Wednesday 6/18/14 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

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[Can'tPickaWinner2]

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[superbeets]

World Cup TODAY 17:00

Australia

v

Holland

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
ITV1		16	13/2	1/5	More markets

​

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT ALL VENUES	RECENT FORM
AWHWNLHDNLNL​ Most recent​	0 - 0 2 - 1 1 - 1	HDALHDHWHWNW​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Holland have won ten of their last 11 competitive games

EXPERT VERDICT: Confidence must be sky-high in the Holland camp after their amazing 5-1 victory over Spain and they need to be careful not to underestimate Australia, who have shown they have not intention of being Group B's whipping boys. Holland's greater quality should win the day but the spirited Socceroos can grab a consolation goal.

RECOMMENDATION: Holland 3-1
1

 

[superbeets]

World Cup TODAY 20:00

Spain

v

Chile

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
BBC1		8/15	15/4	21/4	More markets

​

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT ALL VENUES	RECENT FORM
AWALHWHWNWNL​ Most recent​	2 - 2 3 - 2 2 - 1 3 - 0	NLHWALHWHWNW​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Chile have kept just one clean sheet in their last five competitive matches

EXPERT VERDICT: Spain looked shell-shocked towards the end of their 5-1 loss to Holland but can get their campaign back on track by beating Chile at the Maracana. Vicente del Bosque has some decent options in reserve and a new-look Spain side can open the Chileans, who struggled defensively against Australia.

RECOMMENDATION: Spain
2

 

[superbeets]

World Cup TODAY 23:00

Cameroon

v

Croatia

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
ITV1		5	3	8/15	More markets

​

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT ALL VENUES	RECENT FORM
ALNWNLADHWNL​ Most recent​	Unknown	ADHWADHWNWAL​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Croatia have scored in all of their last five matches

EXPERT VERDICT: Opening night was a hard luck story for Croatia, who deserved a point for their efforts against Brazil. They will be even stronger with Mario Mandzukic returning from suspension and should have few problems overcoming Cameroon, who were flattered by the 1-0 margin of defeat against Mexico.

RECOMMENDATION: Croatia
3

 

[superbeets]

Cameroon v Croatia

[h=2]2014 FIFA WORLD CUP[/h]

• Venue: Arena Amazonia, Manaus
• Date: Wednesday 18 June
• Kick-off: 23:00 BST

[h=2]TEAM NEWS[/h]Cameroon captain Samuel Eto'o is nursing a knee problem but has not ruled out being fit to face Croatia in Manaus on Wednesday.
Vincent Aboubakar could replace him, while Jean Makoun may be recalled after recovering from an ankle injury.
Croatia forward Mario Mandzukic is expected to start after serving a one-match ban against Brazil, with Nikica Jelavic making way.
Luka Modric should overcome a foot injury sustained in the opening game.
[h=2]MATCH PREVIEW[/h]Both teams had their shortcomings - and more besides in Croatia's case - exposed during the first week of the World Cup and they know that the loser in Manaus will become the first team to be eliminated from the tournament.
Cameroon were insipid in defeat by Mexico and may have to make do without captain and record goalscorer Samuel Eto'o.
Croatia, whose players are boycotting their nation's press after pictures of some of them sunbathing naked were published, gave the Brazilians an early scare but were criticised in some quarters for sitting back after taking the lead in that game.



Croatia's coach Niko Kovac said: "It was hard to come forward against Brazil but this game will be a different story because I expect us to have more possession and dominate.
"Purposeful running will be the key because of the weather. As we saw in a high-tempo England v Italy game, and one of superb quality, both sides wilted after 70 minutes in the unbearable heat."
Despite knowing wins against Cameroon and Mexico will definitely put Croatia through to the next round, Kovac has been keen to temper expectation: "We have to remember that we are a small nation that scraped through to the finals. It won't be the end of the world if we don't get past the group stage but I want to think positively and believe that we can make an impact."
Cameroon's German coach Volker Finke would not be drawn on his side's prospects, preferring to focus on his team's opponents: "Croatia is a team that has good players. There are players who play at clubs in Spain, at Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, in the Bundesliga ... it is clear that this is a good team."
"They are in the same situation as us, they lost their opener. If you have zero points after the first game, you do not talk too much, you just have to win at all costs."
[h=2]TEAM NEWS[/h]Head-to-head

• This is the first meeting of these two nations.
• Croatia are unbeaten in three previous meetings against African opposition, which were all friendlies). They beat Mali 2-1 last month in a World Cup warm-up match.
• Cameroon's Stephane M'Bia and Ivan Rakitic of Croatia are team-mates at Sevilla.

Cameroon

• Cameroon have lost their last five World Cup matches - the longest ever losing streak by an African country. They have only won one of their last 14 (D4, L9).
• They have not made it past the group stage in their last four World Cup appearances since reaching the quarter-finals in 1990.
• The Indomitable Lions have gone 12 consecutive World Cup matches without scoring more than one goal since a 2-2 draw with Sweden in 1994. The only longer such streak in World Cup history is 18 by Uruguay, set between 1970 and 2002.
• Samuel Eto'o has scored Cameroon's last three World Cup goals.

Croatia

• Croatia have failed to win any of their last five World Cup matches. Defeat against Cameroon would represent the longest winless streak by a European nation at the World Cup.
• They suffered their first defeat in six matches under Niko Kovac against Brazil last Thursday.
• Mario Mandzukic was Croatia's four-goal top scorer in World Cup qualifying. He has scored 10 goals in his last 27 caps.

 

[superbeets]

Australia v Netherlands


2014 FIFA WORLD CUP

• Venue: Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre
• Date: Wednesday 18 June 2014
• Kick-off: 17:00 BST

TEAM NEWS

Australia coach Ange Postecoglou has to reshuffle his defence because of a hamstring injury to Ivan Franjic that has ruled him out of the tournament.
Central defender Ryan McGowan is expected to fill in at right-back.
Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal may revert to a 4-3-3 formation despite lining up in a new 5-3-2 system for their emphatic victory over Spain.
Van Gaal has no injury concerns, but Robin van Persie is among three players who are one booking from a ban.
MATCH PREVIEW

After the extraordinary 5-1 win over world champions Spain, the problem now for the Netherlands is managing expectations.
The Dutch have suddenly gone from unfancied also-rans with no more than a "20% chance" of reaching the quarter-finals according to their coach Louis van Gaal, to having a superb opportunity of topping Group B and avoiding a probable second-round clash with Brazil.
Captain Robin van Persie, though, is keen to temper the hopes of a nation that skyrocketed in the space of those 90 incredible minutes. "This is my fifth (major) tournament and I know how these things work," he said. The euphoria vanishes just as quickly as it appears."

The Dutch camp is all smiles, and that's not something you can say about them very often at a major tournament. Van Gaal, it appears, is not just a master tactician but also a master psychologist capable of unifying a squad that is traditionally one of the most fractious in world sport.
"I'm bringing the wives and girlfriends again to the team hotel," Van Gaal said. "All through my career as a coach I am interested in the psychological state of my players. If my boys are happy, then I am happy."
Facing a buoyant Dutch team spearheaded by an in-form van Persie and Arjen Robben must be a daunting prospect for Australia.
However, they really grew into their match with Chile and battled back well from a horror start in which they looked like the youthful, inexperienced side they are.
Tim Cahill once again proved to be their inspiration and a 3-1 defeat was a little harsh on reflection. The facts are, though, lose in Porto Alegre and their World Cup will be all but over.
The loss of Ivan Franjic, the only recognised right-back in their squad, to injury is the last thing the Socceroos need with Robben ready to run at them.
Media reports say that Robben set the fastest sprint ever recorded by a footballer of 37km per hour when he outpaced Sergio Ramos to eventually score his second goal. Not bad for a 30-year-old.
MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

• This is the first time Australia and the Netherlands have met in the World Cup.
• Australia are unbeaten in their three previous meetings against the Netherlands (W1, D2). Their last encounter was on 10 October 2009 in a friendly which finished 0-0.

Australia

• Australia have won just two of their previous 11 World Cup matches.
• They have only won one of their six World Cup encounters with European sides (2-1 v Serbia in 2010). They have never kept a clean sheet in any of these games.
• Against Chile, Tim Cahill became the first Australian to score in three World Cups. No other Australian has scored in more than one tournament.
• Australia have scored a total of nine World Cup goals - Cahill, with four goals and one assist has now been involved in 56% of them.
• The Socceroos had nine shots in the second half of their opening match against Chile, only one fewer than the Chileans managed in the whole match.

Netherlands

• The Netherlands are unbeaten in their last 11 World Cup group matches, winning eight and drawing three. Their last group stage defeat came back in 1994 versus Belgium.
• Robin van Persie has scored 10 goals in his last nine appearances for Netherlands, and Arjen Robben has seven in his last seven.
• Following their goals against Spain, Van Persie and Robben became the first Dutchmen to score in three different World Cup tournaments (2006, 2010, 2014).

 

[superbeets]

Spain v Chile

2014 FIFA WORLD CUP

• Venue: Estadio do Maracana, Rio de Janeiro
• Date: Wednesday 18 June 2014
• Kick-off: 20:00 BST

TEAM NEWS

Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque has to decide whether or not to drop Iker Casillas and play Pepe Reina in goal.
Fellow keeper David De Gea has a buttock muscle injury, while Pedro and Javi Martinez could come into the starting line-up.
Chile's key midfielder Arturo Vidal came through an hour of the win over Australia unscathed on his first start since undergoing knee surgery in May.
Charles Aranguiz is one booking away from a ban.
MATCH PREVIEW

The footballing world awaits with baited breath - could this really be the end of one of the most dominant dynasties in recent football history?
Spain have to find a way to bounce back from their truly stunning 5-1 defeat to Netherlands - the biggest loss ever suffered by a defending champion at a World Cup.
They are notoriously bad starters at tournaments. Four years ago they went on to become the first team to lift the World Cup having lost their opening game, when they were shocked by Switzerland.
But this is different. Friday's thrashing was so damaging that it is going to take some recovering from. Midfielder Xavi said it was the worst defeat of his long and storied career, while coach Vicente Del Bosque said after the game that the result was "unexplainable".
How they must wish they could switch their fixtures around and face Australia now rather than a red-hot Chile side whose quality has got Del Bosque "worried".

Chile's dangerman is a player the Spaniards know all about. Alexis Sanchez will line-up against a host of his Barcelona team-mates and is in superb form.
He scored one and assisted another as the Chileans raced in a 2-0 lead after 14 minutes against Australia, but it certainly wasn't plain sailing after that and their lack of height at the back, a real weak point for them, was exposed by Tim Cahill.
These two sides met in the Maracana Stadium in 1950 - the last time Brazil hosted the World Cup. Spain won 2-0 in front of a reported crowd of just 16,000 - the final was watched by an incredible 174,000. It's not a ground the current crop of Spanish players have fond memories of, though, having lost 3-0 in the final of the Confederations Cup to Brazil last year.
That defeat exposed weaknesses in a previously unbeatable line-up. The defeat to the Netherlands exposed even more. Will Del Bosque continue show loyalty to a crop of players that have brought so much success, but now look tired and one-dimensional, or try to freshen things up to salvage their dream of becoming the first side since 1962 to retain the World Cup.
MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

• Chile have never beaten Spain in 10 previous encounters (D2 L8).
• Spain have won their last two meetings with Chile at World Cups. They won 2-0 in 1950 at the Maracana Stadium, where this match is taking place, and then 2-1 in 2010.

Spain

• The last time Spain lost back-to-back internationals was in 2006 (3-2 v Northern Ireland and 2-0 v Sweden).
• Their 5-1 defeat to the Netherlands was the first time they had conceded five goals in an international since losing 6-2 to Scotland in June 1963.
• They had only once before conceded five or more goals in a World Cup game (6-1 v Brazil in 1950).
• The Spaniards conceded more goals in 90 minutes against Netherlands than they had in their previous nine internationals combined (four).
• Spain's 5-1 loss to the Netherlands was the heaviest margin of defeat by a reigning World Cup champion in the history of the tournament. The previous heaviest defeats were Brazil losing 3-0 to France in 1998 and West Germany losing 6-3 to France in 1958.

Chile

• Chile have lost their two previous World Cup games against the defending champion, both against Brazil (in 1962 and 1998).
• Alexis Sanchez has been involved in seven of the last eight goals that Chile have scored (six assists and one goal).
• Against Australia, Sanchez became the first Chilean to score a goal and provide an assist in a single World Cup game since 1962.
• Chile scored three goals in a World Cup game for the first time since 1962.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Belmont Park

RACE #3 - BELMONT PARK - 2:22 PM EASTERN POST
8.0 FURLONGS DIRT FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD $20,000.00 CLAIMING $40,000.00 PURSE
#6 PENTHOUSE PARTY
#1 SUGAR BEACH
#2 PLATINUM BOMBSHELL
#4 HEIDI'S HOLIDAY

#6 PENTHOUSE PARTY qualifies as a TrackMaster PLUS "PowerPony," takes a class drop (-2), and is the overall speed leader in this claiming field racing at the mile distance on the dirt, and has been a "POWER RUN PERFORMER" in five straight, hitting the board in three, including a "POWER RUN WIN" in her 4th race back. #1 #1 SUGAR BEACH has hit the board in three straight, with her last two "board hit efforts," including a win in her 2nd race back, also qualifying as "POWER RUNS!"

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Camarero

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


Race 5 - Claiming - 7.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $4950 Class Rating: 71

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NOT WON A RACE SINCE JUNE 18, 2013 AND WHICH HAVE STARTED FOR A CLAIMING PRICE OF $5,000 OR LESS. THREE YEAR OLDS, 117 LBS.; OLDER, 121 LBS. CLASIFICADOS EN $3,500 Y DEBUTANTES ALLOWED 3 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $3,500.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 2 NEW GOVERNMENT 8/5


# 7 ROOM MATE 3/1


# 6 FOLLOWS NONE 6/1

I've got to go with NEW GOVERNMENT. With a strong jockey who has won at a solid 30 percent rate over the last month. This has to be one of the top choices. Caro has him trained soundly to break sharply out of the starting gate. Must be considered - I like the figures from the last race. ROOM MATE - Is tough not to examine based on Speed Figures which have been strong - 59 avg - of late. Ran a solid last race. FOLLOWS NONE - Look for a strong outing with the class drop. This gelding has some longshot angles I like to bet on.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Fair Meadows

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


Race 6 - Claiming - 250y on the Dirt. Purse: $7000 Class Rating: 73

QUARTER HORSE 250Y, FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 124 LBS.; OLDER, 126 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $10,000.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 7 PERFECT JESS 9/2


# 6 NENA O TOOLE 10/1


# 1 ENTITLED TO IVORY 7/2

I have to consider PERFECT JESS here. Might best this field here, showing solid numbers of late. Has to be given consideration based on the respectable speed rating put up in the last contest. Have to look at solely on class, with some of the top class figures of this group of horses in this race. NENA O TOOLE - Make a note that this horse runs with second time Lasix today. The twosome of Bennett/Sanders has one of the best return on investment percentages in this field. ENTITLED TO IVORY - Will more than likely be one of the leaders of the group going into the midpoint of the race. Must be given a chance for this event if only for the solid speed rating recorded in the last race.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Delaware - Race #2 - Post: 1:42pm - Maiden Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $16,000 Class Rating: 67

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#3 TOCO BOY (ML=8/1)
#2 SKYLAR (ML=5/1)


TOCO BOY - Last raced at Delaware in a race with an Equibase class figure of 85. Dropping a significant amount in class rating this time around puts him in a solid position right here. Very often a campaigner who worked from the gate since his last race, and adds the 'shades' for today's race, shows a big improvement in performance. SKYLAR - When this jockey and trainer combine forces you have to take a look. Carrasco and Magee have been fabulous together. Magee, the trainer, shows intent by adding Lasix right here. A positive sign.

Vulnerable Contenders: #5 CHASE N MADDIE (ML=5/2), #4 MR. FAHRENHEIT (ML=3/1), #6 CROWDER (ML=7/2),

CHASE N MADDIE - The fifth place finish in the last race was not the best. MR. FAHRENHEIT - This gelding hasn't had any recent good results in sprint events. No picnic to wager on him in this race. CROWDER - Not likely that this equine will finish better than he did last time out when placing ninth. This less than sharp equine will probably need at least one more start after the lackluster showing following the extended rest time.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Putting our cash on #3 TOCO BOY to win. Have to have odds of at least 9/5 or better though

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [2,3]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Thistledown - Race #2 - Post: 1:25pm - Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $10,000 Class Rating: 92

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#2 ED'S MAGIC (ML=5/2)
#1 IDE BE A WHO DAT (ML=7/2)


ED'S MAGIC - After the affair aboard this horse on Jun 1st, the jock is going to 'know' the gelding much better. Another way to judge class is EPS (earnings per start). This mount has the top in the bunch. I think he'll be close at the finish. IDE BE A WHO DAT - I believe that this race's shorter trip should help this gelding. Have to make this gelding a contender; he comes off a good contest on May 31st. Trainer, Owens-Tracy, has been deliberate with this gelding off the layoff. Look for a solid effort today.

Vulnerable Contenders: #6 RUNNIN FROM LOVE (ML=3/1), #3 THE SIXTIES (GB) (ML=9/2), #5 WU DOO MAN (ML=8/1),

RUNNIN FROM LOVE - Finished third in his most recent performance with a pedestrian speed rating. When I look at today's Equibase class figure, it would take an improved performance to prove victorious after that in this field. THE SIXTIES (GB) - In the last affair this runner finished third. Doesn't look promising for his chances today. I cannot play this continual non-winner. Gets the job completed now and then. Unlikely that the speed rating he notched on May 23rd will be good enough in this race. WU DOO MAN - This colt hasn't been showing me anything positive in the last two races. Hasn't hit the board in any short distance events of late. Doubtful to see him doing it this time out either. Doubtful that the speed fig he recorded on June 6th will hold up in this race.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Play #2 ED'S MAGIC to win if you can get odds of 7/5 or more

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [1,2]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Balmoral: Wednesday 6/18 Analysis
By Jeremey Day

DRF HARNESS

Race 6 - $10,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

Best Bet (20 - 35 / $86.20): KING MUFASA (5th)

Spot Play: LOVERS HOLIDAY (6th)


Race 1

(2) JESSE HILL might have needed the start last out racing evenly. The lightly raced 3-year-old has more to offer and should be ready for a better effort. (2a) SWAN LIFE TO LIVE filly has room to improve and proven connections. (3) MAPLE GROVE JOE was overmatched last race but finds a much easier spot with the best post.

Race 2

(5) LITTLE MISS TORIE freshman filly pacer makes her debut off a nice qualifier; threat. (3) OLA HANOVER filly has disappointed so far but does have some experience on the field. (8) BLUES QUEEN two-year-old also makes her first start and has a proven pedigree.

Race 3

In a field of first time starters (3) FOX VALLEY MACY had an excellent prep flashing nice ability. (5) PERSUASIVE LOOK could be more fit than the others with two qualifiers and should be considered a threat. (6) JT'S VALENTINE will offer a big price and could use some racing luck.

Race 4

(6) LYRICS FALL filly put in a strong qualifier to kick her racing career off right. The 2-year-old a kicked away powerfully down the lane. (5) KANDY WITH A KAY sprinted home nicely in the prep and has just as good a chance as any in the field. (4) FOX VALLEY REDHEAD could be the sleeper in the race at a price; threat.

Race 5

(8) KING MUFASA Illinois champ is just now back in racing shape and finds an ideal spot to get back on track. (3) CELEBRITY HERCULES gelding was an easy winner down in class and would have been a heavy favorite against this group at one point last year. (7) TROT FUDGE SUNDAE mare was better than her line looks last out and will probably try and fire for position.

Race 6

(4) LOVERS HOLIDAY mare has been racing against much tougher and should offer a big price down in class. (7) WESTERN BOUDOIR mare has been racing gamely and just needs a smooth trip to hit the ticket. (5) THE RIGHT MOVE mare has some ability and makes her first start for a new trainer.

Race 7

(8) FOX VALLEY LOTUS adds second time lasix and should be ready for an improved effort against weaker. (5) CLASS STAR has just been racing evenly but did show a good burst of speed off the gate last start. (6) B MAN gelding is inconsistent but his best effort would beat this field.

Race 8

(6) LIQUEUR mare makes her second start back down in class and should be much closer turning for home. (7) KITTY O'BRIEN mare was off her game last out but the connections have made a few adjustments. The 7-year-old has the best closing ability late. (5) FOX VALLEY SWIFT went from having some pace up in class to empty last out in for the tag. The mare should be competitive at this level.

Race 9

(9) RICHARD TRACI has yet to win on the year but has been knocking on the door and will offer a much better price this time out. (1) BELL VALLEY ART has been sharp in his last two and gets the best post against a similar bunch. (2) LOOK MA NO HANDS comes off a victory and will look to ration out his speed early; vulnerable late.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Northfield: Wednesday 6/18 Analysis
By Ken Walters

DRF HARNESS

Race 8 - $10,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

Best Bet: ST ELIANS FIRE (3rd)

Spot Play: QUICK KIL (15th)


Race 1

(1) THIS SANDS HOT was tightened in last, races second time off the qualifier and has the pole. (4) SMALLSREED broke before the start in last and was too far back to menace two back but three and four back were frontstepping efforts this level. (2) NORTH PARCC has one win in last two years. Hardly inspires confidence but has SOME speed and the inside.

Race 2

(5) KATIE AND J was second best with Merriman two back and should give the good old college try tonight. (1) NOT AGAIN WOMAN won from the rail two back and can hardly find a better spot. (3) CODYTHECLOWN had little to offer in latest facing better from the outside post but prior were hard-hitting efforts facing this kind.

Race 3

(1) ST ELIANS FIRE set a new life mark in last and has the pole. (5) O I M BAD was second best in last and that made it four straight second bests. Is that a pattern developing? (7) TIME TRAVEL is zero for life but always trying.

Race 4

(5) THE CLASSIC Z TAM was a quick winner in last and seeks third win last four. (7) CANT SLAY ME has been second best on a regular basis and looms as second best again. (1) MR DYLAN closed strongly two back to win and toured the track in last. The rail should make him more interested.

Race 5

(4) AMIGO RAPIDO lived up to his name in last--finally. May have been just the jump start he needed to get a streak going. (1) THAT WAS YOU jumped before the start in latest ruining her win streak and burning her faithful followers' cash. (5) FERRISWHEEL JUNKIE has had two tighteners after three qualifiers. If he has anything he should give these a run for the gold.

Race 6

(4) BEACH CRISIS jogged two back but was saddled with bad post in last. Best effort makes this vet faster than his foes. (1) TYMAL TRITON has the rail and put in a credible effort a few back from the rail. (8) SHOCKBYELECTRIC has gotten to the top from the outside in the past but falters on a regular basis.

Race 7

(3) COAL BURNER won last going away and gets the nod to take another while sharp. (1) CASIMIR FREEDOM has yet to win in '14 but put up a slew of victories last year. Has raced at a number of tracks in recent races and may just be looking for a spot. The rail is not a bad spot so don't ignore. (5) FLYING METRO did not fare badly in last facing this kind and should be in the hunt.

Race 8

(1) JP ORAZIO will be either on the lead or pocketed heading home. Beaten favorite should atone this evening. (3) HOLLYWOOD HUSTLER was deadly from the pocket in last and should be the main late threat. (2) KJS JAKEE was used hard two back and had a bad post in last. Best effort will be needed to get by top two.

Race 9

(9) WHAT DO YOU WANT has been too sharp in all recent to ignore in here even from the second tier. (3) CJS SUPER SECRET was a head short in last with strong finish. (1) HERBEDAONE has speed and the rail and will be the one to catch as she takes a modest drop in company.

Race 10

(1) T R KILOWATT SAM wired same kind in last in crushing fashion. (2) ICONIC STYLE won from the off the pace in last with big finish and looms as strong foe. (6) KINETIC YANKEE got away poorly in last from second tier but won from same post two back. Should be in the mix if he gets away well.

Race 11

(7) ALLAMERICAN LASER dominated with unbelievable finish in last and can hardly be looked past. (1) WOW POWER drew away from field in eye-opening victory but faces slightly better. (2) CAM EAST was nailed late in most recent and faces tough task taking these to the wire.

Race 12

(4) RUBA DUB DUB had the perfect trip in last and responded with an impressive win. Gets call in well-matched field. (3) SAMMY MERLOT needs to overcome his breaking habit but best makes him a wakeup threat. (1) ROCK N ROLL SONG has the rail coming off a win from the rail and looms as a strong threat from the rail.

Race 13

(1) FREDSABULLDOG has been high, wide and handsome closing from impossible spots in some of recent. Draws well for first time in long while and looms as the one to hold off when it counts. (2) FIRMS RANDSOME faces weaker and this is not a tough field. (5) CONTRABAND will loom as a threat until the stretch.

Race 14

(2) FORTUNE KING was a late closing second best in last and should get it done. (5) ROYAL CAT had the trip in last but was second best. (1) TORY qualified well after a couple of breaks and may need a flat line before going for the whole ball of wax--but the rail cannot be ignored.

Race 15

(7) QUICK KIL has put in a couple of good qualifiers and was tightened big time in parked-the-mile effort in last. If he has anything real this is the time to surprise. (2) ARTS BOY was a strong winner in qualifier and should go well from inside. (1) GOODNTE WILBUR should suck along just fine from the pole.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Wednesday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE


Belmont Park (4th) It's Your Time, 3-1
(7th) Pirate's Pleasure, 7-2

Charles Town (3rd) My African Nurses, 4-1
(7th) Soft Ball, 7-2

Delaware Park (5th) Fulton Street, 5-1
(7th) Royal Currier, 7-2


Evangeline Downs (4th) Wilko Gal, 5-1
(6th) Wild Memories, 6-1


Indiana Downs (2nd) Dixie Minister, 3-1
(8th) Citizen Sassy, 5-1


Mountaineer (2nd) Astonish, 6-1
(8th) Gentlemansapproval, 7-2


Penn National (1st) Swig It, 7-2
(8th) Tubal, 4-1


Presque Isle Downs (2nd) Miss Lauren Ann, 7-2
(5th) Brushfirefairytale, 5-1


Suffolk Downs (5th) Pretty Nell, 5-1
(6th) Slinger, 3-1


Thistledown (2nd) Runnin from Love, 3-1
(6th) Fire Dance, 4-1


Woodbine (4th) Another Bid, 5-1
(6th) Fill Your Boots, 3-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mariners (37-34) at Padres (29-42)

Game: 3
Venue: Safeco Field
Date: June 18, 2014 10:10 PM EDT

A somber mood is expected Wednesday night when the San Diego Padres play for the first time at home following the death of Hall of Fame outfielder Tony Gwynn.

After what is sure to be an emotional tribute to a man who spent his entire 20-year career with the organization and was dubbed "Mr. Padre," San Diego will have to quickly shift its focus to a matchup with one of the most dominant pitchers in the majors when it faces Felix Hernandez and the Seattle Mariners.

Gwynn died of oral cancer at 54 on Monday, hours before the Padres (29-42) went out and lost 5-1 to the Mariners (37-34). San Diego then fell 6-1 on Tuesday and now returns home for another two games against Seattle, which has won three in a row following a five-game slide.

Fans paid their respects by visiting the statue of Gwynn on a grassy knoll just beyond the outfield at Petco Park on Monday, and this game offers the first chance for the team to honor the career .338 hitter in front of the home fans.

'More than just Mr. Padre, Tony was Mr. San Diego. He cared deeply about our city and had a profound impact on our community. He forever will be remembered not only for his tremendous on-field accomplishments, but also for his infectious laugh, warm, outgoing personality and huge heart,' the Padres said in a statement.

Getting back to the business at hand may not be easy for the Padres, especially with Hernandez (8-2, 2.29 ERA) off to the best start of his career.

The right-hander is 4-1 with a 1.34 ERA in his last six starts, with the loss coming Friday despite allowing one run and four hits over 8 1-3 innings in a 1-0 home defeat to Texas.

The Mariners haven't scored with Hernandez on the mound in his last two outings, as he's given up one run and eight hits with 21 strikeouts over 15 1-3 innings while failing to earn a win.

Hernandez is 5-0 with a 1.54 ERA in six starts at Petco Park, going at least eight innings four times.

The Mariners will face Andrew Cashner, who dropped to 0-5 with a 3.29 ERA in his last seven starts after allowing four runs in six innings of Friday's 6-2 road loss to the New York Mets.

It was the second start for Cashner (2-6, 2.47) after he missed nearly a month with right elbow soreness, and the Padres again failed to give him much support.

Cashner has a 1.82 ERA in 17 starts dating to Aug. 19, but he's posted a 4-8 record because San Diego has handed him 2.29 runs per game. The way the Padres have been hitting lately, two runs would be welcomed.

San Diego has been held to one run in each contest during a three-game skid and has lost eight of nine. The Padres scored five times in the win over that span and combined for 10 runs in the defeats.

"It's tough," catcher Rene Rivera told the Padres' official website. "We've battled. I haven't seen a guy in here hang his head down. We're trying to perform at a high level, but it seems like we come up short each time."

Cashner made his only start against the Mariners on May 30, 2013, at Petco Park and allowed four runs over six innings of a 7-1 loss while opposing Hernandez.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Cliff Lee throws off mound, eyes July return

Is there any hope left for the 2014 Phillies?

Cliff Lee threw off a mound on Tuesday for the first time since going on the disabled list last month.

ATLANTA -- Cliff Lee says he has made excellent strides in his recovery from an elbow strain over the last few days. The left-hander was able throw from a bullpen mound Tuesday for the first time since going on the disabled list and he was pleased with the results.

“It feels real good,” said Lee, who threw 20 fastballs. “I was letting it go pretty hard, pretty much max effort.”

Lee went on the disabled list on May 20 with a strained flexor-pronator tendon. He did not throw a ball for three weeks after that.

“I can tell there’s something there, but there’s nothing painful or uncomfortable,” Lee said.

Lee will be evaluated Wednesday to see how he bounces back from Tuesday’s session. If all goes well, he will continue to throw bullpens in the coming days.

Lee is confident he could be back by the all-star break. General manager Ruben Amaro Jr. has indicated that Lee could be back around the Fourth of July.

Once he returns, Lee will help the Phillies try to get into contention in July while at the same time auditioning for clubs that may need a starter.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

#1 Sports

Wednesday's free selection:

Arizona Diamondbacks + 105

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Razor Sharp

FREE PICK FOR WEDNESDAY:

MIAMI (Eovaldi)-125 over the Chicago Cubs