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JIM FEIST

Take: (917) NEW YORK YANKEES.

Reason: Your Bonus Play Wednesday, July 29, 2015 is in the MLB contest between Yankees and Rangers in Texas. The NY Yankees head to Texas, a great home run park, with the No. 2 offense in baseball. Masahiro Tanaka (3.64 ERA, 7-3) is sizzling, with the team 8-2 his last 10 starts. The Yankees are 23-8 in Tanakas last 31 starts, plus 8-2 in their last 10 games as a favorite. Texas is home from a road trip this week and goes with Colby Lewis (4.49 ERA), allowing 22 runs his last five starts (33 innings). The Rangers are 6-14 in Lewis' last 20 home starts. He has a 4.95 ERA at home and this season he has a 6.75 ERA against the Bronx Bombers this season. The Rangers are 2-10 in their last 12 home games and the Yankees are 7-0 in Tanaka's last 7 starts vs. the American League West. Play New York.

MLB

Padres @ Mets
Ross is 3-1, 2.79 in his last seven starts; three of his last four stayed under.

Colon is 0-5, 5.55 in his last six starts; five of the six stayed under.

Padres won four of last six games with New York; three of last four series games went over total. San Diego is 7-4 in last 11 games; their last five stayed under the total. Mets won last three games, allowing four runs.

Nationals @ Marlins
Fister is 0-3, 5.73 in his last four starts; four of his last five stayed under.

Koehler is 4-2, 2.77 in his last six starts (under 5-0-1).

Washington lost five of last seven games with Miami; four of last six in series went over total. Nationals lost seven of last ten games; over is 5-2-1 in the last eight . Marlins won seven of their last eight at home.

Rockies @ Cubs
Butler is 1-1, 4.61 in his last five starts; under is 3-1-1 in his last five.

Lester is 1-0, 1.26 in his last two starts; under is 8-0-1 in his last nine.

Cubs are 3-6 in last nine games overall, 6-3 in its last nine games with Colorado (over 6-2 in last eight). Rockies are 4-6 in their last ten games (over 6-2-1 in last nine).

Reds @ Cardinals
DeSclafani is 0-3, 6.11 in his last six starts; over is 3-1-1 in his last five.

Lackey is 3-0, 1.40 in his last four starts; over is 3-1-1 in his last five.

Cincinnati lost five of last seven games with St Louis; last four series games stayed under. Reds lost four of last six games; three of last four stayed under. St Louis won six of last eight games; under is 6-0-1 in last seven.

Brewers @ Giants
Fiers is 1-1, 5.00 in his last three starts; three of his last four went over.

Peavy is 2-4, 5.13 in his six starts (over 4-2).

SF won 12 of its last 14 games overall. Brewers lost five of last seven games; they scored seven runs in last four games- under is 4-0-1 in their last five. Giants won seven of last eight games with Milwaukee; over is 3-2-1 in their last six games overall.

American League
Tigers @ Rays
Verlander is 0-3, 6.08 in his last six starts; seven of his last eight went over. Detroit lost his last eight starts overall.

Archer is 0-1, 2.08 in his last two starts; over is 5-2-1 in his last eight.

Detroit lost 11 of its last 15 games; four of its last six games stayed under total. Tigers lost eight of last 11 games with Tampa Bay- six of last nine series games went over. Rays won three of last five; under is 5-2-3 in their last ten.

White Sox @ Red Sox
Quintana is 2-2, 2.52 in his last five starts; three of his last four went under.

Porcello is 1-1, 3.00 in his last three starts; under is 6-2-1 in his last nine.

White Sox won their last six games, but they're 5-7 in last 12 games with Boston, which lost ten of last 12 games overall-- over is 7-3 in their last ten games. Four of last five series games went over the total.

Royals @ Indians
Guthrie is 1-1, 4.62 in his last four starts; over is 6-3-1 in his last ten.

Kluber is 2-2, 3.38 in his last four starts; five of his last seven stayed under.

Royals won eight of last 11 games overall (under 6-1-1 last eight). Indians lost last six games, outscored 37-10; seven of their last ten games went over. Over is 8-3-1 in last 12 series games.

Bronx @ Rangers
Tanaka is 3-0, 3.22 in his last three starts; four of his last six went over.

Lewis is 2-0, 2.40 in his last two starts; four of his last five went over.

Bronx won ten of last 12 games (five of last six went over); they lost four of last six games with Texas, allowing 40 runs (under 8-4 in last 12). Rangers lost last three games, outscored 40-14 (over 7-3 in last ten).

Angels @ Astros
Richards is 2-2, 2.40 in his last four starts; five of his last seven went under.

McCullers is 1-1, 2.79 in his last five starts (over 2-0-1 in last three).

Angels won three of last five games with Houston; seven of last ten series games stayed under. Halos lost four of last five games overall; eight of their last ten away games went over total. Astros won six of last eight games; four of their last six stayed under total.

Interleague
Phillies @ Blue Jays
Williams is 0-3, 8.59 in his last five starts; over is 5-3 in his last eight.

Dickey is 1-1, 2.11 in his last three starts; under is 5-1-1 in his last seven.

Philly lost eight of last nine games with Toronto; three of last four went over total. Phils are 9-1 in their last ten games overall (under 4-1-1 in last six). Blue Jays lost three of last four games- three of the four went over

Braves @ Orioles
Foltynewicz is making first start since June 14; he is 0-0, 9.19 in his last three starts, all of which went over total.

Tillman is 2-0, 1.38 in his last five starts, all of which stayed under.

Atlanta lost five of last six games with Baltimore; four of last five stayed under. Braves lost five of last six games overall- under is 8-2-1 in their last eleven. Orioles won last four games, allowing seven runs; under is 5-2-1 in their last eight games.

Pirates @ Twins
Former Twin Liriano is 2-0, 1.95 in his last five starts; three of his last four starts went over the total.

Santana is 2-0, 0.00 (15.2 IP) in his last two starts; three of his last four starts stayed under the total.

Pirates lost seven of last 11 games with Minnesota; seven of last ten in series went over total. Pittsburgh won four of last five games overall (over 4-1). Twins lost seven of last nine games; last four went over total.

A's @ Dodgers
Chavez is 1-4, 5.19 in his last five starts; seven of his last eight went over.

Kershaw is 3-0, 0.00 (26 IP) in his last three starts; his last six stayed under.

A's won eight of last ten games against the Dodgers; last five went under the total. Oakland lost four of last five games, scoring 11 runs (under 4-1). LA lost five of last eight games; five of their last six home games stayed under.

Diamondbacks @ Mariners
Corbin is 0-3, 3.71 in his last three starts, which all stayed under.

Hernandez is 2-1, 1.36 in his last five starts; five of his last seven went under.

Arizona won five of last six games overall-- under is 6-3-1 in their last ten. Seattle lost three of last four games; six of its last eight went over the total. D'backs won fourof last five games with Seattle; over is 3-0-1 in last four.

Win-loss records this year for team with this starting pitcher:
Colo-Chi-- Butler 6-6; Lester 10-10
Mil-SF-- Fiers 11-9; Peavy 2-4
Wsh-Mia-- Fister 4-9; Koehler 10-8
Cin-StL-- DeSclafani 9-10; Lackey 12-8
SD-NY--- Ross 10-11; Colon 9-10

Det-TB-- Verlander 0-7; Archer 12-9
CWS-Bos-- Quintana 8-10; Porcello 9-10
KC-Clev-- Guthrie 12-7; Kluber 6-15
NY-Tex-- Tanaka 10-3; Lewis 10-10
LA-Hst-- Richards 11-7; McCullers 6-6

Phil-Tor-- Williams 5-10; Dickey 8-12
Atl-Balt-- Foltynewicz 4-5; Tilllman 10-9
Pitt-Min-- Liriano 9-10; Santana 3-1
A's-LA-- Chavez 5-12; Kershaw 11-9
Ariz-Sea-- Corbin 1-3; Hernandez 13-7

Times this starting pitcher allowed a run in first inning:
Colo-Chi-- Butler 6-13; Lester 8-20
Mil-SF-- Fiers 1-20; Peavy 2-6
Wsh-Mia-- Fister 4-13; Koehler 4-18
Cin-StL-- DeSclafani 4-19; Lackey 4-20
SD-NY--- Ross 5-21; Colon 5-19

Det-TB-- Verlander 3-7; Archer 5-21
CWS-Bos-- Quintana 11-18 (6 of last 7); Porcello 4-19
KC-Clev-- Guthrie 3-19; Kluber 10-21
NY-Tex-- Tanaka 3-13; Lewis 4-20
LA-Hst-- Richards 2-18; McCullers 2-12

Phil-Tor-- Williams 6-15; Dickey 4-20
Atl-Balt-- Foltynewicz 5-9; Tilllman 3-19
Pitt-Min-- Liriano 2-19; Santana 0-4
A's-LA-- Chavez 4-17; Kershaw 4-20
Ariz-Sea-- Corbin 0-4; Hernandez 5-20

Umpires
Col-Chi-- Six of last eight HGibson games went over.
Wsh-Mia-- Five of last six May games stayed under.
SD-NY-- 11 of 16 Scott games went over the total.
Cin-StL-- Six of last nine Muchlinski games stayed under.
Mil-SF-- Seven of last nine Cuzzi games stayed under.

KC-Clev-- Favorites won three of four Woodring games.
Det-TB-- Underdogs won three of last five Blakney games.
Chi-Bos-- Last three Johnson games stayed under total.
NY-Tex-- Favorites won six of last seven Baker games.
LA-Hst-- Eight of last ten GGibson games stayed under.

Pitt-Minn--- Underdogs won six of last eight Hoberg games; over is 3-0-1 in his last four games.
Atl-Balt-- Over is 4-1-1 in last six Wolf games.
Phil-Tor-- Home side won last four Reyburn games.
Az-Sea--Last three Hallion games stayed under the total.
A's-LA-- Five of last seven Knight games stayed under.

Man United vs. PSG

International Champions Cup
Manchester United vs. Paris St Germain
Club Friendly
Kick-off: Wednesday, 9:00 p.m. ET

Manchester United +115, Paris Saint-Germain +205, Tie +250, Total: 2.5

Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain meet in Chicago on Wednesday night.

Manchester United has won each of its first three matches in the International Champions Cup, and a win against Paris Saint-Germain would allow the English squad to finish its preseason preparations with an unblemished record. After opening the tournament with a 1-0 win against Mexican side Club América thanks to a Morgan Schneiderlin goal, the Red Devils have won their last two games by identical 3-1 scorelines against the San Jose Earthquakes and Barcelona.

Schneiderlin and fellow new arrival Memphis Depay have provided reasons for United fans to be optimistic, and Bastian Schweinsteiger could return to action after missing out on the Barcelona game because of a minor injury. Manchester United was unbeaten in last year’s edition of the tournament, and will likely play a strong lineup in its pursuit of the same end result this time around.

Paris Saint-Germain has also enjoyed a fine preseason, winning its first two games of the International Champions Cup and losing in a penalty shootout to Chelsea in its most recent fixture. Zlatan Ibrahimovic has two goals to his name thus far in the tournament, while 18-year-old striker Jean-Kévin Augustin has found the back of the net an impressive three times for PSG.

This will be an exciting game for fans, and over 2.5 goals should be scored. Manchester United is more likely to play a squad that resembles its lineup for the regular season, and for that reason the Red Devils should win, perhaps by a score of 3-1.

Game Props -

Goal Line
Manchester United 0.5 (+115)
Paris St Germain -+0.5 (-150)

Alternative Lines
Manchester United +0.5 (-285)
Paris St Germain -0.5 (+205)
Over 1.5 (-475)
Under 1.5 (+325)

Manchester United -1.5 (+300)
Paris St Germain +1.5 (-450)
Over 3.5 (+185)
Under 3.5 (-265)

Total Manchester United Goals
Over 1.5 (Even)
UNDER U 1.5 (-140)

Total Paris St Germain Goals
Over 1.5 (+160)
UNDER U 1.5 (-215)

Both Teams to Score
YES -155
NO +135

Manchester United to keep a clean sheet (Shutout)
YES +220
NO -320

Paris St Germain to keep a clean sheet (Shutout)
YES +350
NO -500

Total Goals
1 goal +450
2 goals +250
3 goals +280
4 goals +425
5 goals +800
6 or more goals +1100
No goals +950

1st Team to Score
Manchester United -125
No Goal +950
Paris St Germain +115

Half Time/Full Time
Man Utd / Man Utd +207
Man Utd / PSG +3000
Man Utd / Tie +1300
PSG / Man Utd +3500
PSG / PSG +325
PSG / Tie +1300
Tie / Man Utd +400
Tie / PSG +550
Tie / Tie +425

Correct Score
Any Other Score +9500

Man Utd win 1-0 +750
Man Utd win 2-0 +900
Man Utd win 2-1 +700
Man Utd win 3-0 +1800
Man Utd win 3-1 +1400
Man Utd win 3-2 +2300
Man Utd win 4-0 +4500
Man Utd win 4-1 +3500
Man Utd win 4-2 +6000
Man Utd win 4-3 +14000
Man Utd win 5-0 +15000
Man Utd win 5-1 +12000
Man Utd win 5-2 +19000
Man Utd win 5-3 +20000
Man Utd win 5-4 +20000

PSG win 1-0 +950
PSG win 2-0 +1400
PSG win 2-1 +850
PSG win 3-0 +3500
PSG win 3-1 +2200
PSG win 3-2 +2800
PSG win 4-0 +11000
PSG win 4-1 +7000
PSG win 4-2 +9000
PSG win 4-3 +17000
PSG win 5-0 +20000
PSG win 5-1 +20000
PSG win 5-2 +20000
PSG win 5-3 +20000
PSG win 5-4 +20000

Tie 0-0 +950
Tie 1-1 +500
Tie 2-2 +1150
Tie 3-3 +5500
Tie 4-4 +20000
Tie 5-5 +20000

See spot. See spot bet: This week's best spot bets
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:

Lookahead spot

The Toronto Argonauts have been wandering the CFL landscape for six weeks now, including this Monday’s road trip to Hamilton to play the rival Ti-Cats.

Thanks to the Pan Am Games taking over the Rogers Centre for the past month, the Argos play their first five games away from home, starting with a “home” game in Fort McMurray, Alberta against the Eskimos in Week 1 then trips to Saskatchewan, Calgary, and British Columbia.

Road-weary Toronto wraps this grueling stretch of sked in Hamilton, with the welcoming domed confines of the “Sky Dome” just one week away. The Argonauts have been a solid wager, covering in each of those first four games, but could get caught looking ahead to a long-awaited home opener versus the Rough Riders the following Saturday. Books have Toronto set as a 4-point pup in Hamilton this Monday.

Letdown spot

The Alabama Crimson Tide aren’t wasting any time getting into the college football playoff mix, facing Wisconsin inside AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas in Week 1 of the season. Books have the Tide set as 10.5-point favorites for that opener and also have Alabama listed as early 9.5-point chalk hosting Ole Miss in Week 3. Sandwiched between these monster matchups is a “cake walk” versus Middle Tennessee in Week 2.

The Blue Raiders are nothing more than guinea pigs for Nick Saban’s squad – an opportunity to fine tune what didn’t work in Week 1 and try some new things out before Week 2. Middle Tennessee is one of the better C-USA programs but will be getting a boatload of points against the SEC super power.

With the Tide in letdown mode after Wisconsin (and in a lookahead to a revenge spot against Mississippi) – and not wanting to reveal too much of the playbook before facing the Rebels – Alabama could fall short of this lofty number. The Tide are just 3-8-1 ATS in their last 11 non-conference games.

Schedule spot

The Cleveland Indians are looking to get away from home – and not for the usual reasons people want to leave Cleveland. The Tribe are mired in a nasty losing skid, dropping five in a row inside Progressive Field as of Tuesday. The Indians are currently hosting the Royals but must have their bags packed for a West Coast run starting Thursday.

Following a series finale with Kansas City Wednesday, Cleveland flies overnight to Oakland for four games with the Athletics then a three-game set with the Angels to round out the trip.

The Indians have actually been a solid wager away from Cleveland this season, with a 26-22 record as visitors – earning +3.52 units while burning up -23.14 units at home. The Tribe have a collective 3.46 ERA on the road - fourth lowest in the bigs. That pitching performance puffs up to 4.46 at home.

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Harrah's Philadelphia

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


Race 12 - Post: 4:20 - 1 mile. TROT - Class Rating: 81 - Purse:$9000 - NW $4,500 IN LAST 5 STARTS 4 YR. OLDS & OLDER LAST START FOR A PURSE OF GREATER THAN $12,000 INELIGIBLE PA PREFERENCE NO. 8 BLACK SWAN SCRATCHED SICK


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 5 HAWAIIANCAVIAR 3/1


# 8 SKYWAY CRUISER 5/2


# 7 LUBBOCK 9/1


HAWAIIANCAVIAR looks very good to best this race. Take a look at this interesting entrant's average speed figure of 80 and compare to today's class rating. Looks like a nice wager. Chances are greatly increased for harness racers beginning from the 5 hole at Harrah's Philadelphia. Some drivers just fit better with certain race horses. That seems to be the case here with Callahan. A formidable bet. SKYWAY CRUISER - The handicapping group knows that speed is very important in harness racing. This horse will unlock our way to a nice top prize. Very likely will improve with the equip change, back with hopples on today. LUBBOCK - Horse fits well this time and trainer's formidable return on investment for solid standardbreds who move up in class make this one a real excellent wager.

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Northern Maine Fair

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


Race 5 - Post: 3:04 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 67 - Purse:$2400 - NON-WINNERS $1000 LAST 5 STARTS OR 1 RACE IN 2015 NORTHERN MAINE FAIR ASSOCIATED GROCERS NEW ENGLAND


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 2 RUPERT RUPERT 5/2


# 3 WILDCAT IDEAL 7/2


# 1 BEAUXARTS HANOVER 5/1


RUPERT RUPERT sure does look ready to take the whole enchilada. The handicapping team saw this horse's name in a magazine. Call it our coffee house play, worth a small bet. Could surprise us at a nice price. Don't leave out. He's racing in fine form, recording bang-up speed ratings. An excellent pick. WILDCAT IDEAL - Had one of the most solid TrackMaster SRs of the field in his last contest. Must use in your bets. BEAUXARTS HANOVER - With a 72 average class ranking, this solid standardbred has one of the best class advantages in the field of horses. Could beat this group of animals, just look at the TrackMaster Speed Rating - 61 - from her last performance.

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Les Bois Park

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


Race 6 - Stakes - 400y on the Dirt. Purse: $42030 Class Rating: 96

QUARTER HORSE 400Y, ADEQUAN DERBY CHALLENGE S. - FOR THREE YEAR OLDS THAT QUALIFIED AND REMAIN ELIGIBLE TO ENTER THE ADEQUAN DERBY CHALLENGE FINAL. STARTERS TO PASS THE ENTRY BOX AT THE USUAL TIME OF CLOSING. WEIGHT: 123 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 6 YNOT WALK 5/2


# 2 JAMES FIRST AFFAIR 7/2


# 4 BH LISAS BOY 6/1


I think YNOT WALK is a respectable choice. Should be used in the exotic wagers. This gelding has to be considered just off the earnings per start in short races alone. Reliable average Equibase Speed Figs in short races make this animal a solid contender. JAMES FIRST AFFAIR - Reason to like this colt as he has in the irons one of the best jocks using winning percentages over the last month. Could beat this group given the 96 speed rating garnered in his last outing. BH LISAS BOY - Has raced soundly in short races. Looks like a reliable player for the exotics.

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Evangeline

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


Race 4 - Maiden Special Weight - 5.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $30000 Class Rating: 55

FOR ACCREDITED LA BRED MAIDENS, FILLIES TWO YEARS OLD. WEIGHT, 118 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 6 TOP CAT SIZZLE 6/1


# 3 GRAND TUNER 9/2


# 10 BILLIE'S GARDEN 20/1


TOP CAT SIZZLE is the most competitive bet in this race. This filly has some longshot angles I like to bet on. This selection will feel the med change - with second time Lasix today. The average Equibase class figure of 45 makes this one difficult to beat. GRAND TUNER - Will probably compete solidly in the early pace contest which bodes well with this group of horses in this race. The average class rating alone makes this one a key contender. BILLIE'S GARDEN - There is a very strong possibility of an increase in speed as this filly changes blinkers (on) for the first time. Ought to be considered a solid choice on earnings per start at the distance/surface alone.

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Louisiana Downs - Race #4 - Post: 4:36pm - Maiden Special - 8.0 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $24,000 Class Rating: 77

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#5 LUNARSTRIKE (ML=5/2)
#2 TO TOURNE GOSH (ML=3/1)
#4 RAMSANELLI (ML=4/1)


LUNARSTRIKE - Owns the highest speed rating on the turf at this distance. TO TOURNE GOSH - Comes out of a last event against 'open' company on July 10th and faces what I believe are easier 'state breds' today. Jockey jumped on this filly's back for the first time on July 10th. Should know the horse even better this time around. Can't help but like the second time addition of Lasix by the trainer today. What that tells me is House thinks she can win. A repeat of that most recent effort on July 10th where she earned a fig of 56 looks high enough to score in this event. This thoroughbred coming off a sharp try in the last thirty days is a strong challenger in my opinion. RAMSANELLI - Have to watch for this animal on the turf. Last race at Louisiana Downs, scored a big turf number. Have to think she can do it again right here in this race. It looks like Simington had to know this filly on June 13th when riding her for the first time. Back atop again today. She has the highest earnings per start. Take a good look at this horse. Last out at Louisiana Downs this animal finished ahead of today's M/L favorite. Potential play if the public follows the M/L odds.

Vulnerable Contenders: #1 SEPTENNIAL (ML=5/1), #9 LEIGH'S FAST FIX (ML=8/1), #3 SOUTHERN ART (ML=8/1),

SEPTENNIAL - This filly notched a speed rating in her last affair which probably isn't good enough in today's event. LEIGH'S FAST FIX - This racer ran a pedestrian speed figure last time out. She shouldn't run better and will probably suffer defeat in today's event running that figure. SOUTHERN ART - This mare has had numerous tries at Louisiana Downs and still no victories.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#5 LUNARSTRIKE to win at post-time odds of 5/2 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
5 with [2,4]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [2,4,5] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
[2,4,5] with [2,4,5] with [1,2,3,4,5] with [1,2,3,4,5] Total Cost: $36

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Thistledown - Race #8 - Post: 4:25pm - Maiden Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $11,000 Class Rating: 57

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#7 NONHELEMA (ML=7/2)
#6 SLAMMING GIN (ML=6/1)
#8 GRAB THE CASH (ML=4/1)


NONHELEMA - I like horses that return to a similar class level after dropping at least 5 class pts like this one did in the last race. I believe she'll be competitive at this level. SLAMMING GIN - Was in a Maiden Special race at Thistledown in the last race. That contest had an Equibase class figure of 69 and she is moving down right here in this race. A certain win candidate. GRAB THE CASH - I think that a sprinter coming off a layoff will usually run her best in the 3rd or 4th start back. Three consecutive improved Equibase speed figs (43-46-55) make this horse a solid contender. I like this filly. Has the top earnings per race in here.

Vulnerable Contenders: #9 FUSEE ROUGE (ML=5/1), #11 SKIPPER'S SPECIAL (ML=8/1),

FUSEE ROUGE - Don't feel this entrant will make a winning move in today's event. That last speed fig was run-of-the-mill when compared with today's class rating. SKIPPER'S SPECIAL - Showed very little in the last clash. Really can't expect any change today. Run-of-the-mill fig in the last race at Thistledown at 5 1/2 furlongs. Don't feel this less than sharp equine will improve too much today.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#7 NONHELEMA to win at post-time odds of 7/2 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [6,7]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [6,7,8] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Saratoga

RACE #4 - SARATOGA - 2:36 PM EASTERN POST


The Honorable Miss Handicap

6.0 FURLONGS DIRT GRADE II FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD STAKES $200,000.00 PURSE

#3 LA VERDAD
#4 JUDY THE BEAUTY
#5 STREET STORY
#1 ENCHANTRESS

Well folks ... The Honorable Miss is named after the Pen-Y-Bryn Farm's multiple stakes-winning mare. Trained by Frank Whiteley and ridden by Jacinto Vasquez, the daughter of Damascus was 19-12-9 from 62 career starts, with earnings of $437,973. Often competing against males, in 1975 she won the Toboggan Handicap, the Vagrancy Handicap, the Gravesend Handicap and the Fall Highweight Handicap as a 5-year-old. She won the Fall Highweight again in 1976. Here in the 24th renewal of this graded stakes test, #3 LA VERDAD, a 12 time winner sprinting at 6.0 furlongs on the dirt, qualifies as a TrackMaster PLUS "PowerPony," and has excellent early. and overall speed to compliment for this sprint. She's posted a quartet of "POWER RUN WINS" in her last five outings, and gets a return ride from Jockey Jose Ortiz this afternoon ... Ortiz has been in her irons on 17 previous occasions, winning 12 times, and guns for a "Lucky 13th Circle Trip" today. The morning line favorite is #4 JUDY THE BEAUTY who has hit the board in four of her last five respective starts, including a trio of "POWER RUN WINS" being embedded in this recent streak of racing consistency.

Northfield: Wednesday 7/29 Analysis + Pick Four ticket
By Jeremey Day

DRF HARNESS

Race 8 - $10,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

Jeremey’s $1 Pick Four Play:

1,5,6 / 5 / 5,6,9 / 2,4 = $18


Best Bet: ROYAL BRIEFING (9th)

Spot Play: HIGH STAKES BANKER (7th)


Race 1

(1) FOREVER ROYAL is the only trotter in the race with multiple victories and has been facing tougher. (3) UN POCO DE LOCO lightly raced 4-year-old has just been racing evenly but finds a suspect bunch. (7) JESSE'S PRIDE owns a good burst of speed off the gate which could put him on the ticket.

Race 2

(9) SOUTHERN SANDY lightly raced filly is one of few with upside in the race and should offer a big price. (5) WHATA PACIFIC is one of few contenders in the race and just missed last week. (4) PARKTOWNISCOOTIWIN was a game winner last out against similar but looks to offer low value; use caution.

Race 3

(5) BOOM BOOM two-year-old filly faces older more seasoned horses but could have a lot of ability off an easy fair victory. (9) NED PEPPER trotting gelding has had a bunch of issues but was much better in the recent qualifier. (2) PONDA BLITZ gets a great starting post with options.

Race 4

(6) COSMETICIAN owns only one win on the year but takes a huge dropdown to the bottom level and has been competitive against better on the year. (5) DESPERATE CROWNDS has just been racing evenly but finds a field full of question marks. (3) GOLDEN SLIPPER might be in a spot to hit the ticket late; use underneath.

Race 5

(8) DIAMOND HUNTER owns back class and just needs to find a way into the race for a big shot against a soft field. (9) CHARITY KID well bred mare could be one of few threats to the top choice if she minds her manners. (1) MYSTERY RINGER might have gotten a confidence boost with a win on the fair circuit.

Race 6

In a field that's a combined 4 for 130, (3) IMPRESSIVE JET has room to improve at a price second start out for a new trainer. (2) TIDBIT couldn't parlay a perfect trip last out but might get a similar setup. (4) RIDGE PARK rarely wins but has at least shown a decent burst of speed which is more than most in the race can say.

Race 7

(3) HIGH STAKES BANKER seems to do his best racing with tough trips. The gelding is the horse to beat if he stays trotting. (9) MASTEROFCEREMONIES picks up a huge driver change and should be closer turning for home. (4) CANDY J will offer a big price and could shake loose late for a piece underneath.

Race 8

(6) LET LOOSE HANOVER was a game winner at this level last out closing from off the pace nicely. (5) ROCKS CONFESSION well bred filly showed good improvement last week and will offer a much better price. (1) CAUGHT ME SPEEDING has had trouble staying pacing but owns a recent win in this class.

Race 9

(5) ROYAL BRIEFING takes a huge dropdown in competition and should be able to handle this field with a trouble free trip. (1) SUZELLE HANOVER well bred mare needed her last start and gets the best post. (2) CHRISTINA VICTORY owns only one win on the year but does hit the board a lot; use underneath.

Race 10

(6) RELLA ON ATTACK has put in two nice races in a row and can threaten with a similar effort. (9) JACK FINN owns a win against better but needs a smooth trip from the second tier. (5) COLUMBIA ART was a game winner at this level two back; threat.

Race 11

(4) SHEZA LAVEC should be ready for a better effort third start back after a long layoff. The 5-year-old trotting mare just missed against better last time out. (2) STIRLING BOUDICA will be dangerous with an easy early lead. (8) EL CERRITO PLACE has yet to win in twenty-four lifetime starts, however the 4-year-old has been knocking on the door in recent weeks.

Race 12

(9) KALLISTA will look to make it two straight at this level and looks to be in line for another nice trip up close. (1) BALITINA needs to utilize the good best and get out of the gate better. If the pacing mare can do that she has a shot. (8) DOLORD four-year-old was an easy winner last out but will need more from a tough post.

Race 13

(2) SENORITA BELLA owns good gate speed and might get a pocket trip. (4) NAKED AT THE BEACH well bred 5-year-old takes a good drop in class and should find this spot much easier. (9) MCMERRY AGAIN dominated against weaker last out; threat.

Race 14

(8) ACTION-EAR-TO-EAR can rally fire off the starting gate when asked. The pacing bred trotter needs an aggressive drive from a low percentage pilot. (9) MAGIC PEACH mare is just now back in racing shape and probably has more to offer. (1) VACATION ANGEL veteran trotting mare makes her first start in a new barn and faces easier.

Race 15

(6) LIMA RITCH nine-year-old owns a big brush when timed right and was a game winner last time at this level. (3) BOXCAR also drops down and will offer value. (2) MATT'S JACK owns a win against better on the year; threat.

SPOT PLAYS

For Wednesday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE


Charles Town (1st) Nijinsky's Warrior, 7-2
(7th) Simmstown, 7-2


Delaware Park (4th) Aragvi, 6-1
(7th) Condo Closing, 8-1


Del Mar (3rd) Jimmy Bouncer, 3-1
(7th) Backstreet Lisa, 4-1


Evangeline Downs (1st) Minister Henny, 4-1
(4th) Grand Turner, 9-2


Indiana Grand (3rd) Smiling Wonderboy, 9-2
(8th) Tetrad, 7-2


Louisiana Downs (3rd) Private Songster, 9-2
(7th) Zany Hero, 8-1


Mountaineer (3rd) Yes I See, 8-1
(9th) Flying Butterfly, 4-1


Penn National (1st) Bee Bee Queen, 4-1
(5th) Atheltane, 6-1


Presque Isle Downs (3rd) Wild Winter, 3-1
(6th) Oak Harbor, 7-2


Saratoga (3rd) Tuneintobow, 8-1
(9th) Integrity, 3-1


Thistledown (2nd) Meadows Chance, 4-1
(8th) Grab the Cash, 4-1


Woodbine (2nd) Thunder Point, 8-1
(7th) Just Coz, 7-2

MLB Preview: Angels (55-44) at Astros (56-45)

Game: 2
Venue: Minute Maid Park
Date: July 29, 2015 8:10 PM EDT

Though the Los Angeles Angels may have bolstered their offense with the additions of three veterans over the past two days, the focus remains on getting Mike Trout back in the lineup.

It's uncertain if the ailing star will be available Wednesday night when the visiting Angels try to maintain their slim AL West lead over the Houston Astros.

A day after Los Angeles (55-44) acquired Shane Victorino and followed with Tuesday's additions of fellow outfielders David DeJesus and David Murphy, Trout sat out a 10-5 loss with a wrist injury suffered Sunday. Considered day to day, Trout is batting .397 while hitting 10 of his major league-leading 31 home runs in his last 15 games.

'It looks like it's moving in the right direction," said manager Mike Scioscia, whose team has dropped four of five after winning 17 of 20. "Just not quite where it needs to be.

"You're always mindful and hopeful that everything's going to come out for the best, so we'll just wait and see."

After the Astros (56-45) trimmed Los Angeles' AL West lead to percentage points, they could see a different lineup with Victorino, Murphy and DeJesus potentially all available to man a left field spot from which the Angels hit .212 prior to Victorino going 1 for 4 on Tuesday.

"They're veteran guys that have played in very important games before, including the postseason,' Angels interim general manager Bill Stoneman said. 'That sort of experience should help us as we approach September and hopefully the postseason.'

Stoneman also mentioned one of the three could see time in Trout's absence.

"Hopefully (Trout) won't miss a whole lot of time, but if he happens to, maybe one of these guys could be the one that fills in for him," Stoneman said.

Looking to regroup, the Angels hand the ball to Garrett Richards (10-7, 3.25 ERA).

The right-hander is 5-3 with a 2.34 ERA in his last eight starts, lasting at least seven innings in six. After tossing a two-hitter against Boston on July 18, Richards gave up a three-run homer in the fourth of the eight innings he went in Thursday's 3-0 loss to Minnesota.

'It cost us the game,' Richards said. "If I execute my pitch right there, I'm out of the inning.'

He's 1-1 with a 3.09 ERA against the Astros this season.

Batting .320 versus Richards and .500 (15 for 30) with 10 RBIs in his last seven home games against Los Angeles, Jose Altuve had three hits and a career-high five RBIs as Houston broke out for 14 hits. It totaled two runs and 11 hits in dropping the final two at Kansas City last weekend.

'If you are able to drive those runs in this situation against the Angels, tied or in first place, it has to be good,' Altuve said. 'I want to keep doing things for my team to win.'

Rookie shortstop Carlos Correa is 7 for 15 with two homers and six RBIs in his last three games against the Angels.

Over his last three starts, teammate Lance McCullers (4-3, 2.60) is 0-1 with a 3.94 ERA, walked nine overall and lasted six or fewer innings in each. He gave up two runs, six hits and walked three in five innings of a 5-4 win over the Red Sox on Thursday.

The rookie right-hander also walked three but yielded a run in six innings of a 2-1, 13-inning loss at Anaheim on June 24.

DeJesus is 2 for his last 20 but 2 for 3 with a triple against McCullers this season.

Third baseman Conor Gillaspie is 5 for 12 with two doubles and three RBIs in three games since Los Angeles acquired him from the Chicago White Sox on Friday.