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Euro 2016 betting cheat sheet and odds: Straight A’s for France

Euro2016 continues as group play gets into their second fixtures and teams look to clinch a berth in the knockout stage or keep making it to the next round a possibility. We break down all the action in our betting cheat sheet.

Straight A’s for France

France (-475) looks to secure a berth in the Round of 16 as it tangles with Albania (+1,300) on Wednesday in Group A action at Marseille. The home side needed a late Dimitri Payet goal to subdue Romania in its opener, but have won five straight and 10 of 11 since dropping a 1-0 decision to the Albanians in a friendly nearly a year ago. Albania deserved a better fate in its 1-0 loss to Sweden, but should give France all it can handle in this one.

A Wales of a Task

Age-old rivals meet at Stade Bollaert-Delelis in Lens Aggio as heavily favored England (-180) takes on Wales (+525) in a Group B tilt. The English are coming off a 1-1 draw with Russia, an outcome overshadowed by bloody clashes between fans from both sides. The Welsh side is coming off an impressive 2-1 triumph over Slovakia in their tournament opener at Stade de Bordeaux, and could make things tough for England.

Room for Improvement?

The defending World Cup champions from Germany (-165) will look to clean up their form as they battle Poland (+425) on Wednesday in the second Group C match for both teams. The Germans dominated on the scoreboard, but struggled at the back end against an upstart Ukrainian side that nearly scored on several occasions. Poland kicked off its Euro championship with a 1-0 win over Northern Ireland, but is in tough here.

News and Notes

* There are already fireworks heading into Wednesday’s England-Wales clash, with Welsh star Gareth Bale suggesting that his side shows more passion and pride than the English roster. England manager Roy Hodgson called the comments “disrespectful."

* Northern Ireland intends to wear black armbands and hold a minute of silence prior to Thursday’s match with Ukraine in honor of a fan who died Monday. Darren Rodgers, 24, was killed after falling more than 20 feet on a beach in Nice.

Injury Updates

* Wales goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey is hoping to be fit for Thursday’s clash with England after sitting out the win over Slovakia with back spasms. Danny Ward drew the start in Hennessey’s absence.

* German star Bastian Schweinsteiger, who converted in injury time in his team’s victorious opener, is inching closer to full health after missing most of 2016 with a knee injury. That said, he’ll still see his minutes limited throughout the event.

Weather Watch

All three games played Wednesday could see rain; Romania-Switzerland is almost certain to feature a few millimeters of rain, while France-Albania could also see showers. Temperatures will be in the low-60s for Romania-Switzerland, the mid-60s for Russia-Slovakia and the mid-70s for France-Albania.

Rain could also play havoc with Thursday’s England-Wales encounter, with up to 10 millimeters expected. Cloudy skies will greet Germany-Poland. England-Wales and Germany-Poland will see temperatures in the mid-60s, while the mercury for Ukraine-Northern Ireland should reach the high-60s by game time.

Props of the Day

* France-Albania, First Goal/Final Score - Olivier Giroud/France 2-0 (+2,000): Giroud is the home side’s biggest scoring threat, and is a safe bet to convert for the French. With Albania looking to press for the equalizer, the French should be able to add an insurance goal - provided they don’t allow the tying tally.

* Germany-Poland, Germany to Record a Shutout Win - Yes (+170): As good as the Germans looked in the opener - at least on paper - fans should expect a better effort, particularly on the defensive end. Look for Germany to stifle the Poland attack, with few quality scoring chances against.

Key Stats/Trends

* France has won four of six meetings with Albania since 1990, but its two non-victories have come in the last two meetings - a draw in 2014 and a loss nearly a year ago.

* Slovakia has just one goal in its last four meetings with Russia, and hasn’t converted against the Russian side in more than 243 minutes overall.

* Romania and Switzerland are completely square over their history, each with five wins and two draws; Switzerland won 4-1 at the 1994 World Cup in their only major encounter.

Wednesday's Euro Tip Sheet
By Toby Maxtone-Smith

Group B - Russia vs. Slovakia

Date: Wednesday, June 15
Location: Stade Pierre-Mauroy, Villeneuve-d'Ascq
TV/Time: ESPN, 9:00 a.m. ET

All 24 teams at Euro 2016 have now played exactly one game, and the second round of group matches kicks off with Russia facing Slovakia in Lille. Russia were fortunate to escape with a late draw against England in a match marred by trouble, both inside the ground and in the city of Marseille. Slovakia, meanwhile, were edged out by Wales. They really need to beat Russia.

Apart from a decent 20-minute spell in the second half, Russia were quite poor against England, and even at 7/5 they should probably be avoided. Slovakia’s team is more settled, but marginally lower on quality. They are 23/10. The bet that appeals most, however, is the draw at 9/4. Russia’s slow defence won’t be exposed too much by an average group of Slovak strikers, and Russia looked blunt going forward against England.

A draw would be a decent result for Russia, and is a value bet.

Prediction: Draw at 9/4

Group A - Romania vs. Switzerland

Date: Wednesday, June 15
Location: Parc des Princes, Paris
TV/Time: ESPN, 12:00 p.m. ET

Romania put in a good performance in the opening game of the tournament, and it was only a late Dimitri Payet strike that gave the hosts France the perfect start to the competition. Romania’s defence looked resolute throughout, keeping a good shape and often dealing comfortably with the French attack.

Switzerland were unconvincing in a 1-0 win over Albania, the rank outsiders for the tournament who had a man sent off. Swtizerland had 54 minutes to add to their lead against ten-man Albania and could not do it. After years of waiting for a talented Swiss generation to have an excellent tournament, we may be waiting a little longer.

Romania are 9/4 outsiders and on the basis of the opening games, as well as both teams’ displays in qualifying, this is an attractive bet. Switzerland are 6/4 with a draw available at 11/5.

Prediction: Romania to win at 9/4

Group A - France vs. Albania

Date: Wednesday, June 15
Location: Stade Vélodrome, Marseille
TV/Time: ESPN, 3:00 p.m. ET

On paper, this looks like being the biggest mismatch of the tournament: France, the 3/1 favourites, play Albania, who went off as 500/1 outsider. Unless Germany need to beat Northern Ireland in a week’s time, you will not see a team bigger than Albania at 18/1 to win a match at this tournament. France are available at 2/9, with a draw a 5/1 shot.

Many experts predicted that the effect of adding an extra eight countries to this tournament would be a more defensive group stage, with three draws likely to be enough for teams to qualify. And so it has proved. Only two of the opening twelve games have had more than two goals. None have had more than three.

France should have enough to break down Albania, but against a decent Swiss attack Gianni de Biasi’s side looked quite solid in their opening game, only conceding in the fifth minute of a 1-0 defeat. France will be looking to pace themselves for what will probably be a long tournament for them, and after going the distance against Romania, they may try and conserve energy during this game, settling for a 1-0 or 2-0 win. Under 2.5 goals at evens looks the bet.

Prediction: Under 2.5 goals at even

NBA notebook: Izzo says Draymond needs to chill
By The Sports Xchange

Draymond Green's emotional boost was a catalyst most of his four years at Michigan State, but coach Tom Izzo said the Golden State Warriors' All-Star forward must learn how to get to the edge and stop.
For all his fist-pumping, trash-talking motivational antics that have been successful, Green's four flagrant fouls in the playoffs led to him sitting out the Warriors' Game 5 loss on Monday night. He'll be back in the lineup Thursday for Game 6 against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
"Draymond Green to me, is one of the most competitive guys in that league. Unfortunately for him, them and me, winning is the most important thing. Learning how to curb that is something we all had to do, and he had to do in college and he's going to have to do it a little bit more," Izzo said on ESPN.
Izzo said he doubts Green intentionally hit LeBron James in the groin, the Flagrant 1 foul that drew a one-game suspension as part of the culmination of offenses this postseason.

--Golden State Warriors center Andrew Bogut traveled with his team to Cleveland on Tuesday afternoon after undergoing an MRI exam on his sprained left knee, according to published reports.
Bogut's availability for Thursday's Game 6 of the NBA Finals likely will be determined by the Warriors' medical team on Tuesday night.
The 31-year-old Australian collided with Cleveland guard J.R. Smith and left during the latter stages of Monday's 112-97 loss to the Cavaliers. Bogut collected two rebounds and three blocks but did not score a point in the loss for Golden State, which holds a 3-2 edge in the series.

--Chicago Bulls All-Star guard Jimmy Butler could be available in trade, and the Boston Celtics reportedly are interested in dealing the No. 3 overall pick in the 2016 draft to bring him to Boston.
Providence point guard Kris Dunn, Oklahoma shooting guard Buddy Hield and Kentucky shooting guard Jamal Murray would be the top-rated prospects available to the Bulls, who have reportedly considered trading point guard Derrick Rose this offseason.
The Bulls could also have interest in Celtics guards Avery Bradley and Isaiah Thomas, who emerged as Boston's go-to scorer last season.

--Game 5 of the NBA Finals was the most watched game of the series between the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers, according to Nielsen.
Monday's contest in which Cleveland staved off elimination with a 112-97 road win averaged 20.5 million viewers on ABC. At its peak between 11:15-11:30 p.m. ET, nearly 24 million viewers were tuned in.
The series is averaging slightly more than 18 million viewers per game, making it the second-most watched finals on ABC through five games.

Books gear up for Game 6
By Micah Roberts

NBA Finals bettors have a lot to think about before wagering on Thursday's Game 6 at the Quicken Loans Center where do-or-die Cleveland is a 2.5-point favorite over Golden State at most Las Vegas sports books.

Can the Cavs duplicate the insanely efficient Game 6 performance where they won 112-97 to cut the Warriors lead to 3-2. Or do the Warriors step up with Draymond Green back in the lineup and win a Game 6 and an NBA Championship at Cleveland for the second consecutive year?

In Monday's game the Cavs played to the high level most saw when they began the playoffs on a 10-0 run. LeBron James and Kyrie Irving both scored 41-points in the runaway win becoming the only duo in NBA Finals to score more than 40 in a game.

They didn't seem to miss -- especially early on -- combining to make 33 of 54 shots while letting Kevin Love shoot only five times (2 pts in 33 mins). James and also chipped in with 18 boards and seven assists in a game he was obviously charged up for.

So what are bettors on the strip saying?

MGM Resorts sports book hub director Jeff Stoneback already heard people talking when he came into work Tuesday morning. "A regular bettor with us came up to me this morning saying 'I don't know who to play for the next game."

There's a feeling that nobody can beat the Cavs if Kyrie and LeBron do what they did in Game 5, but the same can be said for Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry. Which duo does the best? And does momentum carry over into Cleveland with a city that will be going absolutely wild as they hope to win its first pro sports championship since 1964. "We're still alive, we believe".

After the home team won and covered the first three games, the last two have been won by the road underdogs. Stoneback said bettors were on the Cavs in Game 6 and they were even taking +5.5 when there were +6 and +6.5s available around town. He said they were a small loser after getting late Warriors money to help balance the risk.

An area where the MGM books aren't balanced is the series price.

"We had lots of people playing the Cavs adjusted series price taking 10-to-1 prior to Game 5," said Stoneback.

"It's a big loss for us; we had over $100,000 worth of liability on it with Monday's action alone."

Because of that risk Stoneback wanted to at least re-open the adjusted price Tuesday morning lower than the market to attract a little more Warriors money.

The Westgate SuperBook had been at Warriors -500/+400 and dropped to -450/+375 Tuesday morning and the Wynn was at -425/+325.

Stoneback re-opened the price at his 10 MGM books along the strip at -420/+340, saying "we can't open it any higher."

The MGM staff will monitor the series price with the goal of not wanting any more Cavs action and attempt to attract Warriors money to balance things out.

Look for them to stay lower throughout the next few days and it's the place to wager at if believing the Warriors will close this thing out within the next two games. Green, who was suspended for Game 5, could be just the boost Golden State needs.

Since posted Game 6 with the Cavs at home being -2 and 207.5 at, Stoneback said he's "seen very little action, like only a couple thousand."

NBA

Cleveland-Golden State (GSt 3-2)
Green is back for this game, which makes Warriors better on defense; Golden State is 4-5 on road in playoffs, with four of those five losses coming in Game 3's. Cleveland's loss in Game 4 was their first loss in eight home games in playoffs. Five of last seven Golden State games, four of last six Cavalier games stayed under the total. Warriors are 8-2 in last 10 games with Cleveland (under 6-3-1).

In the playoffs this spring, under is 50-32-1

Playoff tally: Favorites vs spread: 26-18, Over: 13-31
Second round: Favorites: 13-8, over: 12-9
Conference final: Favorites: 7-6, over: 5-7-1
Final: Favorites: 3-2, Over: 2-3

At the Gate - Wednesday
By Mike Dempsey

The racing world was a bit surprised by the retirement by the all-time leading rider Russel Baze, who rode his last race at Golden Gate Fields on closing day of their meeting on Sunday.

Baze won 12,842 races and earned $200 million in purses in his career which started at Yakima Meadows in 1974. Baze went on to win 54 riding titles at Golden Gate Fields and another 40 at the now closed Bay Meadows.

He passed Laffit Pincay Jr. as the all-time leading rider in wins on Dec. 1, 2006 at Bay Meadows, winning his 9531st race.

"He's retired—and so am I," his agent Ray Harris told the Sacramento Bee on Monday. "We've been together a long time, longer than any other jockey and agent, since 1979."

"Russell kept it a secret; he only told his family," Harris said. "I should have figured it out. His family was showing up at the track every day (this past week). But I told him I was retiring as soon as my house was sold, and it's about to sell. I'm moving to Arizona."

“I didn’t want them to make a big fuss,” Baze said on Tuesday to The Daily Racing Form. “I did exactly what I wanted to. I didn’t retire until I was ready to retire.”

Baze is best known for riding for trainer Jerry Hollendorfer and they teamed up to win an amazing 2,722 wins together.

He led North American riders 13 times in his career and was inducted into the National Museum of Racing’s Hall of Fame in 1999 and the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame in 2012


Here is today’s opener from Belmont Park to get the day off to a good start:

BEL Race 1 Md $40,000 (1:30 ET)
#5 Gee Pea Ess 6-5
#3 Kettles On 5-1
#6 Ackerman Road 6-1
#2 Axtell 5-2

Analysis: Gee Pea Ess drops in for a tag for the first time here for the Nevin barn that is 25% winners dropping runners form maiden special to maiden claiming. Last out the gelding dueled for the early lead and weakened to finish seventh and two back he was a good second, beaten two lengths for the top spot. He catches an easier group here and is going to be tough as the chalk.

Kettles On also goes tagged for the first time, last out tracking the early pace and weakening to finish seventh going seven furlongs. The colt had to check in traffic heading down the backstretch. He is in good hands with the Morley barn. He has a pair of sibs that are winners including one turf winner.

Wagering
WIN: #5 to win at 7-5 or better.
EX: 3,5 / 2,3,5,6
TRI: 3,5 / 2,3,5,6 / 1,2,3,5,6

Today’s Featured Race of the Day from Belmont Park:

BEL Race 7 Alw $62,000N1X (4:41 ET)
#12 C d'Cat 4-1
#11 Lady Lucky 12-1
#10 Animal Appeal 3-1
#5 Bold Print 10-1

Analysis: C d'Cat prompted the early pace and took over heading for home to score against $50,000 starter allowance foes last November. She returns here off a seven-month layoff for the Sharp barn that is 22% winners (with a +ROI) first off the claim. She lost at this level versus state breds four times but those looked tougher. She looks well spotted here back in versus state breds for her return off the bench.

Lady Lucky makes her first start since last November where she checked in ninth on the main track at Finger Lakes in a state bred stake in her first start against winners. She made a good late rally two back on turf here at seven furlongs to pick up her diploma. The barn has been sending out live runners at the meeting and is live when Rosario takes the call. The barn is 17% winners with runners coming back off a +180-day layoff.

Wagering
WIN: #12 to win at 3-1 or better.
EX: 11,12 / 5,10,11,12
TRI: 11,12 / 5,10,11,12 / 3,5,10,11,12

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

Belmont Park
R6: #7 Lady Bling 12-1
R7: #11 Lady Lucky 12-1
R7: #5 Bold Print 10-1
R8: #8 Loki’s Vengeance 10-1
R9: #4 Ellie Girl 8-1
R9: #1 Antebellum 10-1

Good luck today!

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at The Meadows

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


Race 2 - Post: 1:20 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 77 - Purse:$5000 - CLAIM HANDICAP $5000 - $6000 W/A


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 5 HANDSOME PRINCE 9/2


# 6 DREAMLANDS ATTACK 8/5


# 2 MEIN SCHATZ 20/1


HANDSOME PRINCE more than likely figures to be the interesting entrant to beat for this one. Can't ignore based on speed figs which have been stellar (77 avg) of late. Enters this race with formidable TrackMaster class stats as compared to the group - worth a look. When the starter calls, interesting entrants beginning out of the 5 hole have more wins than the expected average. DREAMLANDS ATTACK - With a formidable 73 TrackMaster SR last time out, will unquestionably be a factor in this gathering. The panel of smart guys has Merriman on its list of drivers who are winning a lot recently. Last 30 days win pct is excellent. MEIN SCHATZ - Deserves a shot given the positive win rate he sports.

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Scioto Downs

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


Race 2 - Post: 6:50 - 1 mile. TROT - Class Rating: 80 - Purse:$12000 - NON WINNERS OF 6 PMRLT TO BE CLAIMED FOR $22,000


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 2 HE'S GOT PIZAZZ 3/1


# 4 HOORAY FOR WILLIE 6/1


# 5 MY FRIEND JIM 10/1


After thorough analysis by the group, HE'S GOT PIZAZZ comes out as the top selection. Getting a good feel about this gelding. Could surprise in this one. Had one of the strongest speed figs of the race in his last contest. A good idea to use in your bets. Gelding has one of the best win percents in the field and that could be the deciding factor when they cross the wire. HOORAY FOR WILLIE - The handicapping group will always toss in a standardbred from the 4 slot here at Scioto Downs, keep in mind for your exotics. MY FRIEND JIM - A good win percentage has been earned by harness racers starting from the 5 post. Not many knocks against this entrant, let's give him a shot.

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Delta Downs

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


Race 8 - Optional Claiming - 250y on the Dirt. Purse: $30000 Class Rating: 79

QUARTER HORSE 250Y, FOR ACCREDITED LA BRED THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON THREE RACES OR CLAIMING PRICE $15,000. THREE YEAR OLDS, 124 LBS.; OLDER, 126 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $15,000.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 7 HEISA HOT TICKET 4/1


# 2 PARTY WITH BRAXTON 15/1


# 1 SYDNEY LEIGH 3/1


My selection in here is HEISA HOT TICKET. He has been running admirably recently while recording solid Equibase Speed Figs. Will probably be one of the early speedsters of the pack going into the halfway point of the contest. Win percentage with this rider and trainer combo - 19 percent - sound. PARTY WITH BRAXTON - Must be given a chance given the class of races run recently. Sanchez has shown excellent profits (+16 return on investment ) at this distance/surface. SYDNEY LEIGH - The average class figure alone makes this entrant a definite contender.

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Delaware Park

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


Race 1 - Claiming - 8.3f on the Dirt. Purse: $13000 Class Rating: 87

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NOT WON TWO RACES IN 2016 OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON FOUR RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 119 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE MAY 15 ALLOWED 2 LBS. A RACE SINCE MARCH 15, 2016 ALLOWED 4 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000, IF FOR $4,500, ALLOWED 2 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 6 PRIME NUMBER 3/1


# 1 SKIFFS BREWMEISTER 2/1


# 3 DA WINNER IS 4/1


PRIME NUMBER looks to be a very good contender. Going in a dirt route race gives this gelding a strong shot. Has formidable early lick and will probably fare soundly against this group of animals. Looks very good for the conditions of this contest today, showing solid numbers in dirt route races recently. SKIFFS BREWMEISTER - With a sound 81 average speed figure at the distance, seems well suited for today's affair. Recorded a solid speed rating in the latest race. Can run another good one in this affair. DA WINNER IS - Looks very good versus this group and will most likely be one of the front-runners. Could beat this group given the 79 speed figure recorded in his last outing.

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Penn National - Race #2 - Post: 6:27pm - Allowance - 8.3 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $33,300 Class Rating: 72

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#6 ZIG ZAG (ML=5/2)
#1 JUST A GLANCE AWAY (ML=7/2)


ZIG ZAG - In this race here, this fine animal has recorded the highest speed rating at the distance, so I have to give her the edge. This filly runs very well off of a vacation. Another way to evaluate class is earnings per race. This mount has the highest in the group. I think she'll be close at the finish. JUST A GLANCE AWAY - The December 11th event at Laurel was at a class level of (88). Dropping to a lower level considerably, so she should be in a good spot. Garnered a nice turf number on Dec 11th at Laurel. A repeat right here, and this one has a great shot to win. This filly has impressed last two times out posting solid speed ratings. With a repeat performance, she'll probably be victorious.

Vulnerable Contenders: #8 MEDDYBEMPS (ML=3/1), #4 SYCEE (ML=6/1),

MEDDYBEMPS - The race on June 1st was versus maiden claimers. Pass on this one today versus the tougher group. SYCEE - Pace is so important, and this early speedball is going to have a ding-dong battle on her hands.

Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: Hal - JUST A GLANCE AWAY - This filly is ready to do some damage in today's contest. She has recorded three excellent speed figures over her last three races.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#6 ZIG ZAG to win at post-time odds of 9/5 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [1,6]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
6 with 1 with [3,7,8] Total Cost: $3

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Mountaineer Park - Race #1 - Post: 7:00pm - Claiming - 5.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $6,300 Class Rating: 67

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#9 STARSHIP MUFFY (ML=2/1)


STARSHIP MUFFY - Baird brings her right back. I recommend you stick with this hot filly. Classic handicapping angle - 3rd or 4th start after a layoff generally leads to a big effort. This one is live today.

Vulnerable Contenders: #4 GAMBLEONTHEDERBY (ML=4/1), #3 PROFITRESS (ML=9/2), #1 HEAVENLY ENCORE (ML=5/1),

GAMBLEONTHEDERBY - It appears like too much early speed is signed up in this race. This speedball will probably get baked on the front end. PROFITRESS - I cannot play this frequent non-winner. Gets the task executed once in a while. HEAVENLY ENCORE - You think this horse is going to be victorious just because she's always close. Just doesn't win regularly. Hard to play any animal to turn things around if there is no reward to taking the chance. Substandard speed rating last time out at Mountaineer Park at 7 furlongs. Don't believe this pony will improve too much today.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Bet on #9 STARSHIP MUFFY to win if we can get at least 1/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
9 with 7

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass