Dave Cokin
(959) TOR Blue Jays
(960) PHI Phillies
Take "(960) PHI Phillies"
Adam Eaton has found a groove in his last few starts and is finally worth backing even at a bit of a price. This is the second start for recent Toronto callup Litsch. The debut was a bit of a stunner, but I thought Litsch was far more fortunate than good and I like the chances of the Philly batters raking him today. I'll play the Phillies as home chalk.
Hondo
Twins
White Sox
Vegas Experts
Los Angeles Dodgers at Los Angeles Angels
The Angels are 12-3 Under in day games this year, 18-12 Under vs. RHP's and 17-5 UNDER when the money line is -100 to -150 this season. Starter Escobar is 63-39 UNDER as a favorite of -110 or higher since 1997. (Team's Record)
Play on: Under
NBA:Utah at San Antonio 3:30 pm EDT Sun May 20, 2007
Utah at San Antonio
Game Info: 3:30 pm EDT Sun May 20, 2007
SAN ANTONIO (AP) -- After the drama both on and off the court that the Utah Jazz and San Antonio Spurs faced during the Western Conference semifinals, the teams are looking forward to just playing the game.
And getting reacquainted in the postseason. The teams last met in the playoffs in 1998, when the Jazz eliminated San Antonio on their way to the NBA finals, where they lost to Chicago.
"We are two teams that try to do the same thing, just put the ball in, play from the inside out, when we have the opportunity we are going to run," Spurs star Manu Ginobili said. "It's going to be fun with a lot of good plays and tough possessions, hard to score. So, we'll see what happens."
Game 1 of the best-of-seven series to decide the West is Sunday in San Antonio.
"They don't make any mistakes," Utah coach Jerry Sloan said. "They're terrific. They do a great job. Their coach does a great job with them. They've got everything you want."
The 1998 playoffs were the last time the Jazz made it to the conference finals. The Spurs won the conference finals in 1999, 2003 and 2005 and went on to win the championship all three times. In 2001 they made it to the conference finals, but lost to the Los Angeles Lakers.
The teams split the season series 2-2, with each team winning its two home games. The Jazz have lost their last 16 games in San Antonio, dating to 1999.
"We try to change history. We go down there with the mind-set that what happened before is behind us," Utah's Carlos Boozer said. "We're obviously a different team than a lot of those losses. ... We're looking forward to making some new history, hopefully."
The Jazz won their second-round series with the Golden State Warriors in five games, while the Spurs took six games to eliminate the Phoenix Suns.
The Spurs' series with the Suns was marked by rough play that resulted in one bloodied and bruised eye for Ginobili and six stitches to close a gash across the nose for the Suns' Steve Nash. Nash also went tumbling into the scorer's table at the end of Game 4 after a flagrant foul from Robert Horry. The incident resulted in a two-game suspension for Horry and a one-game suspension for the Suns' Amare Stoudemire and Boris Diaw for leaving the bench during the minor scuffle.
Hostile words also were exchanged as Stoudemire early on called the Spurs a "dirty team" and targeted Bruce Bowen and Ginobili in particular.
For the Jazz, there were family concerns off the court that made news during their series with the Warriors. Derek Fisher arrived late during Utah's Game 2 overtime win after flying in from a New York hospital, where he was present for his 10-month-old daughter's cancer treatment.
Fisher said his daughter, Tatum, who was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, a cancerous tumor in her left eye, is doing well now and improves with each day.
"To be honest, I really haven't been able to enjoy it much," Fisher said Saturday of Utah's playoff run. "Right now, we're dealing with a lot personally so it's kept me in a really kind of cautiously optimistic state."
The Jazz last played Tuesday, while the Spurs didn't eliminate Phoenix until Friday night, giving them just one full day of recovery time before Sunday afternoon's matchup.
"We understand we're fortunate to be in this position," Bowen said Saturday. "I think a lot of people would rather take this position than complain about fatigue at this point."
Bowen said rebounding will be a key for the Spurs.
"We've had some games against them where we didn't rebound particularly well and because of that they got a late 3 and we don't win the game," said Bowen, who was second for Defensive Player of the Year behind Denver's Marcus Camby. "So it's very important for us to make sure we get in there and try to mix it up with those big bodies."
The Jazz have averaged 46.5 rebounds during the playoffs, eight more than their opponents, while the Spurs have averaged 41 rebounds a game, with their opponents grabbing 41.5 boards per game.
"We just hope our team defense can be good enough," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. "It's not an individual thing with Utah. The team has to be able to guard."
The Jazz will have to work to contain Tim Duncan, who was a consistent offensive and defensive force for San Antonio during the series with Phoenix. Duncan has averaged almost 24 points, more than 12 rebounds and better than 3 1/2 blocks during the playoffs.
"He's so skilled. ... He has every move on the block in the post. He's probably the best post player we have in the game," Boozer said. "As a competitor you want challenges. And what better challenge in basketball than for a power forward to go up against Tim Duncan."
AP Sports Writer Doug Alden contributed to this report from Salt Lake City
Sunday Horse Racing Spot Picks
TRACK BANDIT PREVIEWS
PETER PAN S. (G2), 8TH-BEL, $200,000, 3YO, 1 1/8M, 4:45 P.M. EDT, 5-20
PP HORSE TRAINER JOCKEY WT
1 SIR WHIMSEY MICELI MICHAEL COA E M 116
2 HAL'S MY HOPE ROSE BARRY R VELASQUEZ CORNE 120
3 PROM SHOES FIRES WILLIAM H VELAZQUEZ J R 116
4 SIGHTSEEING MCGAUGHEY CLAUDE III PRADO E S 116
5 VITRUVIUS JERKENS JAMES A DESORMEAUX K J 116
6 FEARLESS VISION REYNOLDS PATRICK J GOMEZ G K 116
7 SOARING BY PLETCHER TODD A LUZZI M J 116
A field of seven has been entered to go nine furlongs in Sunday's $200,000 Peter Pan S. (G2) at Belmont Park, and VITRUVIUS (E Dubai) could stamp his ticket to the June 9 Belmont S. (G1) with a victory here. The James Jerkens-trained sophomore began his career in mid-February, breaking his maiden by a neck while going seven furlongs. Making just his second career start in April, the dark bay colt stretched out to a mile and extended his margin of victory as well, taking an allowance at Aqueduct by 3 3/4 lengths while earning a 100 BRIS Speed rating. Vitruvius will be getting Lasix added for the first time while making his stakes debut in this spot and could take it all the way home with Kent Desormeaux staying in the saddle.
FEARLESS VISION (Vision and Verse) just missed in his first two races before finally breaking through with a four-length maiden score in March. The Patrick Reynolds charge tried an allowance next out while going 1 1/8 miles, finishing second, but immediately returned to the winner's circle while cutting back to a mile last out. A 9 1/2-length victory in that one gives us hope that the Fearless Vision can get the distance in this spot, as does a bullet work over Belmont's training track on Wednesday. The gray colt could offer some small value with a win here under Garrett Gomez.
SIGHTSEEING (Pulpit) owns just one win, but has finished off the board only twice from eight career starts. The Shug McGaughey-trained dark bay was most recently second by just a half-length in the Wood Memorial S. (G1), earning his second straight triple-digit BRIS E2 Pace rating in the process. It wouldn't surprise us if Sightseeing shows up in the winner's circle with Edgar Prado aloft.
SOARING BY (Deputy Minister) hasn't done so well in his past two attempts against graded company, but won't be facing the likes of Circular Quay (Thunder Gulch) and Slew's Tizzy (Tiznow) in this spot. The Todd Pletcher charge captured a nine-furlong allowance at Gulfstream Park by 3 1/2 lengths in March, and might threaten in the top three. HAL'S MY HOPE (Halo's Image) was a 12-length winner of the Unbridled S. last out, and the Florida shipper could challenge in the exotics if he runs back to that effort.
SIR WHIMSEY (Jump Start) hasn't been close when facing stakes company in the past and we don't see him doing so here. PROM SHOES (Include) might not be fast enough for these.
TRACK BANDIT SELECTIONS: 1st-VITRUVIUS
2nd-FEARLESS VISION
3rd-SIGHTSEEING
TRACK BANDIT PREVIEWS
LAZARO BARRERA MEMORIAL S. (G3), 8TH-HOL, $100,000, 3YO, 7F, 4:50 P.M. PDT, 5-20
PP HORSE TRAINER JOCKEY WT
1 SCAT THIEF GUILLOT ERIC BAZE M C 115
2 ABALANCHE BECERRA RAFAEL ESPINOZA V 115
3 TRY TO FLY O'NEILL DOUG TALAMO JOSEPH 121
4 PRINCIPLE SECRET PAASCH CHRISTOPHER SOLIS A 123
5 EUROGLIDE EURTON PETER NAKATANI C S 117
6 HURRY HOME WARREN MENDOZA JESUS COHEN DAVID 121
7 DESERT CODE HOFMANS DAVID MIGLIORE R 123
8 TIME TO GET EVEN SOLIS WALTHER BISONO A 115
9 ROBBOS COURAGE DOLLASE CRAIG FLORES D R 115
10 TAXI FLEET GALLAGHER PATRICK VALDIVIA J JR 115
11 ANOTHER KRIS HOLLENDORFER JERRY GRYDER A T 119
Eleven sophomore sprinters are set to line up on Sunday in the $100,000 Lazaro Barrera Memorial S. (G3) at Hollywood Park, and TRY TO FLY (Trippi) could keep his record perfect in his third career start. The Doug O'Neill-trained chestnut broke his maiden by 5 1/4 lengths going three-quarters at Santa Anita in early March, then was immediately sent to take on stakes company in the San Pedro S. last out. He raced near the rear of that field, rallied between rivals and gutted out the half-length score under Joseph Talamo, who returns to the saddle here. Try to Fly earned competitive BRIS numbers in each of those starts and could continue his move forward after posting consecutive bullet works at Hollywood this month.
EUROGLIDE (Honor Glide) is also looking to move his record to a perfect three-for-three here. The Peter Eurton charge broke his maiden by 6 1/4 lengths going six furlongs before stretching out to Sunday's seven-furlong distance to take an allowance at Santa Anita by three parts of a length. The bay gelding won both in front-running fashion, earning a 106 BRIS E2 Pace figure for his maiden, and could take this one all the way home under Corey Nakatani.
PRINCIPLE SECRET (Sea of Secrets) will try to use his experience to overcome his rivals here. The dark bay three-year-old jumped straight off a maiden debut win to take the Best Pal S. (G2) at Del Mar in August. He just missed by a neck to eventual Grade 1 winner Stormello (Stormy Atlantic) in the Norfolk Breeders' Cup S. (G2) and then was eased in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1). The Christopher Paasch-conditioned colt ended his juvenile season with an off-the-board finish in the Hollywood Futurity (G1) and returned off the four-month break to finish second to our top pick in the San Pedro most recently. Principle Secret will be looking to turn the tables on that rival here with Alex Solis.
TIME TO GET EVEN (Stephen Got Even) captured his maiden on May 13 by 2 1/2 lengths, improving in a big way off his initial start in March. The dark bay colt rallied three wide to score by 2 1/2 lengths, garnering a 101 BRIS Speed figure and 102 E2 Pace rating. Trained by Walther Solis, he could make a run for the top three in his stakes debut. ANOTHER KRIS (Kissin Kris) is three-for-four in his career, with his only loss coming in the Sunshine Millions Dash S. in May. The Jerry Hollendorfer trainee had excuses that day, coming from far back instead of racing close to or setting the pace like he prefers. Another Kris could redeem himself here in the exotics.
ABALANCHE (Snow Ridge) is a consistent performer, finishing a nice fourth in the San Pedro S. two back before running third in an allowance on Hollywood's Cushion Track. The dark bay sophomore could use that experience over the track to grab a share of this one. DESERT CODE (E Dubai), winner of the grassy Baldwin S. (G3) in March, looks to be the class of this field. He broke his maiden on the Cushion Track, but has spent his past three races running on the turf. The chestnut colt could easily take this one, but we're willing to take a shot against the probable favorite.
SCAT THIEF (Cat Thief) didn't handle his past two tries against graded company and we don't think he'll fare any better here. HURRY HOME WARREN (Mancini), also entered in Saturday's Will Rogers S. (G3), couldn't break his maiden until moving to the turf and has excelled on that surface. Even if he runs here, we'll just watch to see how he handles the Cushion Track. Both ROBBOS COURAGE (Mr. Greeley) and TAXI FLEET (Northern Afleet) own lower numbers than others in here. We can't recommend either.
TRACK BANDIT SELECTIONS: 1st-TRY TO FLY
2nd-EUROGLIDE
3rd-PRINCIPLE SECRET
SPOT PLAYS
For Sunday
TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE
Arlington Park (3rd) Mizzing Larry, 8-1
(10th) Storming Marine, 4-1
Belmont Park (3rd) Mister White Socks, 5-1
(6th) Too Much Zip, 8-1
Calder Race Course (2nd) Appealing Runner, 3-1
(5th) Southcote Road, 4-1
Charles Town (3rd) Natures Fancy, 5-1
(6th) Tropical Kelly, 3-1
Churchill Downs (4th) Bargainwiththdevil, 4-1
(9th) Arosa (Ire), 3-1
Delaware Park (4th) Yarroway, 10-1
(9th) Old Ironsides, 4-1
Finger Lakes (2nd) Mummum, 6-1
(5th) Five Star Gold, 3-1
Golden Gate Fields (2nd) Four Checker, 3-1
(5th) Marathon Mom, 4-1
Hastings Park (5th) Fraserview, 7-2
(6th) Badgetts Star, 6-1
Hollywood Park (2nd) Pointing Star, 7-2
(5th) Bridge Too Far, 8-1
Lone Star Park (1st) Speed Fest, 4-1
(5th) Leeway, 3-1
Louisiana Downs (1st) Jordan N Jordan, 7-2
(3rd) Piggybankprospect, 3-1
Monmouth Park (3rd) Western Belle, 7-2
(5th) Mr. Megan, 6-1
Mountaineer (1st) Res Nullius, 7-2
(5th) McDetramax, 8-1
Philadelphia Park (5th) Stormcloudsgather, 4-1
(9th) She's Stacked, 4-1
River Downs (3rd) County Roscommon, 6-1
(13th) Flashy Dream, 6-1
Thistledown (12th) Bull'o the Woods, 6-1
(14th) Dizzy Turpentine, 4-1
Woodbine (9th) Wordly, 7-2
(10th) Dance With Joy, 8-1
__________________
Mike Superstein's Hollywood Park Analysis for Sunday, May 20
RACE ONE
DEPUTY LAD is an old class horse from the Mike Mitchell barn who dropped to the $10,000 level last time out and won going away. Though he rallied from far back that day, his normal style is to lay fairly close to the pace. He steps up a notch off that win, a good sign. HUDSON BANK goes from a low-percentage stable to Ron Ellis, who has been clicking at 29 per cent this meet. 'BANK hasn't been out since the claim (March 31), but has been training up a storm. CLARENCE BEEKS is fresh from a nice score at Santa Anita. The drop from $16,000 to $12,500 is a drop in name only, as he faces older runners today.
RACE TWO
OWEN ROE O'NEILL couldn't have picked a better spot to try two turns. He's been on the lead in three downhill sprints and should find himself alone on the front end. If he can't win under these circumstances, he should stick to sprints. POINTING STAR raced evenly March 14 and has been freshened by Ron McAnally. He got some Cushion Track experience here last fall. FORWARD COMMITMENT draws the advantageous rail and retains the rejuvenated Alex Solis. The Monarchos colt figures to drop in second or third early behind the top pick.
RACE THREE
AINAMAA will be heavily favored to make it two straight, and deservedly so. She was only a nose back down the hill in her U. S. debut, then went long for the first time and scored a resounding victory. She should have an easy time repeating against this empty field. PURELY SURPRIZED was a surprising third against Tough Tiz's Sis in the Win Star Oaks at Sunland Park. She's called up to the majors today and should give a good account of herself. BRIGHT MOON has mediocre form in England, but trainer James Cassidy has a impressive record with European imports.
RACE FOUR
BOOTED cost $425,000 at the 2006 Keeneland Yearling Sales. The A.P. Indy colt looks and acts the part of a good one and could help trainer Richard Mandella shake a zero for 12 start to the meeting. PREMIER ISSUE was a sharp second behind the promising Red Hot Flame in his first try at this distance. Sometimes experience is the most important factor in these 2-year-old races. CAPTAIN QUICK is cut out for speed and has a pair of fast half-mile gate drills over this surface. Mike Harrington knows how to win with first timers.
RACE FIVE
ENTER ANON was sent hard from the rail last time out and his early efforts may have cost him the time. In his previous start, he was able to track the leaders and run away through the lane. Today, he moves from the rail to the outside and can go back to his stalking style. 'ANON looks like a great claim by Vladimir Cerin. BRIDGE TOO FAR has compiled a fine record racing exclusively in northern California. The fact that he ships south and triple jumps for a top barn bodes well for his chances. I'MAGAMBLER has been away a year and is halved in price. He'll probably be in front, but the inactivity might take its toll late.
RACE SIX Normally, we would take a stand against a 17-time maiden who hasn't run in seven months. However, any one of several of SENIOR DISCOUNT's races last year would be good enough to win this. Look for 'DISCOUNT to drop well off the pace then come roaring by staggering competitors the last quarter. HERBIE LOVE has an improving pattern for Rafael Beccerra and was flattered when the horse that beat him (My City by the Bay) stepped up and won right back. GOODNIGHT KISS made a furious run from the back of the pack, but the race was slow and Joe Talamo went elsewhere.
RACE SEVEN
GRAY BLACK N WHITE knocked heads with the like of Peace Chant and Publication in his comeback and really wasn't beaten that badly. Julio Canani drops the grey gelding to the $40,000 level today, which may be all he needs to get back into winning form. VICTORY STYLE is quick from the barrier and will take these a long way. His rivals better not allow him to sneak away early. YES YE'S A PISTOL is up for sale today and gets a weight break with bug boy Talamo up. He was third in the Santana Mile Handicap as recently as last March.
RACE EIGHT
This year's renewal of the Lazaro Barrera Handicap comes up a dandy. We'll give the nod to unbeaten TRY TO FLY, who will benefit the most from today's seven-furlong distance. The son of Trippi broke his maiden impressively in March, then came back a month later to beat many of these in the San Pedro Stakes, not an easy feat for a horse making only his second start. DESERT CODE, the probable favorite, ran his heart out in a nose loss in the grassy La Puente Stakes. Prior to that, he captured the Baldwin Stakes down the hill. He too will appreciate this middle sprint distance. EUROGLIDE is also unbeaten in two starts. He'll be facing more speed today, but may be up to the challenge.
RACE NINE
STOMPIN GIA ran second in her only start against similar and looks tough to deny against this weak group of maidens. Trainer Jeff Mullins takes the five pound apprentice allowance that comes along with Talamo. WARREN'S KITTEN gets a huge rider upgrade from Antongeorgi to Nakatani and takes a slight dip in class. If 'GIA regresses, WARREN'S KITTEN would likely fall into the victory. CANDYGRAM perked up a bit on the Cushion, leading to deep stretch and winding up only a length and one half behind the top choice.
BEST BET-AINAMAA (3)
__________________
Calder
Analysis:: by Ron Nicoletti
12:50PM
Race 1 -
6 LIVING WORD, 1 of 2 in the race from the Chapman Family, is turning back to 2 furlongs after stalking the pace and finishing third in a stamina tweaking 1-turn 4 1/2-furlong career debut. 1 NEXT GIRL, from the Jim K Chapman barn, breaks from the rail again after dueling for the lead and finishing second in her 2-furlong debut. The only filly in the field is reunited with jockey Elvis Trujillo. 4 RANSOM RIDGE showed the ability to close when finishing a willing third in his career debut at the distance. 3 HEAR ME was well meant when finishing second, at 23-1, in his career debut at the distance.
6-1-4-3
Race 2 -
4 APPEALING RUNNER is turning back to 6 furlongs (2-1-0-0) after posting the best last-race speed figure (72) when finishing fourth vs. $25K conditioned claimers at seven-eighths of a mile. 1 IRISH GYPSY ROSE makes the first start since she recovered from a tardy beginning to defeat $30K "two-lifetime" claimers at Gulfstream on Apr. 4. Note that Ed Plesa Jr. has a 15% win average with the 31-60 day freshening. 7 FULL EXERTION is stepping up, and turning back, after encountering trouble at the 1/8-pole (steadied) and still managing to defeat $25K "two-lifetime" types in her local return at 7 furlongs.
4-1-7
Race 3 - THE LULU'S RANSOM
1 SNOW CONE is turning back to a mile (2-1-1-0) after encountering traffic on the turn prior to finishing second in the mile and a sixteenth $75K Ga. Oaks. Trainer Marty Wolfson has Abel Castellano Jr. atop the daughter of Cryptoclearance, who is 4 for 5 in the money on this surface (5-2-2-0). 6 DANTRELLE LIGHT, who finished a troubled fourth behind Snow Cone in the Ga. Debutant on Dec. 3, and a neck behind her last out, will try to reverse that trend at this 1-mile distance. 2 BANDA VICTORIA, who won on the turf here last Aug. in grand style, albeit at 5 furlongs, returns to the lawn after a useful return on the dirt in which she showed a positive late run. Trainer Phil Gleaves has former Calder mainstay Abdiel Toribio named to ride. 9 COZZI CAPITAL will be tested for class after drawing clear to break her maiden here, as the favorite, by 2-plus lengths.
1-6-2-9
Race 4 -
1 LADY MIRALUX makes her first start since dueling for the lead and finishing fifth vs. maiden special weight competition in a 1-mile turf race here on Dec. 23. Trainer Ed Plesa Jr., 22% with the grass-to-dirt move, has her training nicely for the return. 5 GOODBYE NORMA JEAN shows a couple a sharp local workouts, including a half-mile bullet in :47 & 3, in preparation for her career debut. 3 MAMI NENA will try the dirt after fading from contention in her 1-mile career turf debut. Trainer Walter Rosas-Canessa is 3 for 14 (21%) with horses making their second start, and 3 for 17 (18%) with the turf-to-dirt move.
1-5-3
Race 5 -
4 AMERICAN BORDER, 2 for 4 in the money on the turf vs. better, drops into the claiming ranks after stalking the pace and fading vs. "two-lifetime" allowance competition last out. Note that the daughter of Boundary is bred to love this 9-furlong distance. 9 SUPER MIRACLE, a good third vs. similar at Gulfstream, is stretching out to 9 panels after a troubled local debut in which she hit the gate, and steadied on the turn. Trainer Vinnie Blengs tabs Ariel Smith to ride. 3 SOUTHCOTE ROAD will try "two-lifetime" competition again after recovering from an awkward start to get beat 2 3/4 lengths vs. $25K multiple winners at a mile. 2 BRILLIANT LOVER will try 9 furlongs after stalking the pace and finishing third in her local turf return vs. similar at a mile and a sixteenth.
4-9-3-2
Race 6 -
7 SHOWGUN debuts locally after finishing second between a pair of next-out winners in a 'key' mile and a sixteenth maiden test at Tampa on Mar. 15. Trainer Norm Pointer, 5 for 16 (31%) with the 61-180 day layoff, has leading apprentice Sally Mitchellhill named to ride. 8 CAPE GIRL is turning back slightly to a mile & 70 yards after dueling for the lead and tiring to finish a distant third in her local return vs. similar at a mile and a sixteenth. 4 CLEVER DAME will stretch out around 2-turns after finishing a distant second in her Tampa finale at three-quarters of a mile.
7-8-4
Race 7 -
11 MS WONDER WOMAN is stretching out after a solid local return at a mile in which she set the pace before yielding late to get beat 2 1/2 lengths. Trainer Bill White, 21% with horses making the second start after a 45-180 day layoff, has her training sharply for this assignment. 10 PRIVATE BETTY returns from the freshening hoping to recapture the form she displayed here last year, which included a second place finish in the $200K Calder Oaks, and a third place showing in the La Prevoyante (G2), albeit in the slop. 2 STRAIGHT BLUES is stretching out after rallying late to finish fourth behind Ms Wonder Woman at a mile. 3 WILD BLONDE, 3 for 4 in the money here vs. similar, drops after failing to show much in the $126K Hollywood Wildcat BC Handicap.
11-10-2-3
Race 8 -
2 FAPPIE'S CLOWN, 3 for 4 in the money at 7 furlongs, stretches out after encountering traffic on the turn and getting beat a neck vs. this caliber of competition at 6 1/2. 1A DAITON'S DESTINY took the overland route when circling 6-wide to finish third behind Fappie's Clown last out. 7 WAR SCANDAL will stretch out to seven-eighths of a mile after a promising local debut vs. similar at 5 furlongs in which he rallied to finish second. Trainer Marty Wolfson keeps things light with 7-pound apprentice Sally Mitchellhill.
2-1A-7
Race 9 - THE KIMSCOUNTRYDIAMOND
7 STOLEN PRAYER, 7 for 7 in the money here, and the obvious class, has trained up a storm in preparation for the first start since following a third place finish in the 6 1/2-furlong Hurricane Bertie (G3) with a troubled outing (tight start) in the 7-furlong Shirley Jones BC Handicap (G2). 1 RGIRLDOESN'TBLUFF, now in the Wesley Ward barn, returns to her favorite racing venue hoping to recapture the form she displayed winning three consecutive sprints, including consecutive overnight stakes at 6 furlongs. Ward, 23% with new tenants to his shed row, has jockey Jordan Springer in the irons. 6 ANNABILL is turning back to 6 1/2 furlongs after winning for the eighth time in 15 races at Calder (15-8-4-1) when she drew clear to defeat 5 rivals, as the odds-on choice, at seven-eighths of a mile. The horse-for-course play merits your utmost respect.
7-1-6
Race 10 -
2 TRICKS NOT TREATS is stretching out to three-quarters after stalking the pace and finishing second in his local return vs. $10K conditioned claimers at 5 1/2. Trainer Rosemary Homeister, who has two in the race, has daughter Rosie on this half of the uncoupled entry. 4 I'VE BEEN ROBBED drops, and stretches out to 6 furlongs (2-1-1-0) after following a "two-lifetime" score at Gulfstream with a poor showing vs. $25K conditioned claimers here last out. 3 SAMI'S ROYAL HEIR, the other entrant from Rosemary Homeister, makes his first start after racing wide to finish third vs. similar on Sept. 24. Team Homeister has 7-pound apprentice David Cardoso atop the son of Family Calling.
BEST BET: RACE 3 - SNOW CONE
LONG SHOT: RACE 7 - WILD BLONDE
2-4-3
__________________
Belmont Park
By Dave Litfin
BEST BET: Wild Hoots (2nd race)
First Race
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1. Dynaglider 2. Valiant King 3. Noah A.
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DYNAGLIDER has won two of three starts on Belmont turf, the lone defeat at 1 1/4 miles in a Grade 3 stake; deep closer should be able to angle inward and save ground after the start, if able to draw in. VALIANT KING broke from an outside post and turned in a solid effort for third in return to turf 15 days ago; better post and switch to leading rider. NOAH A. has been away nearly 10 months, but notched career-best figure on this course dead-heating for a win at this level last July.
Second Race
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1. Wild Hoots 2. Partida 3. Demurrer
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WILD HOOTS was favored for both starts last fall in Kentucky, and showed improvement in the second try; likely to move forward as a more mature 3-year-old, bred to love any moisture in the track. PARTIDA stumbled at the start, rallied three wide to draw clear, just missed in well-bet debut; adds Lasix for 39% second-out trainer. DEMURRER makes second start back from a freshening for effective turf-to-dirt trainer; pedigree and recent bullet workout on the main track also bode well for the surface switch.
Third Race
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1. Cheetah Trail 2. First Defence 3. Whata Ya Mean
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If switched to dirt, CHEETAH TRAIL ran well in his first start vs. winners, but had the misfortune to be in against 1-2 shot Rondo, a fast sprinter from the Godolphin Stable. FIRST DEFENCE showed quality last year winning off-the-turf sprint at Belmont, and then running a close second to Zanjero, who has been in the money in four graded stakes; contender on dirt, probably dangerous on turf, too, in view of trainer's proficiency with grass runners. WHATA YA MEAN overcame post 12 for a front-running maiden win first time on turf; first two finishers from his dirt debut run in today's Grade 2 Peter Pan.
Fourth Race
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1. King of Jazz 2. Charming Image 3. Delta Sea
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KING OF JAZZ wheels bak quickly, after finishing a close third vs. restricted claimers on Thursday; entrymate THEATRICAL GLORY has won three times at Belmont, including a victory off a similar layoff last May. CHARMING IMAGE makes third start back from a layoff, droops in price after chasing open claimers at Gulfstream; loves a mile. DELTA SEA may find this distance a tad short, but has run some good races in one-turn routes on this track, and may come rolling late.
Fifth Race
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1. Brantley 2. Madame Brillon 3. Crystal Minuet
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BRANTLEY met allowance repeaters in final start of '06 and first start of '07, and comes off a clear second behind odds-on Bit of Whimsey; may have found the right spot for diploma. MADAME BRILLON is hard to gauge after pair of runner-up finishes on Polytrack at Keeneland; mild rally to wind up fifth of 12 lone turf try. CRYSTAL MINUET raced wide passing several rivals in debut behind a couple of next-out winners; likely candidate to improve second out for top grass barn.
Sixth Race
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1. Magical Mona 2. Golden Manna 3. Too Much Zip
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MAGICAL MONA debuts for a profitable first-out barn, and appears seriously meant after working five furlongs from the gate last week. GOLDEN MANNA lacked rally when favored in turf sprint most recently; back to dirt, where she has been second best all four starts since barn change. TOO MUCH ZIP has been freshened since failing to threaten in key race behind stakes repeater Mighty Eros; figures close with Golden Manna based on their Feb. 25 meeting.
Seventh Race
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1. Wild Gams 2. Great Intentions 3. Magnolia Jackson
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WILD GAMS returned from a layoff at Delaware Park with an effort that was simply too bad to be a true bill; late-running sprinter nearly won the Grade 1 Prioress last time on this track, gets favorable pace setup. GREAT INTENTIONS should relish getting back on Belmont's main track, where she is 3-1-0 from four starts, including her best figures; may look for an inside stalking trip, given presence of speedy stablemate MAY DAY VOW and MAGNOLIA JACKSON. The latter drew favorably outside the other speeds; fine effort in the Bed O'Roses, in which she dueled favored Any Limit into submission and held gamely for second.
Eighth Race
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1. Sightseeing 2. Fearless Vision 3. Vitruvius
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SIGHTSEEING was beaten 11 lengths by Nobiz Like Shobiz last fall in the Remsen, but has made great strides since then, missing by just a half-length to that rival in the Wood Memorial; freshened and training sharply. FEARLESS VISION blew open first-level allowance at Gulfstream by running seventh furlong in 11.86, a breakthrough performance with blinkers off; training forwardly since then, have never seen a higher-rated horse for wet tracks on the Tomlinson numbers. VITRUVIUS is a half-brother to stablemate and Grade 2 route winner Corinthian, and should handle the added distance; first-time Lasix user is light on seasoning but clearly very talented. HAL'S MY HOPE benefited from a speed-favoring track when he rushed up following slow break for front-end win in Unbridled Stakes off a freshening; Florida shipper is one of five Peter Pan entrants coming off a new top Beyer.
Ninth Race
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1. Regal Playtime 2. Quick Humor 3. Follow My Dream
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If switched to dirt, REGAL PLAYTIME has been freshened up since Gulfstream turf races, and won her first and only dirt start wearing blinkers; closed ground in key race on Belmont's main track last fall vs. eventual stakes winner Sagamoon. On turf, QUICK HUMOR was a decisive maiden winner when stretched out on Aqueduct grass last fall; Beyer figure she received for that effort is already better than what most of these have run on grass, and she's entitled to be faster first time out at 3. FOLLOW MY DREAM ran four turf races in succession last summer & fall that stamp her a late-running threat; picked up the tempo in most recent workout. HIGHER INCENTIVE was beaten less than a length in NY Stallion last time on turf, and was a maiden winner this course & distance at 2; middle move in return from layoff behind a couple next-out winners.
__________________
Gator's 70% Situations
NBA Playoff Game (Sunday) pass
MLB (Sunday) Play Against MLB (AL) road teams who average <=4.5 runs per game versus a team with a bullpen ERA <=3.75 and a starting pitcher whose ERA >= 7.00 over his last 3 starts.
(50-7 last 5 seasons.) (87.7%) PLAY: Milwaukee -160
Rocky Atkinson
Utah @ San Antonio 3:30 PM EST Play On: 1* San Antonio -6 1/2 The Spurs are the better team here. They have the playoff experience on their side. Utah is 9-23 ATS last 3 years and 2-8 ATS this year in a road game when the total is between 185 and 189 1/2. Spurs have a very nice 35-12 record at home this year. San Antonio has allowed only 90.3 ppg at home this year. San Antonio is 5-0 SU and 4-1 ATS last 3 years at home against Utah. San Antonio is 19-4 SU at home vs Utah since 1996.
We'll recommend a small play on San Antonio on Sunday
JIM FEIST
(951) ARI D'backs
(952) PIT Pirates
Take "(951) ARI D'backs"
It's been a long time since someone with the career of Randy Johnson finds himself just a buck thirty favorite over a team like the Pirates. Arguably, Johnson isn't the same pitcher he was just a few years ago. However, if there is any question that he's not getting strikeouts, put those doubts to rest. Johnson has 37 k's this season versus just seven walks. In fact, he has 18 strike outs to just one walk in his last two starts. Johnson looked pretty good on May 15th versus the Rockies, holding them to just one hit in six innings and striking out nine against no walks. We think Johnson still has some good innings left and his last game has to build his confidence.
DAVE COKIN
(959) TOR Blue Jays
(960) PHI Phillies
Take "(960) PHI Phillies"
Adam Eaton has found a groove in his last few starts and is finally worth backing even at a bit of a price. This is the second start for recent Toronto callup Litsch. The debut was a bit of a stunner, but I thought Litsch was far more fortunate than good and I like the chances of the Philly batters raking him today. I'll play the Phillies as home chalk.
BIG AL McMORDIE
COMP PLAY
Milwaukee Brewers over Minnesota Twins
Matt49team
Survivor Pick Record: 7-0-1
Sunday pick: Arizona -123
sas
Survivor Pick Record: 20-12-1
Sunday pick: Arizona -123 (going for #7 in a row)
gogoplata
Survivor Pick Record: 21-8-1 (LEADER GOING FOR #16 IN A ROW)
Sunday pick: Atl/Bos Under 9.5 runs
__________________
charlie
sunday may 20, 2007
nba. utah @ san antonio over 185' (500*)
nba. san antonio-7 (30*)
mlb. arizona-125 (20*)
mlb. toronto+130 (20*)
mlb. san francisco+120 (10*)
mlb. atlanta-125 (10*) Bonus Play
sebastian hockey
50* wings/ducks under
Chris Jordan
400 Jazz Spurs Over 100 Reds
Gator's "Right" Angle Technical Analysis
Listed below is one of Gator's MLB "Tech" Total Selections for Sunday's MLB action. These selections are based on Gator's Angles and Technical Analysis.
Gator's MLB "Tech" Total Selection:
Game: (957) Baltimore vs. (958) Washington (Listed Pitchers)
Selection: UNDER 8.5 (-115)
Brian Gabrielle
The Brigade can make it a 3 game winning streak today-and they will. Their quarterback ranks third in completion percentage(72%). Better offense and better defense with the Kansas City team. The Dragons are 3-7 overall while the Brigade are 6-4 overall.
Take the side on Kansas City Brigade
Totals 4 U
N.y. Yankees/n.y. Mets Over 9 1/2
JEFF BENTON
For Sunday, we go back to the diamond and play the Mets on the run line (minus 1½ runs) against the reeling Yankees.
The Yanks are an absolute disaster right now. They’ve lost seven of their last nine games, including the first two contests in this Subway Series. And although they rallied for some runs late in Saturday’s 10-7 defeat, they’ve completely stopped hitting, scoring two runs or fewer five times during the 2-7 slump.
Also, five of those seven losses have come by more than two runs – and we’re including losses to the Rangers (14-2), Mariners (3-0) and White Sox (5-3 and 4-1), three teams that aren’t nearly as talented as the Mets!
Speaking of the Mets, while the Yankees have been in freefall mode, Willie Randolph’s squad is rolling. They’ve won four in a row, nine out of 11 and 13 out of 17. And nine of the 13 wins have come by more than a run.
As for the pitching matchup, enormous advantage for the Mets as they send John Maine (5-1, 2.15 ERA) to the bump against yet another Yankees rookie, this one named Tyler Clippard. All you need to know here, in addition to the fact that this is Clippard’s major-league debut in a nationally televised game, is that the Mets are 7-1 when Maine pitches, with six of those wins coming by two runs or more.
In fact, the average final score when Maine pitches this year: Mets 6, Opponents 3, and that’s factoring in Maine’s only loss (a 10-1 blowout loss to the Cubs).
The red-hot Mets pull off the sweep tonight and do so with a multiple-run victory.
(based on a 1 to a 10 ? Rating)
4? METS (-1 1/2 runs)
MATT RIVERS
Sunday take the price back with Brad Thompson and the Redbirds.
No doubt Detroit is the far superior team this season and Justin Verlander can be awesome but I'll back Albert and the fellas behind a guy that looks to be pretty good in Thompson at this price.
Tony LaRussa's club has been through a ton this season and are not very good, I do admit that, but they still have enough potential to win this one game scenario. Thompson has made two starts and has been alright. He obviously has his work cut out for him here against the hard hitting Tigers at Comerica but weird things happen in these Sunday day games as many starters rest and big underdogs seem to win some games.
Joel Zumaya is still out hurt hampering the Tigers pen and I'll take my chances on what still is the World Champs plus a healthy number.
We definitely may not win this game but Pujols is still the best player on the field and Thompson has enough potential to give it a go
Bobby Maxwell
We just can't go against this San Diego rookie as Justin Germano has made two starts and is 1-0 with a 0.69 ERA. He goes up against Felix Hernandez who is 2-1 with a 2.57 ERA.
Germano gave up one run on three hits in six innings in a 3-2 loss in Atlanta and then a week ago he shut out the Cardinals on three hits over seven innings in a 3-0 victory in San Diego.
Hernandez has had just one start since coming off the DL, Tuesday giving up three runs on seven hits in 3 2/3 innings to the Angels. He was tough in his first two starts of the season then at home against the Twins he got hurt after giving up three runs on two hits in only 1/3 of an inning.
Hernandez has had one start in his career against the Padres, giving up seven runs on seven hits in six innings last May in Seattle.
The Padres' rookie has been untouchable in his first two starts, so let's continue to ride him and take advantage of some of that plus money in this one.
3? SAN DIEGO
DREW GORDON
While I’ll agree Woody Williams has shown improvement since starting the season terribly, the pitcher who’s really impressed me with his resurgence is the Rangers’ Brandon McCarthy. He’s 2-0 with a solid 2.60 ERA over his last 3 starts, allowing opponents to hit just .210 against him.
While the Astros have hit southpaws well this season, they’re still the same anemic offense against righties, averaging just .224 against them over their last 10 games! Look for McCarthy to stay hot in this match up, en route to another solid "W."
As mentioned above, Williams has shown improvement, but its hard to forget the fact he’s just 1-5 with a 5.10 ERA. The Rangers offense has also had trouble hitting righties, but I expect they’ll be just fine against Williams, who still has a way to go before we consider him "consistent."
Bottom line, the Rangers ride the red-hot arm of Brandon McCarthy to victory in this interleague match up. Neither team has impressed at the plate, but the Astros batting order has been nearly non-existant against right-handed pitching… And it won’t get any easier tonight, period.
Take the plus money on Texas behind McCarthy over Houston in afternoon interleague action.
3? TEXAS
Karl Garrett
The Pirates have got to be kicking themselves after blowing a 7-1 lead last night, while the Diamondbacks have got to be sky-high after that comeback victory.
I am going to ride the D-Backs and the Big Unit today, as Randy Johnson is rounding into form as he is coming off his first win of the season - 6 shutout innings at Colorado. That makes it 12 innings of 3 run ball his last 2 starts, and I don't think the Pirates are going to get much going against him today.
Paul Maholm has not been fooling too many batters this year, as he is only 2-5 for the year with an ERA approcaching 6.
Arizona has won 6 of the last 8 meetings against the Pirates, and I like them to make it 7 of 9 with the win today.
I am laying the road juice and taking 'Zona.
1? ARIZONA
Ben Burns
CLE / CIN Under 9.5
Analysis: The first two games of this series have been high-scoring but we should see some better pitching this afternoon. Although he wasn't at his best in his last start, Byrd has still been pitching well recently and has a solid 3.48 ERA and 1.064 WHIP his last three starts. For the season, he is 3-0 with a 3.79 ERA at home. Meanwhile, Harang has been respectable on the road, averaging more than seven innings per start, while recording a 4.08 ERA and 1.186 WHIP. He allowed only two hits and one run in a complete game 2-1 win at San Diego in his last start. Harang has also dominated the Indians over his career. In five starts he is 3-0 with a 1.89 ERA and 1.110 WHIP. In his most recent start here he tossed a complete game 3-hit shutout as the Reds won 3-0. Not surprisingly, that brought the UNDER to a perfect 5-0 his last five starts here. Look for another well-pitched affair and consider a play on the UNDER
Paul Leiner
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Sport: MLB
Game: Boston/Atlanta
Prediction: 5* Braves -120
LARRY NESS
MLB Arizona vs. Pittsburgh
Take Arizona Diamondbacks
The first two games of the Az/Pit series have been high-scoring, with the Pirates winning 11-5 on Friday and the D'backs winning last night, 9-8. Look for Randy Johnson to shut down the Pirates today. Johnson is starting to look like the pitcher the Arizona Diamondbacks remember from the glory days of the franchise. The 43-year-old left-hander looks to build off his first win of the year as the Diamondbacks close this three-game series. Johnson threw six innings and allowed only one hit to get the decision in Arizona's 3-0 win at Colorado on Tuesday. He struck out nine batters for the second straight outing. In fact, over his last four starts, his strikeout-to-walk ratio is 30-3!. The Big Unit has had plenty of success against Pittsburgh. He is 8-5 with a 2.16 ERA in 13 career starts against the Pirates, including six complete games. Paul Maholm starts for Pittsburgh and the left-hander has allowed 54 hits in 46 innings this year, posting a 5.67 ERA. He's 2-5 in his eight starts, with the Pirates going 2-6. In a battle of lefties, I'm taking the Big Unit.
Jim Feist
Inner Circle Winners!
(703) UTH Jazz vs (704) SAN Spurs
Game Starts at May 20 2007 12:30 EST
Take (703) UTH Jazz
Inner Circle
(975) SDG Padres vs (976) SEA Mariners
Game Starts at May 20 2007 13:05 EST
Take (976) SEA Mariners
Inner Cirlce
TREV ROGERS
May 20, 2007
1. Arizona -125
John Ryan
Game: Arizona Diamondbacks at Pittsburgh Pirates
May 20 2007 1:35PM
Prediction: Pittsburgh Pirates
Reason: Ai Simulator 3* graded play on Pittsburgh - Two lefties face off in this Sunday game; one of which you may not have heard of the other destined for the Hall of Fame. Despite the offensive output yesterday in Arizona's 9-8 win, their bats have been quite poor this year and they have yet to extend offensive output through two games. They are batting 241 on the season and scoring just 3.8 RPG. Their bullpen has been getting better sporting a 3.00 ERA over the past 7 games, but was hit hard yesterday. Making matters worse is that the Arizona bullpen does not like day games as they are a horrible 6.06 ERA and 1.775 WHIP in 32.7 innings. Pirates, on the other hand are hitting well batting 294 and scoring 6.6 RPG over the past 7 days entering Saturday's game. Supporting this graded play is a system that has gone 31-11 and has made 20.2 units since 1997. Play against all NL teams when the money line is +125 to -125 that are a below avg. hitting team batting <=.255), with a good bullpen that converts on 75%+ of their save opportunities and is now facing an average starting pitcher sporting an ERA from 5.20 to 5.70. RJ has not been doing well in road starts noting that he is 6-12 (-12.0 Units) against the money line as a road favorite of -125 to -175 over the last 2 seasons. Paul Maholm is far better than his flash stats would otherwise indicate. He does pitch far better at home. One thing to note is that he is on a short pitch count for now at about 85 pitches. Pittsburgh has the better available bullpen personnel than Arizona entering this game and this will be a huge factor in Pittsburgh pulling off this mild upset. Maholm has an above average curveball, but he must get that first pitch strike on the FB in order for that curve to be effective. That is the case for all MLB pitchers, but especially the young guns who have great movement on pitches, but need that experience to throw to corners of the strike zone with FB. In this case, I strongly Maholm will pitch well, and the Pirates bats and bullpen will be remain hot.
Scott Rickenbach
1* (regular play) Arizona Diamondbacks Money Line -125 @ Pittsburgh Johnson vs Maholm @ 1:35 ET
Randy Johnson is finally rounding into form and that's bad news for a Pirates team whose hitters have very little experience against him. Also, what experience the Pittsburgh hitters do have against him has not been good! Johnson is offering us great line value today because of his 1-2 record and 4.80 ERA on the season. The fact is that he is pitching much better right now than those numbers would indicate. In his last two starts Johnson has struck out 18 and allowed just five hits over his last 12 innings of work. He's also enjoyed great success pitching in Pittsburgh in the past.
The problem for the Pirates today is the wind is expected to be blowing out to left at a great clip. The Pittsburgh hitters may like that but the problem is Johnson doesn't allow much contact and especially much good contact! As for Pirates starter Paul Maholm, this is where the real trouble starts. He's allowed 6 homers in his last 2 starts and the southpaw is facing a Diamondbacks team that is loaded with righthanders and switchhitters. Throughout his career Maholm has been hit hard by righthanders and the Diamondbacks should hit a few long balls today too.
Despite both bullpens having some struggles in this series so far the Diamondbacks do have the better bullpen overall. We also feel that Arizona won't need much pen today. Johnson should go much deeper into this game than Maholm does and that is yet another benefit that favors the Diamondbacks this afternoon. Yesterday's late game collapse will also not help the psyche of a Pirates team that has now lost 13 of their last 21 games. The Diamondbacks rally gave them their 7th win in their last 12 games. The Dbacks will notch yet another win this afternoon in what should be a rout.
Play Arizona on the money line as a regular selection
Brian James:
Free Pick for Sunday, May 20th:
Pittsburgh Pirates +115
======================================== =================
Joe Wiz...
Dodgers + 130 over the Angels
info Plays
NBA
3* on Spurs/Jazz Under 185.5
We look for both teams to struggle a little offensively as they are just meeting each other for only the third time in 2007. San Antonio is 10-2 UNDER in their last 12 games as a favorite. The Spurs are 11-3 UNDER in their last 14 overall. The UNDER is also 7-1 in the Spurs last 8 games playing on 1 days rest. Utah has made it all the way to the Conference Finals with a strong defensive effort. They held Golden State to just 87 points in Game 5 to close out the Warriors. Both teams guard the perimeter very well, making it tough to penetrate and create easy opportunities. A bet on the UNDER in Game 1 would be a safe bet here
Chris Jordan
400 Jazz/Spurs OVER
100 Red (list Harang and Byrd)
Winning Angle Sports
MLB
5 units Seattle Mariners
List J Germano R /F Hernandez
This is a premium member pick from Rocketman Sports. Note: Plays are ranked 1 to 5 Units.
MLB - NY Yankees @ NY Mets 8:05 PM EST
Play On: 4* NY Mets -1.5 +140 (Clippard/Maine) Listed
A poor start for the Yankees this year as they come in with a 18-22 record this season while the NY Mets are 27-14 on the season. NY Yankees are 4-9 this year when the total is 9 to 9 1/2. NY Yankees are 1-5 this year when playing on Sunday. NY Mets are 20-7 when playing at night this year. Yankees have lost 3 in a row and 5 of their last 6. Mets have won 4 in a row and 6 of their last 7. Mets bullpen has a 2.94 ERA overall this year. Clippard will be making his first start. Maine is 5-1 with a 2.15 ERA in all starts this year and has a 3.11 ERA at home this season. We'll play the NY Mets on the Runline for 4 units tonight! Thanks and good luck, Rocky
(959) TOR Blue Jays
(960) PHI Phillies
Take "(960) PHI Phillies"
Adam Eaton has found a groove in his last few starts and is finally worth backing even at a bit of a price. This is the second start for recent Toronto callup Litsch. The debut was a bit of a stunner, but I thought Litsch was far more fortunate than good and I like the chances of the Philly batters raking him today. I'll play the Phillies as home chalk.
Hondo
Twins
White Sox
Vegas Experts
Los Angeles Dodgers at Los Angeles Angels
The Angels are 12-3 Under in day games this year, 18-12 Under vs. RHP's and 17-5 UNDER when the money line is -100 to -150 this season. Starter Escobar is 63-39 UNDER as a favorite of -110 or higher since 1997. (Team's Record)
Play on: Under
NBA:Utah at San Antonio 3:30 pm EDT Sun May 20, 2007
Utah at San Antonio
Game Info: 3:30 pm EDT Sun May 20, 2007
SAN ANTONIO (AP) -- After the drama both on and off the court that the Utah Jazz and San Antonio Spurs faced during the Western Conference semifinals, the teams are looking forward to just playing the game.
And getting reacquainted in the postseason. The teams last met in the playoffs in 1998, when the Jazz eliminated San Antonio on their way to the NBA finals, where they lost to Chicago.
"We are two teams that try to do the same thing, just put the ball in, play from the inside out, when we have the opportunity we are going to run," Spurs star Manu Ginobili said. "It's going to be fun with a lot of good plays and tough possessions, hard to score. So, we'll see what happens."
Game 1 of the best-of-seven series to decide the West is Sunday in San Antonio.
"They don't make any mistakes," Utah coach Jerry Sloan said. "They're terrific. They do a great job. Their coach does a great job with them. They've got everything you want."
The 1998 playoffs were the last time the Jazz made it to the conference finals. The Spurs won the conference finals in 1999, 2003 and 2005 and went on to win the championship all three times. In 2001 they made it to the conference finals, but lost to the Los Angeles Lakers.
The teams split the season series 2-2, with each team winning its two home games. The Jazz have lost their last 16 games in San Antonio, dating to 1999.
"We try to change history. We go down there with the mind-set that what happened before is behind us," Utah's Carlos Boozer said. "We're obviously a different team than a lot of those losses. ... We're looking forward to making some new history, hopefully."
The Jazz won their second-round series with the Golden State Warriors in five games, while the Spurs took six games to eliminate the Phoenix Suns.
The Spurs' series with the Suns was marked by rough play that resulted in one bloodied and bruised eye for Ginobili and six stitches to close a gash across the nose for the Suns' Steve Nash. Nash also went tumbling into the scorer's table at the end of Game 4 after a flagrant foul from Robert Horry. The incident resulted in a two-game suspension for Horry and a one-game suspension for the Suns' Amare Stoudemire and Boris Diaw for leaving the bench during the minor scuffle.
Hostile words also were exchanged as Stoudemire early on called the Spurs a "dirty team" and targeted Bruce Bowen and Ginobili in particular.
For the Jazz, there were family concerns off the court that made news during their series with the Warriors. Derek Fisher arrived late during Utah's Game 2 overtime win after flying in from a New York hospital, where he was present for his 10-month-old daughter's cancer treatment.
Fisher said his daughter, Tatum, who was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, a cancerous tumor in her left eye, is doing well now and improves with each day.
"To be honest, I really haven't been able to enjoy it much," Fisher said Saturday of Utah's playoff run. "Right now, we're dealing with a lot personally so it's kept me in a really kind of cautiously optimistic state."
The Jazz last played Tuesday, while the Spurs didn't eliminate Phoenix until Friday night, giving them just one full day of recovery time before Sunday afternoon's matchup.
"We understand we're fortunate to be in this position," Bowen said Saturday. "I think a lot of people would rather take this position than complain about fatigue at this point."
Bowen said rebounding will be a key for the Spurs.
"We've had some games against them where we didn't rebound particularly well and because of that they got a late 3 and we don't win the game," said Bowen, who was second for Defensive Player of the Year behind Denver's Marcus Camby. "So it's very important for us to make sure we get in there and try to mix it up with those big bodies."
The Jazz have averaged 46.5 rebounds during the playoffs, eight more than their opponents, while the Spurs have averaged 41 rebounds a game, with their opponents grabbing 41.5 boards per game.
"We just hope our team defense can be good enough," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. "It's not an individual thing with Utah. The team has to be able to guard."
The Jazz will have to work to contain Tim Duncan, who was a consistent offensive and defensive force for San Antonio during the series with Phoenix. Duncan has averaged almost 24 points, more than 12 rebounds and better than 3 1/2 blocks during the playoffs.
"He's so skilled. ... He has every move on the block in the post. He's probably the best post player we have in the game," Boozer said. "As a competitor you want challenges. And what better challenge in basketball than for a power forward to go up against Tim Duncan."
AP Sports Writer Doug Alden contributed to this report from Salt Lake City
Sunday Horse Racing Spot Picks
TRACK BANDIT PREVIEWS
PETER PAN S. (G2), 8TH-BEL, $200,000, 3YO, 1 1/8M, 4:45 P.M. EDT, 5-20
PP HORSE TRAINER JOCKEY WT
1 SIR WHIMSEY MICELI MICHAEL COA E M 116
2 HAL'S MY HOPE ROSE BARRY R VELASQUEZ CORNE 120
3 PROM SHOES FIRES WILLIAM H VELAZQUEZ J R 116
4 SIGHTSEEING MCGAUGHEY CLAUDE III PRADO E S 116
5 VITRUVIUS JERKENS JAMES A DESORMEAUX K J 116
6 FEARLESS VISION REYNOLDS PATRICK J GOMEZ G K 116
7 SOARING BY PLETCHER TODD A LUZZI M J 116
A field of seven has been entered to go nine furlongs in Sunday's $200,000 Peter Pan S. (G2) at Belmont Park, and VITRUVIUS (E Dubai) could stamp his ticket to the June 9 Belmont S. (G1) with a victory here. The James Jerkens-trained sophomore began his career in mid-February, breaking his maiden by a neck while going seven furlongs. Making just his second career start in April, the dark bay colt stretched out to a mile and extended his margin of victory as well, taking an allowance at Aqueduct by 3 3/4 lengths while earning a 100 BRIS Speed rating. Vitruvius will be getting Lasix added for the first time while making his stakes debut in this spot and could take it all the way home with Kent Desormeaux staying in the saddle.
FEARLESS VISION (Vision and Verse) just missed in his first two races before finally breaking through with a four-length maiden score in March. The Patrick Reynolds charge tried an allowance next out while going 1 1/8 miles, finishing second, but immediately returned to the winner's circle while cutting back to a mile last out. A 9 1/2-length victory in that one gives us hope that the Fearless Vision can get the distance in this spot, as does a bullet work over Belmont's training track on Wednesday. The gray colt could offer some small value with a win here under Garrett Gomez.
SIGHTSEEING (Pulpit) owns just one win, but has finished off the board only twice from eight career starts. The Shug McGaughey-trained dark bay was most recently second by just a half-length in the Wood Memorial S. (G1), earning his second straight triple-digit BRIS E2 Pace rating in the process. It wouldn't surprise us if Sightseeing shows up in the winner's circle with Edgar Prado aloft.
SOARING BY (Deputy Minister) hasn't done so well in his past two attempts against graded company, but won't be facing the likes of Circular Quay (Thunder Gulch) and Slew's Tizzy (Tiznow) in this spot. The Todd Pletcher charge captured a nine-furlong allowance at Gulfstream Park by 3 1/2 lengths in March, and might threaten in the top three. HAL'S MY HOPE (Halo's Image) was a 12-length winner of the Unbridled S. last out, and the Florida shipper could challenge in the exotics if he runs back to that effort.
SIR WHIMSEY (Jump Start) hasn't been close when facing stakes company in the past and we don't see him doing so here. PROM SHOES (Include) might not be fast enough for these.
TRACK BANDIT SELECTIONS: 1st-VITRUVIUS
2nd-FEARLESS VISION
3rd-SIGHTSEEING
TRACK BANDIT PREVIEWS
LAZARO BARRERA MEMORIAL S. (G3), 8TH-HOL, $100,000, 3YO, 7F, 4:50 P.M. PDT, 5-20
PP HORSE TRAINER JOCKEY WT
1 SCAT THIEF GUILLOT ERIC BAZE M C 115
2 ABALANCHE BECERRA RAFAEL ESPINOZA V 115
3 TRY TO FLY O'NEILL DOUG TALAMO JOSEPH 121
4 PRINCIPLE SECRET PAASCH CHRISTOPHER SOLIS A 123
5 EUROGLIDE EURTON PETER NAKATANI C S 117
6 HURRY HOME WARREN MENDOZA JESUS COHEN DAVID 121
7 DESERT CODE HOFMANS DAVID MIGLIORE R 123
8 TIME TO GET EVEN SOLIS WALTHER BISONO A 115
9 ROBBOS COURAGE DOLLASE CRAIG FLORES D R 115
10 TAXI FLEET GALLAGHER PATRICK VALDIVIA J JR 115
11 ANOTHER KRIS HOLLENDORFER JERRY GRYDER A T 119
Eleven sophomore sprinters are set to line up on Sunday in the $100,000 Lazaro Barrera Memorial S. (G3) at Hollywood Park, and TRY TO FLY (Trippi) could keep his record perfect in his third career start. The Doug O'Neill-trained chestnut broke his maiden by 5 1/4 lengths going three-quarters at Santa Anita in early March, then was immediately sent to take on stakes company in the San Pedro S. last out. He raced near the rear of that field, rallied between rivals and gutted out the half-length score under Joseph Talamo, who returns to the saddle here. Try to Fly earned competitive BRIS numbers in each of those starts and could continue his move forward after posting consecutive bullet works at Hollywood this month.
EUROGLIDE (Honor Glide) is also looking to move his record to a perfect three-for-three here. The Peter Eurton charge broke his maiden by 6 1/4 lengths going six furlongs before stretching out to Sunday's seven-furlong distance to take an allowance at Santa Anita by three parts of a length. The bay gelding won both in front-running fashion, earning a 106 BRIS E2 Pace figure for his maiden, and could take this one all the way home under Corey Nakatani.
PRINCIPLE SECRET (Sea of Secrets) will try to use his experience to overcome his rivals here. The dark bay three-year-old jumped straight off a maiden debut win to take the Best Pal S. (G2) at Del Mar in August. He just missed by a neck to eventual Grade 1 winner Stormello (Stormy Atlantic) in the Norfolk Breeders' Cup S. (G2) and then was eased in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1). The Christopher Paasch-conditioned colt ended his juvenile season with an off-the-board finish in the Hollywood Futurity (G1) and returned off the four-month break to finish second to our top pick in the San Pedro most recently. Principle Secret will be looking to turn the tables on that rival here with Alex Solis.
TIME TO GET EVEN (Stephen Got Even) captured his maiden on May 13 by 2 1/2 lengths, improving in a big way off his initial start in March. The dark bay colt rallied three wide to score by 2 1/2 lengths, garnering a 101 BRIS Speed figure and 102 E2 Pace rating. Trained by Walther Solis, he could make a run for the top three in his stakes debut. ANOTHER KRIS (Kissin Kris) is three-for-four in his career, with his only loss coming in the Sunshine Millions Dash S. in May. The Jerry Hollendorfer trainee had excuses that day, coming from far back instead of racing close to or setting the pace like he prefers. Another Kris could redeem himself here in the exotics.
ABALANCHE (Snow Ridge) is a consistent performer, finishing a nice fourth in the San Pedro S. two back before running third in an allowance on Hollywood's Cushion Track. The dark bay sophomore could use that experience over the track to grab a share of this one. DESERT CODE (E Dubai), winner of the grassy Baldwin S. (G3) in March, looks to be the class of this field. He broke his maiden on the Cushion Track, but has spent his past three races running on the turf. The chestnut colt could easily take this one, but we're willing to take a shot against the probable favorite.
SCAT THIEF (Cat Thief) didn't handle his past two tries against graded company and we don't think he'll fare any better here. HURRY HOME WARREN (Mancini), also entered in Saturday's Will Rogers S. (G3), couldn't break his maiden until moving to the turf and has excelled on that surface. Even if he runs here, we'll just watch to see how he handles the Cushion Track. Both ROBBOS COURAGE (Mr. Greeley) and TAXI FLEET (Northern Afleet) own lower numbers than others in here. We can't recommend either.
TRACK BANDIT SELECTIONS: 1st-TRY TO FLY
2nd-EUROGLIDE
3rd-PRINCIPLE SECRET
SPOT PLAYS
For Sunday
TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE
Arlington Park (3rd) Mizzing Larry, 8-1
(10th) Storming Marine, 4-1
Belmont Park (3rd) Mister White Socks, 5-1
(6th) Too Much Zip, 8-1
Calder Race Course (2nd) Appealing Runner, 3-1
(5th) Southcote Road, 4-1
Charles Town (3rd) Natures Fancy, 5-1
(6th) Tropical Kelly, 3-1
Churchill Downs (4th) Bargainwiththdevil, 4-1
(9th) Arosa (Ire), 3-1
Delaware Park (4th) Yarroway, 10-1
(9th) Old Ironsides, 4-1
Finger Lakes (2nd) Mummum, 6-1
(5th) Five Star Gold, 3-1
Golden Gate Fields (2nd) Four Checker, 3-1
(5th) Marathon Mom, 4-1
Hastings Park (5th) Fraserview, 7-2
(6th) Badgetts Star, 6-1
Hollywood Park (2nd) Pointing Star, 7-2
(5th) Bridge Too Far, 8-1
Lone Star Park (1st) Speed Fest, 4-1
(5th) Leeway, 3-1
Louisiana Downs (1st) Jordan N Jordan, 7-2
(3rd) Piggybankprospect, 3-1
Monmouth Park (3rd) Western Belle, 7-2
(5th) Mr. Megan, 6-1
Mountaineer (1st) Res Nullius, 7-2
(5th) McDetramax, 8-1
Philadelphia Park (5th) Stormcloudsgather, 4-1
(9th) She's Stacked, 4-1
River Downs (3rd) County Roscommon, 6-1
(13th) Flashy Dream, 6-1
Thistledown (12th) Bull'o the Woods, 6-1
(14th) Dizzy Turpentine, 4-1
Woodbine (9th) Wordly, 7-2
(10th) Dance With Joy, 8-1
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Mike Superstein's Hollywood Park Analysis for Sunday, May 20
RACE ONE
DEPUTY LAD is an old class horse from the Mike Mitchell barn who dropped to the $10,000 level last time out and won going away. Though he rallied from far back that day, his normal style is to lay fairly close to the pace. He steps up a notch off that win, a good sign. HUDSON BANK goes from a low-percentage stable to Ron Ellis, who has been clicking at 29 per cent this meet. 'BANK hasn't been out since the claim (March 31), but has been training up a storm. CLARENCE BEEKS is fresh from a nice score at Santa Anita. The drop from $16,000 to $12,500 is a drop in name only, as he faces older runners today.
RACE TWO
OWEN ROE O'NEILL couldn't have picked a better spot to try two turns. He's been on the lead in three downhill sprints and should find himself alone on the front end. If he can't win under these circumstances, he should stick to sprints. POINTING STAR raced evenly March 14 and has been freshened by Ron McAnally. He got some Cushion Track experience here last fall. FORWARD COMMITMENT draws the advantageous rail and retains the rejuvenated Alex Solis. The Monarchos colt figures to drop in second or third early behind the top pick.
RACE THREE
AINAMAA will be heavily favored to make it two straight, and deservedly so. She was only a nose back down the hill in her U. S. debut, then went long for the first time and scored a resounding victory. She should have an easy time repeating against this empty field. PURELY SURPRIZED was a surprising third against Tough Tiz's Sis in the Win Star Oaks at Sunland Park. She's called up to the majors today and should give a good account of herself. BRIGHT MOON has mediocre form in England, but trainer James Cassidy has a impressive record with European imports.
RACE FOUR
BOOTED cost $425,000 at the 2006 Keeneland Yearling Sales. The A.P. Indy colt looks and acts the part of a good one and could help trainer Richard Mandella shake a zero for 12 start to the meeting. PREMIER ISSUE was a sharp second behind the promising Red Hot Flame in his first try at this distance. Sometimes experience is the most important factor in these 2-year-old races. CAPTAIN QUICK is cut out for speed and has a pair of fast half-mile gate drills over this surface. Mike Harrington knows how to win with first timers.
RACE FIVE
ENTER ANON was sent hard from the rail last time out and his early efforts may have cost him the time. In his previous start, he was able to track the leaders and run away through the lane. Today, he moves from the rail to the outside and can go back to his stalking style. 'ANON looks like a great claim by Vladimir Cerin. BRIDGE TOO FAR has compiled a fine record racing exclusively in northern California. The fact that he ships south and triple jumps for a top barn bodes well for his chances. I'MAGAMBLER has been away a year and is halved in price. He'll probably be in front, but the inactivity might take its toll late.
RACE SIX Normally, we would take a stand against a 17-time maiden who hasn't run in seven months. However, any one of several of SENIOR DISCOUNT's races last year would be good enough to win this. Look for 'DISCOUNT to drop well off the pace then come roaring by staggering competitors the last quarter. HERBIE LOVE has an improving pattern for Rafael Beccerra and was flattered when the horse that beat him (My City by the Bay) stepped up and won right back. GOODNIGHT KISS made a furious run from the back of the pack, but the race was slow and Joe Talamo went elsewhere.
RACE SEVEN
GRAY BLACK N WHITE knocked heads with the like of Peace Chant and Publication in his comeback and really wasn't beaten that badly. Julio Canani drops the grey gelding to the $40,000 level today, which may be all he needs to get back into winning form. VICTORY STYLE is quick from the barrier and will take these a long way. His rivals better not allow him to sneak away early. YES YE'S A PISTOL is up for sale today and gets a weight break with bug boy Talamo up. He was third in the Santana Mile Handicap as recently as last March.
RACE EIGHT
This year's renewal of the Lazaro Barrera Handicap comes up a dandy. We'll give the nod to unbeaten TRY TO FLY, who will benefit the most from today's seven-furlong distance. The son of Trippi broke his maiden impressively in March, then came back a month later to beat many of these in the San Pedro Stakes, not an easy feat for a horse making only his second start. DESERT CODE, the probable favorite, ran his heart out in a nose loss in the grassy La Puente Stakes. Prior to that, he captured the Baldwin Stakes down the hill. He too will appreciate this middle sprint distance. EUROGLIDE is also unbeaten in two starts. He'll be facing more speed today, but may be up to the challenge.
RACE NINE
STOMPIN GIA ran second in her only start against similar and looks tough to deny against this weak group of maidens. Trainer Jeff Mullins takes the five pound apprentice allowance that comes along with Talamo. WARREN'S KITTEN gets a huge rider upgrade from Antongeorgi to Nakatani and takes a slight dip in class. If 'GIA regresses, WARREN'S KITTEN would likely fall into the victory. CANDYGRAM perked up a bit on the Cushion, leading to deep stretch and winding up only a length and one half behind the top choice.
BEST BET-AINAMAA (3)
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Calder
Analysis:: by Ron Nicoletti
12:50PM
Race 1 -
6 LIVING WORD, 1 of 2 in the race from the Chapman Family, is turning back to 2 furlongs after stalking the pace and finishing third in a stamina tweaking 1-turn 4 1/2-furlong career debut. 1 NEXT GIRL, from the Jim K Chapman barn, breaks from the rail again after dueling for the lead and finishing second in her 2-furlong debut. The only filly in the field is reunited with jockey Elvis Trujillo. 4 RANSOM RIDGE showed the ability to close when finishing a willing third in his career debut at the distance. 3 HEAR ME was well meant when finishing second, at 23-1, in his career debut at the distance.
6-1-4-3
Race 2 -
4 APPEALING RUNNER is turning back to 6 furlongs (2-1-0-0) after posting the best last-race speed figure (72) when finishing fourth vs. $25K conditioned claimers at seven-eighths of a mile. 1 IRISH GYPSY ROSE makes the first start since she recovered from a tardy beginning to defeat $30K "two-lifetime" claimers at Gulfstream on Apr. 4. Note that Ed Plesa Jr. has a 15% win average with the 31-60 day freshening. 7 FULL EXERTION is stepping up, and turning back, after encountering trouble at the 1/8-pole (steadied) and still managing to defeat $25K "two-lifetime" types in her local return at 7 furlongs.
4-1-7
Race 3 - THE LULU'S RANSOM
1 SNOW CONE is turning back to a mile (2-1-1-0) after encountering traffic on the turn prior to finishing second in the mile and a sixteenth $75K Ga. Oaks. Trainer Marty Wolfson has Abel Castellano Jr. atop the daughter of Cryptoclearance, who is 4 for 5 in the money on this surface (5-2-2-0). 6 DANTRELLE LIGHT, who finished a troubled fourth behind Snow Cone in the Ga. Debutant on Dec. 3, and a neck behind her last out, will try to reverse that trend at this 1-mile distance. 2 BANDA VICTORIA, who won on the turf here last Aug. in grand style, albeit at 5 furlongs, returns to the lawn after a useful return on the dirt in which she showed a positive late run. Trainer Phil Gleaves has former Calder mainstay Abdiel Toribio named to ride. 9 COZZI CAPITAL will be tested for class after drawing clear to break her maiden here, as the favorite, by 2-plus lengths.
1-6-2-9
Race 4 -
1 LADY MIRALUX makes her first start since dueling for the lead and finishing fifth vs. maiden special weight competition in a 1-mile turf race here on Dec. 23. Trainer Ed Plesa Jr., 22% with the grass-to-dirt move, has her training nicely for the return. 5 GOODBYE NORMA JEAN shows a couple a sharp local workouts, including a half-mile bullet in :47 & 3, in preparation for her career debut. 3 MAMI NENA will try the dirt after fading from contention in her 1-mile career turf debut. Trainer Walter Rosas-Canessa is 3 for 14 (21%) with horses making their second start, and 3 for 17 (18%) with the turf-to-dirt move.
1-5-3
Race 5 -
4 AMERICAN BORDER, 2 for 4 in the money on the turf vs. better, drops into the claiming ranks after stalking the pace and fading vs. "two-lifetime" allowance competition last out. Note that the daughter of Boundary is bred to love this 9-furlong distance. 9 SUPER MIRACLE, a good third vs. similar at Gulfstream, is stretching out to 9 panels after a troubled local debut in which she hit the gate, and steadied on the turn. Trainer Vinnie Blengs tabs Ariel Smith to ride. 3 SOUTHCOTE ROAD will try "two-lifetime" competition again after recovering from an awkward start to get beat 2 3/4 lengths vs. $25K multiple winners at a mile. 2 BRILLIANT LOVER will try 9 furlongs after stalking the pace and finishing third in her local turf return vs. similar at a mile and a sixteenth.
4-9-3-2
Race 6 -
7 SHOWGUN debuts locally after finishing second between a pair of next-out winners in a 'key' mile and a sixteenth maiden test at Tampa on Mar. 15. Trainer Norm Pointer, 5 for 16 (31%) with the 61-180 day layoff, has leading apprentice Sally Mitchellhill named to ride. 8 CAPE GIRL is turning back slightly to a mile & 70 yards after dueling for the lead and tiring to finish a distant third in her local return vs. similar at a mile and a sixteenth. 4 CLEVER DAME will stretch out around 2-turns after finishing a distant second in her Tampa finale at three-quarters of a mile.
7-8-4
Race 7 -
11 MS WONDER WOMAN is stretching out after a solid local return at a mile in which she set the pace before yielding late to get beat 2 1/2 lengths. Trainer Bill White, 21% with horses making the second start after a 45-180 day layoff, has her training sharply for this assignment. 10 PRIVATE BETTY returns from the freshening hoping to recapture the form she displayed here last year, which included a second place finish in the $200K Calder Oaks, and a third place showing in the La Prevoyante (G2), albeit in the slop. 2 STRAIGHT BLUES is stretching out after rallying late to finish fourth behind Ms Wonder Woman at a mile. 3 WILD BLONDE, 3 for 4 in the money here vs. similar, drops after failing to show much in the $126K Hollywood Wildcat BC Handicap.
11-10-2-3
Race 8 -
2 FAPPIE'S CLOWN, 3 for 4 in the money at 7 furlongs, stretches out after encountering traffic on the turn and getting beat a neck vs. this caliber of competition at 6 1/2. 1A DAITON'S DESTINY took the overland route when circling 6-wide to finish third behind Fappie's Clown last out. 7 WAR SCANDAL will stretch out to seven-eighths of a mile after a promising local debut vs. similar at 5 furlongs in which he rallied to finish second. Trainer Marty Wolfson keeps things light with 7-pound apprentice Sally Mitchellhill.
2-1A-7
Race 9 - THE KIMSCOUNTRYDIAMOND
7 STOLEN PRAYER, 7 for 7 in the money here, and the obvious class, has trained up a storm in preparation for the first start since following a third place finish in the 6 1/2-furlong Hurricane Bertie (G3) with a troubled outing (tight start) in the 7-furlong Shirley Jones BC Handicap (G2). 1 RGIRLDOESN'TBLUFF, now in the Wesley Ward barn, returns to her favorite racing venue hoping to recapture the form she displayed winning three consecutive sprints, including consecutive overnight stakes at 6 furlongs. Ward, 23% with new tenants to his shed row, has jockey Jordan Springer in the irons. 6 ANNABILL is turning back to 6 1/2 furlongs after winning for the eighth time in 15 races at Calder (15-8-4-1) when she drew clear to defeat 5 rivals, as the odds-on choice, at seven-eighths of a mile. The horse-for-course play merits your utmost respect.
7-1-6
Race 10 -
2 TRICKS NOT TREATS is stretching out to three-quarters after stalking the pace and finishing second in his local return vs. $10K conditioned claimers at 5 1/2. Trainer Rosemary Homeister, who has two in the race, has daughter Rosie on this half of the uncoupled entry. 4 I'VE BEEN ROBBED drops, and stretches out to 6 furlongs (2-1-1-0) after following a "two-lifetime" score at Gulfstream with a poor showing vs. $25K conditioned claimers here last out. 3 SAMI'S ROYAL HEIR, the other entrant from Rosemary Homeister, makes his first start after racing wide to finish third vs. similar on Sept. 24. Team Homeister has 7-pound apprentice David Cardoso atop the son of Family Calling.
BEST BET: RACE 3 - SNOW CONE
LONG SHOT: RACE 7 - WILD BLONDE
2-4-3
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Belmont Park
By Dave Litfin
BEST BET: Wild Hoots (2nd race)
First Race
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1. Dynaglider 2. Valiant King 3. Noah A.
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DYNAGLIDER has won two of three starts on Belmont turf, the lone defeat at 1 1/4 miles in a Grade 3 stake; deep closer should be able to angle inward and save ground after the start, if able to draw in. VALIANT KING broke from an outside post and turned in a solid effort for third in return to turf 15 days ago; better post and switch to leading rider. NOAH A. has been away nearly 10 months, but notched career-best figure on this course dead-heating for a win at this level last July.
Second Race
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1. Wild Hoots 2. Partida 3. Demurrer
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WILD HOOTS was favored for both starts last fall in Kentucky, and showed improvement in the second try; likely to move forward as a more mature 3-year-old, bred to love any moisture in the track. PARTIDA stumbled at the start, rallied three wide to draw clear, just missed in well-bet debut; adds Lasix for 39% second-out trainer. DEMURRER makes second start back from a freshening for effective turf-to-dirt trainer; pedigree and recent bullet workout on the main track also bode well for the surface switch.
Third Race
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1. Cheetah Trail 2. First Defence 3. Whata Ya Mean
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If switched to dirt, CHEETAH TRAIL ran well in his first start vs. winners, but had the misfortune to be in against 1-2 shot Rondo, a fast sprinter from the Godolphin Stable. FIRST DEFENCE showed quality last year winning off-the-turf sprint at Belmont, and then running a close second to Zanjero, who has been in the money in four graded stakes; contender on dirt, probably dangerous on turf, too, in view of trainer's proficiency with grass runners. WHATA YA MEAN overcame post 12 for a front-running maiden win first time on turf; first two finishers from his dirt debut run in today's Grade 2 Peter Pan.
Fourth Race
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1. King of Jazz 2. Charming Image 3. Delta Sea
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KING OF JAZZ wheels bak quickly, after finishing a close third vs. restricted claimers on Thursday; entrymate THEATRICAL GLORY has won three times at Belmont, including a victory off a similar layoff last May. CHARMING IMAGE makes third start back from a layoff, droops in price after chasing open claimers at Gulfstream; loves a mile. DELTA SEA may find this distance a tad short, but has run some good races in one-turn routes on this track, and may come rolling late.
Fifth Race
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1. Brantley 2. Madame Brillon 3. Crystal Minuet
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BRANTLEY met allowance repeaters in final start of '06 and first start of '07, and comes off a clear second behind odds-on Bit of Whimsey; may have found the right spot for diploma. MADAME BRILLON is hard to gauge after pair of runner-up finishes on Polytrack at Keeneland; mild rally to wind up fifth of 12 lone turf try. CRYSTAL MINUET raced wide passing several rivals in debut behind a couple of next-out winners; likely candidate to improve second out for top grass barn.
Sixth Race
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1. Magical Mona 2. Golden Manna 3. Too Much Zip
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MAGICAL MONA debuts for a profitable first-out barn, and appears seriously meant after working five furlongs from the gate last week. GOLDEN MANNA lacked rally when favored in turf sprint most recently; back to dirt, where she has been second best all four starts since barn change. TOO MUCH ZIP has been freshened since failing to threaten in key race behind stakes repeater Mighty Eros; figures close with Golden Manna based on their Feb. 25 meeting.
Seventh Race
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1. Wild Gams 2. Great Intentions 3. Magnolia Jackson
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WILD GAMS returned from a layoff at Delaware Park with an effort that was simply too bad to be a true bill; late-running sprinter nearly won the Grade 1 Prioress last time on this track, gets favorable pace setup. GREAT INTENTIONS should relish getting back on Belmont's main track, where she is 3-1-0 from four starts, including her best figures; may look for an inside stalking trip, given presence of speedy stablemate MAY DAY VOW and MAGNOLIA JACKSON. The latter drew favorably outside the other speeds; fine effort in the Bed O'Roses, in which she dueled favored Any Limit into submission and held gamely for second.
Eighth Race
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1. Sightseeing 2. Fearless Vision 3. Vitruvius
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SIGHTSEEING was beaten 11 lengths by Nobiz Like Shobiz last fall in the Remsen, but has made great strides since then, missing by just a half-length to that rival in the Wood Memorial; freshened and training sharply. FEARLESS VISION blew open first-level allowance at Gulfstream by running seventh furlong in 11.86, a breakthrough performance with blinkers off; training forwardly since then, have never seen a higher-rated horse for wet tracks on the Tomlinson numbers. VITRUVIUS is a half-brother to stablemate and Grade 2 route winner Corinthian, and should handle the added distance; first-time Lasix user is light on seasoning but clearly very talented. HAL'S MY HOPE benefited from a speed-favoring track when he rushed up following slow break for front-end win in Unbridled Stakes off a freshening; Florida shipper is one of five Peter Pan entrants coming off a new top Beyer.
Ninth Race
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1. Regal Playtime 2. Quick Humor 3. Follow My Dream
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If switched to dirt, REGAL PLAYTIME has been freshened up since Gulfstream turf races, and won her first and only dirt start wearing blinkers; closed ground in key race on Belmont's main track last fall vs. eventual stakes winner Sagamoon. On turf, QUICK HUMOR was a decisive maiden winner when stretched out on Aqueduct grass last fall; Beyer figure she received for that effort is already better than what most of these have run on grass, and she's entitled to be faster first time out at 3. FOLLOW MY DREAM ran four turf races in succession last summer & fall that stamp her a late-running threat; picked up the tempo in most recent workout. HIGHER INCENTIVE was beaten less than a length in NY Stallion last time on turf, and was a maiden winner this course & distance at 2; middle move in return from layoff behind a couple next-out winners.
__________________
Gator's 70% Situations
NBA Playoff Game (Sunday) pass
MLB (Sunday) Play Against MLB (AL) road teams who average <=4.5 runs per game versus a team with a bullpen ERA <=3.75 and a starting pitcher whose ERA >= 7.00 over his last 3 starts.
(50-7 last 5 seasons.) (87.7%) PLAY: Milwaukee -160
Rocky Atkinson
Utah @ San Antonio 3:30 PM EST Play On: 1* San Antonio -6 1/2 The Spurs are the better team here. They have the playoff experience on their side. Utah is 9-23 ATS last 3 years and 2-8 ATS this year in a road game when the total is between 185 and 189 1/2. Spurs have a very nice 35-12 record at home this year. San Antonio has allowed only 90.3 ppg at home this year. San Antonio is 5-0 SU and 4-1 ATS last 3 years at home against Utah. San Antonio is 19-4 SU at home vs Utah since 1996.
We'll recommend a small play on San Antonio on Sunday
JIM FEIST
(951) ARI D'backs
(952) PIT Pirates
Take "(951) ARI D'backs"
It's been a long time since someone with the career of Randy Johnson finds himself just a buck thirty favorite over a team like the Pirates. Arguably, Johnson isn't the same pitcher he was just a few years ago. However, if there is any question that he's not getting strikeouts, put those doubts to rest. Johnson has 37 k's this season versus just seven walks. In fact, he has 18 strike outs to just one walk in his last two starts. Johnson looked pretty good on May 15th versus the Rockies, holding them to just one hit in six innings and striking out nine against no walks. We think Johnson still has some good innings left and his last game has to build his confidence.
DAVE COKIN
(959) TOR Blue Jays
(960) PHI Phillies
Take "(960) PHI Phillies"
Adam Eaton has found a groove in his last few starts and is finally worth backing even at a bit of a price. This is the second start for recent Toronto callup Litsch. The debut was a bit of a stunner, but I thought Litsch was far more fortunate than good and I like the chances of the Philly batters raking him today. I'll play the Phillies as home chalk.
BIG AL McMORDIE
COMP PLAY
Milwaukee Brewers over Minnesota Twins
Matt49team
Survivor Pick Record: 7-0-1
Sunday pick: Arizona -123
sas
Survivor Pick Record: 20-12-1
Sunday pick: Arizona -123 (going for #7 in a row)
gogoplata
Survivor Pick Record: 21-8-1 (LEADER GOING FOR #16 IN A ROW)
Sunday pick: Atl/Bos Under 9.5 runs
__________________
charlie
sunday may 20, 2007
nba. utah @ san antonio over 185' (500*)
nba. san antonio-7 (30*)
mlb. arizona-125 (20*)
mlb. toronto+130 (20*)
mlb. san francisco+120 (10*)
mlb. atlanta-125 (10*) Bonus Play
sebastian hockey
50* wings/ducks under
Chris Jordan
400 Jazz Spurs Over 100 Reds
Gator's "Right" Angle Technical Analysis
Listed below is one of Gator's MLB "Tech" Total Selections for Sunday's MLB action. These selections are based on Gator's Angles and Technical Analysis.
Gator's MLB "Tech" Total Selection:
Game: (957) Baltimore vs. (958) Washington (Listed Pitchers)
Selection: UNDER 8.5 (-115)
Brian Gabrielle
The Brigade can make it a 3 game winning streak today-and they will. Their quarterback ranks third in completion percentage(72%). Better offense and better defense with the Kansas City team. The Dragons are 3-7 overall while the Brigade are 6-4 overall.
Take the side on Kansas City Brigade
Totals 4 U
N.y. Yankees/n.y. Mets Over 9 1/2
JEFF BENTON
For Sunday, we go back to the diamond and play the Mets on the run line (minus 1½ runs) against the reeling Yankees.
The Yanks are an absolute disaster right now. They’ve lost seven of their last nine games, including the first two contests in this Subway Series. And although they rallied for some runs late in Saturday’s 10-7 defeat, they’ve completely stopped hitting, scoring two runs or fewer five times during the 2-7 slump.
Also, five of those seven losses have come by more than two runs – and we’re including losses to the Rangers (14-2), Mariners (3-0) and White Sox (5-3 and 4-1), three teams that aren’t nearly as talented as the Mets!
Speaking of the Mets, while the Yankees have been in freefall mode, Willie Randolph’s squad is rolling. They’ve won four in a row, nine out of 11 and 13 out of 17. And nine of the 13 wins have come by more than a run.
As for the pitching matchup, enormous advantage for the Mets as they send John Maine (5-1, 2.15 ERA) to the bump against yet another Yankees rookie, this one named Tyler Clippard. All you need to know here, in addition to the fact that this is Clippard’s major-league debut in a nationally televised game, is that the Mets are 7-1 when Maine pitches, with six of those wins coming by two runs or more.
In fact, the average final score when Maine pitches this year: Mets 6, Opponents 3, and that’s factoring in Maine’s only loss (a 10-1 blowout loss to the Cubs).
The red-hot Mets pull off the sweep tonight and do so with a multiple-run victory.
(based on a 1 to a 10 ? Rating)
4? METS (-1 1/2 runs)
MATT RIVERS
Sunday take the price back with Brad Thompson and the Redbirds.
No doubt Detroit is the far superior team this season and Justin Verlander can be awesome but I'll back Albert and the fellas behind a guy that looks to be pretty good in Thompson at this price.
Tony LaRussa's club has been through a ton this season and are not very good, I do admit that, but they still have enough potential to win this one game scenario. Thompson has made two starts and has been alright. He obviously has his work cut out for him here against the hard hitting Tigers at Comerica but weird things happen in these Sunday day games as many starters rest and big underdogs seem to win some games.
Joel Zumaya is still out hurt hampering the Tigers pen and I'll take my chances on what still is the World Champs plus a healthy number.
We definitely may not win this game but Pujols is still the best player on the field and Thompson has enough potential to give it a go
Bobby Maxwell
We just can't go against this San Diego rookie as Justin Germano has made two starts and is 1-0 with a 0.69 ERA. He goes up against Felix Hernandez who is 2-1 with a 2.57 ERA.
Germano gave up one run on three hits in six innings in a 3-2 loss in Atlanta and then a week ago he shut out the Cardinals on three hits over seven innings in a 3-0 victory in San Diego.
Hernandez has had just one start since coming off the DL, Tuesday giving up three runs on seven hits in 3 2/3 innings to the Angels. He was tough in his first two starts of the season then at home against the Twins he got hurt after giving up three runs on two hits in only 1/3 of an inning.
Hernandez has had one start in his career against the Padres, giving up seven runs on seven hits in six innings last May in Seattle.
The Padres' rookie has been untouchable in his first two starts, so let's continue to ride him and take advantage of some of that plus money in this one.
3? SAN DIEGO
DREW GORDON
While I’ll agree Woody Williams has shown improvement since starting the season terribly, the pitcher who’s really impressed me with his resurgence is the Rangers’ Brandon McCarthy. He’s 2-0 with a solid 2.60 ERA over his last 3 starts, allowing opponents to hit just .210 against him.
While the Astros have hit southpaws well this season, they’re still the same anemic offense against righties, averaging just .224 against them over their last 10 games! Look for McCarthy to stay hot in this match up, en route to another solid "W."
As mentioned above, Williams has shown improvement, but its hard to forget the fact he’s just 1-5 with a 5.10 ERA. The Rangers offense has also had trouble hitting righties, but I expect they’ll be just fine against Williams, who still has a way to go before we consider him "consistent."
Bottom line, the Rangers ride the red-hot arm of Brandon McCarthy to victory in this interleague match up. Neither team has impressed at the plate, but the Astros batting order has been nearly non-existant against right-handed pitching… And it won’t get any easier tonight, period.
Take the plus money on Texas behind McCarthy over Houston in afternoon interleague action.
3? TEXAS
Karl Garrett
The Pirates have got to be kicking themselves after blowing a 7-1 lead last night, while the Diamondbacks have got to be sky-high after that comeback victory.
I am going to ride the D-Backs and the Big Unit today, as Randy Johnson is rounding into form as he is coming off his first win of the season - 6 shutout innings at Colorado. That makes it 12 innings of 3 run ball his last 2 starts, and I don't think the Pirates are going to get much going against him today.
Paul Maholm has not been fooling too many batters this year, as he is only 2-5 for the year with an ERA approcaching 6.
Arizona has won 6 of the last 8 meetings against the Pirates, and I like them to make it 7 of 9 with the win today.
I am laying the road juice and taking 'Zona.
1? ARIZONA
Ben Burns
CLE / CIN Under 9.5
Analysis: The first two games of this series have been high-scoring but we should see some better pitching this afternoon. Although he wasn't at his best in his last start, Byrd has still been pitching well recently and has a solid 3.48 ERA and 1.064 WHIP his last three starts. For the season, he is 3-0 with a 3.79 ERA at home. Meanwhile, Harang has been respectable on the road, averaging more than seven innings per start, while recording a 4.08 ERA and 1.186 WHIP. He allowed only two hits and one run in a complete game 2-1 win at San Diego in his last start. Harang has also dominated the Indians over his career. In five starts he is 3-0 with a 1.89 ERA and 1.110 WHIP. In his most recent start here he tossed a complete game 3-hit shutout as the Reds won 3-0. Not surprisingly, that brought the UNDER to a perfect 5-0 his last five starts here. Look for another well-pitched affair and consider a play on the UNDER
Paul Leiner
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Sport: MLB
Game: Boston/Atlanta
Prediction: 5* Braves -120
LARRY NESS
MLB Arizona vs. Pittsburgh
Take Arizona Diamondbacks
The first two games of the Az/Pit series have been high-scoring, with the Pirates winning 11-5 on Friday and the D'backs winning last night, 9-8. Look for Randy Johnson to shut down the Pirates today. Johnson is starting to look like the pitcher the Arizona Diamondbacks remember from the glory days of the franchise. The 43-year-old left-hander looks to build off his first win of the year as the Diamondbacks close this three-game series. Johnson threw six innings and allowed only one hit to get the decision in Arizona's 3-0 win at Colorado on Tuesday. He struck out nine batters for the second straight outing. In fact, over his last four starts, his strikeout-to-walk ratio is 30-3!. The Big Unit has had plenty of success against Pittsburgh. He is 8-5 with a 2.16 ERA in 13 career starts against the Pirates, including six complete games. Paul Maholm starts for Pittsburgh and the left-hander has allowed 54 hits in 46 innings this year, posting a 5.67 ERA. He's 2-5 in his eight starts, with the Pirates going 2-6. In a battle of lefties, I'm taking the Big Unit.
Jim Feist
Inner Circle Winners!
(703) UTH Jazz vs (704) SAN Spurs
Game Starts at May 20 2007 12:30 EST
Take (703) UTH Jazz
Inner Circle
(975) SDG Padres vs (976) SEA Mariners
Game Starts at May 20 2007 13:05 EST
Take (976) SEA Mariners
Inner Cirlce
TREV ROGERS
May 20, 2007
1. Arizona -125
John Ryan
Game: Arizona Diamondbacks at Pittsburgh Pirates
May 20 2007 1:35PM
Prediction: Pittsburgh Pirates
Reason: Ai Simulator 3* graded play on Pittsburgh - Two lefties face off in this Sunday game; one of which you may not have heard of the other destined for the Hall of Fame. Despite the offensive output yesterday in Arizona's 9-8 win, their bats have been quite poor this year and they have yet to extend offensive output through two games. They are batting 241 on the season and scoring just 3.8 RPG. Their bullpen has been getting better sporting a 3.00 ERA over the past 7 games, but was hit hard yesterday. Making matters worse is that the Arizona bullpen does not like day games as they are a horrible 6.06 ERA and 1.775 WHIP in 32.7 innings. Pirates, on the other hand are hitting well batting 294 and scoring 6.6 RPG over the past 7 days entering Saturday's game. Supporting this graded play is a system that has gone 31-11 and has made 20.2 units since 1997. Play against all NL teams when the money line is +125 to -125 that are a below avg. hitting team batting <=.255), with a good bullpen that converts on 75%+ of their save opportunities and is now facing an average starting pitcher sporting an ERA from 5.20 to 5.70. RJ has not been doing well in road starts noting that he is 6-12 (-12.0 Units) against the money line as a road favorite of -125 to -175 over the last 2 seasons. Paul Maholm is far better than his flash stats would otherwise indicate. He does pitch far better at home. One thing to note is that he is on a short pitch count for now at about 85 pitches. Pittsburgh has the better available bullpen personnel than Arizona entering this game and this will be a huge factor in Pittsburgh pulling off this mild upset. Maholm has an above average curveball, but he must get that first pitch strike on the FB in order for that curve to be effective. That is the case for all MLB pitchers, but especially the young guns who have great movement on pitches, but need that experience to throw to corners of the strike zone with FB. In this case, I strongly Maholm will pitch well, and the Pirates bats and bullpen will be remain hot.
Scott Rickenbach
1* (regular play) Arizona Diamondbacks Money Line -125 @ Pittsburgh Johnson vs Maholm @ 1:35 ET
Randy Johnson is finally rounding into form and that's bad news for a Pirates team whose hitters have very little experience against him. Also, what experience the Pittsburgh hitters do have against him has not been good! Johnson is offering us great line value today because of his 1-2 record and 4.80 ERA on the season. The fact is that he is pitching much better right now than those numbers would indicate. In his last two starts Johnson has struck out 18 and allowed just five hits over his last 12 innings of work. He's also enjoyed great success pitching in Pittsburgh in the past.
The problem for the Pirates today is the wind is expected to be blowing out to left at a great clip. The Pittsburgh hitters may like that but the problem is Johnson doesn't allow much contact and especially much good contact! As for Pirates starter Paul Maholm, this is where the real trouble starts. He's allowed 6 homers in his last 2 starts and the southpaw is facing a Diamondbacks team that is loaded with righthanders and switchhitters. Throughout his career Maholm has been hit hard by righthanders and the Diamondbacks should hit a few long balls today too.
Despite both bullpens having some struggles in this series so far the Diamondbacks do have the better bullpen overall. We also feel that Arizona won't need much pen today. Johnson should go much deeper into this game than Maholm does and that is yet another benefit that favors the Diamondbacks this afternoon. Yesterday's late game collapse will also not help the psyche of a Pirates team that has now lost 13 of their last 21 games. The Diamondbacks rally gave them their 7th win in their last 12 games. The Dbacks will notch yet another win this afternoon in what should be a rout.
Play Arizona on the money line as a regular selection
Brian James:
Free Pick for Sunday, May 20th:
Pittsburgh Pirates +115
======================================== =================
Joe Wiz...
Dodgers + 130 over the Angels
info Plays
NBA
3* on Spurs/Jazz Under 185.5
We look for both teams to struggle a little offensively as they are just meeting each other for only the third time in 2007. San Antonio is 10-2 UNDER in their last 12 games as a favorite. The Spurs are 11-3 UNDER in their last 14 overall. The UNDER is also 7-1 in the Spurs last 8 games playing on 1 days rest. Utah has made it all the way to the Conference Finals with a strong defensive effort. They held Golden State to just 87 points in Game 5 to close out the Warriors. Both teams guard the perimeter very well, making it tough to penetrate and create easy opportunities. A bet on the UNDER in Game 1 would be a safe bet here
Chris Jordan
400 Jazz/Spurs OVER
100 Red (list Harang and Byrd)
Winning Angle Sports
MLB
5 units Seattle Mariners
List J Germano R /F Hernandez
This is a premium member pick from Rocketman Sports. Note: Plays are ranked 1 to 5 Units.
MLB - NY Yankees @ NY Mets 8:05 PM EST
Play On: 4* NY Mets -1.5 +140 (Clippard/Maine) Listed
A poor start for the Yankees this year as they come in with a 18-22 record this season while the NY Mets are 27-14 on the season. NY Yankees are 4-9 this year when the total is 9 to 9 1/2. NY Yankees are 1-5 this year when playing on Sunday. NY Mets are 20-7 when playing at night this year. Yankees have lost 3 in a row and 5 of their last 6. Mets have won 4 in a row and 6 of their last 7. Mets bullpen has a 2.94 ERA overall this year. Clippard will be making his first start. Maine is 5-1 with a 2.15 ERA in all starts this year and has a 3.11 ERA at home this season. We'll play the NY Mets on the Runline for 4 units tonight! Thanks and good luck, Rocky
