Thursday 1/22/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Post your request, Comments or concerns here.
Good luck on all your plays.

When not viewing the service plays.
Make sure to enjoy the rest of what the RX has to offer.

First time here at the RX.
Make sure to visit the Newbies Room
Click here to go there now

 

[superbeets]

Copa del Rey TODAY 21:00

Espanyol

v

Seville

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
SS5		15/8	23/10	6/4	More markets

​

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT ESPANYOL	RECENT FORM
AWHLALALHWHW​ Most recent​	1 - 2 1 - 3 2 - 2 0 - 3	HDHWAWAWHWHW​ Most recent​

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

EXPERT VERDICT: Espanyol knocked out Valencia in the fifth round of the Copa del Rey and can raise their game once again by recording a home win over Seville. The Blue Budgies have won five of their last six home matches and could be slightly more focused than Seville, who may be looking ahead to Sunday's important league match at Valencia.

RECOMMENDATION: Espanyol
1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Dover Downs

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


Race 3 - Post: 5:10 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 74 - Purse:$8900 - HORSES/COLTS/GELDINGS 5 YEAR OLDS & UNDER NON WINNERS 3 RACES FOR $750 FIRST MONEY DELAWARE OWNED OR BRED NO. 9 STARTS FROM 2ND TIER


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 7 SENTOSA ISLAND 2/1


# 4 SUITS 9/1


# 6 ROCKNROLL POWER 7/2


SENTOSA ISLAND sure does look ready to end up in the winner's circle. Feel the need for speed, this interesting entrant has been turning in some amazing TrackMaster Speed Ratings averaging around 78. This gelding has been performing against some of the most competitive horses in this field of horses lately. If performance in the last race is representative, this contender will have a very very nice shot this time. High last race TrackMaster Speed Rating. SUITS - Hands down the best position at Dover Downs is the 4. The win clip is great. Overall markings appear very nice. Can't throw out at this point. ROCKNROLL POWER - Could surprise us at a decent price. Don't leave out. We're not going to pass on this gelding given one of the top driver-trainer percentages around.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Miami Valley

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


Race 10 - Post: 9:30 - 1 mile. TROT - Class Rating: 80 - Purse:$7000 - N/W $3000 IN LAST 4 STARTS AE: N/W 4 PM RACES NOBLE PICKS 9 OVER 5 & 7


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 7 TOUCHMYMUSCLES 9/2


# 9 WIND NEATH MY FEET 2/1


# 3 SHOCKOE HANOVER 8/1


We've got good vibrations TOUCHMYMUSCLES is going to get the win. Feel the need for speed, this standardbred has been turning in some fantastic TrackMaster Speed Ratings averaging around 95. This contender has shown us some prior ability, just look at the 91 avg class number. Should play well for this one. WIND NEATH MY FEET - He has been racing sharply and the TrackMaster Speed Ratings are among the most compelling in the field of starters. He has good class numbers, averaging 89. Worth considering for a bet today. SHOCKOE HANOVER - Kauffman is racking up the wins in recent times. Outstanding win rate makes this contender our pick. Deserves a shot given the better than average win clip he sports.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Charles Town

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


Race 7 - Optional Claiming - 6.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $27000 Class Rating: 99

FOR FOUR YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON A RACE OTHER THAN MAIDEN, CLAIMING, STARTER, OR WAIVER OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES OR CLAIMING PRICE $12,500. WEIGHT, 123 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE DECEMBER 22 ALLOWED 2 LBS. A RACE SINCE NOVEMBER 22 ALLOWED 4 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $12,500 W V



RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 5 BELIEF SYSTEM 7/2


# 4 TOWN OF TOWNS 5/2


# 7 WINNING TOUCH 4/1


I lean toward BELIEF SYSTEM here. Must be given a shot for this event if only for the very good speed rating recorded in the last contest. With a reliable 87 average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance, seems well suited for today's race. Win percentage one of the best in this group. TOWN OF TOWNS - Is difficult not to look at given the company run in recently. Must be carefully examined here on the basis of the figs in the speed section alone. WINNING TOUCH - Has the looks of a profitable bet. Win percentage under similar conditions may be the key for this gelding.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Dubai World Cup

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


Race 4 - Stakes - 9.0f on the Turf. Purse: $120000 Class Rating: 110

GULF NEWS CLASSIFIEDS - FOR NORTHERN HEMISPHERE BRED, FOUR YEAR OLDS AND UPWARDS, AND SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE BRED, THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARDS. FOR HORSES RATED 100-110.



RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 5 PILOTE (IRE) 3/1


# 3 STEELER (IRE) 5/1


# 7 ZURIGHA (IRE) 6/1


I have to support PILOTE (IRE) here. The average Equibase class figure of 107 makes this horse difficult to beat. Could provide positive gains based on decent recent speed figs with an average of 107. This animal has a wonderful win percentage in turf routes. STEELER (IRE) - Is difficult not to look at based on Equibase Speed Figures which have been solid - 102 avg - of late. Has to be given a chance - I like the figures from the last contest. ZURIGHA (IRE) - With a quite good 103 speed rating last time out, will clearly be a factor in this race. The odds should be right on this one.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Gulfstream - Race #6 - Post: 2:58pm - Maiden Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $32,000 Class Rating: 77

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#1 CAN CAN LADY (ML=6/1)
#7 MCLOVIN IT (ML=8/1)


CAN CAN LADY - Castillo and Ramirez partnered together are a horseplayer's friend. MCLOVIN IT - When Nunez and Estevez are put together on animals the ROI has been great at +35. She keeps getting closer at the finish with each and every start. I am keen on that most recent effort on January 7th at Gulfstream where she ended up second.

Vulnerable Contenders: #6 DESIMIZAR (ML=3/1), #2 GORGEOUS SUNRISE (ML=7/2), #9 LILIKOI (ML=9/2),

DESIMIZAR - This questionable contender hasn't been on the track since December 28th. Not even any morning activity. GORGEOUS SUNRISE - Didn't come through as the public's top choice in back to back races. Probably won't gain a score today either. Should have at least hit the board in the last couple months in a sprint event to be worth the risk at short odds in a sprint. Never really did much at all in the last race on Aug 8th. Hard to bet on in today's event. LILIKOI - Tough to play at 9/2 odds after the two most recent efforts. No success for this mount in a short distance event over the last sixty days tells me that this filly is in a very difficult spot The fig last race out doesn't fit very well in this clash when I look at the Equibase class figure of today's contest. Mark this horse as a possibly overvalued contestant.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Putting our cash on #1 CAN CAN LADY to win. Have to have odds of at least 5/2 or better though

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [1,7]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Oaklawn - Race #3 - Post: 2:25pm - Maiden Claiming - 8.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $18,000 Class Rating: 74

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#8 WILD N CRAZY (ML=5/1)
#1 MAXIMUM HORSEPOWER (ML=2/1)


WILD N CRAZY - Stand by this horse. Coming off the pace, I think he'll be in a wonderful spot to crush them in the stretch. The Dec 10th contest at Hawthorne was at a class level of (86). Dropping down in class ranks drastically, so he should be in a good position. MAXIMUM HORSEPOWER - The rider/trainer tandem of Bridgmohan and Catalano has a strong return on investment together. This colt is in exceptional form right now. Ended up third last time out and comes back rapidly.

Vulnerable Contenders: #5 FEATHERS INTHE SKY (ML=4/1), #3 OBAMA'S VOW (ML=9/2), #6 SQUARE BALE (ML=6/1),

FEATHERS INTHE SKY - When scrutinizing today's Equibase class figure, he will have to notch a better speed fig than in the last race to compete in this dirt route. OBAMA'S VOW - In this instance, this horse's inability to close ground in the last race is a cause for concern. Unlikely that the speed figure he garnered on November 30th will hold up in this event. SQUARE BALE - The speed fig last time out doesn't fit very well in this affair when I look at the Equibase class figure of today's event. Mark this horse as a possibly overvalued contestant.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#8 WILD N CRAZY is going to be the play if we are getting 7/5 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [1,8]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

At the Gate - Thursday
By Mike Dempsey

There was a pair of Derby points races over the holiday weekend, although I don’t think we saw the future winner of the Run for the Roses in action.

On Saturday, International Star won the $200,000 Lecomte (G3) at Fair Grounds. The colt rallied to pull off the upset, returning $20.40 for the win. The colt earned an 89 Beyer Speed Figure.

On Monday, the Derby trail got underway at Oaklawn Park with the $150,000 Smarty Jones, which was won by Far Right, who returned $7.40 for the win and picked up 10 Derby points. He also earned an 89 Beyer in his victory.

The 6-5 betting favorite was Mr. Z, who appeared to have the race won but he veered out in the stretch which cost him the race, settling for yet another runner up finish.

International Star is now tied for first in the Derby points race with 21 points along with El Kabeir. The colt is currently listed at odds of 40-1 in early Derby betting.

Far Right is now tied for fifth in Derby points with 12 and is listed at odds of 35-1 for the Run for the Roses.

Dortmund has taken more play this week and is now down to 6-1. Next in line is Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) winner Texas Red at 12-1.

Coming up on Saturday at Gulfstream Park is the next Derby points race, the $400,000 Holy Bull (G2), which is the first of three key Derby preps at the Hallandale, Florida racetrack.

The race serves as a prep for the $400,000 Fountain of Youth (G2) on Feb. 21 and the $1 million Florida Derby (G1) which is slated for March 28.


Kentucky Derby future odds:
Dortmund 6-1
Texas Red 12-1
American Pharoah 15-1
Carpe Diem 18-1
Imperia 18-1
Competitive Edge 20-1
Firing Line 20-1
Ocean Knight 22-1
Calculator 25-1
Daredevil 25-1
Frosted 25-1


Here is today’s opening race from Aqueduct to get the day off to a good start:

AQU Race 1 Clm $25,000N2L (1:20 ET)
4 Unrepented 10-1
2 Academyperformance 7-2
6 Brandini 4-1
5 Reckless Move 5-2

Analysis: Unrepented stretches out to two turns for the first time here. Last out the filly stalked the early pace while saving ground and made a mild late run to finish third. He makes his third start of his current form cycle and has enough pedigree to handle the extra ground. He is by Repent out of a Trust N Luck mare.

Academyperformance set the early fractions, opened up heading for home and battle don right to the wire coming up just a neck short of winning at this level at Philly last out. She was six lengths clear of the third place finisher. She broke her maiden on turf in New Jersey and did not show much in her first two starts against winners and was sent off at 22-1 last out. Lopez takes the call and this gal figures to be in the mix early.

Wagering
WIN: #4 to win at 5-1 or better.
EX: 2,4 / 2,4,5,6
TRI: 2,4 / 2,4,5,6 / 1,2,4,5,6

Today’s Featured Race of the Day from Aqueduct:

AQU Race 8 Md Sp Wt (4:43 ET)
1 Razia Sultana 7-2
6 Ginned Up 4-5
7 Detail 6-1
2 Jules N Rome 8-1

Analysis: Razia Sultana was the beaten chalk last out. The filly set the early fractions and weakened to finish third, catching a racing strip that was playing to outside stalkers and closers that day. The runner up Stolen Victory returned to graduate in her next outing on Jan. 1 by 14 3/4 lengths. The Violette barn has been very live with maidens in recent months and willing to give this gal another look. She has six sibs that are winners including stakes winner Original Fate ($754,638).

Ginned Up dueled for the early lead and finished gamely to come up just a half-length shy of breaking her maiden in her debut, sent off at 3-1 in a field of seven. She stretches out to two turns here and should be able to handle the extra ground. She is by Indian Charlie out of an A.P. Indy mare that has dropped five winners including stakes winner Taste Like Candy ($270,370).

Wagering
WIN: #1 to win at 2-1 or better.
EX: 1,6 / 1,2,6,7
TRI: 1,6 / 1,2,6,7 / 1,2,5,6,7

Live Longshots:
These are price plays for exotic players looking to find a couple of extra contenders to use in their trifecta and superfecta wagers. Or for those with smaller bankrolls, you might want to get in a small win-place wager.

Aqueduct
R1: #4 Unrepented 10-1
R2: #6 Can’tcatchjack 8-1
R5: #1 Street Shark 10-1
R6: #1 Sandcat 12-1
R7: #1 Literata 10-1
R8: #2 Jules N Rome 8-1

Good luck today!

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Woodbine Harness: Thursday 1/22 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale

DRF HARNESS

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

EARLY $1 PICK 4 TICKET (Race 4):

1,7 / 4,7 / 3,4,5,7,8 / 2,10 = $40

MEET STATS: 17 - 42 / $118.40 BEST BETS: 2 - 4 / $13.20 SPOT PLAYS: 1 - 4 / $21.60

Best Bet: CASH FOR GOLD (9th)

Spot Play: STEALTH JETTA (3rd)


Race 1

Several in here drop out of the Blizzard Series but the one who sticks out is (7) WILDCAT MAGIC who despite missing 3 weeks raced great parking for about 7/8 of the mile and tiring only late. She has to benefit from that start and gets top call. (2) CALL ME MAYBE was too far back to make an impact but closed nicely and stands a much better chance against these. (6) SWEET PRINCESS had two less-than-ideal trips in the Blizzard Series and stands a better chance to get a good trip here at a price.

Race 2

As predicted (1) SOUTHWIND TERROR was much more aggressive early last week and easily got the job done. He has few rivals to worry about here and is likely to double up at a short price. (5) PRICELESS EDITION was hurt by the slow third quarter last week and is certainly in with a good shot himself. (6) PRESCOTTS HOPE was also victimized by the slowing of the pace and should go better here and get at least a slice.

Race 3

(8) STEALTH JETTA was driven very conservatively when making his first start in more than a month first time over this track, but he showed some life coming his back half in 56 4/5. Expect him to be much closer early; this group is within this gelding's grasp. (3) ELIZA DREAM isn't the most reliable sort and has had a few gaps between starts but she raced very well from the 10-hole last time. Maybe she is turning things around. (5) SORRENTO HALL remains winless but is always around for a piece; good one for the bottom of tri wagers.

Race 4

(1) MAGIC TOUCH CYBELE came close to knocking off white-hot Total Lee last out. On that frame of reference alone she gets our top call here. (7) BIG TREAT was driven confidently by Jamieson early and came home a nice winner. These don't look any tougher. (3) B SANTANNAS LOVE needs some cover for her kick to be more effective. Henry will know that now and adjust accordingly. She should get a share.

Race 5

(7) WARRIOR CALL caught our eye last week motoring up on the far outside in the last 1/8th. That is often the sign of pending improvement so we'll give him top call here. (4) KEYSTONE DALTON rode the tail of a sharp class-dropping winner and finished decently. A similar trip could yield better results here. (5) PORT SIDE couldn't close into a quickening last 1/4 last week but has a decent shot of getting onto the ticket here.

Race 6

(5) MANIMAL self-destructed early last time but if you look back to his race on December 22 it more than qualifies him to beat this weak group. (4) WAITING ON NO ONE closed well into a quickening back half last week and will likely leave a lot closer to the front moving inside 4 slots. (3) DOMEDOMEDOME is bred decently and couldn't find a weaker spot for her 2015 debut; using in the pick 4 at a price.

Race 7

(10) MAPLELEA looked like she was launched from a catapult in the final 1/4 last week. Off that mile expect Zeron to leave for a little better position early. She gets the call to repeat. (2) FROSTY DELIGHT was sent right to the front and made a mistake on the first turn; she tipped her hand in her penultimate start and could make amends here. (9) PLAY GROUND closed noticeably well but is often too far back to get more than a minor share.

Race 8

(3) FRANNY LOVE DAT faced some pretty good ones early last season and wasn't disgraced. If she's ready to roll right away she could take this group at a good price. (9) IM A CANADIAN EH changed tactics last week and closed nicely around dead cover; the main foe. (10) WARAWEE QUALLY hung off a great trip when odds on; this one might be fool's gold. Beware taking too low a price if you like her.

Race 9

(9) CASH FOR GOLD produced a big first-up trip and fell just short to a repeat winner that was a big favorite. That big effort came off a month break. This guy is our Best Bet of the night. (5) WALK THE PLANK was in the same photo but had cover most of the way. He will breakthrough with his first win soon with the kind of effort he has been showing of late. (5) P L GEMSTONE left hard for the front but was overtaken in a quick 3rd quarter for this type. That was a better effort that may signal further improvement is forthcoming.

Race 10

(2) JET HOT STUFF finished with good energy last time but the top 2 had something left thanks to a soft first half. She looks like one of only two win contenders the other being (9) KIKISKISSINKOUSIN who set the pace and dug in gamely to fall just short to the pocket-sitter. That came off a 24-day break which makes it even more impressive. (3) WHIPPEROSA has shown good improvement at Flamboro the past two starts. She should get a piece of this. (7) ITZA FREE FOR ALL has been racing over some very slow tracks recently and may enjoy a return to the big oval. (1) PRECIOUS CAMILL is a handy sort that likely will get on the ticket from the rail.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Meadowlands: Thursday 1/22 Analysis
By Derick Giwner

DRF HARNESS

Race 1 - $30,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool

Race 3 - $25,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

Race 7 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

MEET STATS: 63 - 268 / $372.40 BEST BETS: 8 - 19 / $26.20

Best Bet: MY MUSCLEMAN (8th)

Spot Play: CARNEGIE (4th)


Race 1

(3) FOX VALLEY LEGEND has been handicapped by a pair of outside posts in recent weeks. This bottom level C-2 race came up very light and this gelding looks like a fit. (2) MCKENZIE'S STAR tucked, moved uncovered and tired last time. With a better trip she can show more. (5) BELL A CHICK & (8) ALL ABOUT JUSTICE come out of a fast race and would seem like players in this spot.

Race 2

(4) EXPLODENT made a nice move to the front in a 1 1/8 race on Saturday and should be plenty tight. The last time he was in for a $10k tag he won by five lengths at Philly. (6) WESTERN TSUNAMI drops down off a decent effort where he showed speed. (10) FOX VALLEY TYRESE arrives from Monticello on a five-race win streak. He'll have to go a lot faster tonight but clearly has form. (2) GRATIAS DEO steps down a notch and would be no shock.

Race 3

(2) MR FENWICK couldn't last on a night when speed was pretty good, but the competition this week doesn't exactly look imposing. (5) CASANOVA LINDY has been sharp with speed at Freehold and will try his luck on the big track. (3) INVESTOR VOLO is certainly fast enough to compete if he finally minds his manners. Sometimes the trainer jumping into the bike on an unruly horse is a good thing. (1) CRAZOLO hasn't raced in seven weeks but fits if ready.

Race 4

(4) CARNEGIE left strong from the outside and kept pace nicely in a fast mile. Veteran gets class and post relief and should be firing down the road. (7) WALLTOCOUSINS went all the way on the engine in his last attempt against C-2 company. (6) SIXTEEN MIKES keeps falling in class in hopes of finding form.

Race 5

(8) JEPSON HANOVER lacked a stretch kick a week ago, his first start since March 2014. Di Domenico trainee picks up Tim Tetrick this week and should be ready for more. (1) AUTOMATIC SLIMS arrives from Canada and moves into a new barn; improves? (3) UP UP AND OUT gained some confidence at Freehold and shows some good 2014 miles at this track. (2) STALLONE BLUE CHIP fits in this class if he can ever get his act together.

Race 6

(5) THISTHATNTHEOTHER was a decent fourth off the bench. She went down the road here once last year and finds a prime spot to do it again. (8) BLACK MAGIC EYES has been racing well without a win to show for it. (4) ITSTIMEFORMETOFLY finished second in this class two start back.

Race 7

(5) COAT OF ARMS flashed early speed and lost by less than two lengths in his first start since 2013. You have to think he'll improve with that race under his belt. (4) URBANITE HANOVER moves into a new barn while making his first start 12 weeks. The qualifier doesn't look great, but he was chasing a nice one in Big Boy Dreams. (7) MOONLIGHT RANSOM was a decent second in this class last time.

Race 8

(2) MY MUSCLEMAN faced a bit of traffic and trotted home willingly with no shot last time. Off that effort and with Brett Miller jumping in the bike, expect a big effort at a short price. (4) AQUANILLA took plenty of air in her first try for the new barn; can do better. (9) GREAT EMANCIPATOR drops down and adds Tetrick; using. (3) KEYSTONE SAIDIE also gets a class break.

Race 9

(7) ONE MORE MIRACLE disappointed me last time, but he did finish in 27 3/5 after chasing a slow pace. I'll give him one more shot. (5) GO WEST LUCKY CAM moves into a new barn and could perk up. (1) BESTNOTLIE HANOVER looks as good as any of the rest. If the top two falter, this race gets very hard to decipher.

Race 10

(4) MY QP DOLL strangely seems ready to win. She finished well last time, got a tough trip in her prior start, and raced okay from an outside post three back. (9) ARIA J may not be ready off the bench, but that 1:50 1/5 winning mile from last year is better than any of these have ever sniffed. (7) ALBANIAN ERA has some hidden form; not impossible.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yonkers: Thursday 1/22 Analysis
By Matt Rose

DRF HARNESS

MEET STATS: 13 - 47 / $65.10 BEST BETS: 3 - 4 / $12.30

Best Bet: CANACO STAR (11th)

Spot Play: TASHIA (5th)


Race 1

(2) BITTERSWEET DREAMS broke in the pocket coming to the half last week while in with better; chance to rebound here dropping in class. (8) LITTLE MERMAID N fits well at this basement level but the teenager is tough to endorse from the eight hole, especially as the morning line favorite. (6) RUNAWAY ROSE is a steady check-earner.

Race 2

(4) LITERATE HANOVER chased a classy rival last week and was second best; veteran clearly makes the most sense here. (3) WORLD CUP CULLEN has fallen on hard times but at his best he's competitive with these. (8) BABE'S I SCOOT has back class and could sneak into the number at a price.

Race 3

(3) CASE SOLVED has been on a good run for Banca and she was Bartlett's choice. (1) ARIADNE HANOVER has missed time but the Bamond trainee lands the best post and should be capable of keeping up. (4) YOU LITTLE RASCAL returns to Yonkers and it wouldn't be the biggest shock if she won.

Race 4

(1) JOKES JET shipped in after missing five weeks and finished very willingly from the eight hole; hard not to like her from this spot. (3) CAVIART CARA drops in class and clearly should show more. (4) MISS MACHQUEEN also gets some class relief off a dull uncovered effort.

Race 5

(1) TASHIA clearly needed last week's start, where she flashed good speed after being off seven months; Bartlett should be able to trip out from this spot. (5) DENYITTOTHEEND looks for three straight and four of six for the streaking Banca barn. (4) GET THE LOOK gets some post relief and returns to Sears.

Race 6

(5) MORTAL COMBAT didn't fully fire last week in the slop but like many others he may have needed a start; Berkeley trainee moves in a couple of spots and may have upset potential. (3) GREYSTONE CASH was a solid winner last out and will be favored to repeat. (6) DONT FOOL WITH ME picks up Sears in the bike tonight off a no-excuse effort.

Race 7

(1) ROADWAY flew home to just miss last week and he draws best tonight versus a suspect bunch; logical choice. (5) GIDDY UP DELIGHT will probably be trying to leave the gate and if he can hit the lead he can be tough. (3) GALLANT SEELSTER burned money as the favorite last out; much bigger price looming tonight.

Race 8

(3) HURTIN ALBERTAN jogged from the rail last out at a nice price and is certainly capable of repeating. (2) CORKY BARAN is feeling good again; oldtimer will be close throughout. (6) PICTONIAN PRIDE should be firing hard but stamina seems to be an issue.

Race 9

(1) SPRINGHOUSE STAR debuts for Harmon via claim, is racing back on consecutive weeks and gets major post relief; mare looks like a perfect fit here. (5) ALWAYS LOVE ME returns locally for Garcia-Herrera and some of his starters have looked okay so far despite his entire barn missing time. (4) MCEVER rallied well last out and is a consistent sort.

Race 10

(1) ABBEYLARA has some back class and he was claimed by the sharp Godinez barn; from the rail he deserves top billing. (3) FOOL TO CRY debuts for Brainard via claim and he's been sharp in all recent. (2) BAGS OF MONEY gets needed post relief tonight.

Race 11

(3) CANACO STAR was in raging form at the end of last year and she closed with plenty of pace last week off the layoff; Bamond trainee looks like a solid play. (1) JONSIE JONES gets post relief and should be tighter sitting a trip. (4) WESTERN EMPRESS hails from Burke, tough to completely dismiss.

Race 12

(3) PRECIOUS ROSE N has been the model of consistency lately and Bartlett will have her on the move early. (2) CLIMATE HANOVER has hit the ticket in her last six and she's a threat if ready off the layoff. (1) ANTIGUA HANOVER had nothing to offer last week; she's better than that.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Thursday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE


Aqueduct (1st) Academyperformance, 7-2
(7th) Flirtatious Spring, 5-1

Charles Town (3rd) Mount Rainier, 3-1
(4th) Jessie's Arch, 7-2


Delta Downs (4th) Diamond Chaser, 7-2
(8th) Broadway King, 4-1


Fair Grounds (5th) Seneca Destiny, 3-1
(9th) Starnilla, 3-1

Gulfstream Park (1st) Bahia de Oro, 4-1
(2nd) Sky Gold, 6-1


Oaklawn Park (7th) Silver Allure, 6-1
(9th) Dixie Lover, 5-1

Penn National (1st) Turks and Chaos, 7-2
(6th) Ally Hawk, 4-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL Grand Salami - January

The Grand Salami in pro hockey is decided by adding up all the goals scored in every game scheduled for that particular day. You can wager on 'over' or 'under' the Grand Salami total. The total is set by adding up all listed 'over/under' odds for each game on that particular day.

Note: The Grand Salami will have no action if any game is suspended or cancelled before the regulation time of three twenty minute periods. Also, regardless of the number of goals scored during the shoot out portion of the overtime, the final scored recorded for the game will give the winning team on more goal than its opponent based on the score at the end of regulation time.

*The majority of sportsbooks do not put out a total on the Grand Salami when there is only one game on the card. For tracking purposes, we will continue to show the 'over/under' for goals and combined goals scored on days with just one game.

NHL GRAND SALAMI

Date No. of Games Total Goals Combined Goals Scored Result
1/1 2 10.5 10 UNDER
1/2 8 43 37 UNDER
1/3 10 52.5 74 OVER
1/4 7 37 46 OVER
1/5 1 5 5 PUSH
1/6 10 55.5 51 UNDER
1/7 4 22 23 OVER
1/8 10 55.5 58 OVER
1/9 5 26.5 33 OVER
1/10 11 58 58 PUSH
1/11 3 16 20 OVER
1/12 3 17.5 15 UNDER
1/13 10 54.5 64 OVER
1/14 4 21.5 18 UNDER
1/15 10 55.5 47 UNDER
1/16 6 32 34 OVER
1/17 12 64.5 69 OVER
1/18 4 21.5 33 OVER
1/19 7 37.5 37 UNDER
1/20 8 45.5 47 OVER
1/21 6 33.5 36 OVER
1/22 No games scheduled/All-Star break
1/23 No games scheduled/All-Star break
1/24 No games scheduled/All-Star break
1/25 No games scheduled/All-Star break
1/26 No games scheduled/All-Star break
1/27 11 - - -
1/28 3 - - -
1/29 11 - - -
1/30 5 - - -
1/31 11 - - -

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL Foligno, Toews are All-Star game captains

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Nick Foligno of the Columbus Blue Jackets and Jonathan Toews of the Chicago Blackhawks have been named team captains for the 2015 NHL All-Star weekend Jan. 23-24 in Columbus, league officials said Wednesday.

The NHL said the all-star teams will now be designated as Team Foligno and Team Toews.

In addition, Drew Doughty of the Los Angeles Kings and Patrick Kane of the Blackhawks have been named assistant captains of Team Foligno, while Ryan Getzlaf of the Anaheim Ducks and Rick Nash of the New York Rangers will assist Toews.

The captains and assistants were selected by NHL Hockey Operations in consultation with players selected for the game. The captains will oversee the selection of their teams on Jan. 23, will set the rosters for the team skills competition the following day, and then will wear the ''C'' on their jerseys during the game the day after that.

Team Foligno, coached by the reigning Stanley Cup champion Los Angeles Kings coach, Darryl Sutter, and his staff, is designated as the home team and will wear the black uniforms previously unveiled by the NHL. Team Toews, coached by Nashville head coach Peter Laviolette and his staff, will wear white uniforms.

Representing the hometown Blue Jackets, Foligno is playing in his eighth NHL season and third with Columbus. The 27-year-old Buffalo, New York, native leads the Blue Jackets in goals (18) and points (40) in 2014-15, and is among the NHL leaders in goals (T12th), points (T15th), power play goals (9, T3rd) and power play points (20, 3rd).

Toews, also captain of the Blackhawks, will be making his fourth career NHL All-Star appearance. The 26-year-old Winnipeg, Manitoba, native ranks second on the Blackhawks in goals (13), assists (25) and points (38) this season and collected 1,217,210 votes to finish third overall in this year's fan vote.

Among the assistant captains, Nash is a former Blue Jackets captain who will be returning to Columbus. He is tied for the league lead in goals with 26.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

See spot. See spot bet: This week's best spot bet opportunities
By BEN BURNS

Spot bets are classic handicapping practices that have proven profitable no matter what sport you're betting. Whether it's a team looking past this week's opponent, one coming off a hard-fought victory, or a rough patch of schedule, bettors can find value picking their spots. Ben Burns points out his favorites:

Letdown spot

The UTEP Miners are in a tight race in the C-USA, one of three teams at 4-1 in conference play and just behind 5-0 Louisiana Tech and Western Kentucky in the standings. The Miners have a trying stretch of schedule that has them on the road for three straight contests, taking care of business in the first stop of this road run with a 73-55 win at Texas-San Antonio Saturday.

The big test of this span comes Thursday when UTEP takes on the Hilltoppers in Bowling Green, Kentucky – a game that could propel the Miners to the top of the conference. However, they only have a day off from that high-pressure matchup before visiting Marshall Saturday. The Thundering Herd, at 4-14 on the year, will be catching a ton of points at home and may catch UTEP in a bad letdown at the end of an extended road trip.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Puzzling Clips look to get rolling
By Tony Mejia

With apologies to the surging Atlanta Hawks, the NBA’s best team, both record-wise and aesthetically speaking, leads the West. It resides in a Pacific Division that it paces by an impressive seven games.
You’ve probably talked about them this morning following their thorough dismantling of Houston in Wednesday’s marquee matchup. Stephen Curry is the current MVP favorite. As of right now, Steve Kerr has to get the nod over even Mike Budenholzer as Coach of the Year. Draymond Green is going to be on the short list for Most Improved.

The Golden State Warriors are the NBA’s “it” team. They’re the current favorite to get out of the league’s toughest conference, currently priced at +280.

They’re everything the Los Angeles Clippers were supposed to be.

L.A. was 4-to-1 to win the Western Conference when the season began, behind only defending champ San Antonio and Oklahoma City. Gregg Popovich’s Spurs have been banged up and understandably uninterested with their standing this early in the season. The Thunder have only had Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook play 19 games together.

What’s the Clippers excuse?

Although they’ve won two-thirds of their 42 games entering Thursday night’s home date against Brooklyn, Rivers’ team is running sixth in the West. Watch them play. They often look like they’ve regressed, appearing disjointed.

Given the distractions former owner Donald Sterling tripped the team up with last postseason before being barred by the league, the Clips got a well-deserved pass for failing to reach the Western Conference Finals. Doc Rivers was in his first season, still learning his team. They still finished with a franchise-record 57 wins, one more than Vinny Del Negro managed the year prior. They won a second straight Pacific title and got out of the first round for only the third time since moving to L.A.

With former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer providing a steady hand atop the organization, it’s strange to Rivers being upstaged by Kerr’s Warriors in his second go-round.

Basically everyone is back from last season. Darren Collison departed, but Spencer Hawes came aboard, upgrading the team’s frontcourt depth. Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, DeAndre Jordan and J.J. Redick have started all 42 games. Matt Barnes has made 38 starts at small forward. Top reserve Jamal Crawford has participated in 41 of 42. The continuity has been there. It’s the overwhelming success most expected would be a given that has been missing.

“Is it personnel, or is it personal? Here's the unvarnished opinion of someone who knows that team well: 'They don't like each other,'" wrote veteran NBA.com insider David Aldridge late last month.

You might be thinking, 28-14 isn’t bad. They’re on pace for 55 wins. While that’s true, keep in mind that the Clippers haven’t really dealt with any physical adversity. Paul has seen a slight dip in his numbers, but still ranks third in the NBA in assists and is on pace to set a personal best for 3-pointers made, shooting just shy of 40 percent from beyond the arc. Griffin is averaging career-highs of 23.0 points and 5.0 assists, although his rebound clip of 7.8 in a career low. Jordan helps make up for that dip, leading the league in that category and shooting 72 percent from the field, a career-high that’s also the top mark in the NBA. Once again, he’s averaging 10 points, 13 rebounds and roughly 2.5 blocks.

So, where are the resuls? What happens if they do lose any of their key figures for an extended period? Why are the Clippers on their third streak of three or more consecutive ATS losses? They opened the season failing to cover their first seven games, going just 4-3 straight up. They went through a December stretch where they went just 2-9 against the number. Last week, both the Heat and Cavaliers came into Staples Center and won outright. Cleveland scorched them for 126 points, the most they’ve given up this season.

The bench has been a major area of weakness despite the presence of Crawford, since Hedo Turkoglu is past his prime, Glen Davis is out of shape and Jordan Farmar ended up being cut after failing to adequately replaced Collison. Austin Rivers and Dahntay Jones were added this week, while plans are in the works to add a veteran or two over the coming weeks.

No one should be writing the Clippers off yet, but whether they’re able to hit their stride prior to the All-Star break definitely bears watching. They’re a double-digit favorite against a Brooklyn team that won in Sacramento on Wednesday, but it’s worth noting that they’ve covered just six of 15 games where they’ve been favored by 10 or more. The Nets were outscored 54-41 in the second half of their 103-100 win over the Kings and are just 3-7 SU on the second night of back-to-backs. We’ll see if L.A. can take advantage. Based on what we’ve seen thus far, don’t count on it.

Spurs at Bulls – 8:05 p.m. ET

A potential Finals preview between teams that haven’t seen each other this season loses a little luster since Joakim Noah remains sidelined with an ankle injury that has been an issue for the past month. As a result, Tim Duncan is likely to see more of Pau Gasol, while other terrific individual matchups here include Derrick Rose squaring off with Tony Parker and Jimmy Butler battling Kawhi LeonardM. Heck, just the fact that Popovich isn’t resting starters for a TNT Thursday night showcase is cause for celebration.

Celtics at Trail Blazers – 10:05 PM ET

LaMarcus Aldridge missed his first game after injuring his left thumb in last night’s 118-113 loss in Phoenix and is listed as out indefinitely. It looked like the Blazers were going to steal one without him before they surrendered a late Phoenix run, so it’s important to take care of winnable games like this one against rebuilding Boston. The next five games yield a visit from Washington and stops in Brooklyn, Cleveland, Atlanta and Milwaukee, a tough stretch they may have to brave without their All-Star power forward.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA Game of the Day: Spurs at Bulls

San Antonio Spurs at Chicago Bulls (5, 199)

The San Antonio Spurs are putting things together and look for their fifth consecutive victory when they visit the Chicago Bulls on Thursday. Getting point guard Tony Parker and small forward Kawhi Leonard back from injuries has fueled a streak in which San Antonio has won six of its last seven games. Chicago is headed in the other direction as its defense has disintegrated and has suffered six losses in eight games.

The Bulls have allowed more than 100 points in each of their last five games, allowing an average of 108.8 points per outing and that is irritating to coach Tom Thibodeau. “We’ve got to get better, it’s really that simple,” Thibodeau told reporters. “The way we’re playing is not acceptable, so we have to change it.” Parker scored 18 points and Leonard had 17 points and a season-high 15 rebounds in San Antonio’s 109-99 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, TNT

LINE HISTORY: Most books opened the line at Chicago +3.5, but almost immediately jumped it to +5. The opening total of 199 has yet to move.

INJURY REPORT: Spurs - N/A Bulls - C Joakim Noah (Ques-Ankle), G Mike Dunleavy (Ques-Ankle)

WHAT CAPPERS SAY: "Bulls have now dropped six of their last 18 games following 14-point whipping at Cleveland on Martin Luther King Day, while the Spurs enter off a double-digit win at Denver Tuesday evening. Don’t like Chicago’s 2-5 SU and 1-6 ATS mark in last 7 non-conference games after colliding with Cleveland, nor their 4-12 ATS record as a host in this series. With San Antonio playing much better of late with wins in six of its last seven games, it’s easy to understand why they are favored here tonight." - Marc Lawrence

WHAT BOOKS SAY: "Frustration for the Bulls seems to be at a boiling point as we’ve heard a number of players, and Coach Thibs, talk to the media about focus, effort and continuity. Teams either come together or crumble when this type of stuff happens. It doesn’t look like Noah is going to play so we opened the Spurs -3.5, and that quickly moved to -4 with some hefty juice. The Spurs are hot and Chicago is ice cold so I expect the spread to climb more, but this could be a momentum-builder if the Bulls can pull off the upset so it’s a big game for them." - John Lester.

ABOUT THE SPURS (27-16 SU, 21-21-1 ATS, 21-22 O/U): The return of Leonard from a hand injury has given San Antonio its top defender back as well as a valuable scorer and rebounder. The 2014 NBA Finals MVP is averaging 16.3 points and 2.3 steals in three games since his return and he’s focused on helping the Spurs overcome their slow start. “We all felt like we gave away some of those games in December,” Leonard told reporters. “We just have to win out these next (few) games and get into a rhythm going into the All-Star break.”

ABOUT THE BULLS (27-16 SU, 18-25 ATS, 23-19-1 O/U): Point guard Derrick Rose has put together four consecutive strong outings and averaged 25 points and eight assists during the span. He has gone 18-of-32 from 3-point range during the span and Thibodeau feels the former MVP is regaining his previous form. “He’s gaining confidence,” Thibodeau told reporters. “I think he was going through a long period of time where he wasn’t playing and he’s just getting that competitive edge back.”

TRENDS:

*Bulls are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 home games.
*Spurs are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games overall.
*Over is 7-1 in Bulls last 8 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
*Under is 10-3 in the last 13 meetings.

CONSENSUS: 51.14 percent are backing the Bulls +5, with 53.46 percent on the under.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Trail Blazers offense clicking with no days rest
Justin Hartling

The Portland Trail Blazers offense has been putting up points all-season long, but they have been lighting up the scoreboards on no days rest. In games this season when the Blazers play without rest, they have averaged 110.6 points, compared to 103.1 for the entire season.

There has been no official word on LaMarcus' Aldridge's status for the Blazers after injury his hand against the Sacramento Kings this week.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

'West vs East'

Chicago Bulls and San Antonio Spurs square off at the United Center Thursday in a matchup of teams headed in opposite direction. The Bulls suffering a 108-94 setback to the Cavaliers Monday have lost four of the past five (1-4 ATS) and six of the last eight (2-6 ATS) on the hardwood. The Spurs defeating Nuggets 109-99 last time out have won four straight (4-0 ATS) and eight of ten (6-3-1 ATS). This being West vs East matchup should get the attention of sports handicappers keeping close tabs on Non-Conference tilts. Western Conference road favorites of 6.5 or less playing on Eastern Conference team’s home court have been a good choice as they've cashed at a 61.8% clip (21-13 ATS) this season. San Antonio clamping down on defense the past four games allowing opponents 89.3 points/game has them taking the floor in a desirable winning situation as Spurs are 13-6-1 ATS allowing =< 95 points, Bulls are 3-9 ATS netting =< 95 points. Spurs 3-1 ATS last four meetings numbers clearly point towards a 'Play-On' San Antonio.