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Golfers to Bet - RBC Open

Tournament: RBC Canadian Open
Date: Thursday, July 21st
Venue: Glen Abbey Golf Course
Location: Oakville, Ontario

After an exciting weekend at The Open, the golfers now head to Ontario for the RBC Canadian Open on Thursday.

Last year, Jason Day won this tournament with a score of 17-under. He defeated Bubba Watson by only a stroke and one could only hope that this year’s event will be as exciting as last year’s.

Day will be back to defend his championship on Thursday and guys like Dustin Johnson, Matt Kuchar, Brandt Snedeker and Jim Furyk will also be out there competing this weekend.

Snedeker won this thing back in 2013 and Furyk won in both 2006 and 2007. All of these guys have really good chances of winning once again on Sunday.

This should be a pretty high-scoring tournament, as the winner of this event has shot at least a 16-under in each of the past four years that this event has taken place at Glen Abbey Golf Course.

With that out of the way, let’s now take a look at some of the golfers that could pay off big come Sunday evening:

Golfers to Bet

Jason Day (5/1) - In a tournament that lacks a lot of star power, it’s hard to stay away from taking the chalky competitors. Day is certainly that, as he is the favorite to win this thing and one of only two big names in this tournament. He is, however, a worthy favorite and it’d be an absolute shocker if he is not in contention to win this thing on Sunday. Day tore it up on this golf course a year ago and he will also be coming into this event with some serious motivation. Day is currently the top ranked golfer in the OWGR, but that is not something that can’t change. Dustin Johnson is creeping towards the top of the rankings and Day will need some victories to hold him off. Look for a determined Day to play some excellent golf this week and don’t be afraid to throw a few units on him at 5/1.

Dustin Johnson (11/2) - As previously mentioned, Johnson is another one of the favorites to win this thing and it’d be a wise move to put a few units on him at 11/2 as well. Johnson is the hottest golfer on the TOUR right now, as he has now racked up seven top-10 finishes in his past 10 outings. Not only has Johnson been finishing near the top, but he also won both the U.S. Open and WGC-Bridgestone in June. He also finished tied for ninth at The Open last week and it says a lot about the way he is playing considering that was a disappointing finish for him. As long as he is putting well, Johnson will be a steady force at the top of the leaderboard moving forward. He’ll also be eager to get out there and try to win this thing, as he was a runner-up in this tournament at Glen Abbey Golf Course in 2013.

Tony Finau (35/1) - Finau is a guy that not many people know, but he is an excellent golfer and is currently 40th in the FedExUp rankings and 77th in the OWGR. He is receiving some very favorable odds at 35/1 and should be feeling extremely confident coming into this tournament. Finau made his The Open Championship debut last week and finished tied for 18th, shooting an even score on the weekend. Playing that well on the national stage should really help him moving forward and he’s certainly a guy to watch out for this weekend. He also happened to be playing well going into the The Open, finishing tied for eighth at the CVS Health Charity Classic in the tournament he played before the major. Look for him to build upon all of that and find himself in the running on Sunday.

Graeme McDowell (75/1) - McDowell has not played well over the past few years, but he is still a very talented golfer and his experience should help him in this tournament. McDowell is good with his irons and is capable of getting hot with the putter as well. He’s a guy that was once one of the top golfers in the world and should not be getting the 75/1 odds he’s receiving in this tournament. Taking a shot on him could pay off huge, as this is exactly the type of tournament that he could make a splash. There is not a ton of top ranked golfers, so it’s a very good opportunity for him to break through and turn his season around.

Odds to win RBC Canadian Open -

Jason Day 5/1
Dustin Johnson 11/2
Matt Kuchar 15/1
Brandt Snedeker 22/1
Jim Furyk 24/1
Emiliano Grillo 29/1
Tony Finau 35/1
Graham Delaet 40/1
William McGirt 40/1
Charley Hoffman 50/1
Chris Kirk 50/1
David Hearn 50/1
Jon Rahm 55/1
Ryan Palmer 55/1
Colt Knost 60/1
Danny Lee 60/1
Kevin Kisner 60/1
Kevin Streelman 60/1
Jimmy Walker 65/1
Roberto Castro 70/1
Adam Hadwin 75/1
Bryson Dechambeau 75/1
Daniel Summerhays 75/1
Graeme McDowell 75/1
Matthew Fitzpatrick 80/1
Robert Garrigus 80/1
Brian Harman 90/1
Bryce Molder 90/1
Harold Varner III 100/1
Bud Cauley 110/1
Chad Campbell 110/1
Ben Martin 120/1
Kyle Reifers 120/1
Si Woo Kim 120/1
Cameron Tringale 130/1
Jonas Blixt 130/1
Martin Laird 150/1
Sam Saunders 150/1
Sean OHair 150/1
Chez Reavie 160/1
Ernie Els 160/1
Jim Herman 160/1
K.J Choi 160/1
K.T Kim 160/1
Patton Kizzire 160/1
Michael Thompson 170/1
Robert Streb 170/1
Billy Hurley III 180/1
Hudson Swafford 190/1
Jon Curran 190/1
Troy Merritt 190/1
Vijay Singh 190/1
Andres Gonzales 200/1
Dan McCarthy 200/1
John Senden 200/1
John Huh 210/1
Luke List 210/1
Michael Kim 210/1
Morgan Hoffmann 210/1
Patrick Rodgers 210/1
Ricky Barnes 210/1
Shawn Stefani 210/1
Steve Marino 210/1
Stewart Cink 210/1
Alex Cejka 220/1
Ben Crane 220/1
Brendon de Jonge 220/1
Brian Stuard 220/1
Kyle Stanley 220/1
Nick Taylor 220/1
Scott Stallings 220/1
Seung-Yul Noh 220/1
Stuart Appleby 220/1
Thomas Aiken 220/1
Tom Hoge 220/1
Derek Fathauer 230/1
Jerry Kelly 230/1
Johnson Wagner 230/1
Scott Brown 230/1
Will MacKenzie 230/1
Will Wilcox 230/1
Wes Roach 240/1
Bronson Burgoon 250/1
Camilo Villegas 250/1
Chesson Hadley 250/1
Chris Stroud 250/1
Geoff Ogilvy 250/1
George Coetzee 250/1
Greg Chalmers 250/1
Hunter Mahan 250/1
Mark Wilson 250/1
Tim Wilkinson 250/1
Blayne Barber 300/1
Brad Fritsch 300/1
Brett Stegmaier 300/1
Chad Collins 300/1
Jordan Niebrugge 300/1
Justin Leonard 300/1
Ken Duke 300/1
Mark Hubbard 300/1
Rory Sabbatini 300/1
Spencer Levin 300/1
Zac Blair 300/1
Andrew Landry 350/1
D.A Points 350/1
George McNeill 350/1
Greg Owen 350/1
Henrik Norlander 350/1
Jason Gore 350/1
Sung Kang 350/1
Ted Potter 350/1
Andrew Loupe 400/1
Angel Cabrera 400/1
Cameron Smith 400/1
Erik Compton 400/1
Scott Pinckney 400/1
Tyler Aldridge 400/1
Tyrone Van Aswegen 400/1
Vaughn Taylor 400/1
Brian Gay 450/1
Jeff Overton 450/1
Martin Piller 450/1
Rhein Gibson 450/1
Billy Kennerly 500/1
Blair Hamilton 500/1
Branson Ferrier 500/1
Brendon Todd 500/1
Carl Pettersson 500/1
Carlos Ortiz 500/1
D.H Lee 500/1
Dave Levesque 500/1
Dawie Van Der Walt 500/1
Derek Ernst 500/1
Garrett Rank 500/1
Hiroshi Iwata 500/1
Hugo Bernard 500/1
J.J Henry 500/1
Jared Du Toit 500/1
Kelly Kraft 500/1
Mike Weir 500/1
Peter Malnati 500/1
Rob Oppenheim 500/1
Robert Allenby 500/1
Rod Pampling 500/1
Steve Wheatcroft 500/1
Steven Bowditch 500/1
Whee Kim 500/1

10 to Watch: RBC Canadian Open
By Tom LaMarre, The Sports Xchange

1. Dustin Johnson, United States -- Even though he didn't have the game that carried him to victories in the U.S. Open and the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational, DJ finished still tied for ninth in the 145th Open Championship at Royal Troon. He has played better than anyone in the world over the last month or so, as that was his fifth consecutive top-10 finish and 11th in 16 events on the PGA Tour this season. Johnson, who leads the FedEx Cup point standings and is No. 2 in the World Golf Rankings, is playing in the RBC Canadian Open for only the fourth time and in 2013 at Glen Abbey he finished in a tie for second, three shots behind Brandt Snedeker. DJ opened with a 75, bounced back with 67-63 in the middle rounds and couldn't catch Sneds with a closing 70.

2. Jason Day, Australia -- The top-ranked golfer in the world returns to Glen Abbey, where he started his run to the top last year by making birdies on the last three holes to beat Bubba Watson by one stroke. That was the first of seven victories in his next 15 starts, including his first major title in the PGA Championship the following month at Whistling Straits. In his only previous appearances in the RBC Canadian Open, Day tied for 48th in 2008 and finished 52nd the following year. His tie for 22nd in the Open Championship last week ended a run of five consecutive finishes in the top 10 in the majors, but he has eight top-10s this season on the PGA Tour, including victories in the Arnold Palmer Invitational, the WGC-Dell Match Play Championship and the Players Championship.

3. Matt Kuchar, United States -- Kooch has done just about everything except win the RBC Canadian Open in the last three years, finishing no worse than a tie for seventh last year and posting a cumulative score of 36-under par. In 2013, he charged into contention with a 64 in the third round at Glen Abbey, site of this year's tournament, but closed with a 70 to tie for second, three shots behind Brandt Snedeker. Kuchar also made a closing run with a 65 two years ago and tied for fourth, six strokes behind winner Tim Clark of South Africa. Kooch was in the hunt at 71-68 midway through the Open Championship at Royal Troon, but played the weekend in 75-76 to tie for 46th. That ended a run of five finishes of sixth or better in his previous six starts.

4. Brandt Snedeker, United States -- Having fought through a stretch in which he missed the cut three times in four events, Sneds heads north of the border after finishing in the top 25 in the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational and the Open Championship. He's trying to get back to the form he showed earlier this season, when he finished in the top 10 on five occasions, including his eighth PGA Tour victory in the Farmers Insurance Open. One of those eight came in the 2013 RBC Canadian Open at Glen Abbey, where the tournament is being played again this week. Snedeker shot 69-63 in the middle rounds and had bookend score of 70 to win by three strokes over Dustin Johnson, Matt Kuchar, Jason Bohn and William McGirt. He also tied for fifth in 2009 and tied for seventh in 2007.

5. Jim Furyk, United States -- The 46-year-old Furyk got a late start this season because of left wrist surgery and seemed to have lost very little when he tied for second in the U.S. Open at Oakmont. However, he has struggled in his last two events, including a tie for 59th in the Open Championship at Royal Troon. He could get a lift by returning to the RBC Canadian Open, in which he has finished in the top 10 each of the last three years after winning the title in 2006 and 2007. His first Canadian title came at Hamilton Golf and Country Club, where he opened with a 63, played the weekend in 67-65 and beat Bart Bryant by one shot with a birdie on the 17th hole during a closing 65. A year later, he made a hole in one on the fourth hole of a closing 64 and held off Vijay Singh by one shot at Angus Glen.

6. Charley Hoffman, United States -- Hoffman's best finish in seven starts since winning the Valero Texas Open in April, his fourth PGA Tour victory, was a tie for 12th in the AT&T Byron Nelson. However, he has played well in the RBC Canadian Open in the past, including a tie for fourth last year at Glen Abbey, shooting 66-69 in the middle rounds and finishing five strokes behind winner Jason Day of Australia. Hoffman's best result north of the border was a tie for fourth in 2010 at St. George's Golf and Country Club, where he recorded bookend 65s and wound up four shots behind champion Carl Petterson of Sweden. He seemed headed for another top-10 finish in 2013 at Glen Abbey after opening with 69-69-67, but a closing 74 left him in a tie for 16th.

7. David Hearn, Canada -- Last year, Hearn made a valiant effort to become the first Canadian to win his country's national championship since Pat Fletcher in 1954, starting with 69-64-68 to take a two-stroke lead into the final round at Glen Abbey. However, he managed only a 72 on Sunday and finished solo third, two shots behind winner Jason Day of Australia. That was his 13th start in the Canadian Open and only his first top-10 finish, as he missed the cut in his first four tries. Hearn has not won on the PGA Tour, losing in playoffs at the 2013 John Deere Classic to Jordan Spieth and in the 2015 Greenbrier Classic to Danny Lee of New Zealand. After a slow start this season, the Canadian tied for 12th in the Quicken Loans National and tied for 20th in the Barbasol Championship in his last two outings.

8. Emiliano Grillo, Argentina -- Things have not come easily for the 23-year-old Argentine since he captured season-opening Frys.com Open last October in his first event as a PGA Tour member. He doesn't have another finish in the top 10, but his game has shown signs of awakening lately with a tie for 11th in the Memorial Tournament, a tie for 14th in the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational and a tie for 12th in his first appearance in the Open Championship last week at Royal Troon. That gave him seven top-25 finishes in his rookie season and he will be looking for more when he makes his second appearance in the RBC Canadian Open. Grillo tied for 22nd last year at Glen Abbey, taking the first round lead with a 64 and staying in the chase until he fell out of the top 10 with a closing 74.

9. Tony Finau, United States -- Coming off a tie for 18th in his first Open Championship last week, Finau will make his second appearance in the RBC Canadian Open. Last year at Glen Abbey, he recorded a tie for 22nd by closing with a 65, and with his length off the tee he could be a threat on the classic course if he keeps it in the short grass. It's already been a successful sophomore season on the PGA Tour for Finau, who captured the Puerto Rico Open at Cocoa Beach in a playoff over Steve Marino with a birdie on the third playoff hole, and he has six other finishes in the top 25. Of course, last year he gave something of a preview of what might be coming when he tied for 14th in the U.S. Open at Chambers Bay and tied for 10th in the PGA Championship at Whistling Straits.

10. Graham DeLaet, Canada -- DeLaet looked a bit like Grizzly Adams until he shaved his beard last week and it paid off with a tie for eighth in the Barbasol Championship, in which he closed with a sizzling 63. He won three times on the Canadian Tour but still is looking for his first title on the PGA Tour and would love nothing better for it to come this week in the RBC Canadian Open. That would make him the first homegrown winner of the tournament since Pat Fletcher in 1954. DeLaet is making his eighth start in his national championship and he made a run at the title two years ago at Royal Montreal Golf Club. He was in a tie for third and opening with 70-63, before playing the weekend in 70-68 to wind up in a tie for seventh.

2016 Canadian Open Picks with Odds and Expert Betting Predictions
by Alan Matthews

The duel between Sweden's Henrik Stenson and American Phil Mickelson at the British Open at Royal Troon in Scotland was absolutely sensational theater. Poor Lefty. The guy lips out a birdie on his final hole of Round 1 for a chance at a record-breaking 62. And then on Sunday he shoots an amazing 65 to finish at 17-under yet loses by three shots to Stenson, who had a stunning 63 on Sunday. That ties the lowest final-round score in a major for the eventual winner. Stenson’s is the first to be achieved in the final round of the British Open. Johnny Miller had the only other 63 at the 1973 U.S. Open.

It was not just Stenson's first major championship win but also the first for a Swedish male. Annika Sorenstam won a handful of them on the LPGA Tour. Stenson's 20 under tied the all-time lowest score (in relation to par) at a major set by Jason Day at last year’s PGA Championship. Mickelson would have won all but four previous British Opens with his 17 under. He finished 11 shots ahead of third place and that gap is the biggest between second and third place ever at a major. For comparison, nobody has won the British Open by 11 or more strokes since 1870. Mickelson would have won the eight other British Opens held at Royal Troon by a minimum of five strokes. It was Mickelson’s 11th runner-up finish in a major, surpassing Arnold Palmer for second on the all-time list (Jack Nicklaus has 19).

Stenson's Sunday has to go down on the short list of greatest rounds in golf history. His overall performance does. The rest of the field averaged a finishing score of 9 over. So that's 29 shots better. That ties the major championship record set by Tiger Woods in the 2000 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach when he finished 12 under and the field 17 over.

My pick last week was Aussie Adam Scott -- he was a disappointing T43 -- and I also recommended the prop of Scott, Sergio Garcia, Rickie Fowler and Mickelson against the field. I did get Sergio at +225 for a Top-10 finish but missed out on Scott, Jason Day (T22) and Jordan Spieth (T30).

This week the PGA Tour stays outside the United States and visits Glen Abbey Country Club in Oakville, Ontario, for the Canadian Open. As you would expect, most big names are not flying back across the pond to tee it up this week, but world No. 1 and defending champion Day and No. 2 Dustin Johnson are. I remember being shocked Day played last year after finishing just one shot out of a playoff at the British Open as he chased that first major. He shot a final-round 4-under 68 last year at Glen Abbey to finish at 17 under and beat out Bubba Watson by a shot. Canadian David Hearn entered the final round with a two-shot lead and still was tied with two holes to play but couldn't keep pace with Day. No Canadian has won his national open since Pat Fletcher in 1954. Tim Clark did in 2014 and his wife is Canadian if that counts! A total of 12 Canadians are set to play this week. Five of this tournament's past six winners have come from behind on Sunday. The last guy to repeat here was Jim Furyk in 2007.

Golf Odds: Canadian Open Favorites

Day and Johnson are each +500 on Bovada to win. Day never broke 70 last week at Royal Troon and finished T22. Prior to last year, he hadn't played this tournament since 2009 and was 52nd then. Johnson was T9 last week at the British Open. He was second here in 2013.

Matt Kuchar is at +1600 with Brandt Snedeker at +2200 and Furyk at +2500. Kuchar has struggled in the past two majors but not been worse than T6 in his past five non-major events. He has four Top-7 finishes here this decade, including a runner-up three years ago. Snedeker won this event in 2013 but hasn't been playing great of late. Furyk has those two wins here and was fourth last year and second in 2014.

Golf Odds: Canadian Open Picks

For a Top-10 finish, go with Day (-200), Kuchar (+130) and Furyk (+175). Head-to-head, I like Day (-115) over Johnson (-115), Kuchar (-130) over Snedeker (even), Furyk (-150) over Emiliano Grillo (+115), Tony Finau (-135) over Charley Hoffman (+105), Hearn (-125) over Bryson DeChambeau (-105), and Jimmy Walker (-120) over Colt Knost (-110).

While Day and Johnson are the two best players clearly in the field, they might be more focused on next week's PGA Championship. It is a coin flip between Kuchar and Furyk, but at the end of the day I’ll throw my weight behind Furyk. I'll throw a few longer-shot bucks on Hearn at +5500 as well to end that Canadian drought after coming so close in 2015.

Preview: Fever (11-12) at Liberty (18-7)

Date: July 21, 2016 11:00 AM EDT

The Indiana Fever have a chance to close out the first half of the regular season with wins over the first-place teams in the Western and Eastern Conferences when they face the New York Liberty on Thursday in New York.

Tamika Catchings had a vintage performance in the Fever's big win over the Los Angeles Sparks, who are in first place in the Western Conference and own the best record in the WNBA. Catchings scored 23 points in the Fever's 92-82 win over the Sparks on Tuesday.

"We really buckled down," Catchings told reporters after the win. "Defensively, that is where it starts for us. When we play really good on the defensive end, we finish it off with a rebound and we're able to get out in transition, we look like a great team. "

The Fever (11-12) have won four of five games, but have their hands full with the first-place Liberty. New York got 69 points from its bench in an 88-80 win over the Washington Mystics on Tuesday. The 69 points off the bench were a WNBA record

The Liberty (18-7) have won six of seven and have beaten Indiana twice this season. Star forward Tina Charles, who is having an MVP-caliber season for the Liberty, had 26 points and 15 rebounds in a 78-75 overtime win against the Fever on June 19. New York also blew out the Fever 91-59 on June 3.

Indiana believes it has improved since those losses.

"When we play like this," Catchings said after the win over Los Angeles, "there are very few teams that can beat us when we're playing at our best. "

Charles is second in the WNBA in scoring (21.2 points) and rebounding (9.5 rebounds). Sugar Rodgers is second on the Liberty in scoring, averaging 15.3 points per game.

Catchings, who has announced that this will be her last season in the WNBA, leads the Fever in scoring, at 13.9 points per game. Tiffany Mitchell is averaging 10.7 points per game.

The two Eastern Conference rivals met in the playoffs last season, with Indiana winning the series 2-1.

CFL Betting Recap - Week 4
By Joe Williams

League Betting Notes

-- Favorites went 3-1 SU in Week 4
-- Favorites went 2-1-1 ATS in Week 4
-- Road teams posted a 4-0 SU record in Week 4
-- Road teams posted a 3-0-1 ATS record in Week 4
-- The 'Under' went 3-1 in Week 4

Team Betting Notes

-- Ottawa (3-0-1) got back into the win column after last weekend's tie, rolling to a 30-20 win in Toronto (2-2). The RedBlacks are now 2-4 SU in six all-time meetings with the Argonauts while evening up at 3-3 ATS. The 'under' result was the first in four games in this series dating back to Nov. 7, 2014.

-- The 'under' has connected in three straight games for the Argos. Over the past two games it was due to their defense, allowing just 15.5 points per game. However, in this one it was a lack of offense on their part.

-- The good times continue to roll for road teams, as Edmonton (2-1) went east to Winnipeg (1-3) and dropped the Blue Bombers by a 20-16 count, pushing against the number at most shops. It was the first 'under' result in three games for the Eskimos, and the push makes them 0-2-1 ATS this season.

-- After failing to cover their first two of the season, Winnipeg is 1-0-1 ATS over the past two games. The 'under' has cashed in three of the first four games for the Bombers, mainly due to a lack of fireworks on offense. Winnipeg is averaging just 20.0 PPG while allowing 24 or fewer points in three of their four contests.

-- Hamilton (2-2) got well with a 31-7 road win against Montreal (1-3). The Tiger-Cats have averaged just 13.5 points per game after posting 42 in the opener, and they have allowed 28.0 PPG in the past two with the 'under' cashing in each game. After going 5-4 SU and 6-3 ATS in nine road games last season the Ti-Cats are 2-0 SU/ATS away from home this year.

-- The rough start continues for Saskatchewan (0-3), as they were dumped 40-27 at home by the red-hot BC Lions (3-1). The 'over' result was the only one of the CFL weekend, and it was the first 'over' in four games for the Travis Lulay and the Lions.

CFL Betting Notes - Week 5
By David Schwab

Last week’s schedule in the CFL featured four head-to-head division matchups and the road team made it a clean sweep both straight-up and against the spread. Ottawa got things started with a 30-20 victory as a one-point road favorite against Toronto on Wednesday night. Thursday’s lone showdown between Edmonton and Winnipeg ended with the Eskimos grinding out a hard fought 20-16 victory as 3 ½-point favorites on the road.

On Friday night, Hamilton returned to form with a 31-7 pasting of Montreal as a one-point road favorite and British Columbia closed out Week 4 with a 40-27 romp over Saskatchewan on Saturday after closing as a slight 1 ½-point underdog. Here is a look at this week’s games.

Thursday, July 21

Calgary Stampeders (1-1-1 SU, 2-1 ATS) vs. Winnipeg Blue Bombers (1-3 SU, 1-3 ATS)
Point-spread: Calgary -5
Total: 50 ½

Game Overview

Coming off a bye week, the Stampeders will turn to quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell to once again move the offense up and down the field through the air. In a rare 26-26 tie with Ottawa in Week 3, he put the ball up 43 times and racked up 368 yards and two touchdowns on 29 completions. He was able to connect with seven different receivers including Joe West, who had six catches for 99 yards to lead the way.

The Blue Bombers put up a hard fight against Edmonton last week after stunning Hamilton as heavy nine-point road underdogs the week before. While they still only have one win to show for their efforts both straight-up and against the spread, the play of quarterback Drew Willy still gives fans hope they can turn things around. He is second in the CFL in total passing yards (1,239) and he has five touchdown throws on the year.

Betting Trends

Calgary has won five of the last six meetings SU, but the Blue Bombers has the slight edge ATS at 3-2-1. The total has gone OVER or ended as a PUSH in seven of the last nine meetings in Winnipeg.

Friday, July 22

Ottawa RedBlacks (3-0-1 SU, 3-1 ATS) vs. Saskatchewan Roughriders (0-3 SU, 1-2 ATS)
Point-spread: Ottawa -6 ½
Total: 55

Game Overview

Ottawa is starting to assert itself as once again being the team to beat in the East this season after winning the division last year. The RedBlacks have averaged 32.3 points a game so far with Trevor Harris running the show. In last week’s road victory at Toronto, he completed 28-of-31 passing attempts for 392 yards. Ottawa has also been a tough team to score on this year with a points-allowed average of 22.5.

After winning just three games last season with quarterback Darian Durant out of the lineup, the Roughriders could be faced with the same scenario early this year after he left last week’s game against BC in the first half with an ankle injury. The early injury report out of Saskatchewan has him listed as doubtful for Friday’s game. Mitchell Gale came in for Durant against the Lions and threw for 247 yards and a touchdown while going 17-for-30.

Betting Trends

These two interdivision foes have split the last four meetings SU with each team winning once at home and once on the road. Ottawa has the 3-1 advantage ATS and the total has gone OVER in three of the four games.

Saturday, July 23

Hamilton Tiger-Cats (2-2 SU, 2-2 ATS) vs. Edmonton Eskimos (2-1 SU, 0-2-1 ATS)
Point-spread: Edmonton -4
Total: 56

Game Overview

The Tiger-Cats will be looking to stay perfect on the road this season both SU and ATS. In two road wins this season, they have outscored both Toronto and Montreal by a combined 46 points while posting a total of 73 points on the scoreboard. In two stunning losses at home as favorites, they managed to score a combined 27 points. Jeremiah Masoli continues to run the offense with quarterback Zach Collaros still on the mend and he is ranked fourth in the league in total passing yards with 1,141.

Edmonton has had little trouble putting points on the board this season with Mike Reilly under center with an average of 32 points over its first three games. The problem in the Eskimos’ 2-1 start has been a defense that has given up an average of 32.3 points to its opponents. Edmonton has failed to cover ATS in five of their last seven home games and it has gone 1-4 ATS in its last five games in Week 5.

Betting Trends

The road team is 4-2 SU in the last six meetings and it has covered ATS in all six games. The total has stayed UNDER in four of those six matchups.

Monday, July 25

Montreal Alouettes (1-2 SU, 1-2 ATS) vs. Toronto Argonauts (2-2 SU, 2-2 ATS)
Point-spread: Toronto -3 ½
Total: 47

Game Overview

Alouettes have only managed to score a grand total of 42 points in their first three games. They turned to Rakeem Cato at quarterback in last week’s loss to Hamilton for Kevin Glenn, but he was rather ineffective with just 203 yards passing on 18 completions. Glenn is still listed as questionable for next Monday’s game with an eye injury. Montreal has been averaging 80 yards a game on the ground.

Toronto is now 0-2 (SU and ATS) at its new digs at BMO Field with a total of 20 points scored in each of the two losses. Defensively, the Argonauts allowed a total of 72 points in those two games. Overall, this offense is averaging 23.8 points over its first four games, but it is only generating 309.8 total yards including just 52.5 yards a game on the ground. Ricky Ray has thrown for 1000 yards and six touchdowns so far.

Betting Trends

This East Division clash has been dominated by the road team the past several seasons with a SU 9-1 run in the last 10 meetings. Montreal has covered ATS in four of the last six games and the total has stayed UNDER in all six contests.

A trio of CFL betting trends having been cashing at a crazy good rate
By ANDREW CALEY

We know the Canadian Football League isn't the best football out there, but what is better than cashing bets?

That's exactly what you would be doing if you have been following the hot CFL trends four weeks in the season up north. Specifically, road underdogs, road teams and the Under.

Heading into Week 5 all three have been cashing at an insanely good rate, with road pups leading the way, going 10-1 against the spread (8-2-1 straight up), good for a success rate of an unfathomable 90.9 percent.

Meanwhile, road teams are almost as good going 14-2 ATS (12-3-1 SU), cashing 87.5 percent of the time, and Unders are no slouch either, racking up a 10-5 (66.7 percent) record through four weeks,.

“Dogs are barking, that's for sure. Maybe Ottawa is the best team in the league but are not being respected as such,” renowned CFL oddsmaker Randall “The Handle” says of this underdog betting trend. “They are 11-3-1 SU over past 15 games yet they have been favored only three times in that span and never by more than three points.”

The changes in Week 5 as the RedBlacks visit the Saskatchewan Roughriders currently pegged as 5.5-point road favorites. The Riders are 0-2 ATS/SU at home this season.

“With all other teams, there appears to be parity. And now the injury bug is biting which only complicates things even more,” The Handle said.

The rest of the week is shaping up that way, but road teams seem to be in a decent spot once again.

Calgary (2-1 ATS/SU) listed as 5-point road chalk at Winnipeg (0-2 ATS/SU at home), Hamilton (2-0 ATS/SU on the road) is 4.5-point pups at Edmonton (1-1 SU, 0-2 ATS at home) and Montreal (1-0 ATS/SU on the road) sitting at +6 for their Monday night matchup with Toronto (0-2 ATS/SU at home).

Oddsmakers like Randall “The Handle” won’t be making any knee-jerk reactions to these trends, despite how hot they are.

“We'll keep an eye on things but trends do not typically influence pointspreads,” he said. “Things usually even out over time but in a league that has only 81 games on its full schedule, there are no guarantees that there will be balance off a relatively small sample.”

“As for totals, they will be close to 50/50 by year end as they are more reliable.”

Thursday's CFL betting preview and odds: Stampeders at Blue Bombers

Calgary Stampeders at Winnipeg Blue Bombers (+5, 50)

The Calgary Stampeders look to continue their winning ways in Winnipeg when they tangle with the Blue Bombers at Investors Group Field on Thursday. Calgary has won seven straight contests in Winnipeg, including two victories last season, and has scored 30 points or more five times during that span.

The Stampeders had a bye week following a 26-26 tie with the Ottawa Redblacks on July 8 and they hope to get back into the thick of the West Division race by beating the Blue Bombers for the second time in 20 days, following a 36-22 triumph at McMahon Stadium on July 1. Winnipeg had high hopes going into its Week 4 clash with the Edmonton Eskimos but blew a double-digit lead in the 20-16 setback to fall to 1-3 on the season. The Blue Bombers are 13-27 since Mike O'Shea was named head coach in 2014 and they look to turn their fortunes around by recording their first home win over Calgary since July 10, 2004. "We just have to really buckle down here, hold ourselves accountable and really just come together," Winnipeg running back Andrew Harris told reporters. "We've got a good team here and I have full confidence that we're going to bounce back and respond in a positive way."

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, TSN

LINE HISTORY: The Calgary Stampeders opened as five-point favorites on the road for this Thursday night matchup and the line has yet to move off that number. The total opened at 50 and, as of publication of this preview, also has held steady at the initial number.

ABOUT THE STAMPEDERS (1-1-1 SU, 2-1 ATS, 1-1-1 O/U): Defensive tackle Junior Turner has been activated from the six-game injured list and could make his season debut on Thursday. "We're still trying to take it slow and see what kind of shape he's in and bring him along," Calgary defensive coordinator DeVone Claybrooks told reporters. "Hopefully we'll see how it pans out this week." Jerome Messam had his best game as a Stampeder after rushing for 137 yards on 16 carries against the Blue Bombers on July 1 and hopes to get back on track after gaining just 32 yards against Ottawa in Week 3.

ABOUT THE BLUE BOMBERS (1-3 SU, 1-3 ATS, 1-3 O/U): Drew Willy completed 25-of-38 passes for 299 yards and a touchdown, but threw two interceptions and struggled to find receivers downfield in the loss to the Eskimos. Ryan Smith, who was one of Winnipeg's high profile free-agent signings, will be sidelined for the next 1-2 weeks with a lower-body injury and will be replaced by rookie wide receiver Thomas Mayo. Former Michigan State defensive back Johnny Adams, who tied for the league lead with six interceptions, remains sidelined with an injury sustained in training camp.

TRENDS:

* Stampeders are 4-0 ATS vs. a team with a losing record.
* Blue Bombers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
* Under is 6-2-1 in Stampeders last 9 games in July.
* Under is 8-1-1 in Blue Bombers last 10 home games.

CONSENSUS: The public is backing the road favorites at a rate of 61 percent and Under 50 is holding a slight edge in totals wagering at 53 percent.

EXTRA POINTS:

* Calgary has won 13 of the last 14 meetings with Winnipeg.
* The Stampeders have won 12 consecutive games following a bye week since 2005.
* Willy is 5-15 in his last 20 appearances.

Week 5 CFL games

Calgary (1-1-1) @ Winnipeg (1-3)-- Stampeders won four in row, 14 of last 15 games vs Winnipeg- in Week 2, they whacked Bombers 36-22 at home opener, in game that was 36-7 after third quarter. Under is 3-1-1 in last five series games. Stamps are 0-1-1 on road this year, losing 20-18 at BC, tying Ottawa 26-26 in their last game two weeks ago. Winnipeg scored 15 ppg in losing its two home games, 22-14 to Montreal, 20-16 to Edmonton. Three of Alouettes' four games stayed under the total.

Ottawa (3-0-1) @ Saskatchewan (0-3)-- RedBlacks scored 32.3 ppg in their fast start, with all three wins on road, scoring 34.3 ppg. Ottawa swept Roughriders 35-13/30-27 LY; both their visits to Regina (1-1) were decided by three points. Three of four series games went over the total. Saskatchewan allowed an average of 36.3 ppg in its 0-3 start, losing both home games by 13 points. Riders lost 24 of their last 28 games overall, dating back to 2014.

Hamilton (2-2) @ Edmonton (2-1)-- TiCats/Eskimos split their last eight series games, going 2-2 in each stadium. Three of last four series games stayed under. Road team won all four Hamilton games, with TiCats winning 42-20/31-7 in their two road games- only one of their four games was decided by less than 22 points. Two of Edmonton's three games (both home games) went to OT; Eskimos split those two games, then won road opener 20-16 at Winnipeg last week.

Montreal (1-2) @ Toronto (2-2)-- Road team won 10 of last 11 games in strange series; Alouettes won last seven games in Toronto, with last loss here in 2010. Underdogs are 7-3 SU in last seven series tilts. Under is 12-2 in last 14 series games. Montreal lost 28-13/31-7 at home last two weeks; they won only road game 22-14 at Winnipeg-- all three of their games stayed under total. Argonauts lost 42-20/30-20 in their two home games. Visitor won all four of their games this year. Home teams are 2-13-1 against spread in CFL this year-- how long can this trend continue?


Calgary Stampeders 5.5, 51
Winnipeg Blue Bombers

Ottawa RedBlacks 5.5, 55
Saskatchewan Roughriders

Hamilton TigerCats
Edmonton Eskimos 5, 55

Montreal Alouettes
Toronto Argonauts 6, 44.5

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Saratoga Harness

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


Race 11 - Post: 7:20 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 79 - Purse:$4300 - COLTS & GELDINGS - NON-WINNERS $1,500 LAST 5 STARTS


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 5 PRAMATIC LIFE 4/1



# 3 SMOKEYS LUCK 9/2



# 1 ROZEWOOD 5/2



PRAMATIC LIFE is the clear stand out bet in the eyes of the group. Many smart handicappers know speed is is key. This solid standardbred has credentials with a 82 average rating. Comes into this outing with formidable TrackMaster class markings in relationship to the group of animals - worth a look. Some trainers just fit better with certain solid standardbreds. That seems to be the case right here with Spagnola. A great wager. SMOKEYS LUCK - Looks like a strong play in this group and his positive winning percentage says he has the determination to dominate in this race. ROZEWOOD - More wins than you would expect have been achieved by contenders lining up behind the 1 post at Saratoga Harness. Has a strong shot for this race, if he can perform to his back racing class.

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Yonkers Raceway

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


Race 11 - Post: 10:30 - 1 mile. TROT - Class Rating: 92 - Purse:$18000 - NON-WINNERS OF $15,000 IN LAST 5 STARTS WINNERS OVER $75,000 IN 2016 NOT ELIGIBLE. AE. OPTIONAL CLAIMING ALLOWANCE $30,000


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 4 ZORGWIJK NOVA 3/1



# 7 PERFECTLY ENOUGH S 9/1



# 2 LATOKA 9/2



ZORGWIJK NOVA very likely looks the interesting entrant to beat in this one. May be the finest in the pack here, showing nice figures of late. Average speed is a solid 92. She has really good class figures, averaging 92. Worth considering for a bet in this race. Always magnificent driver-handler combination. 25 percent winners when they combine to do work. PERFECTLY ENOUGH S - If performance in the last race is any indication, this solid standardbred will have a very very good shot for this one. High last race speed rating. LATOKA - Earned a 91 speed rating last out. A duplicate affair here should get the triumph this time. Has one of the best win figures in the field of starters and may be able to add to those figures right here.

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Indiana Downs

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


Race 5 - Optional Claiming - 5.0f on the Turf. Purse: $34000 Class Rating: 99

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON A RACE OTHER THAN MAIDEN, CLAIMING, STARTER OR INDIANA BRED OR CLAIMING PRICE $25,000. THREE YEAR OLDS, 118 LBS.; OLDER, 122 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE ON THE TURF SINCE JUNE 21 ALLOWED 2 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $25,000 (RACES WHERE ENTERED FOR $15,000 OR LESS NOT CONSIDERED IN



RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 6 MASCHERATO 3/1


# 8 SAINT PRADO 6/1


# 10 BUSTER ROSE 15/1


My selection in this race is MASCHERATO. Looks like a sound contender for the exotics. Has run very well when running a turf sprint race. With a strong jockey who has won at a competitive 16 percent clip over the last month. This has to be one of the top picks. SAINT PRADO - Should be given a chance for this race if only for the quite good Equibase speed fig posted in the last outing. Ought to be carefully examined here on the basis of the figs in the speed department alone. BUSTER ROSE - Has decent Equibase Class Figures relative to this group - worth a look. With a formidable 91 average Equibase Speed Fig at the distance, seems well suited for today's race.

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Penn National

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


Race 4 - Allowance - 5.0f on the Turf. Purse: $33300 Class Rating: 82

FOR REGISTERED PA-BRED FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON A RACE OTHER THAN MAIDEN, CLAIMING, OR STARTER. THREE YEAR OLDS, 118 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE JUNE 21 ALLOWED 2 LBS. A RACE SINCE MAY 21 ALLOWED 4 LBS. (IF DEEMED INADVISABLE BY



RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 5 SHE'S CHUBS 3/1


# 11 ON A STAR 2/1


# 8 SIMPLE TRICKS 12/1


SHE'S CHUBS looks to be a solid contender. She has garnered quite good numbers under today's conditions and will most likely fare well versus this group of animals. Has to be given consideration - I like the figures from the last contest. Has decent Equibase Speed Figures and has to be considered for a bet in this race. ON A STAR - Overall the speed figures of this animal look strong in this race. With better than average trips to the winner's circle, Castillo should have this mare in excellent position to win the outing. SIMPLE TRICKS - Has very good front speed and will most likely fare solidly versus this group. Looks decent for the conditions of this contest today, showing solid figs in turf sprint races lately.

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Louisiana Downs - Race #4 - Post: 4:36pm - Maiden Claiming - 6.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $8,000 Class Rating: 55

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#3 MT. RAIN (ML=9/2)
#1 HELPFUL (ML=9/5)
#7 GERIS HAND (ML=6/1)


MT. RAIN - Another way to identify class is earnings per start (EPS). This mount has the topmost in the field. I think she'll be close at the end. HELPFUL - Entered last at Lone Star Park in a race with a class rating of 62. Dropping a significant amount in class rating in today's event puts her in a solid position in this event. Filly's last prep was second fastest of the day for the distance. The recent speed rating of 49 is the best last race fig in the field. GERIS HAND - This jock/trainer duo has been producing a very positive ROI, right at +410. Has a good opportunity in this race to break maiden switching over to the main track in this race.

Vulnerable Contenders: #5 LEIGH'S FAST FIX (ML=3/1), #6 GRILLA (ML=7/2),

LEIGH'S FAST FIX - Not likely that this horse will finish better than she did last time out of the box when ending up ninth. This filly hasn't had any recent good results in sprint contests. Not easy to bet on her in this race. GRILLA - Will not be easy for this horse to beat this field off of that last speed figure. Unlikely to improve enough to run a figure close enough to today's class rating, so put her on the questionable challengers list.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Play #3 MT. RAIN to win if you can get odds of 7/2 or more

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [3,7]

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

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Presque Isle Downs - Race #8 - Post: 8:20pm - Claiming - 5.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $15,000 Class Rating: 71

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#6 SOX TO THE HOX (ML=7/2)


SOX TO THE HOX - I like to play this handicapping angle, a thoroughbred coming back off a sharp effort within the last thirty days. Have to like the way Dimitriou has raced this mare back into shape off the layoff. Horse is well spotted in this sprint and I think she'll run well today. This mare's last speed rating is high enough to prove victorious here, I'll bet on her right back in today's event.

Vulnerable Contenders: #2 PLAY FOR PLAY (ML=5/2), #5 PEPPER RIDGE (ML=3/1), #1 FOOLS MAGIC (ML=4/1),

PLAY FOR PLAY - Don't think this less than sharp equine will make an impact in today's race. That last speed rating was disappointing when compared with today's class figure. PEPPER RIDGE - In the last event this questionable contender finished fifth. Doesn't show much potential for her chances in today's event. FOOLS MAGIC - Hard to put any money on this mare on the win end. Likes to end up on the board though. This runner ran a run-of-the-mill speed fig last time out. She shouldn't run much better and will probably lose in today's event running that figure.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Putting our cash on #6 SOX TO THE HOX to win. Have to have odds of at least 1/1 or better though

EXACTA WAGERS:
None

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

Mohawk: Thursday 7/21 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale

DRF

Race 1 - $30,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool


PICK 5: 1,5/6/2,6,8/2,4,5,6/1,4,7,8,9 = $24

EARLY PICK 4: 2,4,5,6/1,4,7,8,9/8/1,9 = $40

LATE PICK 4: 2,3/2,6/5,6,7/1,7,8,10 = $48

MEET STATS: 222 - 658 / $1153.90 BEST BETS: 37 - 61 / $118.30

SPOT PLAYS: 13 - 60 / $63.90

Best Bet: CANDLELIGHT DINNER (2nd)

Spot Play: TO HIS CREDIT (4th)


Race 1

(1) PLACE TO ROCKNROLL was a distant second to a rival that paced insanely fast considering it was a maiden race. This filly looks best here and she should be put into play early. (5) JANETTES IMAGE took more than two seconds off her mark when winning for the second straight time at Georgian and she is the obvious danger. (2) NIC NAC PATTY MACH is now 0 for 17 but is a good bet to make the ticket. (4) ELECTRIC PONDER looks best of the rest and should stick around for a slice.

Race 2

(6) CANDELIGHT DINNER lived up to her pre-race hype in her debut and she looked like she could be any kind; call to repeat. (4) SOMEMONEYSOMEWHERE was beaten by a good one last time and raced well on the rim but was rebuffed. She can complete a chalky exacta here. (7) TOUCHING THOUGHT has finished quickly in every start. She can add some value to exotic wagers here. (3) OHELLO BLUE CHIP was a well-beaten third to the choice in her debut. She can take another smaller share here coming off a vet scratch.

Race 3

(2) INNER DRIVE was pounded at the windows last time but she blew up before the start. If she behaves, she looks best here. (6) HAB FAITH was a decent first-up 2nd at Georgian and merits Pick 5 inclusion in a race that could be decided by who breaks and who trots the whole mile. (8) OH MISS SOPHIE can build off her decent opener and take a share here. (5) PARKHILL NOCREDIT is another that can follow along and take a share.

Race 4

(2) TO HIS CREDIT faces easier here and should be in position to strike turning home; top call. (6) MAYFIELD DUKE seemed to have turned the corner before his last start then he broke while racing in the rain. Put a line through that mile; he's a contender. (5) JACK RACKHAM closed furiously very late in the mile to score last time. Toss him on your multi-race wagers, he is a threat right back. (4) ARCHANGEL THREE will trip out one of these times and pass them all with his good late kick; using

Race 5

(9) ROSE RUN RUDI cut some big fractions and just about held on at big odds last time. A slightly more patient drive could do the trick here. (1) UF MUSCLEMASS STAR should get a much better trip here leaving from the inside and challenge for the win. (8) SCOTTIES SPIRIT can threaten here if he races like he did two back. (4) DEUCE DEUCE DEUCE has a couple of miles showing at Hoosier in May that would make him competitive here if he could reproduce one of those efforts. It is hard to know what to expect from him, though.

Race 6

(8) MAN SHES HOT was an easy winner at Georgian and she has been sure-gaited so far in her career; call to repeat. (7) MAJESTIC WANDA broke while going for the lead in her debut. She can rebound with a much better effort here if she stays flat. (4) YOU CANT AFFORD ME can contend here is she could reproduce her mile from two back where she finished quickly. (2) WHOLE LOT OF SUGAR can go forward here off a decent debut race out of town and take a share.

Race 7

(1) GIVE EM HECK goes for the hot Weller barn off the claim here and picks up Henry to drive; top call. (9) HP BLACK SHADOW is one of many leaders that stopped late on a very sloppy track on the 14th. He should do much better here off the claim. (6) EVENING JOB drops back into claimers and gets a positive driver change here; using. (8) MARACASSO is likely to show speed but his slow final quarters are a cause for concern.

Race 8

(2) GOLDEN SON shoots for four straight here and he should convert at a short price. (3) DEWTIFUL LASS broke while racing in heavy rain last week. Put a line through that start and use her in exotics here. (7) DEWEY DON'T CHEAT should contend with the drop in class but history suggests that a smaller slice is more likely for him. (5) MOSTINTERESTINGMAN is another that is more likely to take a smaller share than a win here.

Race 9

This race will likely come down to two high-priced colts making their debuts. I'll side with (6) IDEAL WHEEL ($150k Harrisburg purchase) over (2) SOUTHWIND GENERAL ($110K Lexington purchase) based on their final qualifiers, but this one could likely go either way. (7) ONE SOURCE improved sharply in his second start and he should be closing for a piece again. (9) DARLINGS DRAGON closed impressively in his debut but he would have a tough time trying to pass all of these rivals.

Race 10

(7) ANIKADABRA closed into an accelerating late pace in her debut. That start should have her perfectly prepped for this Grassroots dash; top call. (6) KENDRAS COCO was a likely winner when she broke late in her debut. She will be tough in here if she behaves. (5) P C PIPE DREAM is the only winner in the group, so toss her on late Pick 4 tickets. (3) LATE SHIFT can follow along for a slice, same as she did in her debut.

Race 11

(7) MYSTIC DEUCE faces much easier here and I would expect Christoforou to get aggressive early and try to take control of this race. (1) NEVER BEEN TOLD had broken equipment last time when finishing third. He should be right there vs. these. (8) VELOCITY HEADLIGHT signaled a return to his best form last week late in the mile and he should be used in the late Pick 4. (10) HIGHLAND TARTAN was given a sharp drive to win last week but the 10-hole likely relegates him to a smaller share here. (5) HEMINGWAY steps up off the claim but he should grab a piece of this.

Yonkers: Thursday 7/21 Analysis
By Brewster Smith

DRF

Race 7 - $10,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool

MEET STATS: 175 - 738 / $1,109.70 BEST BETS: 20 - 72 / $87.60


Best Bet: AMERICAN ALIVE (2nd)

Spot Play: THINKOFAGAMEPLAN (4th)


Race 1

(1) BOX CAR JOHNNIE flashed good speed at this level but tired badly in the stretch drive last out. Gelding is moving to the fence and could make amends against these. (2) LIGHT UP THE SKY led most of the way but was nailed for win honors in his latest. (7) LIGHTNING STRIKE posted a sharp score at Tioga last out and this gelding should be right in the mix despite the far outside post.

Race 2

(2) AMERICAN ALIVE seems to be coming around off her last start, a game third. Pacing mare moves to the 2-hole and that should help her cause; the pick. (1) AFTER ALIMONY gets post relief and has speed; threat. (3) MY IDEAL HANOVER showed good speed last out but was caught in deep stretch for win honors; not out of this.

Race 3

(1) VICTORIA MAY N is knocking at the door based on her last two tires. With a well judged drive this 8-year-old can greet the cameraman for pictures. (4) NIPPY W HANOVER came outside at the three-quarter pole and just got up for the victory last time around. (2) CRUISINWITHMYBABY has put in two fine efforts and must be considered in all the exotic slots.

Race 4

(6) THINKOFAGAMEPLAN rallied strongly to nail down the show spot at Pocono last time around. Four-year-old pacer seems to be heading in the right direction and it is good to see Brennan with the assignment. (1) BRETT MCFAVERELOUS flashed good early zip in his last two trips to the post; main danger. (4) ARTSMAH raced evenly for the show money at Pocono last time out.

Race 5

(1) BAD NIGHT MARE moves to the fence and this mare figures to get a nice trip against these; worth a shot to boss these. (3) KAMWOOD LAUGHTER N was a very game third as the chalk last time out. (2) HERETIC FRANCO N posted an even finish for show honors last out and it is good to see Brennan at the helm; watch out.

Race 6

(1) BETTOR BELIEVE IT retains the rail and gelding was sharp at the Meadowlands last time out; good enough to put his best foot forward against this group. (2) KEYSTONE HONOR launched an outside bid approaching the three-quarter pole to land down the show spot in his latest. (4) PASS THEM BY N could land a share of the purse.

Race 7

(4) THE RIGHT MOVE can take this if she returns to her May 7th start where she was a fast closing third to miss glory by only a neck; using. (1) BABY REMIND ME gets post relief and this should help her chances against these. (3) WRAPPED TO GO gets the luck of the draw and must be considered.

Race 8

(1) CHEYENNE ROBIIN moves inside, gets post relief and has tactical speed. Pacing mare can boss these at her best. (2) ELISAVETA N showed good early zip at Philly last time around and gets the 2-hole plus Bartlett; threat. (3) FOR THE LADIES N will be closing in the final strides.

Race 9

(4) INTREPID HALL has tactical speed and good to see Stratton back in the sulky as he was a fast closing fourth behind this gelding two trips ago; gets the call. (7) P L HELLCAT has gotten the job done from the 8-hole here three starts back and could make some serious noise. (1) OHOKA TEXAS N should do much better from the rail.

Race 10

(4) SEA STAR showed good pace but was no match for the winner last time out. Five-Year old appears to be heading in the right direction and with a fine-timed drive he can get the job done. (3) UNION MAN HANOVER has good early zip and was in the pocket most of the way last time out but could not get close to the winner; formidable. (1) ITSONLYROCKNROLL A did not fire at Pocono but is back at Yonkers where he has done his best racing; watch out.

Race 11

(3) KARETS is a consistent 5-year-old that has hit the board in his last four starts. Now he might have a found a perfect spot to top these; the pick. (4) ZORGWIJK NOVA was in the pocket most of the way and missed glory by two lengths in her latest; main danger. (2) LATOKA might have been used up in the early stages last out but he figures to be a factor in here.

Race 12

(2) KAITLYN RAE showed sharp speed in her last start and almost got the job done, losing by only a neck. Pacing mare has hit the board 7 of 9 tries this year and moving to the 2-hole makes this 7-year-old a solid contender for win honors tonight. (3) MOTU MOONBEAM N has scored four in a row and figures to be the main danger to the top pick. (4) ROCK ME GENTLY flashed good speed in her Pocono finale; don't overlook.

SPOT PLAYS

For Thursday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE


Arlington (1st) Out of the Woods, 3-1
(8th) Magic Command, 9-2


Belterra Park (1st) Spectacular Star, 4-1
(5th) Stormin Larry, 9-2


Charles Town (1st) Distinzione, 7-2
(7th) Nay's Back, 5-1


Del Mar (5th) Warm Endowment, 4-1
(6th) Trinitys Turn, 8-1


Delaware Park (3rd) Angel Falls, 8-1
(7th) Killington, 4-1


Evangeline Downs (3rd) Leah's Praline, 9-2
(7th) Hi Intress Rates, 6-1


Finger Lakes (5th) Chica Zoom, 4-1
(7th) Westerday, 8-1


Gulfstream Park (5th) To Your Health, 3-1
(8th) Bullet Gone Astray, 3-1


Indiana Grand (2nd) Notionofmine, 10-1
(5th) Saint Prado, 6-1


Louisiana Downs (1st) Open Interest, 5-1
(6th) O My Gigi, 6-1


Penn National (1st) Entrancing, 4-1
(2nd) Sweet Little Lies, 10-1


Prairie Meadows (3rd) Codys Cupcake, 5-1
(8th) Zero X Zero, 3-1


Presque Isle Downs (2nd) Sault Starr, 3-1
(6th) Kaylee's Attitude, 8-1


Sacramento (6th) Shesa Ranegade, 9-2
(8th) Tentwelvefourteen, 7-2


Pleasanton (5th) Fast Pass, 4-1
(9th) Mo Soul, 5-1

July Pitchers Report
By Marc Lawrence

Fireworks and the MLB All-Star game go hand-in-hand during the month of July. It also denotes the start of the 2nd half of the MLB campaign. And as we’ve come to learn the key to each and every team’s fortune lies on the pitching staff.

Can they sustain or will they unravel like Jose Canseco going back on a fly ball? Stay tuned. What we do know is that certain pitchers love hurling this time of the season while others tend to get lit up like a roman candle on the 4thof July.

Listed below are hurlers that have enjoyed a two-to-one or better success ratio in team-starts over the course of the last three seasons during the month of July.

On the flip side, we've also listed pitchers that struggle in July, winning 33% percent or less of their team-start efforts. To qualify pitchers must have made a minimum of 10 starts, with at least one start each July over the last three years.

And for your convenience alongside each record we break down each pitcher’s greatest success or greatest failure rate either home (H) or away (A) within his good or bad month.

Note: * designates a categorical repeat appearance by this pitcher, maintaining status quo from last season’s July list.

GOOD MONTH PITCHERS:

*Chen, Wei-Yin - 9-4 (5-1 H)

The Miami left-hander has not been terribly effective with an ERA hovering around 5. If Chen can develop more command, he's shown again this year he's tough when in challenging situations, allowing .186 batting average and .271 on-base percentage with runners in scoring position.

Garza, Matt - 9-3 (5-1 H)

Since coming back from spring training injury on June 14th, the Milwaukee right-hander has been a mix of good and bad, but come through when it counted. Opposing hitters are batting over .300 against Garza, but he's held those runners in check and induced a heavy dose of ground balls that have led to outs. If he continues, this Brewers starter might be effective.

Greinke, Zack - 11-4 (6-2 H)

Though Arizona is falling short of preseason expectations, the Diamondbacks ace is not and, other than Clayton Kershaw, has arguably been as effective as any pitcher since the end of April with batters hitting around .200 against him. Once again his array of pitches are finding the right spots and fastball is cooking!

Kazmir, Scott - 10-5 (6-2 H)

When Kazmir misses on location for fastball, the other team's lineup begins to look for off-speed stuff, which has caused his inconsistency this season. When he's working the corners on the knees early in the count, this sets up secondary pitches. In the past he's done so in July, let's see what he comes up with this time.

*Kershaw, Clayton - 12-3 (8-0 A)

When either Kershaw loses or has a less than stellar performance, which is infrequent, it is home page news on most sports websites. With opponents batting just .185 against him, baseball's best pitcher has close to as many home runs surrendered (6) as walks (9) to start the month over 121 innings. It’s no wonder his name is whispered in the same company as Sandy Koufax.

Kluber, Corey - 13-4 (9-2 H)

Since winning the Cy Young award in 2014, Kluber has not been able to match that magical season, but is part of a very good Cleveland rotation. Looking ahead, if the Indians righty can do a better job than permitting .281 batting averages with runners in scoring position, all his numbers will drop and his victories will go up. Note: Kluber’s numbers above also reflect his career team mark during July.

*Liriano, Francisco - 12-2 (7-0 H)

After several fine seasons with Pittsburgh, Liriano has not been effective in 2016. Walks and home runs have done him in and in order to reflect past results of July, he's going to have to stop leaving pitches in the heart of the plate.

Peralta, Wily - 8-4 (5-1 H)

Peralta has been thoroughly ineffective all season (6.68 ERA) and was sent to minors after June 11th start. His return this month or this season depends on his Triple-A results. Note: Peralta’s numbers above also reflect his career team mark during July.

Price, David - 11-5 (7-1 A)

To date, the Boston lefty could be described as a mild disappointment, with an ERA north of 4.5 most of the season. No longer owning an upper 90's heater, Price does not blow away as many hitters as before and the fastball lacks some of the previous movement of the past. The slider has not had the usual bite from start to start. Red Sox need this ace to be one.

Ross, Tyson - 10-4 (4-1 H)

Ross has not pitched since he hit the DL with right shoulder inflammation after first start in April. San Diego Union reports a return even this month appears optimistic.
Note: Ross’ numbers above also reflect his career team mark during July.

Santana, Ervin - 11-4 (8-1 H)

Like his teammates, Santana is not having a good year, as opposing hitters are clocking him for nearly .300 average, compared to .256 over his 11-year career. Little reason to believe this month will match the past even if he improves with this Twins club.

*Volquez, Edinson - 10-5 (6-1 A)

Never a frontline hurler, Volquez numbers this campaign have matched the Royals, being very ordinary to date. The Dominican Republic native has done the job against right-handed batters, who have been knocking him around for nearly .300 average.

BAD MONTH PITCHERS:

Wood, Alex - 4-8 (0-6 A)

Wood – the only pitcher to appear on the July Bad Month list this season - was initially expected to be shut down for four weeks after landing on the 15-day disabled list at the end of May with a posterior impingement in his throwing elbow. Currently, the timetable is for mid-July return, but the oft-injured pitcher can hardly be counted on as record shows. Note: Wood’’s numbers above reflect his career team mark during July.