Vegas Experts
Tampa Bay Devil Rays at Kansas City Royals
Sunday, July 8th, 2:10 P.M. EDT
Kazmir shows a 5.19 ERA his last three but against much better opposition. Delarosa pitched 13 innings and allowed just three earned in his last two starts. TAMPA BAY is 53-37 UNDER when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons and TAMPA BAY is 82-61 UNDER vs. excellent fielding teams - averaging <=0.5 errors/game over the last 2 seasons.
Play on: Under
Hondo
Today, he'll go from the Birds to Byrd - 10 units on the Native Americans over Al Gore III's favorite team, the J's.
Chris Jordan
Baltimore at TEXAS (-130)
For Sunday we're taking the Rangers over the Orioles, listing Millwood against Cabrera.
It's real easy to see this one, as Kevin Millwood comes in off his best outing of the season lasting a season-high eight innings, while allowing five hits, two earned runs with four strikeouts and no walks.
And it's not just one outing that has me impressed with a team that has won 14 of its last 21; he has contributed tremendously, as he is 2-1 with a 3.60 ERA in his last three starts, all quality ones.
And lifetime against the O's, Millwood is 5-2 with a 4.13 ERA in eight games, all starts, and that includes two complete games. He should get the run support he'll need, as Daniel Cabrera is 1-3 with a 6.39 ERA in his last five starts, and came out of his last start as the Major League leader in walk.
His control problems will be an issue tonight, as the Rangers will take this one.
4♦ RANGERS
Karl Garrett
Cleveland (-120) at TORONTO
Winner today goes out on Cleveland over Toronto, as I expect Josh Towers to get roughed up once again. Towers is 2-0 his last 3 starts, but has allowed 12 runs in just 15 innings of work. It is obvious he has been getting the support, as 12 runs over 15 innings should not have you at 2-0!
Cleveland's offense is as good as anyone's in the AL, and after plating 9 runs yesterday, I expect them to be near that mark again today.
The Tribe has won Paul Byrd's last 3 starts, and the Indians are 4-1 in the season series against the Blue Jays this year.
Byrd has pitched better baseball on the road this year, as his home ERA is near 6, but his ERA on the highway is a lot more respectable at 3.64.
Go with the Indians to get the win as the small road favorite today.
5♦ CLEVELAND
Sports Gambling Hotline
Boston at DETROIT (+135)
Today another underdog winner for you as we feel the Tigers have some momentum going as they head to the All-Star break with the 3-game sweep of the Red Sox.
Detroit has won 4 straight, and 5 of their last 6, and it is about time starter Nate Robertson steps up and pitches a quality start. He will have to today, as Boston is going with Dice-K who has been tough as nails down the stretch, as Matsuzaka's last 22 innings of work have seen just 2 earned runs score for a 2-0 mark.
Matsuzaka is at 10-5 for the first half, but we feel he is due for a setback, and he is up against one of the better offenses in the league today.
Great value with the red-hot underdog in this one, so take the Tigers to complete the sweep.
Play on Detroit.
1♦ DETROIT
Bobby Maxwell
Atlanta (+130) at SAN DIEGO
Kyle Davies (3-7, 5.85 ERA) is on the mound for Atlanta and he's never faced the Padres before. Davies has had his ups and downs this season including over his last 10 starts where he's had six outings of allowing three earned runs or less.
It's former Brave Greg Maddux (7-5, 3.96 ERA) on the mound for San Diego tonight and this crafty veteran has had his struggles of late. He's 1-2 over his last three starts with a 4.19 ERA. Last time out the Marlins pounded him at home, getting six runs on 10 hits in 6 1/3 innings in a 6-4 win against the Padres Tuesday in San Diego.
Maddux faced the Braves back on May 9 and allowed just one run on three hits in 5 1/3 innings but the Braves ended up winning the game 3-2.
Maddux will pitch well in this one but look for Davies to have one of those strong starts he's delivered this season. And the Padres offense has been hit or miss all season. After Saturday's 8-5 win over the Braves, we suspect the offense will be in hibernation today.
Grab the plus-money and play the Braves.
2♦ ATLANTA
Chuck Franklin
San Francisco at ST LOUIS (+105)
Today it'll be St. Louis and Todd Wellemeyer that will win.
Wellemeyer has never faced the Giants, but the Cards have won six in a row as an underdog with him on the mound. St Louis is 6-1 in his last seven starts. Barry Zito is getting the start for San Francisco. He is has not won in over a month. That's five starts without a win. It will now be six in a row starts without a win.
The Cards are the play!
3♦ ST LOUIS
Drew Gordon
Cleveland (-120) at TORONTO
Indians got back to their winning ways by bombing Shaun Marcum and the Blue Jays yesterday. Marcum got tagged for 8 runs on 9 hits over just 3 1/3 innings... What makes you believe Josh Towers (who's numbers are significantly worse than Marcum's) is going to do any better?!
Towers maybe 2-0 over his last 3 starts, but he's also posted an ugly 7.04 ERA over that span. He allowed 4 runs in 5 innings at Oakland Monday, and clearly has been the beneficiary of tremendous run support. Towers is 1-2 with a 5.63 ERA in 5 games (3 starts) against Cleveland.
Blue Jays offense will have to contend with the Indians Paul Byrd, who's numbers are solid against Toronto, going 3-2 with a 3.55 ERA in 5 career starts. He's had trouble at the Rogers Centre in the past, but overall his ERA on the road this season is better than at home, posting a solid 3.74 away.
Bottom line, with their offense swinging the bats well again, there's little hope for Towers or the Blue Jays in this one (who are 5-17 over their last 22 meetings with the Indians). Towers sloppy play has gone unnoticed because of the support he receives... Not anymore, as the Indians make him pay this afternoon.
Take Cleveland behind Byrd over Toronto in afternoon MLB action.
4♦ CLEVELAND
Dave Cokin
Take "(921) CLE Indians"
I had the Indians for my Saturday free opinion, and I'm going to come right back with them again here in the rubber match of their series with the Blue Jays. I do see Toronto making a run of sorts following the break, but one continuing problem area will be the back of the rotation, where Josh Towers just isn't big league starting caliber. Paul Byrd is his mound opponent here, and while I don't expect this to be a soft spot for Byrd, I'll bank on him to limit the Jays to four runs in his six or seven innings. If Byrd can do that, he's likely to be well positioned for a win as the Indians should hit Towers hard. I'll lay the spot and go for a second straight win with the Indians
Jim Feist
Take "(926) KC Royals"
There's no doubt that Scott Kazmir is the best that the Rays have. However, the lefty better be prepared to go late into the game, because this bullpen is really bad. And, if Kazmir's last two starts are any indication, this could be a long day for the Devil Rays. Kazmir lost his last two starts and didn't make it past the sixth inning in either showing. And, in his one start against the Royals this season, Kazmir lost 4-1 though he did go seven innings and gave up only three runs. While Kazmir is on a two game losing streak, Royals starter Jorge De La Rosa is on a two game winning streak. De La Rosa has pitched very well his last two outings, going a total of 13 innings and only allowing a total of three earned runs. It's tough to go against a decent overall pitcher like Kazmir, but we'll take the home dog Royals here with a starter who has some confidence going his way
jeff alexander
Tampa Bay -124 (listing Kazmir)
Kazmir is 9-1 against the money line vs. poor power teams - averaging 0.9 or less HR's/game over the last 2 seasons. Kansas City is one of the worst teams in baseball against left-handed pitching at just 7-17 against the ML against lefty starters this season. Lefties don't get any better than Kazmir. Take the Rays in this one today
maddux sports
Tampa Bay -125
CAPPERSACCESS
(Sun) MLB Brewers Nationals 155 Brewers
(Sun) MLB Red Sox Tigers 135 Tigers
(Sun) MLB D'Rays Royals 125 Royals
LOU DIAMONDZ
100 UNITS DODGERS
ROCCO SPACAMURO
50* BREWERS -160
Big Al Mcmordie
Game: Baltimore Orioles at Texas Rangers
Jul 8 2007 3:05PM
Prediction: Texas Rangers
Both of these squads have to be disapointed with the way the first half of the season has gone, but for different reasons. For the Rangers, to nobody's surprise their offense has been pretty good, while their pitching (mostly their starters) has been been an absolute disaster. By contrast, the Orioles have had almost no offense for most of the first half, but have been pleasantly surprised by the work on the mound. For Baltimore, however, as much of a nice surprise Erik Bedard and Jeremy Guthrie have been, that's how much of a disappointment Daniel Cabrera is. Baltimore had, if not high expectations for Cabrera to start 2007, then certainly they were hoping for much better than his 6-9 record and 5.15 ERA. Rangers veteran Kevin Millwood has also been a letdown, although at least Millwood has begun to turn it around lately. In his last three starts, Millwood is 2-1 with a 3.60 ERA and Texas has won three of his last four outings. Millwood has not faced Baltimore yet in 2007, but in 2006 he was perfect against them going 3-0 in three starts, and posting a 2.25 ERA in the process. Cabrera did exactly the opposite in 2006: losing all three times he faced the Rangers. Take Texas. As always, good luck...Al McMordie.
Mike Rose
Philadelphia Soul +8.5 (-110)
Sun Jul 8 '07 9:00p
This is by far the trickiest match-up on the board this weekend. The Philadelphia Soul will look to beat the Force at Phillips Arena for the second time in franchise history, and they’ll need to bring their "A" game along with them on every snap of the game in order to do so. Georgia is simply a sensational football team that can turn a 7-point lead into a 21-point lead in the blink of an eye. Their WR corps is probably the best ever assembled unit in the history of this league, and they also have a QB that just broke the AFL record for most TD passes thrown in a season with 117. in layman terms, this offense is the best I’ve seen since covering this sport the last seven years. That being said, the Soul owns the defensive personnel to slow it down a bit, and there’s no doubt they’ll get their licks in at the very least. Philly HC Brett Munsey comes from the school of defense, and he prides himself on getting the best out of his men on that side of the ball. Case in point, last week’s effort vs. Orlando where the unit only surrendered 26 total points of which six came in the second half (2 FG’s). Georgia will be a very sore football club when this one’s all said and done, but the offense is still going to need to offer up its services. That’s where QB Tony Graziani comes into this equation. Jon Bon Jovi and the rest of the owners threw gobs of money at this guy a couple years ago to help win them an ArenaBowl Championship. He was knocked out for six weeks earlier this season, but the soul are a solid 5-2 SU and 4-3 ATS since his return. Philly’s large O-Line will have their hands full with the solid up front rush of the force, but they will be able to give "Graz" the time he needs to exploit a secondary that I believe to be the Force’s weak link. These teams met earlier this season in Philly when the Soul was shorthanded offensively. They didn’t have their full arsenal of firepower
GEORGE SMEADER
WNBA Houston vs. Minnesota []
Take Houston Comets
We will play the Comets at +4.5 . The Comets stack up in our WNBA system with a 6.0 rating. Our system is based on several years of experience, practice and fine tuning with solid year over year returns. Ratings are not multipliers on base unit betting. Our ratings system is on a 1-8 scale, but we will never release a play lower than a 5.9. Winning is our business and businss is good
Brandon Lang
30 Dimer-white Sox
Free Pick- Giants
BRIAN GABREILLE
PROPS Proposition 1 vs. Proposition 2 []
Take Proposition 1 Special
At this week's AT&T National, take Ryuji Imada (125-1), 1/6 unit: Smooth swinger with mental stamina---one of his two wins on the Nationwide Tour came with a birdie on the fifth extra hole---or lack of experience on the big Tour: that playoff loss to Zach Johnson in Atlanta got messy with an errant tee shot that was compounded by a go-for-broke second shot that landed short and left. Laying up for a realistic shot at birdie would have been the better option. He's young, though. An excellent putter, he just needs to find more greens. He finished 5th at the 2005 Booz Allen Classic, which was played that year at Congressional. Take Fredrik Jacobson (50-1), 1/6 unit: He's got three top-10s in only 11 events, including a T10 last week. Like Imada, an excellent putter. He finished T29 at the Booz Allen in 2005 (he shot a 67 on Sunday). Take Aaron Baddeley (40-1), 1/6 unit: Baddeley has a Tiger-like Tour schedule with only 14 events played in 2007. He can afford to rest. It would be a source of more criticism if he wasn't having such a year: five top-10s, including a win, and 12th in FedEx Cup points. He last played at the U.S. Open a few weeks ago, where despite a closing 80 he finished T13.
posted at 2007-07-04 00:03:01
Take Proposition 1 Special
Take Tony Stewart (+431), 1/6th unit. There's a reason he's the favorite. Smoke won consecutive summer Daytona events in 2005 and 2006, and did so in convincing fashion. He also probably had the best car this February in the Daytona 500 before he wrecked while trying to take the race lead. There's no question that Stewart has been a little snake-bitten so far this year, but also recall when he won his most recent points title, in 2005, he started the year slowly, failing to win until Sonoma (which, recall, was just two weeks ago) before going on a streak that saw him take five events in seven weeks
PRICELESS PICKS
Houston -161 (listing Oswalt)
After a marathon 17-inning game, the home team has the edge here and with Houston's ace Oswalt on the hill, we're feeling very confident. Oswalt is 17-3 against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons. He is 16-2 against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons. The numbers don't lie. Take the Astros.
Tom Freese
Game: Seattle Mariners at Oakland Athletics
Jul 8 2007 4:05PM
Prediction: Oakland Athletics
Reason: Oakland starter Joe Blanton is in excellent KW form with a better than 4 to 1 strikeout to walk ratio in his last 3 starts. Blanton is 7-3 in 10 career team starts vs. the Mariners. Seattle starter Ryan Feierabend is in terrible KW form with more walks than strikeouts in his last 3 starts. The Mariners are just 2-8 in road day games vs. righties this year.
Play On Oakland - (Blanton vs. Feierabend)
John Ryan
Arizona D-Backs vs. Cincinnati Reds (MLB)
Jul 8, 2007 1:15 PM EDT
Play: Money Line: Cincinnati Reds
Ai Simulator 3* graded play on Cincinnati - Reds starter Harang is a solid starter, but would be even better if he was on a team that provided more consistent run support. That run support will be there today as the Reds offense goes up against an inexperienced starter in Yusmeiro Petit. HARANG is 2-2 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 1.89 and a WHIP of 1.020. In 52 AB he has allowed a 212 BA with ZER home runs against the current players of the Diamondbacks. Despite the Reds record they do provide some big time power in the form of HR. Note that ARIZONA is 9-21 (-13.3 Units) against the money line vs. good power teams averaging 1.25 or more HR's/game over the last 2 seasons. Not only has Harang dominated the Diamondbacks in his career he also is 13-3 (+10.1 Units) against the money line vs. an NL team with a team batting average of .255 or worse over the last 2 seasons. Harang is also 6-1 +6 units in day games this season.
MR A
Sunday, July 8th, 2007, 2:05 PM EST.
Houston's (R) Roy Oswalt
New York Mets (48-38) at Houston Astros (38-50)
(L) Dave Williams (0-0) vs. (R) Roy Oswalt (7-5)
New York sends Dave Williams to the mound. The lefthander will make his season debut in Houston this afternoon. Williams went 3-1 with a 5.59 ERA in six outings last season and is 1-3 with a 2.70 ERA in six career starts against the Astros.
Houston counters with their ace Roy Oswalt (7-5, 3.52 ERA). The right- hander allowed four runs on 10 hits over seven innings in a 13-inning, 5-4 win against Philadelphia on Tuesday. Oswalt is 4-3 with a 3.28 ERA in nine career starts against the Mets.
Take Houston at home with All-Star ace Roy Oswalt on the hill. Oswalt is 5-1 with a 2.37 ERA in 12 starts at Minute Maid Park this season and went 2-0 with a 2.70 ERA against the Mets last season. The Astros have won Oswalt's last four starts at home.
Oddsmakers:
Houston as a -170 home favorite with the total listed at 9 'over'.
Houston Astros
Larry Ness' 20* NL Game of the Month (140-68 Y-T-D / 8-3 TY with 20*s!)
My 20* play is on the SD Padres at 8:05 ET. wiseguysportsforumWhen the Padres score some runs, they win! San Diego (49-37) had averaged just 2.9 runs in its previous 16 contests before beating the Braves 8-5 on Saturday. The Padres are now an impressive 24-0 when scoring six or more runs. Scoring against Atlanta's Kyle Davies should not be much of a task. Davies went 3-7 with an 8.38 ERA in 14 starts for the Braves last year (team was 5-9) and enters this game at 3-7 with a 5.85 ERA in 15 starts in '07 (team is 6-9). He's been HAMMERED in his last five starts, going 0-4 with an 8.06 ERA (team is 0-5). San Diego, a solid 14-9 in day games this year, will send Greg Maddux to the mound to pitch against his ex-teammates (spent 11 seasons with Atlanta). Maddux opened the '07 season with a poor home start vs the Rockies back on April 6 (5.1 IP / 4 ERs) and was terrible in his last outing, allowing six ERs in 6.1 innings at Petco. However, in his six other home starts this year, has allowed just 10 ERs in 40 innings, for a 2.25 ERA. Maddux hasn't been "showing his age" this season, as he has lasted at least six innings in seven consecutive starts! Expect the Padres to cruise to their 50th win of the year in this one. NL Game of the Month 20* SD Padres.
Larry Ness' Spectacular Sunday Total (18-4 or 82% winners TY!)
My Spectacular Sunday Total is on Fla/LAD Over at 4:10 ET. The Marlins have come into Dodger Stadium where they haven't been too successful recently and taken the first two games of this series. The Marlins have scored 13 runs in the two wins, getting 23 hits. LA has not exactly been shut down, as the Dodgers have 21 hits in the two games but LA has stranded 23 base runners in the losses. Scoring against lefty Scott Olsen should be much easier for LA this afternoon. The Dodgers have averaged 5.1 RPG against left-handed starters in '07 (23 games) and Olsen has been far from effective this year, especially on the road.wiseguysportsforum In nine road starts in '07, he's allowed 63 hits in 47.2 innings with a 5.67 ERA. As for LA, they'll send 6-9 lefty Mark Hendrickson to the mound, bringing him back on just three days rest. Hendrickson made eight starts for LA from 4/19 through 5/31, getting off to a quick start but faded fast. He allowed just two ERs over 16.2 innings in his first three starts (1.08 ERA) but then IMPLODED, allowing 21 ERs over 26.1 innings in a five-start stretch that gave him a 7.18 ERA. He was sent back to the bullpen before he was given a start on July 4th. He pitched OK in LA's 5-2 loss (5 IP / 7 hits / 2 ERs) but I don't much like him coming back here, on short rest. The Marlins are "seeing the ball well" in this series and it won't help Hendrickson's confidence that he is 1-1 with a 7.04 ERA in five career starts against the Marlins, either. Spectacular Sunday Total on Fla/LAD Over
Larry Ness' Las Vegas Insider (17-7 run!)
Guaranteed Pick: Larry Ness
Game: Boston Red Sox at Detroit Tigers Jul 8 2007 1:05PM
Prediction: Boston Red Sox
Reason: Daisuke Matsuzaka will try to beat the Tigers on Sunday at Detroit when his Red Sox try to avoid a three-game sweep in their final series before the All-Star break. Boston scored two runs in the 1st inning on Saturday but never scored again, losing 3-2 in 13 innings. The Red Sox are just 17-18 since May 30 but will enter the All-Star break with a double-digit AL East lead thanks to playing in a division where the other four teams all have losing records. Matsuzka has had a few "rough" starts this year but overall, he's been everything the Red Sox could have hoped for and more. He has given up two runs or fewer in six straight starts and is 3-0 with a 0.62 ERA plus a .152 opponent batting average in his last four outings, striking out at least eight batters in each of them. In his lone previous start against the Tigers (at Fenway Park on May 14), Matsuzaka pitched the only complete game so far in his first major league season. The Japanese phenom gave up six hits and struck out five without a walk in Boston's 7-1 victory. Detroit will counter with Nate Robertson, who is 4-6 with a 4.98 ERA is 14 starts this year (team is 0-4). Robertson is seeking his first win since May 19 and the left-hander is 0-3 with an 8.02 ERA with opponents batting .363 against him in his last five starts. Boston is 20-6 (plus-$1,345)wiseguysportsforum in day games this year and wins easily here. Las Vegas Insider on the Bos Red Sox.
Trace Adams 1500*A.L. Game of the Year!
Cleveland was able to get off the 3-game skid they were on with the comfortable 9-4 win yesterday over the Jays, and I like them again today with Paul Byrd on the hill.
Byrd hasn't been "aces" of late, but he always seems to keep Cleveland in the games he starts, as he is 1-0 over his last 3 starts, while the Tribe has won all 3 of those outings. Cleveland is 7-3 the last 10 times Byrd has climbed the hill, and with things being so tight in the AL Central Division there is no room for error today for the Indians at the Rogers Centre.
Josh Towers will counter, and while he is 2-0 over his last 3 starts, he has allowed an alarming 12 runs over his last 15 innings of work.
Cleveland has gone 4-1 in the season series thus far, and I think they are going to the All-Star Break with another win under their belt.
1500♦ One-and-Only American League Game of the Year - Cleveland with Byrd
Mark me down for a "Due Theory" play on St. Louis today, as the Cards have dropped the first 2 of this 3-game weekend set to the visiting Giants, and are now 0-4 in this year's season series!
I just don't think the Giants are going to extend those numbers today even going against the untested Wellemeyer.
Let's face it, Barry Zito has been pretty much a bust for San Francisco, as his 6-8 record with a well over 4 ERA suggests. I can't remember the last time Zito recorded a "W", and San Fran has lost his last 5 starts!
Can't lay the road wood today, take the Cards to get the win.
500♦ - St. Louis with Wellemeyer
Javier Vazquez has been in one solid groove at the end of the first half, but the way the Twins were hitting the ball in their DH sweep on Friday leads me to believe they are ready to get cranking once again after an off-day at the plate yesterday.
LT Profits
Boston Red Sox @ Detroit Tigers u9.5 (100)
Sun Jul 8 '07 1:05p
Red Sox & Dice-K, Tigers & Robertson Under 9.5
After sliding Over the total by half a run on Friday, the Boston Red Sox and Detroit Tigers battled for 13 innings last night before the Tigers prevailed 3-2, and we expect another low-scoring game today.
Daisuke Matsuzaka has turned out to be as good as advertised for the Red Sox, and he has been virtually unhittable over his last three starts, posting a microscopic 0.82 ERA and 0.86 WHIP in 22 innings with 26 strikeouts! Dice-K also tossed a gem the first time he faced the Tigers this season, hurling a Complete Game six-hitter while allowing one run. We look for him to work deep into this game also, which is a good thing considering the innings the bullpens logged last night.
Now granted Nate Robertson has been a disappointment this season for the Tigers after breaking out last year, but he has pitched much better recently, allowing one and three runs respectively in his last two starts. The southpaw has also allowed three runs or less in four of his last five starts vs. the Red Sox, and he is facing a Boston lineup that is batting just .230 vs. left-handed pitching on the road this season.
Finally, the Under is 7-3 in the last 10 Boston games overall, and the Sox have scored a total of just four runs in the first two games of this series.
Red Sox, Tigers Under 9.5 (+100)
Baltimore Orioles @ Texas Rangers u10.0 (-120)
Sun Jul 8 '07 3:05p
Orioles, Rangers to go Under 10 again
Both of the first two games of this series between the Baltimore Orioles and the Texas Rangers had an opening posted total of 10, and both games went easily Under. We look for a carbon copy today.
The Orioles have gotten such surprisingly good pitching from their young starting pitchers this year that it is easy to forget that Daniel Cabrera was considered by some to be their ace en
will cover
4* colorado
Sunday Horse Racing Spot Picks
SPOT PLAYS For Sunday
TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE
Arlington Park (2nd) My Calico, 8-1
(3rd) Johnathan, 3-1
Belmont Park (4th) Fiddlers Warrior, 3-1
(6th) Banrock, 4-1
Calder Race Course (6th) C Queen Ridge, 6-1
(9th) Kicks, 6-1
Canterbury Park (4th) Cojet, 3-1
(6th) Northcountry Chief, 10-1
Charles Town (2nd) Clearance Girl, 3-1
(5th) Zangara, 3-1
Churchill Downs (2nd) Western Revenge, 4-1
(5th) Mims Eppi, 5-1
Colonial Downs (3rd) Heza Disco, 5-1
(6th) Roth Ticket, 3-1
Delaware Park (3rd) Queen Hypolita, 3-1
(7th) Look Into It, 3-1
Ellis Park (5th) Adriatic Lady, 7-2
(7th) Classical Rhythm, 3-1
Emerald Downs (1st) First Class Air, 9-2
(4th) Split the Check, 4-1
Fort Erie (5th) Caviar Reception, 6-1
(8th) Dazzling Beauty, 3-1
Hastings Park (6th) Just a Tribute, 7-2
(7th) Tango Mango, 3-1
Hollywood Park (6th) Lyrical Sound (Ire), 7-2
(9th) Mon Queen, 5-1
Lone Star Park (9th) En El Fuego, 7-2
(10th) Dandy Too, 3-1
Louisiana Downs (1st) Princess Tide, 7-2
(8th) Ash's Ace, 3-1
Monmouth Park (7th) Fields of Gail, 7-2
(9th) My Sister Sue, 5-1
Mountaineer (2nd) Bryonna's Gold, 9-2
(4th) Bold Command, 10-1
Northlands (5th) Valid Charge, 3-1
(9th) Brookside Drive, 6-1
Philadelphia Park (3rd) Abby Fenn, 9-2
(8th) Sing On, 10-1
River Downs (5th) Trickie Dingo, 10-1
(13th) Katyann, 3-1
Suffolk Downs (3rd) Tour of Rohan, 7-2
(4th) Sarai One, 6-1
Thistledown (4th) Doxologist, 4-1
(6th) Ashley Wednesday, 5-1
Woodbine (3rd) Twice a Princess, 9-2
(6th) Vidora, 8-1
FIRST FLIGHT H. (G2), 8TH-BEL, $150,000, 3YO/UP, F/M, 7F, 4:45 P.M. EDT, 7-8
PP HORSE TRAINER JOCKEY WT
1 SWAP FLIPAROO JERKENS H ALLEN VELAZQUEZ J R 115
2 SWEET FERVOR MOTT WILLIAM I DESORMEAUX K J 116
3 NOTHING BUT FUN HUSHION MICHAEL E VELASQUEZ CORNELIO 115
4 SUGAR SWIRL FRANKEL ROBERT J GOMEZ G K 115
5 GINGER PUNCH FRANKEL ROBERT J BEJARANO R 117
6 SILMARIL GROVE CHRISTOPHER W COA E M 115
A compact field of six fillies and mares will travel seven furlongs in the $150,000 First Flight H. (G2) on Sunday at Belmont Park. Trainer Bobby Frankel has a potent two-horse entry in here that should be tough to upend, and we'll side with the Hall of Fame trainer to saddle the one-two finishers.
SUGAR SWIRL (Touch Gold) lacks the credentials of her stable companion but looks like absolute lone speed in this spot. The four-year-old chestnut exits a game neck tally in the Alyssum S., earning a career-best BRIS Speed number (102), and should have no trouble negotiating the extra half-furlong in this contest. A winner in two of her three tries at seven-eighths, the four-year-old should be tough to corral under Garrett Gomez.
GINGER PUNCH (Awesome Again) gives Frankel a formidable one-two punch and could very well win this one herself beneath Rafael Bejarano. The chestnut miss is much improved in 2007, sandwiching second-place efforts in the Ogden Phipps H. (G1) and Madison S. (G2) around a facile win at Churchill Downs two back. The Stronach homebred has two wins at the trip and could make it three with a top effort.
SWAP FLIPAROO (Exchange Rate) is winless in 10 tries over Big Sandy, but owns five runner-up efforts and could get a piece of this one for Allen Jerkens. The gray filly is a bit erratic, but she could challenge any of these on her best day. We're not excited about the lack of pace signed on for this, but a clean trip under John Velazquez could be all that the four-year-old needs to finish in the money.
SWEET FERVOR (Seeking the Gold) possesses a strong late run but is another who could be at the mercy of the pace in this one. Trained by Bill Mott, the Grade 2 heroine could certainly challenge for a top three placing with a little help up front. Kent Desormeaux has the assignment. SILMARIL (Diamond) is an extremely consistent performer, evidenced by her 31-14-5-3 mark, and has fared well against top company for trainer Christopher Grove. The six-year-old exits a nice win at six furlongs in the Skipat S. and is a solid 8-4-1-1 at the trip, but she's another who could be compromised by a tepid early tempo. Eibar Coa will ride.
NOTHING BUT FUN (Dixie Union) began her career with four wins from as many starts but has crossed the line first just once since for Michael Hushion. The dark bay mare would do herself wonders by getting into the race earlier than she has recently, and a forwardly placed trip could find her battling for a placing in the latter stages. The three-time winner over this track will be guided by Cornelio Velasquez.
TRACK BANDIT SELECTIONS: 1st--SUGAR SWIRL
2nd--GINGER PUNCH
3rd--SWAP FLIPAROO
LOCUST GROVE H. (G3), 9TH-CD, $150,000, 3YO/UP, F/M, 1 1/8MT, 5:29 P.M. EDT, 7-8
PP HORSE TRAINER JOCKEY WT
1 EYES ON EDDY ASMUSSEN STEVEN M BRIDGMOHAN S X 113
2 MAURALAKANA (FR) BIANCONE PATRICK L LEPAROUX JULIEN 118
3 COUNTESS SCALA BIANCONE PATRICK L ESTRADA A 108
4 LEMONS FOREVER STEWART DALLAS GUIDRY M 115
5 QUITE A BRIDE MOTT WILLIAM I ALBARADO R J 123
6 QUIET ROYAL PLETCHER TODD A DECARLO C P 115
A strong field of six has been entered to contest the $150,000 Locust Grove H. (G3) on Sunday's closing-day card at Churchill Downs. The late-running MAURALAKANA (Fr) (Muhtathir [GB]) looks like the class of the race and should receive the proper pace scenario in order to unleash her late kick in the stretch. Trained by Patrick Biancone, the runner-up in last year's Queen Elizabeth II Invitational Challenge Cup S. (G1) owns just one win in 2007 but has faced some of the best in her division this year and could appreciate the class relief in this one. The bay four-year-old recorded a smart win over this turf two prior and we expect the same in here. Julien Leparoux will ride.
QUITE A BRIDE (Stormy Atlantic) exits probably her finest win when crushing her foes in the Mint Julep H. (G3) last out for conditioner Bill Mott. The chestnut four-year-old has never been unplaced in three tries over this sod and should get a dream stalking trip into the stretch. The Florida-bred will likely get first run on the closers and is a certain win prospect with something resembling her best. Robby Albarado has the assignment.
QUIET ROYAL (Royal Academy) has been good against lesser but has yet to break through with a signature win since coming to the United States in the fall of 2006. Third in the QEII last campaign, the Todd Pletcher charge comes off a smart tally in the Reluctant Guest S. at Arlington but did so on yielding ground versus an average bunch. We don't like the chestnut's chances for a win, but a sensible trip should result in a black-type placing beneath Chris DeCarlo.
EYES ON EDDY (Touch Gold) is a proven commodity on the main oval but seeks her initial turf score in this one. Conditioned by Steve Asmussen, the five-year-old bay took her last two here in Louisville, Kentucky, but will need improvement to threaten these on the sod. Shaun Bridgmohan will guide the mare, who could sneak into a placing by proving an affinity for the green.
LEMONS FOREVER (Lemon Drop Kid) looked good in earning her first win on the grass last out, but the Grade 1-winning four-year-old will need to step up much more to threaten this group. Bred in the Bluegrass State and trained by Dallas Stewart, the chestnut will likely need a hot pace scenario to close into a placing. Regular rider Mark Guidry returns.
COUNTESS SCALA (Fusaichi Pegasus) will likely be the early pacesetter, as her entry alone leads us to believe that her lone chore will be to ensure a quick pace. The allowance-quality sprinter was unplaced in her lone turf venture and will likely be leg-weary inside the final furlong in this spot. If allowed to dawdle unchallenged on the front end, the chestnut could hang around for a while, but bettors hoping for such scenarios could find themselves in trouble.
TRACK BANDIT SELECTIONS: 1st--MAURALAKANA (Fr)
2nd--QUITE A BRIDE
3rd--QUIET ROYAL
Mike Superstein's Hollywood Park Analysis for Sunday, July 8
RACE ONE
SPRIGGZEE abandoned his usual up-close running style last time out and rallied from far back to be involved in a deadhead for the victory. Trainer Jack Carava must have liked what he saw, as he double jumps the veteran into $12,500 Company. NOBLE MASTERPIECE also was involved in a tight finish, prevailing by a nose over a similar field at Golden Gate Fields. There isn't much separating the top pair. ROYAL CLASSIC did beat the top pick last fall over this surface and should hold off the others.
RACE TWO
CHARMING DOT is making the most of her adoration for the Hollywood Park turf. This will be her sixth start of the meeting. Her previous efforts resulted in two wins, two seconds and a third. She'll need a long rest after this season is over. RED OPAL chased 'DOT in her last pair, but has defeated her in the past. 'OPAL may have lost a step, but she's still competitive at this level. UNUSUAL SONATA hasn't sprinted in a while, but packs a nice stretch punch and draws leading apprentice Joe Alamo.
RACE THREE
Trainer Julio Canani made his bones claiming mid-price claimers, especially old class horses, and moving them way up. COURT ORANGE should be right up the Peruvian's alley. 'ORANGE has had a terrible year, blanking in eight starts, but was a terror in 2006 with five victories. Look for a stunning form reversal today. WATCH OVER ME regressed around two turns, but his previous sprints make him a force here. The primary worry is a three-week gap in his works. PT'S GREY EAGLE takes a big step up, but is racing in decent form and has a win at the meet.
RACE FOUR
SPRING AWAKENING is a good gamble first time out. A daughter of In Excess out of a Carson City mare, SPRING AWAKENING is bred for much zip, has some nice workouts, and a fine owner, trainer team. BARBARA'S LOVE, the likely favorite, was off a bit slowly, rallied extremely wide and kept to her task for a solid second in her debut. She's clearly the one to beat. I DIG HER showed zip for a $40,000 and was caught nearing the wire. The fact she was claimed by top trainer Art Sherman is significant.
RACE FIVE
OUR PARTNER is sitting on a victory after three straight seconds. His competition leaves a lot to be desired. CASUAL THUNDER took a lot of time before breaking his maiden and may take even long securing his second win. His one for 25 records pretty much says it all. He's sure to take a lot of betting action, but not ours. RIVAL ISLANDS dropped out of contention early and could never recover. If he repeats his previous start, he could easily take this.
RACE SIX
This allowance/optional claiming contest brings out a mixed bag of disaffirms. We'll give a slight edge to the class dropper, LYRICAL SOUND. 'Sound is winless in four American outings, but has never raced this cheaply. GO DAWG learned how to win sprinting and now goes two turns as he faces winners for the first. Alamo stays aboard. JUST EM hasn't been postwar in more than a year, but Mitchell does very well with come backers. Friday night, Mitchell won with Texan Forever off a similar layoff.
RACE SEVEN
MISS BERTRANDO may have found a home sprinting on the turf. Though more than 50-1 last time out, she led most of the way before finishing second to the well-regarded Ingrid the Gambler. She appears ready to break her maiden in her 11th try. STELLINA was right there in her last pair racing against expensive claimers. She moves back to the main track and retains Jorge Chavez. WILDCAT GIRL raced evenly first time out against a promising field. Look for improvement.
RACE EIGHT
LATIN RHYTHMS could not have been more impressive defeating next-out winner I'm All Out on Cushion Track May 28. She already showed she can handle the turf in a narrow loss down the hill at Santa Anita. If she routes as well as she sprints, 'RHYTHMS can win right back. STORMY GRANT bids for the hat trick for Canani. She turned back Cal breeds at this level May 25 and is now two-for-two around two turns. POINTING STAR lost a tough photo in a slightly longer race. This one is improving all the time and will make his presence felt.
RACE NINE
PHOEBE'S SONG ships south after losing a heartbreaking photo at Golden Gate Fields. Her speed should enable her to get position from the inside post and her trainer (Greg Gilchrist) is having a marvelous year. MON QUEEN gets a negative barn switch (O'Neill to Gullet), but leading rider Michael Baze stays. She's a fit with these. HUMIDITY hasn't competed since last summer at Del Mar and returns in a claimer. The drop wouldn't be that much of a concern, except that Don Warren usually lets them rip in the morning and this one has a series of lackluster moves.
Best Bet-COUNT ORANGE (3)
__________________
CHURCHILL
Analysis:: by Jill Byrne
Race 1 -
CARSON CAMP (9) was a head short in a quickly run race at this level last out. He has run well in his last four starts and can do the same again today from his outside post. COMMERCIAL (8) drew just to the inside of the top choice. He has run well against maiden allowance runners in his previous two starts and today’s big class drop makes him a threat from the start. HUFFMAN (3) is quick from the gate and set fast fractions last out before fading. He shortens up slightly today and also drops a bit in class.
9-8-3
Race 2 -
WESTERN REVENGE (7) ran a big race at this level last out in his first start off the claim. There’s enough pace here to set up his late run. DANCE PRO (4) makes his first start for owner Maggi Moss off a dull effort last out. He is better than his recent races suggest and could return to form for his new barn. CU ROI (6) has a win and a second in his last two starts against $7,500 claimers and looks ready to handle today’s slight raise. CABDRIVER AL (1) struggled in a starter allowance race last out, but was second in an off-the-turf race against a fairly strong field prior to that. He’s inconsistent, but fits with this group on his best.
7-4-6
Race 3 -
DE LA FLEUR (8) has worked very fast on Keeneland's Polytrack for her debut and, if those morning drills transfer to the afternoon, she looks like the one to beat. FRENCH KISS (7) closed a great deal of ground in her debut and should appreciate today’s added distance. She has worked well since and has an edge in experience. CAPRICIOUS (1) is another well bred firster from the Asmussen stable that must be given strong consideration. Trainer Dale Romans sends out a pair of debut runners in MOTHER JOAN (10) and DUBAI ANGEL (11) who have trained sharply and consistently.
8-7-1
Race 4 -
PRIVY’S JEWEL (4) was claimed from her last race in which she was an easy winner against conditioned claimers. All three of her wins have come at Churchill and she is well spotted at the bottom level today to improve on that record. QUINN’S GOLD (2) had a win at this level and distance two races back, but faltered last time out. A repeat of that earlier effort makes her a strong factor again today. MARK OF PERFECTION (7) is very inconsistent, but she can be competitive with this group when she runs well.
4-2-7
Race 5 -
RUMARI (3) broke slowly in her debut, but ran on well after that to finish a decent third. A better start makes her the one to beat. MINEWANDER (10) broke poorly in her debut, but put in a nice run down the stretch. This daughter of "Horse of the Year" Mineshaft has come back with a "bullet" work for her second start and will be tough today. MIMS EPPI (5) outran her odds at first asking as she overcame a poor start, a wide trip and a sloppy track to finish third – and was ultimately placed second because of a disqualification. YES IT’S WHITE (9) ran evenly in her debut and can move forward off that race.
3-10-5
Race 6 -
This allowance race could very well be a graded stakes race with multimillionaire PERFECT DRIFT (3) and millionaire BRASS HAT (7) line up against quality stakes runners. Brass Hat is reported to be training better than ever as he makes his first start since being injured in a work after last year's Stephen Foster Handicap. It is a tall order to tackle this group off such a long layoff, but he has the class and talent to be a major factor. STUDENT COUNCIL (5) was an even third here in the Alysheba Stakes on a "sloppy" track. Two races prior to that he finished less then two lengths behind Magna Graduate, who was narrowly beaten in this year’s Stephen Foster. Perfect Drift can never be discounted, although he has been in a bit of a slump lately. He only has one local win but has still garnered over $1 million in earnings under the Twin Spires while facing some of the best handicap horses in the world. M B SEA (2) has an excellent local record, but has not won in two years while facing top company.
3-7-5
Race 7 -
GAELIC STORM (6) has run two solid races since his return from a layoff of more than a year. He could be sitting on a big effort and has the tactical style to be well placed throughout. GASCONADE (10) was a winner in his first start on turf. He has a wonderful pedigree and looks to have a nice future on this surface. LEAGUE OF NATIONS (2) finished in front of the top pick last out in his first start since September. He could regress a bit today as he comes back on fairly short rest off that big performance.
6-10-2
Race 8 -
INDIAN CHANT (10) finished a close second against strong company over this track in a pair of very quickly run allowance races. He’s had a brief freshening for this spot and looks hard to deny from his outside post. HE LOVES ME NOT (3) broke poorly but finished third in a very tough allowance race last time out. He will be closing from farther back today and appears to have landed in a race with plenty of speed to set it up for him. MARKUM (9) has yet to finish worse than fourth in his last 10 races and has improved in his last three outings. FOREST PHANTOM (8) was claimed out of a big win last out and prior to that was a close runner-up to next out allowance winner Minister's Bid.
10-3-9
Race 9 -
QUIET ROYAL (6) gets a slight edge over favored Quite a Bride today as she appears to prefer the nine furlong distance and gets an eight pound break in the weights. She should be in a good stalking spot as the favorite is likely to be pressured by Countess Scala. QUITE A BRIDE (5) has been in excellent form while facing some top turf mares over the last year. Her success makes her a logical choice today. MAURALAKANA (2) was a popular allowance winner here before she ran a dull fourth against a strong field in Belmont’s Grade II Just A Game. She finished just in front of the top pick in last year’s Grade I Queen Elizabeth Challenge Cup at Keeneland.
6-5-2
Race 10 -
COMMUNICATED (4) debuts for the Pletcher stable off a series of good morning drills here. He is by Distorted Humor, whose offspring usually come out running in their debuts. NOBLE TRUTH (3) makes his debut today off a "bullet" work from the gate at Keeneland. He is bred to be quick and looks well prepared for his debut. TIS A MAN (7) earned a dead-heat win in the 2006 Ellis Park Juvenile only to be disqualified after drifting out. He has been away since that effort, but has worked well for his return and has already shown the ability to compete. LANZERA (2) should improve off a debut in which he showed some brief early foot before tiring.
4-3-7
__________________
BELMONT
By Dave Litfin
BEST BET: Cute Cognac (9th race)
First Race
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Smokin Sarah 2. Greg's Lassy 3. Rizzi's Twist
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SMOKIN SARAH comes out of a clear second in the N.Y. Stallion behind the experienced stakes sprinter Laurentide Ice, in which she rallied to overtake CITY IN THE CLOUDS in the final furlong; that was her first try from off the pace, and she's done in class and distance. GREG'S LASSY ran a big race second time out last March, which could be a good sign as she makes second start back from a short layoff; altered course to the inside and decisioned RIZZI'S TWIST in return. The latter stumbled badly at the start of that race, but made up a lot of ground in the late stages; figures are moving upward despite continuing trouble at the break.
Second Race
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Impressionism 2. Star Dixie 3. Wild Hoots
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IMPRESSIONISM has been vastly improved in two races on Polytrack and turf since coming back as a 3-year-old; wide rally fell just short of catching 8-5 winner last out, should benefit from having a race over the course. STAR DIXIE lacked room local bow as the choice, then rallied gamely three wide when second best behind odds-on Clifton Bay; may be set for a forward move after pairing up Beyers this course & distance. WILD HOOTS returned for first start of the year and slightly exceeded top juvenile figure running evenly to finish fourth; must sacrifice ground on the dog-leg into the backstretch after breaking from outside.
Third Race
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Twisted Sis 2. Universe 3. Anascaul
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TWISTED SIS is out of Twist Afleet, a multiple graded sprint stakes winner in New York (for these connections), including the Grade 1 Test; appears seriously meant after steady schedule of five-furlong workouts. UNIVERSE was taken up to avoid a spill nearing the stretch, rallied outside for third behind 2-5 shot Partida, who returned to win an allowance race decisively; seven weeks off, first-time Lasix. ANASCAUL have run their best figures on turf thus far, while IMAGISTIC has been best on Polytrack.
Fourth Race
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Ferdi's Prince 2. Fiddlers Warrior 3. Blaise's Brother
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FERDI'S PRINCE was bet to 6-5 for return from layoff, but couldn't catch front-running winner on a speed-favoring track; blinkers on for second try at a mile. FIDDLERS WARRIOR has been second best in both starts at this level, including a decision over the choice; was on short rest when in vs. open maidens most recently. BLAISE'S BROTHER raced greenly in debut behind 7-5 newcomer Fernando Runs It; need only run that race back to factor strongly off the drop to maiden claiming company.
Fifth Race
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Quietly Mine 2. Pay Wright 3. Out of Gwedda
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUIETLY MINE has displayed a solid late kick winning both local turf sprints on the Widener course, and now moves to the inner after a big-figure effort to begin form cycle; must avoid a bounce moving into a tougher spot. PAY WRIGHT impressed as a juvenile by wiring three straight turf routes at different tracks, then showed a totally new dimension rallying from far back in the 6 1/2-furlong La Habra in first and only start this year; tough to gauge returning from another four months on the sidelines, but clearly a talented and versatile filly. OUT OF GWEDDA wheels back on short rest following a fast score in an off-the-turfer at seven furlongs with blinkers on, which came five days after a good-looking workout on this course; '06 Tremont winner may take to turf.
Sixth Race
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Spurred 2. Thunderestimate 3. Admiral Bird
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SPURRED has been moving ahead significantly with each start, capped by an emphatic triumph over first-level allowance foes at 1 1/4 miles; couldn't catch THUNDERESTIMATE in their first meeting, but looks to be a tougher customer now. Thunderestimate has had six weeks off since winning back-to-back starts with stalking trips early at the meet; may get the garden spot tracking JOAQUIN MEMPHIS and QUICK COMEBACK in the early going. ADMIRAL BIRD edged Thunderestimate when bet to 3-2 for debut last summer, and followed with two races of similar quality vs. open company; drops to a New York-bred allowance after facing open stakes runners first start at 3.
Seventh Race
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Distorted Reality 2. Perusal 3. Ambassador
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISTORTED REALITY finished strongly in the Hill Prince, but settled for runner-up spot only because multiple stakes winner Marcavelly unleeashed an awesome late burst; blinkers off, handy enough to be placed anywhere depending on how early pace unfolds. PERUSAL settled off the early leaders, came with sustained run through the last quarter to edge away late for maiden win; has never taken backward step on figures, aggressively spotted. AMBASSADOR outfinished PAYS TO DREAM, but neither was a match for Blazing Dynamo at 1 1/4 miles last out; either of these two may make presence felt in the final stages, as they turn back to a shorter route.
Eighth Race
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Ginger Punch 2. Sugar Swirl 3. Sweet Fervor
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bobby Frankel appears to have them coming and going in the First Flight with the entry of GINGER PUNCH and SUGAR SWIRL, who will likely be odds-on. Ginger Punch finished gamely to fully extend multiple Grade 1 winner Take D'Tour in the Ogden Phipps, and has been very effective at seven furlongs in the past. Sugar Swirl, meanwhile, steps up in class off a very game win in a restricted, and seems in control of the early fractions. SWEET FERVOR has won three of four starts this year, the lone defeat a throw-out in the Humana Distaff on a drying out track where she failed to fire at all; can post a mild upset if she runs back to her Shirley Jones victory.
Ninth Race
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Cute Cognac 2. New York Dixie 3. La Gioia Ditutti
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CUTE COGNAC had trouble in the stretch and was rapidly getting to a Todd Pletcher-trained winner first time out, then made two moves and held stubbornly through a long drive with another Pletcher emissary five weeks later; owns a clear advantage on these, but must overcome the outside post. NEW YORK DIXIE lacked rally as the 11-10 choice on the main track in first local start; showed some closing ability on turf at the Fair Grounds at the turn of the year, Gomez stays aboard. LA GIOIA DITUTTI and A MILLION DEMONS each made up a lot of ground to be beaten less than a length at big prices on this course last out; both figure to save valuable ground early.
__________________
TRACKMASTER RACE OF THE DAY
Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts at Lone Star
Lone Star - Race #10 - Post: 5:47pm
Rating: 4
Choice Plays:
#6 NICKLES AND DIMES (ML=7/2)
#9 DANDY TOO (ML=3/1)
NICKLES AND DIMES - Atop this animal on May 10th and Berry is right back in the irons in today's contest. This horse wins a lot of cash per start. I believe he can increase that total in this race. Just check out his most recent figure, 76. That one looks good in this bunch. DANDY TOO - Trainer, Asmussen, has been deliberate with this colt off the layoff. Look for a solid effort today. You may want to disregard that last race at Lone Star on a track listed as good where he finished outside the top 3. Should do well in today's race without the crummy track conditions.
Vulnerable Contenders: #2 EUROEARS (ML=5/2), #5 SWEEPING PROMISES (ML=9/2)
EUROEARS - Just don't think he is worth it at the probable odds. SWEEPING PROMISES - Any horse coming out of a route event should show some speed to vie with the sprinters. This colt hasn't had any recent good fortune in short distance contests. No picnic to play him in this contest. Tough to expect this colt to be in shape after the extended layoff.
GUEST COMMENTARY: Winston - NICKLES AND DIMES - This colt takes a big tumble in the class figure department from a rating of 82 down to 73. Strong contender.
STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Put your money on #6 NICKLES AND DIMES on the nose if you can get odds of 3/2 or more
EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [6,9]
TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None
SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None
__________________
Tampa Bay Devil Rays at Kansas City Royals
Sunday, July 8th, 2:10 P.M. EDT
Kazmir shows a 5.19 ERA his last three but against much better opposition. Delarosa pitched 13 innings and allowed just three earned in his last two starts. TAMPA BAY is 53-37 UNDER when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons and TAMPA BAY is 82-61 UNDER vs. excellent fielding teams - averaging <=0.5 errors/game over the last 2 seasons.
Play on: Under
Hondo
Today, he'll go from the Birds to Byrd - 10 units on the Native Americans over Al Gore III's favorite team, the J's.
Chris Jordan
Baltimore at TEXAS (-130)
For Sunday we're taking the Rangers over the Orioles, listing Millwood against Cabrera.
It's real easy to see this one, as Kevin Millwood comes in off his best outing of the season lasting a season-high eight innings, while allowing five hits, two earned runs with four strikeouts and no walks.
And it's not just one outing that has me impressed with a team that has won 14 of its last 21; he has contributed tremendously, as he is 2-1 with a 3.60 ERA in his last three starts, all quality ones.
And lifetime against the O's, Millwood is 5-2 with a 4.13 ERA in eight games, all starts, and that includes two complete games. He should get the run support he'll need, as Daniel Cabrera is 1-3 with a 6.39 ERA in his last five starts, and came out of his last start as the Major League leader in walk.
His control problems will be an issue tonight, as the Rangers will take this one.
4♦ RANGERS
Karl Garrett
Cleveland (-120) at TORONTO
Winner today goes out on Cleveland over Toronto, as I expect Josh Towers to get roughed up once again. Towers is 2-0 his last 3 starts, but has allowed 12 runs in just 15 innings of work. It is obvious he has been getting the support, as 12 runs over 15 innings should not have you at 2-0!
Cleveland's offense is as good as anyone's in the AL, and after plating 9 runs yesterday, I expect them to be near that mark again today.
The Tribe has won Paul Byrd's last 3 starts, and the Indians are 4-1 in the season series against the Blue Jays this year.
Byrd has pitched better baseball on the road this year, as his home ERA is near 6, but his ERA on the highway is a lot more respectable at 3.64.
Go with the Indians to get the win as the small road favorite today.
5♦ CLEVELAND
Sports Gambling Hotline
Boston at DETROIT (+135)
Today another underdog winner for you as we feel the Tigers have some momentum going as they head to the All-Star break with the 3-game sweep of the Red Sox.
Detroit has won 4 straight, and 5 of their last 6, and it is about time starter Nate Robertson steps up and pitches a quality start. He will have to today, as Boston is going with Dice-K who has been tough as nails down the stretch, as Matsuzaka's last 22 innings of work have seen just 2 earned runs score for a 2-0 mark.
Matsuzaka is at 10-5 for the first half, but we feel he is due for a setback, and he is up against one of the better offenses in the league today.
Great value with the red-hot underdog in this one, so take the Tigers to complete the sweep.
Play on Detroit.
1♦ DETROIT
Bobby Maxwell
Atlanta (+130) at SAN DIEGO
Kyle Davies (3-7, 5.85 ERA) is on the mound for Atlanta and he's never faced the Padres before. Davies has had his ups and downs this season including over his last 10 starts where he's had six outings of allowing three earned runs or less.
It's former Brave Greg Maddux (7-5, 3.96 ERA) on the mound for San Diego tonight and this crafty veteran has had his struggles of late. He's 1-2 over his last three starts with a 4.19 ERA. Last time out the Marlins pounded him at home, getting six runs on 10 hits in 6 1/3 innings in a 6-4 win against the Padres Tuesday in San Diego.
Maddux faced the Braves back on May 9 and allowed just one run on three hits in 5 1/3 innings but the Braves ended up winning the game 3-2.
Maddux will pitch well in this one but look for Davies to have one of those strong starts he's delivered this season. And the Padres offense has been hit or miss all season. After Saturday's 8-5 win over the Braves, we suspect the offense will be in hibernation today.
Grab the plus-money and play the Braves.
2♦ ATLANTA
Chuck Franklin
San Francisco at ST LOUIS (+105)
Today it'll be St. Louis and Todd Wellemeyer that will win.
Wellemeyer has never faced the Giants, but the Cards have won six in a row as an underdog with him on the mound. St Louis is 6-1 in his last seven starts. Barry Zito is getting the start for San Francisco. He is has not won in over a month. That's five starts without a win. It will now be six in a row starts without a win.
The Cards are the play!
3♦ ST LOUIS
Drew Gordon
Cleveland (-120) at TORONTO
Indians got back to their winning ways by bombing Shaun Marcum and the Blue Jays yesterday. Marcum got tagged for 8 runs on 9 hits over just 3 1/3 innings... What makes you believe Josh Towers (who's numbers are significantly worse than Marcum's) is going to do any better?!
Towers maybe 2-0 over his last 3 starts, but he's also posted an ugly 7.04 ERA over that span. He allowed 4 runs in 5 innings at Oakland Monday, and clearly has been the beneficiary of tremendous run support. Towers is 1-2 with a 5.63 ERA in 5 games (3 starts) against Cleveland.
Blue Jays offense will have to contend with the Indians Paul Byrd, who's numbers are solid against Toronto, going 3-2 with a 3.55 ERA in 5 career starts. He's had trouble at the Rogers Centre in the past, but overall his ERA on the road this season is better than at home, posting a solid 3.74 away.
Bottom line, with their offense swinging the bats well again, there's little hope for Towers or the Blue Jays in this one (who are 5-17 over their last 22 meetings with the Indians). Towers sloppy play has gone unnoticed because of the support he receives... Not anymore, as the Indians make him pay this afternoon.
Take Cleveland behind Byrd over Toronto in afternoon MLB action.
4♦ CLEVELAND
Dave Cokin
Take "(921) CLE Indians"
I had the Indians for my Saturday free opinion, and I'm going to come right back with them again here in the rubber match of their series with the Blue Jays. I do see Toronto making a run of sorts following the break, but one continuing problem area will be the back of the rotation, where Josh Towers just isn't big league starting caliber. Paul Byrd is his mound opponent here, and while I don't expect this to be a soft spot for Byrd, I'll bank on him to limit the Jays to four runs in his six or seven innings. If Byrd can do that, he's likely to be well positioned for a win as the Indians should hit Towers hard. I'll lay the spot and go for a second straight win with the Indians
Jim Feist
Take "(926) KC Royals"
There's no doubt that Scott Kazmir is the best that the Rays have. However, the lefty better be prepared to go late into the game, because this bullpen is really bad. And, if Kazmir's last two starts are any indication, this could be a long day for the Devil Rays. Kazmir lost his last two starts and didn't make it past the sixth inning in either showing. And, in his one start against the Royals this season, Kazmir lost 4-1 though he did go seven innings and gave up only three runs. While Kazmir is on a two game losing streak, Royals starter Jorge De La Rosa is on a two game winning streak. De La Rosa has pitched very well his last two outings, going a total of 13 innings and only allowing a total of three earned runs. It's tough to go against a decent overall pitcher like Kazmir, but we'll take the home dog Royals here with a starter who has some confidence going his way
jeff alexander
Tampa Bay -124 (listing Kazmir)
Kazmir is 9-1 against the money line vs. poor power teams - averaging 0.9 or less HR's/game over the last 2 seasons. Kansas City is one of the worst teams in baseball against left-handed pitching at just 7-17 against the ML against lefty starters this season. Lefties don't get any better than Kazmir. Take the Rays in this one today
maddux sports
Tampa Bay -125
CAPPERSACCESS
(Sun) MLB Brewers Nationals 155 Brewers
(Sun) MLB Red Sox Tigers 135 Tigers
(Sun) MLB D'Rays Royals 125 Royals
LOU DIAMONDZ
100 UNITS DODGERS
ROCCO SPACAMURO
50* BREWERS -160
Big Al Mcmordie
Game: Baltimore Orioles at Texas Rangers
Jul 8 2007 3:05PM
Prediction: Texas Rangers
Both of these squads have to be disapointed with the way the first half of the season has gone, but for different reasons. For the Rangers, to nobody's surprise their offense has been pretty good, while their pitching (mostly their starters) has been been an absolute disaster. By contrast, the Orioles have had almost no offense for most of the first half, but have been pleasantly surprised by the work on the mound. For Baltimore, however, as much of a nice surprise Erik Bedard and Jeremy Guthrie have been, that's how much of a disappointment Daniel Cabrera is. Baltimore had, if not high expectations for Cabrera to start 2007, then certainly they were hoping for much better than his 6-9 record and 5.15 ERA. Rangers veteran Kevin Millwood has also been a letdown, although at least Millwood has begun to turn it around lately. In his last three starts, Millwood is 2-1 with a 3.60 ERA and Texas has won three of his last four outings. Millwood has not faced Baltimore yet in 2007, but in 2006 he was perfect against them going 3-0 in three starts, and posting a 2.25 ERA in the process. Cabrera did exactly the opposite in 2006: losing all three times he faced the Rangers. Take Texas. As always, good luck...Al McMordie.
Mike Rose
Philadelphia Soul +8.5 (-110)
Sun Jul 8 '07 9:00p
This is by far the trickiest match-up on the board this weekend. The Philadelphia Soul will look to beat the Force at Phillips Arena for the second time in franchise history, and they’ll need to bring their "A" game along with them on every snap of the game in order to do so. Georgia is simply a sensational football team that can turn a 7-point lead into a 21-point lead in the blink of an eye. Their WR corps is probably the best ever assembled unit in the history of this league, and they also have a QB that just broke the AFL record for most TD passes thrown in a season with 117. in layman terms, this offense is the best I’ve seen since covering this sport the last seven years. That being said, the Soul owns the defensive personnel to slow it down a bit, and there’s no doubt they’ll get their licks in at the very least. Philly HC Brett Munsey comes from the school of defense, and he prides himself on getting the best out of his men on that side of the ball. Case in point, last week’s effort vs. Orlando where the unit only surrendered 26 total points of which six came in the second half (2 FG’s). Georgia will be a very sore football club when this one’s all said and done, but the offense is still going to need to offer up its services. That’s where QB Tony Graziani comes into this equation. Jon Bon Jovi and the rest of the owners threw gobs of money at this guy a couple years ago to help win them an ArenaBowl Championship. He was knocked out for six weeks earlier this season, but the soul are a solid 5-2 SU and 4-3 ATS since his return. Philly’s large O-Line will have their hands full with the solid up front rush of the force, but they will be able to give "Graz" the time he needs to exploit a secondary that I believe to be the Force’s weak link. These teams met earlier this season in Philly when the Soul was shorthanded offensively. They didn’t have their full arsenal of firepower
GEORGE SMEADER
WNBA Houston vs. Minnesota []
Take Houston Comets
We will play the Comets at +4.5 . The Comets stack up in our WNBA system with a 6.0 rating. Our system is based on several years of experience, practice and fine tuning with solid year over year returns. Ratings are not multipliers on base unit betting. Our ratings system is on a 1-8 scale, but we will never release a play lower than a 5.9. Winning is our business and businss is good
Brandon Lang
30 Dimer-white Sox
Free Pick- Giants
BRIAN GABREILLE
PROPS Proposition 1 vs. Proposition 2 []
Take Proposition 1 Special
At this week's AT&T National, take Ryuji Imada (125-1), 1/6 unit: Smooth swinger with mental stamina---one of his two wins on the Nationwide Tour came with a birdie on the fifth extra hole---or lack of experience on the big Tour: that playoff loss to Zach Johnson in Atlanta got messy with an errant tee shot that was compounded by a go-for-broke second shot that landed short and left. Laying up for a realistic shot at birdie would have been the better option. He's young, though. An excellent putter, he just needs to find more greens. He finished 5th at the 2005 Booz Allen Classic, which was played that year at Congressional. Take Fredrik Jacobson (50-1), 1/6 unit: He's got three top-10s in only 11 events, including a T10 last week. Like Imada, an excellent putter. He finished T29 at the Booz Allen in 2005 (he shot a 67 on Sunday). Take Aaron Baddeley (40-1), 1/6 unit: Baddeley has a Tiger-like Tour schedule with only 14 events played in 2007. He can afford to rest. It would be a source of more criticism if he wasn't having such a year: five top-10s, including a win, and 12th in FedEx Cup points. He last played at the U.S. Open a few weeks ago, where despite a closing 80 he finished T13.
posted at 2007-07-04 00:03:01
Take Proposition 1 Special
Take Tony Stewart (+431), 1/6th unit. There's a reason he's the favorite. Smoke won consecutive summer Daytona events in 2005 and 2006, and did so in convincing fashion. He also probably had the best car this February in the Daytona 500 before he wrecked while trying to take the race lead. There's no question that Stewart has been a little snake-bitten so far this year, but also recall when he won his most recent points title, in 2005, he started the year slowly, failing to win until Sonoma (which, recall, was just two weeks ago) before going on a streak that saw him take five events in seven weeks
PRICELESS PICKS
Houston -161 (listing Oswalt)
After a marathon 17-inning game, the home team has the edge here and with Houston's ace Oswalt on the hill, we're feeling very confident. Oswalt is 17-3 against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons. He is 16-2 against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons. The numbers don't lie. Take the Astros.
Tom Freese
Game: Seattle Mariners at Oakland Athletics
Jul 8 2007 4:05PM
Prediction: Oakland Athletics
Reason: Oakland starter Joe Blanton is in excellent KW form with a better than 4 to 1 strikeout to walk ratio in his last 3 starts. Blanton is 7-3 in 10 career team starts vs. the Mariners. Seattle starter Ryan Feierabend is in terrible KW form with more walks than strikeouts in his last 3 starts. The Mariners are just 2-8 in road day games vs. righties this year.
Play On Oakland - (Blanton vs. Feierabend)
John Ryan
Arizona D-Backs vs. Cincinnati Reds (MLB)
Jul 8, 2007 1:15 PM EDT
Play: Money Line: Cincinnati Reds
Ai Simulator 3* graded play on Cincinnati - Reds starter Harang is a solid starter, but would be even better if he was on a team that provided more consistent run support. That run support will be there today as the Reds offense goes up against an inexperienced starter in Yusmeiro Petit. HARANG is 2-2 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 1.89 and a WHIP of 1.020. In 52 AB he has allowed a 212 BA with ZER home runs against the current players of the Diamondbacks. Despite the Reds record they do provide some big time power in the form of HR. Note that ARIZONA is 9-21 (-13.3 Units) against the money line vs. good power teams averaging 1.25 or more HR's/game over the last 2 seasons. Not only has Harang dominated the Diamondbacks in his career he also is 13-3 (+10.1 Units) against the money line vs. an NL team with a team batting average of .255 or worse over the last 2 seasons. Harang is also 6-1 +6 units in day games this season.
MR A
Sunday, July 8th, 2007, 2:05 PM EST.
Houston's (R) Roy Oswalt
New York Mets (48-38) at Houston Astros (38-50)
(L) Dave Williams (0-0) vs. (R) Roy Oswalt (7-5)
New York sends Dave Williams to the mound. The lefthander will make his season debut in Houston this afternoon. Williams went 3-1 with a 5.59 ERA in six outings last season and is 1-3 with a 2.70 ERA in six career starts against the Astros.
Houston counters with their ace Roy Oswalt (7-5, 3.52 ERA). The right- hander allowed four runs on 10 hits over seven innings in a 13-inning, 5-4 win against Philadelphia on Tuesday. Oswalt is 4-3 with a 3.28 ERA in nine career starts against the Mets.
Take Houston at home with All-Star ace Roy Oswalt on the hill. Oswalt is 5-1 with a 2.37 ERA in 12 starts at Minute Maid Park this season and went 2-0 with a 2.70 ERA against the Mets last season. The Astros have won Oswalt's last four starts at home.
Oddsmakers:
Houston as a -170 home favorite with the total listed at 9 'over'.
Houston Astros
Larry Ness' 20* NL Game of the Month (140-68 Y-T-D / 8-3 TY with 20*s!)
My 20* play is on the SD Padres at 8:05 ET. wiseguysportsforumWhen the Padres score some runs, they win! San Diego (49-37) had averaged just 2.9 runs in its previous 16 contests before beating the Braves 8-5 on Saturday. The Padres are now an impressive 24-0 when scoring six or more runs. Scoring against Atlanta's Kyle Davies should not be much of a task. Davies went 3-7 with an 8.38 ERA in 14 starts for the Braves last year (team was 5-9) and enters this game at 3-7 with a 5.85 ERA in 15 starts in '07 (team is 6-9). He's been HAMMERED in his last five starts, going 0-4 with an 8.06 ERA (team is 0-5). San Diego, a solid 14-9 in day games this year, will send Greg Maddux to the mound to pitch against his ex-teammates (spent 11 seasons with Atlanta). Maddux opened the '07 season with a poor home start vs the Rockies back on April 6 (5.1 IP / 4 ERs) and was terrible in his last outing, allowing six ERs in 6.1 innings at Petco. However, in his six other home starts this year, has allowed just 10 ERs in 40 innings, for a 2.25 ERA. Maddux hasn't been "showing his age" this season, as he has lasted at least six innings in seven consecutive starts! Expect the Padres to cruise to their 50th win of the year in this one. NL Game of the Month 20* SD Padres.
Larry Ness' Spectacular Sunday Total (18-4 or 82% winners TY!)
My Spectacular Sunday Total is on Fla/LAD Over at 4:10 ET. The Marlins have come into Dodger Stadium where they haven't been too successful recently and taken the first two games of this series. The Marlins have scored 13 runs in the two wins, getting 23 hits. LA has not exactly been shut down, as the Dodgers have 21 hits in the two games but LA has stranded 23 base runners in the losses. Scoring against lefty Scott Olsen should be much easier for LA this afternoon. The Dodgers have averaged 5.1 RPG against left-handed starters in '07 (23 games) and Olsen has been far from effective this year, especially on the road.wiseguysportsforum In nine road starts in '07, he's allowed 63 hits in 47.2 innings with a 5.67 ERA. As for LA, they'll send 6-9 lefty Mark Hendrickson to the mound, bringing him back on just three days rest. Hendrickson made eight starts for LA from 4/19 through 5/31, getting off to a quick start but faded fast. He allowed just two ERs over 16.2 innings in his first three starts (1.08 ERA) but then IMPLODED, allowing 21 ERs over 26.1 innings in a five-start stretch that gave him a 7.18 ERA. He was sent back to the bullpen before he was given a start on July 4th. He pitched OK in LA's 5-2 loss (5 IP / 7 hits / 2 ERs) but I don't much like him coming back here, on short rest. The Marlins are "seeing the ball well" in this series and it won't help Hendrickson's confidence that he is 1-1 with a 7.04 ERA in five career starts against the Marlins, either. Spectacular Sunday Total on Fla/LAD Over
Larry Ness' Las Vegas Insider (17-7 run!)
Guaranteed Pick: Larry Ness
Game: Boston Red Sox at Detroit Tigers Jul 8 2007 1:05PM
Prediction: Boston Red Sox
Reason: Daisuke Matsuzaka will try to beat the Tigers on Sunday at Detroit when his Red Sox try to avoid a three-game sweep in their final series before the All-Star break. Boston scored two runs in the 1st inning on Saturday but never scored again, losing 3-2 in 13 innings. The Red Sox are just 17-18 since May 30 but will enter the All-Star break with a double-digit AL East lead thanks to playing in a division where the other four teams all have losing records. Matsuzka has had a few "rough" starts this year but overall, he's been everything the Red Sox could have hoped for and more. He has given up two runs or fewer in six straight starts and is 3-0 with a 0.62 ERA plus a .152 opponent batting average in his last four outings, striking out at least eight batters in each of them. In his lone previous start against the Tigers (at Fenway Park on May 14), Matsuzaka pitched the only complete game so far in his first major league season. The Japanese phenom gave up six hits and struck out five without a walk in Boston's 7-1 victory. Detroit will counter with Nate Robertson, who is 4-6 with a 4.98 ERA is 14 starts this year (team is 0-4). Robertson is seeking his first win since May 19 and the left-hander is 0-3 with an 8.02 ERA with opponents batting .363 against him in his last five starts. Boston is 20-6 (plus-$1,345)wiseguysportsforum in day games this year and wins easily here. Las Vegas Insider on the Bos Red Sox.
Trace Adams 1500*A.L. Game of the Year!
Cleveland was able to get off the 3-game skid they were on with the comfortable 9-4 win yesterday over the Jays, and I like them again today with Paul Byrd on the hill.
Byrd hasn't been "aces" of late, but he always seems to keep Cleveland in the games he starts, as he is 1-0 over his last 3 starts, while the Tribe has won all 3 of those outings. Cleveland is 7-3 the last 10 times Byrd has climbed the hill, and with things being so tight in the AL Central Division there is no room for error today for the Indians at the Rogers Centre.
Josh Towers will counter, and while he is 2-0 over his last 3 starts, he has allowed an alarming 12 runs over his last 15 innings of work.
Cleveland has gone 4-1 in the season series thus far, and I think they are going to the All-Star Break with another win under their belt.
1500♦ One-and-Only American League Game of the Year - Cleveland with Byrd
Mark me down for a "Due Theory" play on St. Louis today, as the Cards have dropped the first 2 of this 3-game weekend set to the visiting Giants, and are now 0-4 in this year's season series!
I just don't think the Giants are going to extend those numbers today even going against the untested Wellemeyer.
Let's face it, Barry Zito has been pretty much a bust for San Francisco, as his 6-8 record with a well over 4 ERA suggests. I can't remember the last time Zito recorded a "W", and San Fran has lost his last 5 starts!
Can't lay the road wood today, take the Cards to get the win.
500♦ - St. Louis with Wellemeyer
Javier Vazquez has been in one solid groove at the end of the first half, but the way the Twins were hitting the ball in their DH sweep on Friday leads me to believe they are ready to get cranking once again after an off-day at the plate yesterday.
LT Profits
Boston Red Sox @ Detroit Tigers u9.5 (100)
Sun Jul 8 '07 1:05p
Red Sox & Dice-K, Tigers & Robertson Under 9.5
After sliding Over the total by half a run on Friday, the Boston Red Sox and Detroit Tigers battled for 13 innings last night before the Tigers prevailed 3-2, and we expect another low-scoring game today.
Daisuke Matsuzaka has turned out to be as good as advertised for the Red Sox, and he has been virtually unhittable over his last three starts, posting a microscopic 0.82 ERA and 0.86 WHIP in 22 innings with 26 strikeouts! Dice-K also tossed a gem the first time he faced the Tigers this season, hurling a Complete Game six-hitter while allowing one run. We look for him to work deep into this game also, which is a good thing considering the innings the bullpens logged last night.
Now granted Nate Robertson has been a disappointment this season for the Tigers after breaking out last year, but he has pitched much better recently, allowing one and three runs respectively in his last two starts. The southpaw has also allowed three runs or less in four of his last five starts vs. the Red Sox, and he is facing a Boston lineup that is batting just .230 vs. left-handed pitching on the road this season.
Finally, the Under is 7-3 in the last 10 Boston games overall, and the Sox have scored a total of just four runs in the first two games of this series.
Red Sox, Tigers Under 9.5 (+100)
Baltimore Orioles @ Texas Rangers u10.0 (-120)
Sun Jul 8 '07 3:05p
Orioles, Rangers to go Under 10 again
Both of the first two games of this series between the Baltimore Orioles and the Texas Rangers had an opening posted total of 10, and both games went easily Under. We look for a carbon copy today.
The Orioles have gotten such surprisingly good pitching from their young starting pitchers this year that it is easy to forget that Daniel Cabrera was considered by some to be their ace en
will cover
4* colorado
Sunday Horse Racing Spot Picks
SPOT PLAYS For Sunday
TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE
Arlington Park (2nd) My Calico, 8-1
(3rd) Johnathan, 3-1
Belmont Park (4th) Fiddlers Warrior, 3-1
(6th) Banrock, 4-1
Calder Race Course (6th) C Queen Ridge, 6-1
(9th) Kicks, 6-1
Canterbury Park (4th) Cojet, 3-1
(6th) Northcountry Chief, 10-1
Charles Town (2nd) Clearance Girl, 3-1
(5th) Zangara, 3-1
Churchill Downs (2nd) Western Revenge, 4-1
(5th) Mims Eppi, 5-1
Colonial Downs (3rd) Heza Disco, 5-1
(6th) Roth Ticket, 3-1
Delaware Park (3rd) Queen Hypolita, 3-1
(7th) Look Into It, 3-1
Ellis Park (5th) Adriatic Lady, 7-2
(7th) Classical Rhythm, 3-1
Emerald Downs (1st) First Class Air, 9-2
(4th) Split the Check, 4-1
Fort Erie (5th) Caviar Reception, 6-1
(8th) Dazzling Beauty, 3-1
Hastings Park (6th) Just a Tribute, 7-2
(7th) Tango Mango, 3-1
Hollywood Park (6th) Lyrical Sound (Ire), 7-2
(9th) Mon Queen, 5-1
Lone Star Park (9th) En El Fuego, 7-2
(10th) Dandy Too, 3-1
Louisiana Downs (1st) Princess Tide, 7-2
(8th) Ash's Ace, 3-1
Monmouth Park (7th) Fields of Gail, 7-2
(9th) My Sister Sue, 5-1
Mountaineer (2nd) Bryonna's Gold, 9-2
(4th) Bold Command, 10-1
Northlands (5th) Valid Charge, 3-1
(9th) Brookside Drive, 6-1
Philadelphia Park (3rd) Abby Fenn, 9-2
(8th) Sing On, 10-1
River Downs (5th) Trickie Dingo, 10-1
(13th) Katyann, 3-1
Suffolk Downs (3rd) Tour of Rohan, 7-2
(4th) Sarai One, 6-1
Thistledown (4th) Doxologist, 4-1
(6th) Ashley Wednesday, 5-1
Woodbine (3rd) Twice a Princess, 9-2
(6th) Vidora, 8-1
FIRST FLIGHT H. (G2), 8TH-BEL, $150,000, 3YO/UP, F/M, 7F, 4:45 P.M. EDT, 7-8
PP HORSE TRAINER JOCKEY WT
1 SWAP FLIPAROO JERKENS H ALLEN VELAZQUEZ J R 115
2 SWEET FERVOR MOTT WILLIAM I DESORMEAUX K J 116
3 NOTHING BUT FUN HUSHION MICHAEL E VELASQUEZ CORNELIO 115
4 SUGAR SWIRL FRANKEL ROBERT J GOMEZ G K 115
5 GINGER PUNCH FRANKEL ROBERT J BEJARANO R 117
6 SILMARIL GROVE CHRISTOPHER W COA E M 115
A compact field of six fillies and mares will travel seven furlongs in the $150,000 First Flight H. (G2) on Sunday at Belmont Park. Trainer Bobby Frankel has a potent two-horse entry in here that should be tough to upend, and we'll side with the Hall of Fame trainer to saddle the one-two finishers.
SUGAR SWIRL (Touch Gold) lacks the credentials of her stable companion but looks like absolute lone speed in this spot. The four-year-old chestnut exits a game neck tally in the Alyssum S., earning a career-best BRIS Speed number (102), and should have no trouble negotiating the extra half-furlong in this contest. A winner in two of her three tries at seven-eighths, the four-year-old should be tough to corral under Garrett Gomez.
GINGER PUNCH (Awesome Again) gives Frankel a formidable one-two punch and could very well win this one herself beneath Rafael Bejarano. The chestnut miss is much improved in 2007, sandwiching second-place efforts in the Ogden Phipps H. (G1) and Madison S. (G2) around a facile win at Churchill Downs two back. The Stronach homebred has two wins at the trip and could make it three with a top effort.
SWAP FLIPAROO (Exchange Rate) is winless in 10 tries over Big Sandy, but owns five runner-up efforts and could get a piece of this one for Allen Jerkens. The gray filly is a bit erratic, but she could challenge any of these on her best day. We're not excited about the lack of pace signed on for this, but a clean trip under John Velazquez could be all that the four-year-old needs to finish in the money.
SWEET FERVOR (Seeking the Gold) possesses a strong late run but is another who could be at the mercy of the pace in this one. Trained by Bill Mott, the Grade 2 heroine could certainly challenge for a top three placing with a little help up front. Kent Desormeaux has the assignment. SILMARIL (Diamond) is an extremely consistent performer, evidenced by her 31-14-5-3 mark, and has fared well against top company for trainer Christopher Grove. The six-year-old exits a nice win at six furlongs in the Skipat S. and is a solid 8-4-1-1 at the trip, but she's another who could be compromised by a tepid early tempo. Eibar Coa will ride.
NOTHING BUT FUN (Dixie Union) began her career with four wins from as many starts but has crossed the line first just once since for Michael Hushion. The dark bay mare would do herself wonders by getting into the race earlier than she has recently, and a forwardly placed trip could find her battling for a placing in the latter stages. The three-time winner over this track will be guided by Cornelio Velasquez.
TRACK BANDIT SELECTIONS: 1st--SUGAR SWIRL
2nd--GINGER PUNCH
3rd--SWAP FLIPAROO
LOCUST GROVE H. (G3), 9TH-CD, $150,000, 3YO/UP, F/M, 1 1/8MT, 5:29 P.M. EDT, 7-8
PP HORSE TRAINER JOCKEY WT
1 EYES ON EDDY ASMUSSEN STEVEN M BRIDGMOHAN S X 113
2 MAURALAKANA (FR) BIANCONE PATRICK L LEPAROUX JULIEN 118
3 COUNTESS SCALA BIANCONE PATRICK L ESTRADA A 108
4 LEMONS FOREVER STEWART DALLAS GUIDRY M 115
5 QUITE A BRIDE MOTT WILLIAM I ALBARADO R J 123
6 QUIET ROYAL PLETCHER TODD A DECARLO C P 115
A strong field of six has been entered to contest the $150,000 Locust Grove H. (G3) on Sunday's closing-day card at Churchill Downs. The late-running MAURALAKANA (Fr) (Muhtathir [GB]) looks like the class of the race and should receive the proper pace scenario in order to unleash her late kick in the stretch. Trained by Patrick Biancone, the runner-up in last year's Queen Elizabeth II Invitational Challenge Cup S. (G1) owns just one win in 2007 but has faced some of the best in her division this year and could appreciate the class relief in this one. The bay four-year-old recorded a smart win over this turf two prior and we expect the same in here. Julien Leparoux will ride.
QUITE A BRIDE (Stormy Atlantic) exits probably her finest win when crushing her foes in the Mint Julep H. (G3) last out for conditioner Bill Mott. The chestnut four-year-old has never been unplaced in three tries over this sod and should get a dream stalking trip into the stretch. The Florida-bred will likely get first run on the closers and is a certain win prospect with something resembling her best. Robby Albarado has the assignment.
QUIET ROYAL (Royal Academy) has been good against lesser but has yet to break through with a signature win since coming to the United States in the fall of 2006. Third in the QEII last campaign, the Todd Pletcher charge comes off a smart tally in the Reluctant Guest S. at Arlington but did so on yielding ground versus an average bunch. We don't like the chestnut's chances for a win, but a sensible trip should result in a black-type placing beneath Chris DeCarlo.
EYES ON EDDY (Touch Gold) is a proven commodity on the main oval but seeks her initial turf score in this one. Conditioned by Steve Asmussen, the five-year-old bay took her last two here in Louisville, Kentucky, but will need improvement to threaten these on the sod. Shaun Bridgmohan will guide the mare, who could sneak into a placing by proving an affinity for the green.
LEMONS FOREVER (Lemon Drop Kid) looked good in earning her first win on the grass last out, but the Grade 1-winning four-year-old will need to step up much more to threaten this group. Bred in the Bluegrass State and trained by Dallas Stewart, the chestnut will likely need a hot pace scenario to close into a placing. Regular rider Mark Guidry returns.
COUNTESS SCALA (Fusaichi Pegasus) will likely be the early pacesetter, as her entry alone leads us to believe that her lone chore will be to ensure a quick pace. The allowance-quality sprinter was unplaced in her lone turf venture and will likely be leg-weary inside the final furlong in this spot. If allowed to dawdle unchallenged on the front end, the chestnut could hang around for a while, but bettors hoping for such scenarios could find themselves in trouble.
TRACK BANDIT SELECTIONS: 1st--MAURALAKANA (Fr)
2nd--QUITE A BRIDE
3rd--QUIET ROYAL
Mike Superstein's Hollywood Park Analysis for Sunday, July 8
RACE ONE
SPRIGGZEE abandoned his usual up-close running style last time out and rallied from far back to be involved in a deadhead for the victory. Trainer Jack Carava must have liked what he saw, as he double jumps the veteran into $12,500 Company. NOBLE MASTERPIECE also was involved in a tight finish, prevailing by a nose over a similar field at Golden Gate Fields. There isn't much separating the top pair. ROYAL CLASSIC did beat the top pick last fall over this surface and should hold off the others.
RACE TWO
CHARMING DOT is making the most of her adoration for the Hollywood Park turf. This will be her sixth start of the meeting. Her previous efforts resulted in two wins, two seconds and a third. She'll need a long rest after this season is over. RED OPAL chased 'DOT in her last pair, but has defeated her in the past. 'OPAL may have lost a step, but she's still competitive at this level. UNUSUAL SONATA hasn't sprinted in a while, but packs a nice stretch punch and draws leading apprentice Joe Alamo.
RACE THREE
Trainer Julio Canani made his bones claiming mid-price claimers, especially old class horses, and moving them way up. COURT ORANGE should be right up the Peruvian's alley. 'ORANGE has had a terrible year, blanking in eight starts, but was a terror in 2006 with five victories. Look for a stunning form reversal today. WATCH OVER ME regressed around two turns, but his previous sprints make him a force here. The primary worry is a three-week gap in his works. PT'S GREY EAGLE takes a big step up, but is racing in decent form and has a win at the meet.
RACE FOUR
SPRING AWAKENING is a good gamble first time out. A daughter of In Excess out of a Carson City mare, SPRING AWAKENING is bred for much zip, has some nice workouts, and a fine owner, trainer team. BARBARA'S LOVE, the likely favorite, was off a bit slowly, rallied extremely wide and kept to her task for a solid second in her debut. She's clearly the one to beat. I DIG HER showed zip for a $40,000 and was caught nearing the wire. The fact she was claimed by top trainer Art Sherman is significant.
RACE FIVE
OUR PARTNER is sitting on a victory after three straight seconds. His competition leaves a lot to be desired. CASUAL THUNDER took a lot of time before breaking his maiden and may take even long securing his second win. His one for 25 records pretty much says it all. He's sure to take a lot of betting action, but not ours. RIVAL ISLANDS dropped out of contention early and could never recover. If he repeats his previous start, he could easily take this.
RACE SIX
This allowance/optional claiming contest brings out a mixed bag of disaffirms. We'll give a slight edge to the class dropper, LYRICAL SOUND. 'Sound is winless in four American outings, but has never raced this cheaply. GO DAWG learned how to win sprinting and now goes two turns as he faces winners for the first. Alamo stays aboard. JUST EM hasn't been postwar in more than a year, but Mitchell does very well with come backers. Friday night, Mitchell won with Texan Forever off a similar layoff.
RACE SEVEN
MISS BERTRANDO may have found a home sprinting on the turf. Though more than 50-1 last time out, she led most of the way before finishing second to the well-regarded Ingrid the Gambler. She appears ready to break her maiden in her 11th try. STELLINA was right there in her last pair racing against expensive claimers. She moves back to the main track and retains Jorge Chavez. WILDCAT GIRL raced evenly first time out against a promising field. Look for improvement.
RACE EIGHT
LATIN RHYTHMS could not have been more impressive defeating next-out winner I'm All Out on Cushion Track May 28. She already showed she can handle the turf in a narrow loss down the hill at Santa Anita. If she routes as well as she sprints, 'RHYTHMS can win right back. STORMY GRANT bids for the hat trick for Canani. She turned back Cal breeds at this level May 25 and is now two-for-two around two turns. POINTING STAR lost a tough photo in a slightly longer race. This one is improving all the time and will make his presence felt.
RACE NINE
PHOEBE'S SONG ships south after losing a heartbreaking photo at Golden Gate Fields. Her speed should enable her to get position from the inside post and her trainer (Greg Gilchrist) is having a marvelous year. MON QUEEN gets a negative barn switch (O'Neill to Gullet), but leading rider Michael Baze stays. She's a fit with these. HUMIDITY hasn't competed since last summer at Del Mar and returns in a claimer. The drop wouldn't be that much of a concern, except that Don Warren usually lets them rip in the morning and this one has a series of lackluster moves.
Best Bet-COUNT ORANGE (3)
__________________
CHURCHILL
Analysis:: by Jill Byrne
Race 1 -
CARSON CAMP (9) was a head short in a quickly run race at this level last out. He has run well in his last four starts and can do the same again today from his outside post. COMMERCIAL (8) drew just to the inside of the top choice. He has run well against maiden allowance runners in his previous two starts and today’s big class drop makes him a threat from the start. HUFFMAN (3) is quick from the gate and set fast fractions last out before fading. He shortens up slightly today and also drops a bit in class.
9-8-3
Race 2 -
WESTERN REVENGE (7) ran a big race at this level last out in his first start off the claim. There’s enough pace here to set up his late run. DANCE PRO (4) makes his first start for owner Maggi Moss off a dull effort last out. He is better than his recent races suggest and could return to form for his new barn. CU ROI (6) has a win and a second in his last two starts against $7,500 claimers and looks ready to handle today’s slight raise. CABDRIVER AL (1) struggled in a starter allowance race last out, but was second in an off-the-turf race against a fairly strong field prior to that. He’s inconsistent, but fits with this group on his best.
7-4-6
Race 3 -
DE LA FLEUR (8) has worked very fast on Keeneland's Polytrack for her debut and, if those morning drills transfer to the afternoon, she looks like the one to beat. FRENCH KISS (7) closed a great deal of ground in her debut and should appreciate today’s added distance. She has worked well since and has an edge in experience. CAPRICIOUS (1) is another well bred firster from the Asmussen stable that must be given strong consideration. Trainer Dale Romans sends out a pair of debut runners in MOTHER JOAN (10) and DUBAI ANGEL (11) who have trained sharply and consistently.
8-7-1
Race 4 -
PRIVY’S JEWEL (4) was claimed from her last race in which she was an easy winner against conditioned claimers. All three of her wins have come at Churchill and she is well spotted at the bottom level today to improve on that record. QUINN’S GOLD (2) had a win at this level and distance two races back, but faltered last time out. A repeat of that earlier effort makes her a strong factor again today. MARK OF PERFECTION (7) is very inconsistent, but she can be competitive with this group when she runs well.
4-2-7
Race 5 -
RUMARI (3) broke slowly in her debut, but ran on well after that to finish a decent third. A better start makes her the one to beat. MINEWANDER (10) broke poorly in her debut, but put in a nice run down the stretch. This daughter of "Horse of the Year" Mineshaft has come back with a "bullet" work for her second start and will be tough today. MIMS EPPI (5) outran her odds at first asking as she overcame a poor start, a wide trip and a sloppy track to finish third – and was ultimately placed second because of a disqualification. YES IT’S WHITE (9) ran evenly in her debut and can move forward off that race.
3-10-5
Race 6 -
This allowance race could very well be a graded stakes race with multimillionaire PERFECT DRIFT (3) and millionaire BRASS HAT (7) line up against quality stakes runners. Brass Hat is reported to be training better than ever as he makes his first start since being injured in a work after last year's Stephen Foster Handicap. It is a tall order to tackle this group off such a long layoff, but he has the class and talent to be a major factor. STUDENT COUNCIL (5) was an even third here in the Alysheba Stakes on a "sloppy" track. Two races prior to that he finished less then two lengths behind Magna Graduate, who was narrowly beaten in this year’s Stephen Foster. Perfect Drift can never be discounted, although he has been in a bit of a slump lately. He only has one local win but has still garnered over $1 million in earnings under the Twin Spires while facing some of the best handicap horses in the world. M B SEA (2) has an excellent local record, but has not won in two years while facing top company.
3-7-5
Race 7 -
GAELIC STORM (6) has run two solid races since his return from a layoff of more than a year. He could be sitting on a big effort and has the tactical style to be well placed throughout. GASCONADE (10) was a winner in his first start on turf. He has a wonderful pedigree and looks to have a nice future on this surface. LEAGUE OF NATIONS (2) finished in front of the top pick last out in his first start since September. He could regress a bit today as he comes back on fairly short rest off that big performance.
6-10-2
Race 8 -
INDIAN CHANT (10) finished a close second against strong company over this track in a pair of very quickly run allowance races. He’s had a brief freshening for this spot and looks hard to deny from his outside post. HE LOVES ME NOT (3) broke poorly but finished third in a very tough allowance race last time out. He will be closing from farther back today and appears to have landed in a race with plenty of speed to set it up for him. MARKUM (9) has yet to finish worse than fourth in his last 10 races and has improved in his last three outings. FOREST PHANTOM (8) was claimed out of a big win last out and prior to that was a close runner-up to next out allowance winner Minister's Bid.
10-3-9
Race 9 -
QUIET ROYAL (6) gets a slight edge over favored Quite a Bride today as she appears to prefer the nine furlong distance and gets an eight pound break in the weights. She should be in a good stalking spot as the favorite is likely to be pressured by Countess Scala. QUITE A BRIDE (5) has been in excellent form while facing some top turf mares over the last year. Her success makes her a logical choice today. MAURALAKANA (2) was a popular allowance winner here before she ran a dull fourth against a strong field in Belmont’s Grade II Just A Game. She finished just in front of the top pick in last year’s Grade I Queen Elizabeth Challenge Cup at Keeneland.
6-5-2
Race 10 -
COMMUNICATED (4) debuts for the Pletcher stable off a series of good morning drills here. He is by Distorted Humor, whose offspring usually come out running in their debuts. NOBLE TRUTH (3) makes his debut today off a "bullet" work from the gate at Keeneland. He is bred to be quick and looks well prepared for his debut. TIS A MAN (7) earned a dead-heat win in the 2006 Ellis Park Juvenile only to be disqualified after drifting out. He has been away since that effort, but has worked well for his return and has already shown the ability to compete. LANZERA (2) should improve off a debut in which he showed some brief early foot before tiring.
4-3-7
__________________
BELMONT
By Dave Litfin
BEST BET: Cute Cognac (9th race)
First Race
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Smokin Sarah 2. Greg's Lassy 3. Rizzi's Twist
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SMOKIN SARAH comes out of a clear second in the N.Y. Stallion behind the experienced stakes sprinter Laurentide Ice, in which she rallied to overtake CITY IN THE CLOUDS in the final furlong; that was her first try from off the pace, and she's done in class and distance. GREG'S LASSY ran a big race second time out last March, which could be a good sign as she makes second start back from a short layoff; altered course to the inside and decisioned RIZZI'S TWIST in return. The latter stumbled badly at the start of that race, but made up a lot of ground in the late stages; figures are moving upward despite continuing trouble at the break.
Second Race
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Impressionism 2. Star Dixie 3. Wild Hoots
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IMPRESSIONISM has been vastly improved in two races on Polytrack and turf since coming back as a 3-year-old; wide rally fell just short of catching 8-5 winner last out, should benefit from having a race over the course. STAR DIXIE lacked room local bow as the choice, then rallied gamely three wide when second best behind odds-on Clifton Bay; may be set for a forward move after pairing up Beyers this course & distance. WILD HOOTS returned for first start of the year and slightly exceeded top juvenile figure running evenly to finish fourth; must sacrifice ground on the dog-leg into the backstretch after breaking from outside.
Third Race
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Twisted Sis 2. Universe 3. Anascaul
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TWISTED SIS is out of Twist Afleet, a multiple graded sprint stakes winner in New York (for these connections), including the Grade 1 Test; appears seriously meant after steady schedule of five-furlong workouts. UNIVERSE was taken up to avoid a spill nearing the stretch, rallied outside for third behind 2-5 shot Partida, who returned to win an allowance race decisively; seven weeks off, first-time Lasix. ANASCAUL have run their best figures on turf thus far, while IMAGISTIC has been best on Polytrack.
Fourth Race
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Ferdi's Prince 2. Fiddlers Warrior 3. Blaise's Brother
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FERDI'S PRINCE was bet to 6-5 for return from layoff, but couldn't catch front-running winner on a speed-favoring track; blinkers on for second try at a mile. FIDDLERS WARRIOR has been second best in both starts at this level, including a decision over the choice; was on short rest when in vs. open maidens most recently. BLAISE'S BROTHER raced greenly in debut behind 7-5 newcomer Fernando Runs It; need only run that race back to factor strongly off the drop to maiden claiming company.
Fifth Race
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Quietly Mine 2. Pay Wright 3. Out of Gwedda
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUIETLY MINE has displayed a solid late kick winning both local turf sprints on the Widener course, and now moves to the inner after a big-figure effort to begin form cycle; must avoid a bounce moving into a tougher spot. PAY WRIGHT impressed as a juvenile by wiring three straight turf routes at different tracks, then showed a totally new dimension rallying from far back in the 6 1/2-furlong La Habra in first and only start this year; tough to gauge returning from another four months on the sidelines, but clearly a talented and versatile filly. OUT OF GWEDDA wheels back on short rest following a fast score in an off-the-turfer at seven furlongs with blinkers on, which came five days after a good-looking workout on this course; '06 Tremont winner may take to turf.
Sixth Race
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Spurred 2. Thunderestimate 3. Admiral Bird
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SPURRED has been moving ahead significantly with each start, capped by an emphatic triumph over first-level allowance foes at 1 1/4 miles; couldn't catch THUNDERESTIMATE in their first meeting, but looks to be a tougher customer now. Thunderestimate has had six weeks off since winning back-to-back starts with stalking trips early at the meet; may get the garden spot tracking JOAQUIN MEMPHIS and QUICK COMEBACK in the early going. ADMIRAL BIRD edged Thunderestimate when bet to 3-2 for debut last summer, and followed with two races of similar quality vs. open company; drops to a New York-bred allowance after facing open stakes runners first start at 3.
Seventh Race
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Distorted Reality 2. Perusal 3. Ambassador
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISTORTED REALITY finished strongly in the Hill Prince, but settled for runner-up spot only because multiple stakes winner Marcavelly unleeashed an awesome late burst; blinkers off, handy enough to be placed anywhere depending on how early pace unfolds. PERUSAL settled off the early leaders, came with sustained run through the last quarter to edge away late for maiden win; has never taken backward step on figures, aggressively spotted. AMBASSADOR outfinished PAYS TO DREAM, but neither was a match for Blazing Dynamo at 1 1/4 miles last out; either of these two may make presence felt in the final stages, as they turn back to a shorter route.
Eighth Race
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Ginger Punch 2. Sugar Swirl 3. Sweet Fervor
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bobby Frankel appears to have them coming and going in the First Flight with the entry of GINGER PUNCH and SUGAR SWIRL, who will likely be odds-on. Ginger Punch finished gamely to fully extend multiple Grade 1 winner Take D'Tour in the Ogden Phipps, and has been very effective at seven furlongs in the past. Sugar Swirl, meanwhile, steps up in class off a very game win in a restricted, and seems in control of the early fractions. SWEET FERVOR has won three of four starts this year, the lone defeat a throw-out in the Humana Distaff on a drying out track where she failed to fire at all; can post a mild upset if she runs back to her Shirley Jones victory.
Ninth Race
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Cute Cognac 2. New York Dixie 3. La Gioia Ditutti
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CUTE COGNAC had trouble in the stretch and was rapidly getting to a Todd Pletcher-trained winner first time out, then made two moves and held stubbornly through a long drive with another Pletcher emissary five weeks later; owns a clear advantage on these, but must overcome the outside post. NEW YORK DIXIE lacked rally as the 11-10 choice on the main track in first local start; showed some closing ability on turf at the Fair Grounds at the turn of the year, Gomez stays aboard. LA GIOIA DITUTTI and A MILLION DEMONS each made up a lot of ground to be beaten less than a length at big prices on this course last out; both figure to save valuable ground early.
__________________
TRACKMASTER RACE OF THE DAY
Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts at Lone Star
Lone Star - Race #10 - Post: 5:47pm
Rating: 4
Choice Plays:
#6 NICKLES AND DIMES (ML=7/2)
#9 DANDY TOO (ML=3/1)
NICKLES AND DIMES - Atop this animal on May 10th and Berry is right back in the irons in today's contest. This horse wins a lot of cash per start. I believe he can increase that total in this race. Just check out his most recent figure, 76. That one looks good in this bunch. DANDY TOO - Trainer, Asmussen, has been deliberate with this colt off the layoff. Look for a solid effort today. You may want to disregard that last race at Lone Star on a track listed as good where he finished outside the top 3. Should do well in today's race without the crummy track conditions.
Vulnerable Contenders: #2 EUROEARS (ML=5/2), #5 SWEEPING PROMISES (ML=9/2)
EUROEARS - Just don't think he is worth it at the probable odds. SWEEPING PROMISES - Any horse coming out of a route event should show some speed to vie with the sprinters. This colt hasn't had any recent good fortune in short distance contests. No picnic to play him in this contest. Tough to expect this colt to be in shape after the extended layoff.
GUEST COMMENTARY: Winston - NICKLES AND DIMES - This colt takes a big tumble in the class figure department from a rating of 82 down to 73. Strong contender.
STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Put your money on #6 NICKLES AND DIMES on the nose if you can get odds of 3/2 or more
EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [6,9]
TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None
SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None
__________________