Thursday 3/5/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Post your request, Comments or concerns here.
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[superbeets]

Coppa Italia TODAY 19:45

Juventus

v

Fiorentina

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
SS5		8/15	16/5	11/2	More markets

​

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT ALL VENUES	RECENT FORM
ADHWADHWHWAD​ Most recent​	0 - 0 1 - 0 1 - 1 1 - 0	HWAWADHDHWAW​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Juventus are unbeaten in their last 23 matches

EXPERT VERDICT: Juventus took a major step towards retaining the Serie A title by drawing 1-1 away to Roma on Monday and can edge closer to the Coppa Italia final by winning their semi-final first leg at home to Fiorentina. Both teams are in great form but Juve's deeper squad could make the difference at a busy stage of the season.

RECOMMENDATION: Juventus
2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL Grand Salami - March

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
3/1 6 32 41 OVER
3/2 3 15.5 16 OVER
3/3 10 54.5 55 OVER
3/4 4 21.5 - -
3/5 8 - - -
3/6 6 - - -
3/7 10 - - -
3/8 6 - - -
3/9 5 - - -
3/10 8 - - -
3/11 3 - - -
3/12 11 - - -
3/13 5 - - -
3/14 12 - - -
3/15 7 - - -
3/16 4 - - -
3/17 9 - - -
3/18 3 - - -
3/19 10 - - -
3/20 3 - - -
3/21 13 - - -
3/22 4 - - -
3/23 7 - - -
3/24 18 - - -
3/25 3 - - -
3/26 11 - - -
3/27 3 - - -
3/28 13 - - -
3/29 8 - - -
3/30 6 - - -
3/31 7 - - -

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL Preview: Canadiens (41-18) at Kings (30-21)

Date: March 05, 2015 10:30 PM EDT

Approaching the final 19 games as if they each were postseason contests is the only option for the Los Angeles Kings, whose playoff fate remains uncomfortably uncertain.

They shouldn't have much trouble getting in if they put together the same effort that resulted in a victory to end their road trip.

Los Angeles seeks a sixth home win in seven tries as it faces the East-leading Montreal Canadiens on Thursday night.

The Kings (30-21-12) are tied with third-place Calgary for the Pacific Division's final guaranteed playoff spot, but they're behind by two in non-shootout victories - a category that counts as the first tiebreaker.

Los Angeles, hoping to avoid becoming the first defending champion since Carolina in 2006-07 to miss the postseason, lost three straight following an eight-game winning streak, then concluded a three-game trip with a 5-2 win at Edmonton on Tuesday.

Anze Kopitar and Trevor Lewis had a goal and two assists apiece, while Jeff Carter scored his third goal in two games.

"It was one of the more complete games we have played lately,' Kopitar said. 'We were on a bit of a skid, so we definitely needed that one. At this time of the year and in the position we are in, we need the two points every night. A lot is going to depend on us. We don't want to put our fate in any other team's hands.'

Lewis has two goals and two assists in his last three, and he credits that success to playing on a line with Kopitar and Marian Gaborik lately.

'Those are two awesome players,' Lewis said. 'They are always open and there to support you. I just try to get them the puck and get to the net and good things are happening. Playing with those two almost makes the game a little easier.'

Nothing came easy in the first meeting with the Canadiens, as P.K. Subban had a goal and two assists to lead Montreal to a 6-2 victory Dec. 12. Los Angeles hopes for a different result in Staples Center, where it has won five of six.

Subban had a goal and five assists during a three-game point streak before having it snapped in Wednesday's 3-1 loss at Anaheim. The Canadiens (41-18-5) had their four-game winning streak end with Monday's 4-0 loss to San Jose that began a four-game trip.

Montreal, which hasn't lost three in a row since Dec. 3-6, leads the New York Rangers and Islanders by two points atop the East. It has a three-point edge on Tampa Bay for the Atlantic Division lead with a game in hand.

'I don't think we're losing momentum,' Subban said. 'We did enough to win this hockey game. It just didn't bounce our way today.'

Carey Price made 30 saves in his seventh straight start. He's lost back-to-back outings after having a 1.18 goals-against average during a 9-0-1 stretch.

It's unclear if he or Dustin Tokarski, who is 1-3-1 with a 3.43 GAA in his last five starts, will get the nod in the second of a back-to-back set. Price has a 1.69 GAA on the three occasions he's started on a second consecutive night.

Jonathan Quick didn't start for the Kings in the first meeting, but he's likely to be in net for this contest. Quick made 21 saves Tuesday and is 9-2-0 with a 1.88 GAA in his last 11.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Auto Kobalt 400 Preview
By Micah Roberts

It's NASCAR week in Las Vegas where over 100,000 visitors to our fair city will come loaded with cash and ready to party in a way that only Las Vegas can provide. Last year those visitors had a $144 million impact in non-gaming revenue during NASCAR weekend.

It's not only a favorite for fans looking to kill two birds with one stone -- catch a race and take the family on vacation, but also for the drivers and crew members who can blend in with the thousands in town that aren't here for the race. Try that in Bristol or Martinsville. That's how well prepped Las Vegas is -- the city doesn't even blink with a such a big event.

The speedway isn't alone in making this such a great occasion. Every casino in town does their share to make it the best experience possible, as does the Metro Police Department and Highway Patrol to get all those visitors to and from the races in the quickest manner possible so they can get back to the casino and spend some more cash. It's a total team effort and Las Vegas is the shining star among all NASCAR cities.

Las Vegas always has beautiful spring weather this time of year and this weekend will be no different as all three days are expected to perfect. You kind of had to feel sorry for all those freezing fans at Atlanta last week, but as a Las Vegan, I felt like waving my 'Las Vegas is No. 1' big foamy finger.

Yes, I'm definitely biased, but I've been to several races across the country and nothing matches what Las Vegas and the speedway provide. The racing itself on the high-banked 1.5-mile oval is ordinary, but where we stand out more than any other is the amenities across the board. No other track in the country has anything like the Neon Garage where fans can stand above the garages and watch the crews go to work prepping their cars over the weekend.

It's amazing that Las Vegas hasn't been awarded a second race date because of all its strengths that other tracks lack, but having it only once a year adds to the appeal.

Another amenity Las Vegas provides for its race weekend is betting where visitors can wager on almost anything that shows up in the box score. Every sports book in town will increase their betting options Super Bowl-style and because of a captive audience, the Las Vegas race generates more volume than any other on the season -- in some cases four times more action than the second most bet race, the Daytona 500, and that February race has odds posted on it for up to three months before it goes off. The large action for the Las Vegas race is generated in just one week with odds posted on Monday.

This seasons race is a little different from years past because of the data we have before us where we can use what we saw at Atlanta's 1.5-mile high-banked track on Sunday. Las Vegas used to be the first 1.5-mile race of the season and there was a lot of uncertainty with only pre-season testing to go off to handicap who might be the best driver to wager on. This year there was no pre-season testing, but Atlanta gave us more than enough data from the new rules package between a test session last Thursday, practices on Friday and Saturday and then the race on Sunday.

Last week we suggested that whenever NASCAR makes changes to the set-up requirements that it's a good bet Hendrick Motorsports will find the edge quickest and that turned out to be the case as Jimmie Johnson grabbed his fourth career Atlanta win and Dale Earnhardt Jr. finished third. Kevin Harvick was strong (led the most laps), as was the Joe Gibbs Racing stable and Penske's Joey Logano.

The Atlanta disappointments last week include 2012 Las Vegas winner Tony Stewart and Roush Fenway Racing who won eight of the 17 Las Vegas Cup races. There is no reason to believe they'll have things figured out in one week and could be profitable drivers to bet against in driver match-ups this week.

While Logano, Johnson, Harvick and Earnhardt Jr. have finished in the top-5 of both races so far this season, Jeff Gordon currently sits No. 36 in the standings with two straight poor performances. However, it wasn't to his doing as he was involved in wrecks in both which isn't exactly the farewell tour he had imagined to begin the year.

On Sunday, Gordon will be the only driver to start all 18 Las Vegas races. He visited victory lane in 2001 in an emotional race two weeks after his friend and rival Dale Earnhardt has passed away at Daytona.

Momentum counts for a lot in NASCAR, but so does good equipment and Gordon's got it, and maybe even more so than his Hendrick teammates who are all excelling. Last week during an Atlanta test session Gordon not only posted the fastest single lap, but he also showed the fastest speed on long runs by having the quickest 10-consecutive lap average.

Gordon's team is too good to continue this run of bad luck and with good weather, great notes from Atlanta testing, and simply being Jeff Gordon -- arguably the greatest driver in NASCAR history, he's got a lot going for him. And because of his poor performances to start 2015, there are likely to be several sports books thinking his chances of winning are slimmer than they really are and offer some juicy prices on him.

If you've been reading this column over the years, you know I'm a sucker for the fairly tale ending of a NASCAR story. I'm wrong more than I'm right when I make a reach, but when adding in the odds, I'm actually ahead in the pocket with wishful thinking, and in Gordon's case, he's not really a reach.

Kevin Harvick has never at Las Vegas, but the city is special for him because he married his wife Delana at one of the chapels on the strip. To be fair, Harvick never had a car in Vegas that was considered the best until last year in his first season with Stewart-Haas Racing. He finished 41st in that race, but he'll come in as the favorite this week just because of dominating 1.5-mile races last season. The new rules package didn't slow him down as he was the driver to beat at Atlanta last week as well.

Matt Kenseth is a three-time winner at Las Vegas and Joe Gibbs Racing, and actually all the Toyota's, look vastly improved under the new rules package. This means that Denny Hamlin and two-time Vegas winner Carl Edwards are also a player this week, and to a lesser degree in match-ups, so is Michael Waltrip Racing's Clint Bowyer and Brian Vickers who will make his 2015 debut Sunday.

Jimmie Johnson came up huge last week in the late stages of the race to win at Atlanta despite not looking so great in testing and practices. His four Las Vegas wins and a 9.2 average finish are the best in track history.

Two other Hendrick Motorsports drivers should also be considered live on Sunday. Dale Earnhardt Jr. has the most starts (15)at Vegas without a win, but he also has the most second-place finishes (3), including last season when he ran out of a fuel a few yards short of the finish line. Kasey Kahne has always practiced well in Vegas, but it has only translated to two runner-ups.

I'm going to stick with a Hendrick car, and the good story of Las Vegas sending Gordon off into the sunset of his career here as a winner.

For all those in town visiting this weekend, everyone who lives here thanks you for coming and spending your hard earned cash. Have the time of your life, get a few cocktails and most of all -- win some money.

Top-5 Finish Prediction:

1) #24 Jeff Gordon (8/1)
2) #4 Kevin Harvick (5/1)
3) #11 Denny Hamlin (15/1)
4) #20 Matt Kenseth (9/1)
5) #48 Jimmie Johnson (6/1)

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Harvick favored to win Kobalt 400 pole
Andrew Avery

Kevin Harvick (7/1) is the favorite to win the pole in Las Vegas at the Kobalt 400, according to the Westgate LV Superbook.

The Kobalt 400 is the third race in the Sprint Cup Series and heading into the race, Harvick sits third in the standings with 86 points. Joey Logano leads the way with 88 points and is 8/1 to take the pole, while last week's winner Jimmie Johnson, second in the standings with 87 points, is 10/1.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Golf WGC heads to Trump Doral

Tournament: World Golf Championships – Cadillac Championship
Date: Mar. 5 - Mar. 8
Venue: Trump National Doral
Location: Miami, FL

Many of the players from the Honda Classic will stay close by as the top golfers in the world unite at the WGC-Cadillac Championship this weekend. The field will consist of the top-50 from the Official World Golf Rankings, the top-30 from the FedEx Cup standings, top-20 from the European Tour and the top two from the Asian Tour, Japan Golf Tour, PGA Tour of Australia and Sunshine Tour.

This will be the ninth consecutive season that this event is being held at Dural and the par-72, 7,481-yard course has seen the victors walk away with a score of double-digits under par each year until 2014 when only three participants were under par. Patrick Reed was the winner in that installment, carding a four-under despite a second-round 75 and defeated both Bubba Watson and Jamie Donaldson by a single stroke.

The Tour will still be seeking its first multiple winner this year and there will be nine golfers going for that second victory this week.

Let’s take a look at some players who could show up in South Florida and tear up the course this weekend.

Golfers to Bet:

Bubba Watson (27/2): Watson has played just four tournaments in this young season, but has met expectations with a top-25 finish each time with his worst showing being a 14th at the Northern Trust Open. He also is the winner from the last WGC event in November when he shot an 11-under and was 14-under on his par-5s. Coming back to this course should also allow him to play some of his best golf as he has been the runner-up at Dural in two of the past three seasons; sandwiching those around an 18th back in 2013. His driving distance (303.6 yards per, 14th on tour) remains elite and he has also posted a mark of 1.32 strokes gained from tee-to-green, good enough for ninth on tour.

Matt Kuchar (30/1): Kuchar is a regular at the top of the leaderboard in almost every event he enters and he’s placed in the top-13 at three of the past four outings at the Cadillac Championship. This season he is a perfect 6-for-6 in cuts made and has been in the top-25 in five of the tourneys. Kuchar is one of the few players who can consistently put up solid scores despite not having elite numbers off the tee or on the green, but he is one of the better short game golfers with a sand save percentage of 64% (22nd on tour) and a scrambling percentage of 73.9% (2nd on tour). He is a safe play who should have a chance at adding to his seven career PGA wins.

Jason Dufner (70/1): Dufner has not been playing up to his usual high level with missed cuts in his previous two tournaments, but tied for 10th at the first WGC event this year and had finished in ninth last year at Dural. His accurate driver (75.7%, 2nd on tour) will give him a chance each week and he has gained 0.97 strokes from tee-to-green (20th on tour). If he is able to hit 70% or more of his GIR, look for Dufner to have a chance at taking home the trophy come Sunday.

Luke Donald (55/1): Donald has not been on the same level that he once was with a missed cut in three of his past four events, but his recent play suggests that he is getting back to his old stroke as he shot a 69 before being cut at the Northern Trust open and then finished with a 66 on Sunday at the Honda Classic where he placed 7th. His performances at the WGC-Cadillac Championship has also been solid as he is coming off a 25th-place finish last year and was sixth in both 2011 and 2012. He may not be the player that finished in the top-10 of the FedEx cup standings for three consecutive years between 2010 and 2012, but he still has some great scores in him and should factor in this week.

Anirban Lahiri (220/1): After dominating the Professional Golf Tour of India and the Asian Tour for years, Lahiri has begun to show off his talents on the European Tour with two wins on the season. He finished 28th at the WGC event in November and has played to a stroke average of 69.31 over in Europe this year behind 74.7% of greens hit in regulation. The 27-year-old looks poised to begin making more of a mark on U.S. soil and this is the perfect week to do so with such a strong field.

Cadillac Championship Betting Odds

Rory McIlroy 19/4
Bubba Watson 27/2
Jason Day 16/1
Dustin Johnson 17/1
Jordan Spieth 17/1
Patrick Reed 20/1
Phil Mickelson 20/1
Adam Scott 22/1
Henrik Stenson 30/1
Hideki Matsuyama 30/1
Jimmy Walker 30/1
Justin Rose 30/1
Matt Kuchar 30/1
Paul Casey 30/1
Sergio Garcia 30/1
Brooks Koepka 35/1
Jamie Donaldson 35/1
Jim Furyk 35/1
Rickie Fowler 35/1
Martin Kaymer 40/1
Keegan Bradley 45/1
Graeme McDowell 50/1
Lee Westwood 50/1
Brandt Snedeker 55/1
Luke Donald 55/1
Ryan Palmer 55/1
Bill Haas 60/1
Branden Grace 60/1
Hunter Mahan 60/1
Ian Poulter 60/1
Shane Lowry 60/1
Billy Horschel 70/1
Charl Schwartzel 7 0/1
J.B. Holmes 70/1
Jason Dufner 70/1
Joost Luiten 90/1
Russell Henley 90/1
Webb Simpson 90/1
Charley Hoffman 100/1
Ryan Moore 100/1
Bernd Wiesberger 110/1
Danny Willett 110/1
Gary Woodland 110/1
Chris Kirk 120/1
Stephen Gallacher 120/1
Zach Johnson 120/1
Brendon Todd 130/1
John Senden 130/1
Kevin Na 150/1
Alexander Levy 180/1
Alexander Noren 190/1
Marcel Siem 190/1
Thongchai Jaidee 190/1
Anirban Lahiri 220/1
Mikko Ilonen 230/1
Geoff Ogilvy 250/1
Thomas Bjorn 250/1
Tommy Fleetwood 250/1
Cameron Tringale 300/1
Gary Stal 300/1
Morgan Hoffmann 300/1
Greg Chalmers 500/1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

WGC-Cadillac Championship: Golf betting preview and picks
By MATT FARGO

Padraig Harrington defeated Daniel Berger in a playoff at the Honda Classic that ended up being a Monday finish due to weather to claim his first win since 2008. The tour continues on the Florida swing, heading to Doral this week for the WGC-Cadillac Championship. This is the second straight event that features a star-studded field with close to the entire top 50 in the world playing. With the Match Play pushed back to April, this is the first World Golf Championship event in 2015.

There are only 70 players in the field this week which means there is no cut on the weekend and players are more likely to take chances they would not normally do. Weather should not be a factor this week like it was last week with only sight chances of rain and the unlikelihood of big winds that we saw at the Honda last week and at Doral last year on Friday.

Of the field of 70, 41 players from last year are back while there are 17 players taking their maiden voyage at Doral. What does that mean? Considering Patrick Reed won last year in first time here, we can't blindly count out first timers although experience here is a huge deal. For those not qualifying at Doral, many will be teeing it up in Rio Grande at the Puerto Rico Open but for our segment this week, we will be sticking with the WGC event.

Dustin Johnson (+2,000) was one of many big names to miss the weekend last week which shows how bad the weather really was. Prior to the Honda, he had a pair of top four finishes including a playoff loss so his comeback was firmly in place. The fact that he missed the cut helps him as the rest is a benefit. He has been here the past five years and had a solo second in 2011 and a T4 last year.

Reed showed that solid recent play can trump experience here and we are banking on Hideki Matsuyama (+3,700) for that. He has three top four finishes in 2015, a T2, T3 and a T4 so he is playing great. He took last week off which others probably wishing they did as well so he comes in fresh. He did start here last year and finished T34 which isn't horrible as a Friday 77 did him in.

A forgotten name of late has been Matt Kuchar (+4,000) as he has taken some time off following the WMPO. He followed up a T17 at the Hyundai TOC with a T3 at the Sony and a T2 at the Humana Challenge so he is still in top form. He has done very well at Doral as his worst finish the last five years is a T35. His other four starts have resulted in a T3, solo fifth, T8 and T13.

Justin Rose (+4,000) is another player getting some very solid value because of two missed cuts to start his season. One because of an injured thumb prior to the Farmers and one last week should have him pretty hungry at Doral. He has played here the last four years with a T42 and a T35 bookended around a win in 2012 and a T8 in 2013. The two average finishes both included one round of 77.

Not making the cut last week at the Honda Classic is giving Charl Schwartzel (+11,000) some incredible odds. We can throw out missing the cut last week as the weather played havoc on many big names. Schwartzel is one of 14 players to have been here in each of the last five years and has the best average finish at 11.0. He has three top tens including a T2 and a T4.

Recommended Tournament Win Five Pack at the WGC-Cadillac Championship - All for 1 Unit

Dustin Johnson (+2,000)
Hideki Matsuyama (+3,700)
Matt Kuchar (+4,000)
Justin Rose (+4,000)
Charl Schwartzel (+11,000)

2015 Record to date after 7 events: +30.5 Units

Hyundai Tournament of Champions -5 Units
Humana Challenge +24 Units
Waste Management Phoenix Open -5 Units
Farmers Insurance Open +8.5 Units
AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am +18 Units
Northern Trust Open -5 Units
Honda Classic -5 Units

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Maywood Park

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


Race 10 - Post: 10:30 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 75 - Purse:$2750 - FILLIES & MARES, CLAIMING PRICE $4,000


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 4 KENNANS NANCY LEE 2/1


# 5 PRIMROSE PATH 12/1


# 2 STEPH'S MELODY 15/1


KENNANS NANCY LEE will not be denied the ultimate prize in this race. She's doing work in fine form, recording substantial speed ratings. An excellent selection. A great class horse shouldn't be be forgotten. With an average class figure of 76 all signs look very good for this one. Could be considered in here if only for the nice speed rating achieved in the last competition. PRIMROSE PATH - When the starter calls, fine animals starting out of the 5 hole have more wins than is normal. Seekman will be looking to take the whole enchilada today, has been real tough of late. Win percent the last 30 days is a sparkling 23. STEPH'S MELODY - This horse has the ability to take better than average advantage of a favorable pace scenario in this affair. Wilfong has been winning with a flourish the past month, winning at a really strong 24 percent.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Yonkers Raceway

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


Race 11 - Post: 10:30 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 89 - Purse:$16000 - F& M NON-WINNERS OF $12,000 IN LAST 6 STARTS WINNERS OVER $120,000 IN 2014/15 NOT ELIGIBLE. AE. OPTIONAL CLAIMING ALLOWANCE $30,000


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 4 MY TALLIA IDEAL 9/2


# 3 CANACO STAR 8/5


# 7 MARTY PARTY 12/1


We've got a feeling MY TALLIA IDEAL is going to get the win. Certainly should be given a look based on the great speed fig achieved in the last race. The number crunching team has Dube on its list of drivers who are tearing it up within the recent past. Last 30 days win percentage is outstanding. Has one of the most favorable win figures in the pack and may be able to add to those stats in this race. CANACO STAR - Has the makings of a profitable play, averaging a nifty 91 TrackMaster SR. Could beat this group of animals, just look at the speed figure - 88 - from her most recent outing. MARTY PARTY - Might be there at a good price tag. Unquestionably one to keep in your exotics.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Golden Gate

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


Race 1 - Claiming - 5.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $10500 Class Rating: 80

FOR FILLIES AND MARES FOUR YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. WEIGHT, 122 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $8,000, IF FOR $7,000, ALLOWED 2 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 3 BELLA ANGELINA 7/2

# 4 TENILLE 8/1

# 5 NINNAVEE 6/5

I favor BELLA ANGELINA here. She has garnered respectable figs under today's conditions and should fare well versus this group. Shows reliable speed figures on average overall when measured up against the rest of this group of horses in this race. Is a definite contender - given the 77 Equibase Speed Figure from her most recent race. TENILLE - Preciado has her trained solidly to break promptly out of the gate. Put up a strong Equibase Speed Figure in the last race. Can run another good one in this race. NINNAVEE - Has very good front speed and will most likely fare solidly against this group of horses. Must be carefully examined - I like the figs from the last contest.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Oaklawn

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


Race 7 - Maiden Special Weight - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $64000 Class Rating: 92

FOR MAIDENS, THREE YEARS OLD. WEIGHT, 121 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 4 I'LL PLAY MY HAND 15/1

# 10 BATTLEOFBURLINGTON 6/1

# 8 LONDON BY NIGHT 12/1

I'LL PLAY MY HAND looks decent to best this field especially at a such a nice price. Bloodlines are very strong and this one looks to be on the board. BATTLEOFBURLINGTON - Sire numbers point to this colt being close at the wire. Players have done soundly with offspring of this sire in the past, whose +10 ROI is one of the best in this field.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Aqueduct - Race #2 - Post: 1:49pm - Maiden Claiming - 5.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $23,000 Class Rating: 64

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#7 LARRY BOY (ML=9/5)
#4 MR. CARMINE (ML=3/1)


LARRY BOY - Velasquez was aboard this colt last time out and was impressed enough to take the horse right back. It looks like the race should set up for a closer. This colt's running style fits the bill nicely. Took a class drop last time out at Aqueduct. Jacobson keeps him at the same level today. I think that's a good move. The recent speed figure of 61 is the top last race speed rating in the bunch. Have to make this colt a win candidate; he comes off a nice race on Feb 14th. MR. CARMINE - This gelding likes to be near the lead. Today's affair is a shorter trip and should increase his chances to win. Gelding will add blinkers to the equipment package today. That often leads to an improved performance.

Vulnerable Contenders: #6 DANGEROUS COWBOY (ML=5/2), #2 CAN'TCATCHJACK (ML=8/1),

DANGEROUS COWBOY - Hard to play a steed that lays up for a long time then doesn't hit the board off the extended layoff.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Put your money on #7 LARRY BOY on the nose if you can get odds of 7/5 or more

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [4,7]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Laurel Park - Race #1 - Post: 12:30pm - Maiden Claiming - 8.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $20,000 Class Rating: 58

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#6 MELLOW MEI MEI (ML=6/1)
#1 MY LITTLE DIPPER (ML=5/2)


MELLOW MEI MEI - Moves back to a trip at which she ran a speed rating good enough to make her a contender today. MY LITTLE DIPPER - Don't often see a lucrative ROI like +88. This jockey/trainer tandem has done well together over the last twelve months. This thoroughbred could be tough this time, especially since Hole rode last time around the track and now should be more familiar with this one. This filly is in nice form, having run a nice race on February 14th, finishing second. Filly's finish positions keep getting better with each race. Maybe today's the day.

Vulnerable Contenders: #7 MISS THE MAGIC (ML=9/5), #4 PATSY'S PRINCESS (ML=2/1),

MISS THE MAGIC - Thoroughbred ran a great speed rating last out, but that was in the slop. PATSY'S PRINCESS - Speed ratings tell a story of dropping physical condition. This filly recorded a speed fig in her last contest which likely isn't good enough in today's event.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#6 MELLOW MEI MEI is going to be the play if we are getting 7/5 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [1,6]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Aqueduct

RACE #6 - AQUEDUCT - 3:45 PM EASTERN POST

8.0 FURLONGS WINTERIZED INNER DIRT TRACK FILLIES AND MARES FOUR YEARS OLD AND UPWARD STARTER ALLOWANCE $50,000.00 PURSE

#1 PRIZE TAKER
#2 UNREPENTED
#3 TOO GOOD TO B TRUE
#7 MY ONE AND ONLY

#1 PRIZE TAKER is the overall speed leader in the allowance field this afternoon racing at today's distance of a mile on the dirt, and has hit the board in "POWER RUN FASHION" in each of her last three outings. Jockey Fernando Jara was in his irons for two of those "board hit efforts," and is back today for his 3rd ride, gunning for a "Circle Trip!" #2 UNREPENTED is the pace profile leader in this field today, and has hit the board in four of her respective last five outings, including a maiden-breaking win in her 5th race back.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Woodbine Harness: Thursday 3/5 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale

DRF HARNESS

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

EARLY $1 PICK 4 TICKET:

2,3,6 / 2,7,9 / 1,2,10 / 5 = $27

MEET STATS: 85 - 260 / $458.70 BEST BETS: 11 - 25 / $50.00

SPOT PLAYS: 5 - 24 / $54.10

Best Bet: IN THE SHADOWS (7th)

Spot Play: ROAD SENSE (8th)


Race 1

(7) MICHAELS TURN has started his racing career late but with two convincing wins out of town meriting the move to the big track; top call. (1) GUSCREST took a ton of action at the windows in his debut but was conservatively driven. He showed some life in the lane and could go much better here. (3) TYMAL SIGNATURE continues to race well and get good checks; one of these times.

Race 2

(7) WOGGY ROCKS was live last week but after escaping the rail late was nailed in the very last stride by one that had built up better momentum. He should be able to get a good stalking spot early here. (6) CAPELO was predictably short late in the mile after having missed 3 weeks due to weather cancellations. He is a top threat in here. (1) REMEDYFORTHEBLUES has been on a major roll out of town after going winless in 2014. He has earned the promotion to the big circuit and would be no surprise in his current form.

Race 3

(8) TYMAL COLLOSUS figures to get out closer to his main rival (7) BIG PACKAGE here which may be all it takes for him to turn the tables. The latter was claimed last week after winning for the 5th time in 6 starts. He is the obvious danger. (2) JUSTALITTLEFASTER was a closing third to the top two and looks best of the rest again here.

Race 4

(2) MAKE WAY did just that after a barn change last week leading all the way en route to setting a new life's mark; call to repeat. (6) BADLANDS LOVE took a trip down the 401 to London and left with a Mares Preferred win. Returning to home base trainer Moreau spots her realistically in for a tag here and she is a major threat. (3) ONE BADLAND NITE moved to the front in the third 1/4 but predictably tired late after missing three weeks action. She can better this placing.

Race 5

(2) KIWI PRES, after missing 22 days action, went a long parked trip then broke stride late. He projects to get a much easier time of it early here and should be able to wire this group. (7) JLS TIMES R GOOD has been first up twice since the claim and hung on decently. He can win with a covered trip. (9) UTOPIA converted a nice qualifying mile into a win and may finally have his gait issues solved. Look for him late again.

Race 6

(1) OOH SHESA BADLANDS is out of millionaire dam Oohs N Aahs who has produced nothing but winners so far from her 7 foals that have raced including five that have gone in under 1:55. This one looks ready to fire first out for Menary. (2) HIGH FASHION MEL showed some talent in an abbreviated unbeaten season at the 'B' tracks last year. She is well-prepped to be ready first out here. (10) TWIN B SWEETHEART raced very well from the 10-hole last week and would be no surprise from out there tonight.

Race 7

(5) IN THE SHADOWS is bred to be fast early and bravely held second in her debut when a blowout winner was sprinting away from the field. Expect a much more aggressive steer here. (6) BET ON HILL has been phenomenal over London's 1/2 mile oval and brings an unbeaten record and a world of confidence to the big track. (8) FRANNEY LOVE DAT takes a drop out of the Miss Vera Bars stakes series and should go much better here.

Race 8

(2) ROAD SENSE got stuck in behind a faltering leader at a key point of the race last week but obviously had trot when free too late in the lane. He should be sitting on a win now. (5) JUSTCALLMERONALD moves into Moreau's barn for the first time which is as potent an angle you will find at this track; beware. (9) SAM HAYES finally stayed flat in his 5th qualifier but in doing so trotted a nice mile. You may want to take a look at his record last year before you toss him.

Race 9

(7) KIKISKISSINKOUSIN couldn't keep pace from a quickening leader last week but projects to get a sweet ride behind pacesetter (9) ONE LAST BONO who does not have the same late speed. The latter has been on fire at London and Flamboro and is sure to be the pacesetter here. (1) DAPPLE APPLE hasn't been in the greatest form but may get perked up by a barn change here.

Race 10

(2) GREYSTONE MOE is in the best form he has seen in a while and can win from on or off the pace. Three straight are within his scope when this sharp. (8) ELECTRIFY was interfered with late and moved up to 2nd as a result. He is sharp but needs things to break just right to convert. (7) SOUTHWIND TERROR tried the choice first up and was repelled. Starting further out he should be able to latch on to some cover here. (5) KOULTONS ROCKET showed some grit to get up right on the line. He should be good for a share here, too. (6) PRESCOTTS HOPE moves to a much better post which again makes him a factor.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yonkers: Thursday 3/5 Analysis
By Brewster Smith

DRF HARNESS

MEET STATS: 27 - 168 / $270.50 BEST BETS: 2 - 14 / $10.00

Best Bet: CANACO STAR (11th)

Spot Play: KAMWOOD LAUGHTER N (6th)


Race 1

(6) TIDEWATER TOMAHAWK put in a nice run last out. Capable of taking these to task for all the cash. (2) PICTONIAN PRIDE should fare well from the 2-hole. (8) SOMEPLACE SPECIAL is knocking at the door.

Race 2

(1) RUNAWAY ROSE got the job done down the road last out. Pacing mare seems to have a fondness for this level. Two-peat is not out of the question. (5) EVERYMILEAMEMORY was second best in her last trip. (8) CASE SOLVED should be right in the mix with these.

Race 3

(4) MY IDEAL Pacing miss has put in two nice efforts and is very capable of moving forward. (2) YOU LITTLE RASCAL gets serious post relief. (1) IDEAL A LITTLE tried in the stretch drive in her recent try and had to settle for the place spot.

Race 4

(1) FLYING INSTRUCTOR This should be a perfect spot for this pacer to get the job done at his best. (4) DANISHDUJOUR was nailed for win honors at odds-on last time out. (2) KID COURAGEOUS A very sharp gelding held on for the victory recently.

Race 5

(3) LITTLE MISS HENRY has scored in her last two trips to the post. Pacing miss can mow these down for the hat trick. (6) BITTERSWEET DREAMS appears to be the main danger to the top pick. (2) FLYING MOCHA could grab a share of the purse.

Race 6

(5) KAMWOOD LAUGHTER N put in a solid effort last time around and this pacing mare can boss this group at her best. (1) CLIMATE HANOVER should be right in the swing of things from the fence. (3) DELLA BEA will be closing in the final strides.

Race 7

(2) EXPENSIVE TOY moves to the two slot and that should help his chances against this group. (6) IM THE REAL MAJOR might show speed in this event. (1) REPORT FOR DUTY N is not out of this from the fence.

Race 8

Will go for the upset with (6) JUST THAT. Gelding has always been right there and could take this if he gets the golden trip. (3) JDS CALEB MAN got the job done in his last two tries; the one to deny. (1) MAYTIME TERROR should contend with this group from the pole position.

Race 9

(7) SAMS ESCAPE Gelding is better than his last start. Can boss these with a complete meltdown of the early leaders. (3) HARE CRAFT was sent down the road last out for all the glory. (4) DINNER GUEST has wheeled off two straight victories.

Race 10

(2) HOOSIER CHATTER She is clearly knocking at the door based on her last three starts; ready to roll. (7) ALITTLEEASTERMAGIC is on a roll scoring in her last three trips. (6) JOKES JET drops a bit in class; watch out.

Race 11

(3) CANACO STAR Very consistent mare should have no problem getting the job done against these. (4) MY TALLIA IDEAL could be right in the mix. (2) BO TOX HANOVER put in a game effort for the victory last time around.

Race 12

(3) MAGIC STARLIGHT has put in four sharp efforts. Pacing miss can get back on the winning track with Brennan at the controls. (4) JETS ARE ON has done quite well in her last three tries; main danger. (1) KNOW IT ALL moves back to the rail where she got the job done two trips ago.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Thursday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE


Aqueduct (4th) Daddy's Lil Saint, 3-1
(7th) Pretension, 4-1


Delta Downs (3rd) Imlotlikemybrother, 3-1
(11th) Ide Declaire, 6-1


Fair Grounds (1st) State Line, 3-1
(5th) Lil Nicholas, 6-1


Golden Gate Fields (1st) Bella Angelina, 7-2
(3rd) Silent Reward, 8-1

Gulfstream Park (1st) Fantastic Voyage, 4-1
(5th) Giant's Jewel, 10-1

Laurel Park (6th) Cat McGinley, 8-1
(7th) Anybodyreallyknow, 4-1


Oaklawn Park (5th) One Voice, 4-1
(8th) Ghost Locket, 9-2

Penn National (6th) Bright Monba, 5-1
(8th) Illuminatus, 6-1

Santa Anita (1st) Village Kitten, 9-2
(2nd) Public Policy, 3-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA Fortunate Blazers host Mavs
By Tony Mejia

Needless to say, the Trail Blazers flight from L.A. back home was far more pleasant than anyone expected it would be as the fourth quarter unfolded at Staples Center on Wednesday night. A 98-93 comeback win that came after it looked like all was lost has the potential to be a season-changer.
Even if you’re of the belief that momentum lasts only as long as the next possession, the Blazers avoided a loss that had the potential to hauntingly linger. Portland rallied by getting lucky with Hack-a-Jordan, knocking down a few clutch late 3-pointers and avoiding Chris Paul’s likely game-winner that simply rimmed out at the end of regulation.

It overcame Damian Lillard’s nightmare of a night. Paul destroyed him. Defensively, he had him on skates. Portland’s All-Star point guard managed to get a career-high 18 rebounds by keeping his head up and finding a way to contribute, but his 1-for-13 shooting was even worse than it sounds. Lillard didn’t just miss shots, he floundered like a doomed fish out of water trying to get going, dragging the entire offense into his struggles. It didn’t help that DeAndre Jordan was making it impossible to do much around the rim, controlling the paint and frustrating Blazers big men by altering most of their shots.

New acquisition Arron Afflalo had opportunities but couldn’t do what he was brought in to do, knock down the open corner jumper. He was 2-for-7. Wes Matthews was 2-for-8 from 3, though he had one of the biggest makes in the comeback, trimming a six-point deficit to three with 1:06 left in regulation. The Blazers worked their way back from 10 down with 2:53 to go.

Portland found a way to win when it had very little, which means it deserved to win more than if it had just coasted by taking advantage of the absence of Blake Griffin, Jamal Crawford and Matt Barnes, who all sat out with injuries. The Trail Blazers gutted out a win, their first against the Clippers in three tries this season.

Memories of an awful night on the court, filled with slamming balls down in disgust and losing patience with referees, were replaced by those of their resilience. Lillard is too confident to let Paul’s domination of him linger, but the win certainly helped, especially since he finally made a basket in OT. Sure, it came at the rim off a perfect feed from Nicolas Batum, but at least he saw something go in.

On the second night of a back-to-back, the Trail Blazers will have their exceptional home crowd behind them after an unlikely win instead of a loss that would’ve left a mark. With only 3.5 games separating No. 2 seed Memphis from current No. 6 seed Dallas, every one of these games between Western Conference contenders is going to take on added importance over the next six weeks. Because of Wednesday’s win, Portland would open the postseason at home against the Clippers in the 4-5 series if the playoffs started today. The Mavericks are only a half-game behind L.A. and could very well be the Blazers first-round opponent, too, which means the home team will be playing another game that may end up being dissected over and over again by coaches and players come mid-April.

The first two games between Dallas and Portland this season were each won by the home team by double-digits, though the Blazers took the Mavs to OT at the American Airlines Center. This will be the first meeting including Rajon Rondo, who will team with Devin Harris to try and keep Lillard from finding a rhythm. He had scored a combined 60 points in the two games prior to Wednesday’s brutal effort and is averaging 22.5 points, 6 rebounds and 6.5 assists against the Mavs thus far. LaMarcus Aldridge, who scored a team-high 29 points last night, is averaging 22.5 points and 10.5 rebounds against Dallas, his hometown team.

Center Tyson Chandler has missed the last three games due to a hip flexor injury but is scheduled to make his return, giving the Blazers another agile shot-blocker to try and solve. Chandler Parsons has been ruled out due to a nasty ankle sprain that will cost him his sixth straight game. Dallas is 3-2 without him, relying on veteran Richard Jefferson and Al Farouq Aminu to play extended minutes. Amar’e Stoudemire will be playing his fifth game since being bought out by New York and signing with the Mavs, averaging 10.8 points and four rebounds off the bench thus far.

Coaches Rick Carlisle and Terry Stotts are good friends who worked together for four seasons, bringing a 2011 NBA title to Dallas before Stotts took the Portland job in 2012. Both are excellent offensive minds and the majority of their nine meetings as adversaries have gone over the posted total, but the last eight Mavs games have all gone under. Despite going to OT, last night’s improbable win ended a streak of three consecutive overs for the Trail Blazers.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAB Big 12 Analysis
By Jim Feist

Tournament play is on the horizon! It's the start of a wild few weeks with conference tournament play helping to whittle the field. In the Big 12, Kansas has been the dominant team again, but there is a logjam of teams vying for the spots below the Jayhawks. Here's a look at some of the top teams of the Big 12.

Kansas: The Jayhawks have been a powerhouse team, tops in scoring (81 ppg) in the conference and a +8.5 scoring margin, though they have not been invincible with losses at Oklahoma State (67-62) and at West Virginia (62-61). Sophomore guard Frank Mason III (12 ppg) has led the way on a team with great balance, second in the conference in field goal shooting, tops in field goal defense.

He’s not alone, of course, with 6-8 senior Perry Ellis (13 ppg, 7 rpg), 6-5 sophomore Wayne Selden (10 ppg) and 6-8 freshman Cliff Alexander blocking shots and grabbing rebounds. Kansas might not be as good as last year’s squad with Andrew Wiggins, but they beat Utah (63-60) and Michigan State (61-56) in tough non-conference games, while getting blasted by Kentucky, 72-40 (who hasn’t?).

Iowa State: The Cyclones are not big up front and not especially strong on defense. Yet, what a talented, deep team for Fred Hoiberg, deadly on offense, running opponents into the ground with a top 10 offense again. This is an experienced group led by 6-8 junior Georges Niang (14.7 ppg, 5.4 rpg), 6-4 junior Naz Long, 6-6 senior Bryce Dejean-Jones (12.5 ppg, 5.7 rpg) and 6-6 senior Dustin Hogue. This group is Top 5 in assists in the nation for the second straight year. Iowa State is on a 54-26-1 run over the total!

They are tops in the Big 12 in field goal shooting. One concern is road play, where they’ve struggled, especially on defense. They allowed 94 in a loss at Oklahoma and 89 at Kansas. Iowa State even allowed Texas Tech to hit 11 three-pointers in a 78-73 upset. Something to keep in mind come Big 12 tourney time: Iowa State is 47-32-1 ATS against the Big 12.

Oklahoma: Coach Lon Kruger has a run-and-gun Sooners squad that is tough, led by 6-4 junior Isaiah Cousins (11.7 ppg, 5 rpg) and 6-4 junior Buddy Hield (17 ppg). They can be relied on at the free throw line in close games, 74% at the charity strip (No. 1 in the Big 12). They are terrific on offense and the defense has improved, second in the Big 12 in field goal shooting allowing 38%, plus fourth at defending the three-pointer allowing .365% shooting.

A pair of 6-8 frontcourt forces in junior Ryan Spangler (11 ppg, 8 rpg) and TaShawn Thomas (11 ppg, 6 rpg) give the Sooners good balance all around. The frontcourt is not big, however, and they’ve lost to strong rebounding teams Baylor (69-58), Wisconsin (69-56), and Kansas (85-78). They also had 22 turnovers in an 86-65 loss at West Virginia.

Texas: The Longhorns are a young team for Rick Barnes with a monster frontcourt that few teams look forward to playing. Sophomore guard Isaiah Taylor (12.8 ppg) leads in scoring, but the rebounding muscle is fierce with 6-11 freshman Myles Turner (11.5 ppg, 6.6 rpg), 6-8 senior Jonathon Holmes (11 ppg, 6.5 rpg) and 6-9, 285-lb junior Cameron Ridley (8.6 ppg, 5 rpg). Texas is tops in the Big 12 in blocks and second in rebounding margin.

Even during their four-game mid-season skid they lost by 3 at No. 15 Iowa State and in overtime by a basket to Oklahoma State. They have wins over UConn and Iowa and lost in OT to Stanford. And in a loss at Kentucky (26-26 at the half) the Longhorns ended up with a 42-31 rebound edge, including 16-12 on the offensive glass. How many teams can say that after facing the mighty Wildcats?

Baylor: Few teams can pound the glass like Baylor, Top 5 most of the year in rebounds led by 6-7 junior Taurean Prince (13 ppg), 6-8, 280-lb junior Rico Gathers (11 ppg, 12 rpg) and 6-6 senior Royce O'Neale (6 rpg). Baylor lost both meetings with Kansas, but dropped a 56-55 thriller in one of them. The Bears were 8 of 15 on 3-pointers, but 10 of 38 inside the arc. They’d love a third shot at the Jayhawks in tourney play.