker at this level, so a rebound is possible.
RACE TWO
BEAU GENI got caught up chasing a very fast pace June 6 and paid the price late. He won his two previous starts by daylight when allowed reasonable early fractions, a scenario he revisits today. MASHINA ran well last time out, but isn't very reliable. This one's last victory came in October of 2005. SILBER is another who looks good on paper but has had trouble locating the winners circle, as indicated by her two for 36 win percentage. A positive is that Corey Nakatani stays with her.
RACE THREE
GETBACK TIME was disqualified out of a third consecutive victory in the B Thoughtful Stakes, but the demotion was deserved. 'TIME shut off favored Somethinaboutlaura at the top of the stretch, costing that one a fair opportunity. Still, GETBACK TIME ran super despite the dq and deserves top billing. VACA CITY FLYER has won an amazing 14 times from just 27 starts while primarily racing in northern California. The caution is that her two races this year have been well below her best stuff. GN GROUP MEETING comes from the clouds and may be hindered by what figures to be a slow pace.
RACE FOUR
B R'S GIRL debuted in the Cinderella Stakes and ran a credible fifth despite racing wide throughout. The fact that she was only 3-1 as a first time starter in a stakes race displays how much her connections think of her. Facing maidens today, she should graduate. ELECTRIC DAZE is bred for speed (Gilded Time) has some flashy workouts for Doug O'Neill. This one could be something special. WEEKEND CONNECTION, a daughter of Pulpit, shows a swift 5-panel gate drill June 14 for Richard Mandella.
RACE FIVE
DIXIE CRISP is a rocket ship out of the gate and lands a good spot for her southern California debut. Trained by Bay Area kingpin Jerry Hollendorfer and ridden by Victor Espinoza, DIXIE CRISP has trained brilliantly since her last start, posting works of 58 flat and 58 4/5 at Golden Gate Fields. UNUSUAL BEAUTY is also fast, but must deal with the inside slot. She's fresh from a game score over California breds, but will have to hustle to keep up with the top one. COM EASY has been a major disappointment for Bob Baffert, losing as the favorite in three of her last four starts. At least she's back at her best distance today.
RACE SIX
In a real maiden turf scramble, let's give MI ARCOBALENO another chance. The Bobby Frankel trainee had a terrible trip here opening week, as he was shuffled right out of the contest while racing on the rail. Turf specialist Brice Blanc takes over today and if he doesn't lose too much ground, he could be along in time. LEGATE finished strongly to be second behind Isipingo, who returned from that race to win again. The Deputy Minister colt might just be starting to figure things out. ASCARI has been one of the few European import disappointments for Julio Canani. In an effort to right the ship, Canani installs blinkers.
RACE SEVEN
In a bulky field, it's important to have tactical speed. KELLY CARSON fits the bill nicely for Ted West. One of only two horses in the field with two victories this year, 'KELLY defeated much better as recently as April 6 and retains the services of Joe Talamo. SUGAR DOLL was runnerup in a blanket finish June 3 and now drops a peg for Art Sherman. She gets a significant rider change to Richard Migliore. NAUGHTYLILHOTTIE showed late interest in her latest outing and now moves back to the level of her last victory. Martin Garcia fills the unoccupied seat left vacant by Talamo.
RACE EIGHT
FILM EDITOR returned after a three-month freshening with a gritty score over Cushion Track May 16. She has the most balanced attack of any entrant and could come right back as she returns to the turf. IMAGINE was the beneficiary of a pace meltdown as she defeated first-level Cal breds. She could win another, but figures to be an underlay. CHARMING LEGACY tested the Cushion and was a non-threatening second. She'll do much better on this surface.
RACE NINE
MIKE'S TRIPPIN was an even fourth in a fast race for the class May 26. He gets a rider upgrade to Talamo and should make short work of this field from on or just off the pace. RANGE ROOVER had the lead til deep stretch before tiring. He'll make a run for it early under recent arrival Joel Rosario. FAMOUS FLASH has been outrunning his odds recently for low-profile trainer Mary Lou Tuck and could get another small share.
Best Bet-SOUTHSIDE JOHNNY B (1)
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Belmont
By Dave Litfin
BEST BET: Callmetony (3rd race)
First Race
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1. Champchu 2. Omaha Beach 3. Shining Bull
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CHAMPCHU returned from a year on the sidelines with two races of similar quality; appears primed for a forward move stretching back to distancne of lifetime best effort. OMAHA BEACH got through non-winners of two claiming condition when claimed from first start on Belmont's main track; the one to fear if he holds form. SHINING BULL returns from a layoff, and returns to surface off both career victories; may rally late for a share.
Second Race
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1. Big Wig 2. Roadster 3. Fiumes
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BIG WIG raced wide in a strung-out field when unveiled on the main track just 11 days ago; half-brother to multiple turf stakes-winning 3-year-old filly Rutherienne is likely to improve with the surface switch. ROADSTER is the only other entrant besides the choice with a Tomlinson rating over 300 for grass; two gate works earlier this month. FIUMES was finished early at 3-5 in same dash as Big Wig first out; dam has produced a turf winner.
Third Race
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1. Callmetony 2. Anew 3. Bizzy Trick
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CALLMETONY has compiled an outstanding record on Belmont's main track, including a lifetime Beyer top in the slop last September that he was able to match earlier at this meet; can set or force the pace, depending on what ANEW does. The latter staged a remarkable turnaround after being gelded, winning four in a row last year climaxed by a front-running score in the True North; chased a very fast pace in much-needed tightener first time back from an extended absence. BIZZY TRICK won a pace duel, and held well for second last time out behind Rumspringa, who came back to run a good second to odds-on Rondo in a tough optional claimer; gets plenty of weight from the top two (and deservedly so).
Fourth Race
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1. The Ag 2. Glamour Star 3. Bella Attrice
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THE AG was strung out wide around the clubhouse turn, moved to contention down the backstretch with a sharp move, rallied three wide around the far turn and went clear with another move into the stretch, and held on well through a last eighth in 11.85 seconds first time out; better post this time. GLAMOUR STAR prompted the pace, was in a cluster of horses turning for home and finished willingly on good turf in first local attempt; bred for the additional ground. BELLA ATTRICE, like the top two, was a beaten favorite last out, but that was last October - and it wasn't the first time she had disappointed; trainer change for comeback.
Fifth Race
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1. Classic Flirt 2. Magical Mona 3. Smokin Sarah
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CLASSIC FLIRT looks to have been keeping company with stablemate Berry Bound (see today's Mike Lee) in workouts at Delaware, and ran faster than that promising colt (now an allowance winner) when they won respective maiden sprints on May 9; the central question is whether she can handle an additional furlong, but that's also a question for MAGICAL MONA. The latter was pounded to odds-on first time out, and posted a very professional win from off the pace; trio of progressively faster workouts since then. SMOKIN SARAH hasn't run quite as fast as the top two yet, but has the benefit of two races over the track in allowance and stakes company, and is turning back from a mile after overtaking CITY IN THE CLOUDS deep stretch of the NY Stallion.
Sixth Race
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1. Peace Mon 2. Perfect Bullet 3. Holiday Trip
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A large handful of contenders have recorded similar figures on turf, but perhaps the most likely candidate to improve is PEACE MON, who altered course to the outside in the stretch and finished well in sprint debut; trainer is deadly with second-time starters, and merely excellent with stretch-outs. PERFECT BULLET owns the top figure by a narrow margin, earned second time out at Gulfstream back in March; could be set to get back to that level after finishing evenly at 1-2 behind VIRGINIA MINSTREL in return from two-month layoff. HOLIDAY TRIP is likely to make presence felt in the lane, but has been prone to trouble while coming out on short end of close finishes several times.
Seventh Race
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1. Accountforthegold 2. Naughty New Yorker 3. Carminooch
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ACCOUNTFORTHEGOLD has beaten several of these in recent starts at Aqueduct, then had a difficult set-up chasing insanely fast fractions of 44.08 and 1:08.76 in a two-turn stake vs. open company at Monmouth Park; needs careful rating due to the presence of STARCASTIC (stretching out) and SMELLING SALTS (throw out latest in slop). If the top one becomes embroiled in a too-fast pace, it could set the table for NAUGHTY NEW YORKER, who was thrust into role of setting the fractions vs. open stakes rivals to begin this form cycle; has rebounded repeatedly from "off"' races to win immediately afterward when put back in statebred spots. CARMINOOCH and ORGANIZER aren't separated by much based on their last meeting on this track in the '06 Empire Classic. Carminooch has run well fresh, while Organizer comes off an improved try and may be rounding back to form third start off the layoff.
Eighth Race
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1. What a Tale 2. Chief's Lake 3. I'm a Numbers Guy
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WHAT A TALE could "bounce" off 17-point improvement on the Beyers to a 101 last out, but then again, he was ridden out as much the best, and has had five weeks of recovery time; that was also his first race on conventional dirt with Lasix, and he did sell for $750K as a juvenile, so perhaps he is simply a late bloomer. CHIEF'S LAKE and I'M A NUMBERS GUY were the two best statebred juveniles here last fall, winning their stakes assignments decisively. Each is on a favorable figure pattern based on their lone starts at 3, in which they slightly surpassed their best previous numbers.
Ninth Race
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1. Strikeuptheblues 2. Defrizz 3. Inside Info
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STRIKEUPTHEBLUES was a bit of a slow-breaking type last season, so it may be noteworthy that he broke on top of the field in his first start back from a four-month freshening; may be able to catch DEFRIZZ this time. Defrizz is also second back from a layoff, after shaking loose and hanging on well for second behind 8-5 Trick Meeting; continues to train swiftly at Saratoga. INSIDE INFO has been inching forward on the Beyers in every turf start dating back to last September; closed with a rush in first try at this level.
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Churchill Downs
Analysis:: by Jill Byrne
Race 1 -
FORTY SI (2) could appreciate today’s shorter distance after failing to stay at a mile at this level last out. Her second place finish prior to that was good enough to take this. WORK IN PROGRESS (7) defeated older mares at this level last out and a repeat of that performance makes her perfectly capable of tackling her elders. C C’S PROSPECT (1) comes into Churchill off two wins and a second at Indiana Downs and looks well spotted to transfer that form to this group.
2-7-1
Race 2 -
RIDE EM COWGIRL (8) has run already four times, which is quite a bit for a juvenile at this time of the year. All of those races have been good performances and she gets another chance today and figures to be a short priced favorite. BAMBOO (2) ran a good race in her debut and showed professionalism as she made up ground from the inside late. She can improve with the experience of that race. UNBRIDLED RHAPSODY (5) has had no apparent excuses in her two starts, but is still eligible to run better off a nice recent workout.
8-2-5
Race 3 -
GOLDEN HARE (2) gets the slight edge today over QUE CANDY (4) in this six furlong starter allowance race. Que Candy defeated the top choice by a nose to halt a eight race win streak, but that was going seven furlongs and Golden Hare is better at today’s distance. Que Candy could not handle $10,000 starter horses last out, but is the one to beat again on the drop. WW CONQUISTADOR (6) is a stablemate of the top pick who will be running late if the fractions are fast on the front end.
2-4-6
Race 4 -
BUBBA SWAYBACK (2) was second at big odds against open claiming company and looms tough today in this race against conditioned claimers. Like the rest of this group, he is inconsistent and hard to put much faith in. DELTA SLAM (5) drops back down a level after being well beaten against slightly better horses, but he was a decent third prior to that. BILL HEINZ (6) has been away since November and is the biggest class dropper today as he faced allowance company before going to the sidelines.
2-5-6
Race 5 -
WESTWARD MISS (6) has a win and a second on the grass since her return to Churchill and looks well placed to be a factor again at this level. WITHLAPATIENCE (5) was second to the top pick after setting the pace last out and figures to be close or on the lead again today. But she will likely get pressure from Island Kitty and that could hurt her chances. COME ON CATHY ANN (2) comes in off a couple of sprint efforts and now stretches out as she makes her third start off a layoff. Main Track Selections: Island Kitty (3), Wundelia (7)
6-5-2
Race 6 -
POSSIBLE (5) is a first time starter from the powerful 2-year-old arsenal of Steve Asmussen who looks ready to go off a series of steady workouts that fit the stable’s winning profile. ITS READY (6) was wide in her debut. She has two nice local works since that effort and can improve today. SPIRIT LINE (4) is a daughter of excellent first time out sire Indian Charlie with a couple of nice morning drills for her debut.
5-6-4
Race 7 -
THUNDER ONE (5) ran well in a strong turf allowance sprint in his first race off the claim and is in a good spot today as he returns to the main track and drops back into a claimer. TOCQUEVILLE (4) will pressure the top pick on the front end as he goes for new connections today off an impressive win against conditioned claimers. He has two wins when facing claimers at Churchill Downs and is the biggest threat to the top choice. PREMIUM UNLEADED (1) was second behind a tough winner in Forest Phantom last out and would benefit from a speed duel between the top two choices.
5-4-1
Race 8 -
PARIOLI’S TRICK (2) has run very well in both his starts and sharp recent works point to another big performance. LAUNCHED MISSILE (3) raced close to the lead after stumbling at the start in his debut and can improve with that experience behind him. FOR GLORY (6) closed well to miss by just a nose in his racing debut. He showed little as the favorite in his next race, but gets another chance today for top connections. GUINNESS CHARLIE (4) is a debut runner for sire Indian Charlie who has been working very well at River Downs for his first out.
3-6-4
Race 9 -
MONTSTAR (6) drops a level after failing to be able to hold on against stronger company. He is very quick and has a strong local record and today’s different class of competition can help him hold on longer. GRADY O (7) was an easy winner at this level last out and looks capable of a repeat today if the top pick gets too much early pressure. LIQUOREUX (4) was an easy winner against a softer group at Mountaineer Park in his most recent start and has run well at Churchill Downs.
6-7-4
Race 10 -
VOTE EARLY (3) made a wide run in her last start against a slightly weaker group of fillies to draw away for a nice win. She has always shown promise and has a very good record on the main track. MORETHANAPRINCESS (6) and OCEAN CURRENT (9) drop out of the Grade III Winning Colors Stakes that was run in a very quick 1:08.60 for six furlongs. Morethanaprincess was third that day after making a premature move on the turn. Ocean Current defeated the top pick two back, but will likely face plenty of pace pressure if she wants to make the lead.
3-6-9
Race 11 -
GO RED GO (10) made up a tremendous amount of ground in his debut while racing wide. He figures to improve off that effort and draws well to the outside of the ample speed in this group today. UNBRIDLED TRUST (3) figures to be part of that speed off his two starts and could be able to hang on longer as he shortens up in distance. RED HOT POKER (6) finished well at decent odds in his most recent start and retains Leparoux as he tries to repeat that effort.
10-3-6
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Calder
Analysis:: by Ron Nicoletti
12:50PM
Race 1 -
6 SPOKEN SOFTLY, a full sister to multiple Grade 1 winner Spoken Fur, turns back slightly after finishing a distant second vs. this level of competition at a mile and a sixteenth. Hot jock Eduardo Nunez is in the saddle again. 3 POWERGIRL is making her first trip around two turns after earning a check in both local sprint starts. The daughter of Golden Gold should be able to handle the distance. 2 SCHOOL TEACHER moved to the Tim Ritvo barn via the claim after posting a competitive speed figure (59) when beaten 2 lengths by $32K maidens at a mile and a sixteenth.
6-3-2
Race 2 -
7 ALL HAIL STORMY, aptly named to compete in soggy South Florida, drops after encountering trouble at the start (steadied) in his local turf debut vs. $25K optional claimers. Note that the Bill White/Jermaine Bridgmohan collaboration is a 3-time turf winner, a 3-time winner on a fast track, and 2-1-0-1 on wet surfaces. 13 DEAD RED needs two things to happen to get the call as the one to beat. First: The stakes-placed gelding needs to get in off the also eligible list. Second: The race needs to stay on the turf. 10 CUYUNI WATERS makes his optional claiming debut after defeating next-out winners Sheikh & Trickanometry in a fruitful 5-furlong maiden test last out. 2 ZAFIN, first on the turf, and second on the dirt at this level during May, drops after finishing fifth in a pair vs. $25K optional claimers.
7-13-10-2
Race 3 -
7 CHARING CROSS is by a sire (Cape Canaveral) that produces first-out freshman winners at a strong 26% rate, and from a trainer (Ed Plesa Jr.) who has a 20% win average with his 2-year-old runners. 5 HYPOCRITE is a son of Outofthebox that shows 6 local workouts, including 3 bullets, in preparation for what should be a speedy debut. Trainer Manny Tortora adds Lasix and Manny Aguilar for this assignment. 4 FINAL CALL, a full brother to stakes-placed Family Favorite, has trained consistently enough to be a factor in his lifetime debut. 1 SURREALDEAL shows a couple of swift 3-furlong drills in preparation for his career debut. The colt breaks from the rail with a front-running trip in his plans.
7-5-4-1
Race 4 -
4 SALTY'S ACTOR is turning back to 6 1/2 furlongs after setting the pace and fading late to finish fourth vs. similar in a stamina tweaking performance at a mile and a sixteenth. 5 KIDS GOT SKILLS is stretching out after posting the best last-race speed figure (67) when finishing second at 5 furlongs vs. similar at 20-1. However the gelding's zero-for-3 record at the distance is a concern (3-0-0-0). 2 CRAFTMANSHIP will wear blinkers after losing his best chance when he broke slowly in his local debut vs. similar at five-eighths of a mile. Trainer Wesley Ward, 24% with first-time blinkers, tabs Elvis Trujillo to ride.
4-5-2
Race 5 - THE LIBERADA
2 POTRA CLASICA, a versatile daughter of Potrillon, who is 3-2-1-0 on the Calder turf, 11-4-0-1 on fast tracks, and 3-2-1-0 on wet surfaces, makes her first start since drawing clear to win the $45K Emergency Nurse on May 6. She's the one to fear come rain or shine. 7 SAFFRONISTA gets 2 pounds from Potra Clasica after finishing second to her in the Emergency Nurse when both carried 119 pounds. Manoel Cruz handles the rematch. 8 EL BANK ROBBER, Potra Clasica's stablemate, who won the Ga. Oaks here at this distance last May 7, hopes to return to the turf after finishing second in a $25K optional claimer in the slop last out. 4 FUNNY ANNIE, who beat Potra Clasica on the dirt in the $60K Wayward Lass at Tampa, is looking for more on the grass after surrendering a mid-race lead to finish fourth behind her in the Emergency Nurse.
2-7-8-4
Race 6 -
2 SILK RIDGE comes off a promising but troubled debut in which she steadied entering the turn, apparently bled, and still managed to finish second. Trainer Gordon Potter adds first-time Lasix for this assignment. 4 DAZZLING PRINCESS is a daughter of Montbrook who shows three local workouts, including a half-mile bullet in the slop, in preparation for her career debut. Manoel Cruz rides for trainer Luis Olivares. 10 WONDERA, a $55K daughter of Three Wonders, shows a solid morning work tab in preparation for her career debut. Trainer Bill White adds Lasix and jockey Elvis Trujillo for this assignment. 3 BELLA CARINA may have signaled her intentions when she worked a 3-furlong bullet in :34 & 4 in preparation for this event.
2-4-10-3
Race 7 -
10 MANNINGTON is stretching out after dueling for the lead and finishing second in his promising 4 1/2-furlong career debut. Note that trainer Ed Plesa Jr. has a 22% win average with horses making their second start. 5 HEAVEN'S AWESOME gets Lasix after encountering trouble (tight quarters), and apparently bleeding, when finishing fourth behind Mannington last out. 3 API MOHKAT debuts for trainer Bill White with 6 local workouts showing, including the recent sharp 3-furlong drill out of the gate in which he worked in company with stablemate - and sixth race participant - Wondera. Use the earlier race as a handicapping guide before you plunk your coin down on this son of Early Flyer. 6 TINY MIRACLE can come up big when stretching out to 5 1/2 furlongs after closing to finish a willing third vs. similar at 4 1/2.
10-5-3-6
Race 8 -
1 LUCCHESE, drops, and turns back, after following his $16K maiden win with a so-so sixth place finish vs. $16K "two-lifetime" claimers at a mile. 10 WHITE WIND is stretching out after hitting the board in 1 of 2 recent 6-furlong sprints vs. this level of competition. 3 RIVER OF DREAMS drops into a competitive spot after failing to fire when facing $25K "two-lifetime" types at a mile on a sealed sloppy track. 7 CASSIDY'S GOLD moved to the Mike Thomas barn via the claim after edging away to defeat $12.5K maidens. The lightly raced gelding fits nicely vs. a group that has only 9 victories from 134 races.
1-10-3-7
Race 9 -
1 AT FIRST GLANCE is turning back after a very promising 5-furlong debut in the slop in which she was boxed in on the turn and still managed to finish second - beaten a length. 10 BARN DANCER, a half sister to Paul Maxwell-trained 8-time stakes winner Formal Miss, debuts with 7 local workouts showing. The daughter of Montbrook starts her career with Lasix added. 5 AMERICAN ASSET is a beautifully bred daughter of Mineshaft debuting for trainer Ed Plesa Jr. with three solid workouts showing. Plesa has go-to jock Roimes Chirinos in the saddle. 8 FULL EXCHANGE will stretch out after an eventful 2-furlong debut in which she broke awkwardly and steadied prior to finishing third.
1-10-5-8
Race 10 -
5 HALF PINT OF GOLD is stretching out after following her $16K 7-length maiden win at three-quarters of a mile with a second place finish vs. this level of competition at 5 1/2 furlongs. 6 PERFECT LIE totes only 113 pounds including apprentice Jermaine Bridgmohan after rallying late to finish third vs. similar at 6 1/2 furlongs when carrying 121 pounds in her last start. 3 TRIPPI'S DREAM showed a fondness 7-furlongs when she held on to defeat $20K maidens in her last race. 1 RHAPSODY IN PURPLE will face winners after leading every step of the way to defeat $20K maidens at 6 furlongs on sealed sloppy track.
5-6-3-1
Race 11 -
6 AWESOME ALEXANDRA is stepping up after a good $20K debut in the slop in which she recovered from a pokey start to get beat three-quarters of a length. 9 MARCHESA drops to the $32K level after finishing third vs. better in consecutive races at three-quarters of a mile. 8 BARBS BEST is stepping up after rallying to finish second behind 10th race participant Trippi's Dream last out. Use the penultimate race on the card as a handicapping guide before you get serious with this daughter of Luhuk. 7 REAL FORTUNATE gets some class relief after failing to earn a check in both local sprints vs. better competition.
BEST BET: RACE 5 - POTRA CLASICA
LONG SHOT: RACE 7 - TINY MIRACLE
6-9-8-7
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TRACKMASTER RACE OF THE DAY
Today's Free Race: Calder for Sunday June 24, 2007
Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts at Calder
Calder - Race #8 - Post: 4:06pm
Rating: 4
Choice Plays:
#3 RIVER OF DREAMS (ML=6/1)
#8 FORTUNATELY BOLD (ML=12/1)
#4 KNOCKOUT'S IMAGE (ML=8/1)
RIVER OF DREAMS - Don't throw this horse out due to his last race at Calder where he finished eighth on a sloppy track. I look for an improvement today. Last raced at Calder carrying 7 lbs more. The lower weight in this race should serve him well. FORTUNATELY BOLD - This gelding is rounding his way back into shape. Should run well today. KNOCKOUT'S IMAGE - You have to really like that most recent race speed fig, 78, which is the highest latest race speed figure of this bunch. Taking a trip down in class; has the capability to make his presence felt. I believe the addition of the 'hood' today will help this gelding focus his attention on racing.
Vulnerable Contenders: #1 LUCCHESE (ML=5/2), #10 WHITE WIND (ML=3/1), #7 CASSIDY'S GOLD (ML=5/1)
LUCCHESE - Tough to play any questionable contender in a sprint race if he hasn't finished in the money in a sprint in the last 60 days. WHITE WIND - When checking today's Equibase class figure, he will have to notch a better speed fig than in the last race to compete in this dirt sprint. CASSIDY'S GOLD - Be uncertain about this sophomore versus the older ones. Will do better with more seasoning.
GUEST COMMENTARY: Winston - RIVER OF DREAMS - The event on June 8th had a class rating of 88 while today's class rating is 73. I got to bet this one on such a big drop.
STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Play #3 RIVER OF DREAMS to win if you can get odds of 3/1 or more
EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [3,4,8]
TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [3,4,8] Total Cost: $6
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cappersaccess
(Sun) MLB Blue Jays Rockies 120 Blue Jays
(Sun) MLB Padres Red Sox 125 Red Sox
(Sun) MLB W. Sox Cubs 115 W. Sox
Larry Cook
Bonus Play: New York (A) Yankees vs San Francisco Giants
3* on NY Yankees -157 (Listing Mussina and Lowry) The Yankees are a much more powerful team than the Giants this season and it will show today. Mike Mussina struggled early, but has really turned it on in his last 3 starts with a 2.75 ERA. The Yankees catch Lowry in one of his worst ruts of the season with a 5.60 ERA in his last 3 starts. In their last 10 games, the Giants are hitting just .213 while the Yankees are swinging with a .282 batting average in tact. The Yankees are 7-0 in their last 7 vs. a team with a losing record. They keep beating the teams they are supposed to beat recently. The Yankees are 5-1 in Mussina’s last 6 Interleague starts. The Giants are 2-14 in their last 16 games as an underdog of +110 to +150 and 1-6 in Lowry's last 7 starts as an underdog of +110 to +150. Bet the Yankees as our Bonus Play today
Brian Gabrielle
Bonus Play: Proposition 1 Special vs Proposition 2 Special
At this week's Travelers Championship, Take David Toms (12-1), 1/6 unit: TPC River Highlands outside of Hartford, Connecticut, is short at 6,800 yards. There's a big pond that's in play on three finishing holes. I like the steady Toms to steer clear of trouble, which is my concern with picking Vijay. Both played well last week at Oakmont. Toms was steady as she goes with rounds of 72, 72, 72, 73 to finish T5 in the rough conditions. He's got six top-10s this year in total and nine top-25s (he has not missed a cut in the 15 tourneys.) Take Anthony Kim (25-1), 1/6 unit: The Q-School graduate and Tour rookie leads in final round scoring average (68.5)---you have to like that. The best example happened last week when he followed an 80 on Saturday with a 67 on Sunday to finish T20. It goes some way in explaining his consistent year of missing only four cuts out of 17 tournaments and four top-10s. Take Will MacKenzie (50-1), 1/6 unit: I was thinking we would not hear much from the dude after his splash out West to start the year. It has been true and not true: he has been streaky, playing well, top-20s one week, missing a cut or two, playing OK for stretches. For example, he missed three cuts in a row to start May, and since has gone T52, T11 and T8. He does not do anything particularly well or badly out there, but tends to let aggressive play get the better of him. A question is how much he wants to win because you can make a damn good living on the PGA Tour, which allows for plenty of surf trips. There is another young surfer who has won some on Tour, though: Adam Scott
brian gabrielle
NASCAR
Take Jeff Gordon (+313), 1/6th unit. It ain't sexy, but what can you do? Gordon has won at Sonoma on five occasions, including last summer. Plus, this is a Car of Tomorrow race, and we all know Hendrick Motorsports has won every COT event they've run so far this year save one. Gordon's dirt-tracking background serves him well in these road-course events; he also has four career wins at Watkins Glen, where the Smokeless Set will run later this summer. Take Tony Stewart (+497), 1/6th unit. Again, not what you'd call an adventurous pick, but it's hard to ignore Smoke on road courses, too. He had the second-best car all day last summer (Gordon was best), and would've easily finished second except he pushed the limit late and wound up hurting his car and coming in 28th. Stewart has won twice at Infineon and three times at Watkins Glen, and he's been exceedingly good in a few COT events so far this year. He also hasn't won a race yet this year, which makes him due. Take Juan Pablo Montoya (+627), 1/6th unit. Yes, I've just gone and done it: I've picked the three favorites at this race. I'm sorry...I'd like to be more adventurous, maybe try my luck with Ryan Newman (+1790), Kurt Busch (+1226), Boris Said (+1727) or Robby Gordon (+986). But I can't do it. Montoya is a Formula One veteran who's been salivating for the opportunity to get these round-and-round drivers on his home turf; now that they're at a road course, you're going to see the tiger unleashed from his cage. Remember, Montoya won a Busch Series road event earlier this year, in which he bumped aside his teammate, Scott Pruett, to win.
Marc Lawrence
Game: Cincinnati Reds at Seattle Mariners
Jun 24 2007 4:05PM
Prediction: Seattle Mariners
Reason: Seattle w/Batista over CIncinnati w/Arroyo:
Mariners send Miguel Batista up against Brandon Arroyo and the Reds in the wrap up of this three game set in Seattle knowing Batista is 3-0 with a 2.04 ERA in his MLB career team starts against thee Reds. With Arroyo in struggling current form and just 4-11 in his 15 team starts this season, look for the M's to get the money here today
Bobby Maxwell
It's the rubber match between the Yankees and Giants and we're giving out San Francisco to take this one at home and send the Yankees out of town with another loss. It's another big Bonus Play winner on a plus-money home team as we go with San Francisco.
The Giants won for the first time since June 12 on Saturday with a 6-5, 13-inning victory over the Yankees. New York has now lost four of its last five games and give the ball today to Mike Mussina (3-4, 5.10 ERA) who has struggled a bit lately.
Last time out Mussina gave up three runs in six innings in a 3-1 loss to the Rockies Tuesday. His ERA is 4.41 in 10 career interleague road starts.
For the Giants it's Noah Lowry (6-6, 3.74) on the mound. This kid is so much better at home than on the road he is becoming one of those pitchers we really need to look at every time out in San Francisco. His home numbers are 5-1 with a 2.74 ERA.
Last time out at home he allowed two runs on four hits in six innings of a 3-2 win over the Blue Jays. He can pitch and he's very comfortable on that home mound. Let's play the Giants to get this win and take the series.
2? SAN FRANCISCO
THE SPORTS ADVISORS
INTERLEAGUE
Detroit (44-29) at Atlanta (38-37)
The Tigers look to complete their second consecutive three-game interleague sweep on the road when they send rookie Andrew Miller (2-1, 3.63 ERA) to the mound to face the Braves’ Chuck James (6-6, 4.11) in this nationally televised contest from Turner Field.
Behind yet another strong outing from Justin Verlander, Detroit eked out a 2-1 victory on Saturday, its sixth consecutive victory. Jim Leyland’s squad is now 7-1 on its current road trip, scoring a total of 61 runs in the process.
After getting shutout in three straight games, the Braves finally managed to scratch across a run yesterday, but it wasn’t enough for them to avoid their fourth straight loss, all at home. Atlanta, which has scored on run in the last 38 innings, is just 6-14 in its last 20, producing three runs or less in 13 of those contests. Bobby Cox’s team is also just 4-12 in its last 15 home games.
Including wins in the first two games of this series, the Tigers are now 13-4 in interleague play, while the Braves are 4-10 versus the A.L.
Miller suffered his first big-league loss a week ago today at Philadelphia, giving up four runs (three earned) in six innings, falling 6-3 in the young lefthander’s first-ever road start. In two starts since being recalled from the minors, Miller has surrendered eight runs (seven earned) in 11 1/3 innings. However, he has pitched into the sixth inning in all three of his major-league outings.
James outdueled Curt Schilling in his most recent start on Monday, giving up two runs on five hits in 5 1/3 innings, en route to a 9-4 victory. The southpaw has now allowed two earned runs or less in five of six starts and three earned or less in nine of his last 10. On the downside, James has completed six innings or more just four times in 15 starts.
James is just 2-3 at home despite a solid 3.13 ERA.
The under is 8-2 in James’ last 10 starts (4-1 at home), w N.Y. Yankees (36-36) at San Francisco (31-42)
Mike Mussina (3-4, 5.10 ERA) will attempt to even his 2007 record when he leads the Yankees against Noah Lowry (6-6, 3.74) and the struggling Giants in the rubber match of a three-game interleague series at AT&T Park.
San Francisco snapped an eight-game slide by outlasting New York 6-5 in 13 innings on Saturday. Still, the Giants are just 7-20 in their last 27 games dating to May 25, including 3-8 at home. Finally, the Giants remain just 4-10 in interleague play this season, including 1-5 in the last six.
The Yankees are just 1-4 during their current nine-game road trip, all against the N.L. West. This five-game slump follows a season-best 11-2 run for New York.
Mussina has strung together three straight quality starts (2.75 ERA) for the first time this season, and he pitched well at Colorado on Tuesday night (three runs on seven hits in six innings), but had nothing to show for it as New York fell 3-1. The Yankees are just 4-7 when Mussina pitches this year, including 2-5 in the last seven.
With the loss at Coors Field, Mussina fell to 1-2 with a 4.60 ERA in six outings on the road.
Mussina’s only career start against San Francisco came at Yankee Stadium in June 2002, and he surrendered a run on eight hits in six innings of a 2-1 New York victory.
Lowry is coming off one of his worst efforts of the season, as he gave up all five runs in Monday’s 5-4 loss at Milwaukee, yielding nine hits and three walks over 5 2/3 innings. Since a string of a four starts in which he gave up two earned runs or fewer in each, Lowry has allowed at least four runs in four of his last five outings. During that stretch, his ERA has gone from 2.69 to 3.74
Lowry has shined at home this year, going 5-1 with a 2.74 ERA, as opposed to 1-5 with a 4.66 ERA on the road. Today marks his first-ever start against the Yankees.
Mussina is 0-1 with a 6.48 ERA in three day games (all Yankee losses), while Lowry is 2-0 with
RAZOR SHARP
BOSTON/SAN DIEGO OVER the total of 7
Trev Rogers....2-1 Saturday
36-19-1 Last 33 days
75-40-3 Last 118 selections
1. Rockies +110
The top 2 WNBA cappers both agree on Indiana, Indiana Over and the Houston/Phoenix Under for Sunday. The #1 ranked Arena capper picked Georgia. Georgia is a heavy favorite, like Tampa Bay last night who did not cover. Last night's WNBA and Arena got smoked.
Arena capper "daviddesveaux"
Record = 118-65
#1 WNBA capper "wgocts"
Record = 93-50-3
#2 WNBA capper "BADGUY"
Record = 95-59-2
AxisGranted
member since 4/2/2007
Survivor Pick Record: 30-20-1
Sunday Arena Georgia (Arena record = 5-0)
All records are 100% monitored and can be verified.
Untouchable Dime Players
MLB = 6-3 (+5.70 units)
Sunday Arizona for 1 unit
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III Elite Club
MLB = 15-27 (-132.80 units)
Sunday Hou/Tex Under for 5 units
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Dr G Spot
MLB = 261-244 (-180.80 units)
Yesterday = 10-13 (-31.80 units)
Sunday (all 5 units):
Min
Nym
Was
Chc
Phi
Sd
Sea
Sf
Det
Lad Over
Pit Under
Bos Under
IC: June 24th
529/864
1-0 (R)
1-1-1 (Fr)
3-2 (Sa)
I do make plays every day, but I write down a lot of notes whenever I go through games and what I'm going to do from here on out is just post all those notes here. I used to email the notes for those who asked, but I think it would be easier for all to put up the notes/research here.
Keep in mind that these notes are my train of thoughts as I'm going and as I type - they will be short, blunt and be jumping from thought to thought. Once I finish the notes, I return to the plays I like and make the plays on the bottom. I will keep this up so people understand how I approach betting. I research. I type. I go through my notes. I wind down the choices. I then re-write the plays that I like in greater detail. This is what has worked for for years so of course I will stick with it. Every 3-4 days I do series research, on the days, that I do not do series research, I just post the notes for the day. I do this as I feel that If I have done all of these steps, I have done everything I can to have a winning day and frankly, I do it so I don't have a irritable feeling at night that I missed something. At least in this way, win or lose, I have done everything I can to make sure that I win. This has resulted in 60%+ with 900 plays approaching soon. Although this is very tough in the fall, this approach is most worthwhile in college basketball and college football with a ton of weak underdog lines where the theme of the game is to take dogs that can win outright.
Mongi, the above was the answer to your question bro - ?FPRIVATE "TYPE=PICT;ALT="
MLB Notes:
Tempted to take the over with the phillies/cards but don't want to touch an over with the Cards. Kip Wells is on the mound which is a nice fade and should go over anyway, however Hamel is laying a lot of juice. Colorado should do well today with Fogg. The price is too hefty for Johan on the road and Kim hasn't been all that bad. The Tigers/Braves game is a tossup I think as Miller and Moyer were a tossup but the Phillies won and James is a good pitcher. Kennedy vs. Maine another toss up and no play there for me either although that game is likely to be pitcher's duel similar to yesterday. Would take the over between Cleveland/Wash but if Wash can only get 3 off of Byrd, who knows, so I'm laying off that as well. Would be tempted to take the Dodgers but not sure what to expect out of Kuo as he is still a relatively new pitcher. I'd rather lay it with some other known devil. lol. Gallardo is still too new to lay this kind of juice and the over/under presents no value. Lean on the Padres but I don't want to bet against the Sox on a bounce-back and I trust Young more than I do Peavy. Like the Mariners to hit Arroyo who is back in the AL. Too much juice on the Yanks although they should bounce-back and get it done today as the Giants were on a 8 game slide prior to winning in 13 yesterday. Tachsel and Davis should go over much like Livan's game yesterday. Cubs should sweep the White Sox although I hate betting against a home team avoiding a sweep but the White Sox are horrible and I think Guillen gets the hook at the end of teh season. Sampson/Tejada should go under as Sampson is on a big bounce-back and Tejada has looked better and better of late.
WNBA Notes:
Seattle is struggling on the road and I hate to bet against the Sparks at home as they have gotten things together despite all the injuries and pregnancy "leaves". The line has jumped a full 15 points in the total from the last game and this game is likely to go over again as the Storm come off a bad game. Indiana vs. New York - 2 teams in the thick of the eastern standings. New York finally broke out of their slump but Indiana has lost just 3 games all year and the series season split is at 1-1. 141 and 145 were the last 2 totals and I think this is going to be a tight over but this is likely to go over as well. I don't see much value in the Houston/Phoenix game besides Houston being a dog, but Phoenix comes off a very disappointing loss to the Shock and betting on Phoenix is a roller coaster, so I'd rather not.
Mariners -132 (5dimes)
Bronson Arroyo is always decent fade material this year. He did have a good game against the Angels at home, but I don't see him having such a good game today at home. The Reds are 4-11 when Arroyo is on the mound. Arroyo is 2-8 with a 5.24 ERA as he was supposed to be the anchor of this squad but it seems that he is as unpredictable as ever. I wish I got the Mariners off a loss but they are playing good baseball and their offense is solid as ever now. They just come off a 9 run performance as it seems that lineup is finally starting to hit and the pitching with Washburn is also coming together. In Arroyo's last 7 starts, 5 of which he has given 6 runs. The other was the Pads where he gave up 1 earned run and the Angels for 3 earned runs. Batista has gotten better and better and he has given up 3 earned runs in his past 2 starts and I think he hangs tough today. This could be a slugfest I am aware but I'll take my chances right now with the Seattle offense. The Reds are 0-7 in Arroyo's last 7 starts as an underdog, while the Mariners are 8-2 in their last 10 games against losing teams of interleague play, 11-5 as favs of late and 4-1 when Batista comes off 4 days rest.
Angels/Pitt Over 9
Colon is struggling and I've hit the over with him several times now and will do so again today. He could be injured but I'm not positive but that would not surprise me as he pitches through injury all the time as he has done previously in his career. Colon's ERA is up to 6.17 and he has pitched in the over in 9 out of 11 games. Colon has given up 29 earned runs in his last 5 starts and Gorzelanny is a good pitching talent and quite possibly the Pirates win this game. However, Gorz did give up 4 and 5 to the Yanks/Rangers and these are the Angels and they can put up runs on anyone. Right now the over train is what has been hitting with Colon on the mound and I don't see it so far off for the Angels to get runs against Pitt as they've already put up 10 and 5 in this seires. The over is 7-0 in the Angels last game of a 3 game series, over is 11-2-1 when they play losing teams of interleague play and over is 14-3 when Colon faces a losing team at home. The Pirates have all under trends with Gorzelanny on the mound but the over is 6-2 when the opponent scores 5 or more runs in a previous game and seeing that they only scored 1 run yesterday, I have this game at 6-5.
Indiana/New York Over 141.5
I was looking forward to this over and had this slated at 145, however, to see it this low made me a bit happier. The last 2 times these 2 teams played this year the totals were 141 and 145. Indiana is 2nd in the league in points and 1st in the league in free throw shooing at over 80% this is why I like the WNBA, they actually make their free throws and take the time to practice them where as the men, well we know how bad they are at making free throws. Indiana is #1 in the league in defense but Indiana lost to New York their last visit there. Indiana also put up 80 points on the Liberty at home in a blowout win. I think the Liberty do well back at home to avenge that 19 point loss, but I think Indiana gets its fair share of points as they come off a bad peformance against the Sun losing at home. I think both teams top 72 points and this game goes over as well. I have this game at 76-78 Indiana. It was either this over or the Seattle/L.A. Over and I'll lay the shorter number with new york as the active dog at home with revenge.
That's what I got gents, good luck today -
ic
__________________
Indiancowboy