Friday 1/8/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Aqueduct

RACE #3 - AQUEDUCT - 1:20 PM EASTERN POST

8.3 FURLONGS WINTERIZED INNER DIRT TRACK FILLIES AND MARES FOUR YEARS OLD AND UPWARD OPTIONAL CLAIMING $59,000.00 PURSE

#2 JC'S SHOOTING STAR
#3 BELLA JOY
#6 IN SPITE OF MAMA
#5 LUTHERAN MISS

#2 JC'S SHOOTING STAR takes a class drop (-14) this afternoon, shares the speed honors racing at, or about, 8.3 furlongs on the dirt with #3 BELLA JOY, and has hit the board in "POWER RUN FASHION" in four of her last five outings, including back-to-back "POWER RUN WINS" in his 3rd and 4th races back. #3 BELLA JOY is the pace profile leader, and has posted a pair of "POWER RUN WINS" in her last three starts.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Woodbine Harness: Friday 1/8 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale

DRF HARNESS

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

20-CENT PICK 5: 1,3,4,8/3,10/6,9/2,5,6/5,7,8 = $28.80

EARLY PICK 4: 2,5,6/5,7,8/4,5,7/5 = $27

LATE PICK 4: 5/2,5,7/2,5,6/6,7 = $18

MEET STATS: 180 - 543 / $978.30 BEST BETS: 28 - 49 / $98.20

SPOT PLAYS: 15 - 49 / $167.60

Best Bet: BAGS FOR ALL (7th)

Spot Play: RUBIS PRESCOTT (4th)

Race 1

(8) EVERY INTENTION has won 4 of his last 6 out of town and was a decent third in a solid field five days ago; slight nod in the opener. (3) THREE TRUTHS switches to Moreau's barn and showed enough speed last summer to contend here right away. (4) SILVERHILL BLAZE ships in from the Maritimes with solid enough form to make him a contender here.

Race 2

(10) FIVE BELOW made an eye-catching move on the turn last week and can take this at a price with a reasonable trip. (3) DEMAND AN ANSWER drops in class, gets Filion back and some post relief. He is the one to beat. (6) WALK THE PLANK has been solid in many of his past several starts and can get a big piece of this, but notice he is only still a one-time winner lifetime.

Race 3

(6) SHADES OF BAY tripped out to win the Valedictory final but if he reproduces anything close to the speed he showed in that mile he will be very tough to beat here. (9) DIGGIN IN continues to race well every week and is the main foe from close range. (4) SWAPPORTUNITY closed quickly when 2nd to the choice in his Woodbine debut and should share here.

Race 4

(5) RUBIS PRESCOTT left hard and got hung out last time. She is a pocket rocket specialist that can score an upset here if she can land in her favorite spot early. (6) MURRAYFIELD has always had a bit of talent now goes for top connections here; beware. (2) DONTTELLRUSS was a solid winner on a cold night a class lower and the step up doesn't appear to be that great; using.

Race 5

(7) CRACKER ZACK scored a big upset at a similar level on November 27th and has had a couple of rough trips since. He looks as good as any in this wide-open race and might bring a square price. (8) POWER MOVE may have found a field he can beat here and Drury is likely sending him early. (5) MASSIVE MUSCLES has been facing better and should be competitive here.

Race 6

(5) THOUGHTYOUDLIKEIT was noticeably flying late in his mile two back then got roughed up last week. He can rebound here with a better trip expected. (4) SHIPPEN OUT rarely wins but stacks up well here and should be close. (7) PISTOPACKINPIPER was driven perfectly to win last week in good time and is another in with a decent shot here.

Race 7

(5) BAGS FOR ALL raced evenly vs. better Monday night and is right back in here vs. much easier. She should be able to handle these. (2) MEGO MOSS has been faltering late in his miles but could land in the pocket here which would make him a threat. (9) UPFRONTLUCKYCAROL was a decent third when coming off a two-month break now makes her second start for Baillargeon and can grab a share.

Race 8

(2) TRUE REFLECTION takes a major class drop here which could do the trick for this win-shy mare. (5) WHISTYS PARADISE has been on a good roll and makes a logical move out of claimers here. She should be right there. (7) CALL IT COURAGE went a long, brave trip last week which could be a sign of better things to come; using.

Race 9

(5) BADLYINCLINED raced evenly vs. better last time and fits here; call at what should be a decent price. (6) J HIGH had a rough trip last week and should go better here. (2) ELIZABETH BLUECHIP wasn't disgraced in her first Woodbine start and could get a much more aggressive steer here.

Race 10

(6) DILLY DALI seems to lay over this group but also figures to be a very short price. (7) SHOW SOME LEG looks like the main foe to the choice and could upset with the right trip. The rest are likely fighting for scraps here and (9) AINSLEYNOELLE, (1) LITTLE MISS SPORTY and (5) VRAKA HANOVER appear to be the most likely to fill the minor slots.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Meadowlands: Friday 1/8 Analysis
By Derick Giwner

DRF HARNESS

Race 3 - $30,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool

Race 5 - $25,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

Race 9 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

MEET STATS: 58 - 187 / $310.50 BEST BETS: 7 - 14 / $21.50

Best Bet: LET HER ROCK (10th)

Spot Play: CLEAR VIEW HANOVER (6th)


Race 1

(4) CUP TOWN GIRL never got involved in the action from an outside post versus a better foe last time. Mare moves in a few slots on the gate and seems as good as any in here. (1) NATURAL KEMP has been great at hitting the board and seems to be in a prime spot to knock the door down. (3) PLAYBOY RUSTY gets a driver change to the red-hot John Campbell.

Race 2

(6) CURFEW made a costly mistake as the odds-on favorite last time and seems very capable of making amends at a price. (2) MAGENTA MAN was driven like he couldn't lose last time and paid the price for those tactics; huge threat. (4) CELEBRITY MASSIVE blew up the board on 12/26 and seems capable given the right trip. (1) DOMINO VOLO is going to get over the top one of these days but a minor award may be his ceiling tonight.

Race 3

This is a wide-open race to kick off the pick five. (7) DAY TO PONDER didn't exactly have a great trip in her last appearance here and seems worth a shot at a price. (1) OFFICIAL BELLE makes her third start back from a break in action and did improve last time. (9) ODDS ON AVENTURE has some early speed in her arsenal and adds Tetrick. (5) PRECIOUS ROSE N was Brett Miller's choice over #1.

Race 4

I admit it is probably unlikely that driver Lucas Wallin will win two races on the card, but (5) LIMA PRIDE was very sharp before taking on much tougher in his last start. This looks like a winning spot. (3) LADY CLARABELLA wasn't going very far in her debut on Lasix from post 10; another shot. (4) COIN COLLECTOR raced well in her latest but changes barns; mixed feelings.

Race 5

This is a really competitive race on paper. (5) DANISH DURANGO comes off a nice win versus lesser and should offer good value while in form. (1) KEYSTONE THOMAS has high early speed and is clearly very dangerous from the pylons for the high percentage Spagnola barn. (3) UPFRONT BILLY drops out of the Open and back to the level of his last win. (4) FINISH LINE gets tested after a wire to wire score versus much easier. (8) PARIS PRINCESS N won her qualifier but remains a mystery in her U.S. debut.

Race 6

(3) CLEAR VIEW HANOVER seems to be finding her form after a long time on the sidelines and the switch to Marcus Miller should only help. (7) CAPELA gets Yannick back in the bike and seems to be in a better spot. (9) GWENEEEE J has ability and should be tighter with a race under her belt.

Race 7

This is another very interesting race with many options. (3) B YOYO is clearly sharp now and should offer fair value. (8) MARCH AWARENESS was racing better from off the pace and may switch tactics from another outside post. (9) DETROIT RAPPER was out of his element having to stick close from post one. Look for him to be charging late in the mile. (2) LAUDERDALE qualified back nicely after a subpar 2015. He didn't exactly come out of the gate strong last year but maybe the autumn vacation helped more this time around.

Race 8

(8) DREAMS OF THUNDER is one of two obviously sharp horses in this bulky 14-horse field. I'm leaning his way because he shows races in his past lines with early speed. (5) FOX VALLEY LEGEND has been sharp but may have to negotiate traffic with his off the pace style. (11) P L HOUDINI clearly has some GO in his tank, but a horse that likes to break in the second tier of a large field seems too risky for me. (2) TAKE HEART was a solid second the last time Super Brett drove.

Race 9

(8) OPULENT YANKEE has a few starts under his belt now after a long vacation. This looks like his week. (1) LINDY'S TRU GRIT rallied nicely from a tough spot in his first start in more than two months. The uncoupled Julie Miller-trained duo have a big shot. (9)SOMEBODY AS was racing well when last seen and has plenty of early zip. (6) UVA HANOVER is capable with the right trip.

Race 10

(3) LET HER ROCK has been a different horse since the addition of Lasix and closed well from 11th to 2nd last time. (9) SIR JILLIAN Z TAM should be right at home versus this group, but there is a big question as to how aggressive driver Pat Lachance will be from the outside post. (7) CLORIS HANOVER gets some much needed class relief but hasn't raced since December 4.

Race 11

There are quite a few in this race coming off qualifiers and the most impressive of the lot for me was (9) TWO HIP DIP. There are some questions as to whether he'll be used from post nine to get involved in his first start since June, but the price should be juicy enough to take a shot. (6) NORTHERN GRACE technically stays at the same level but faces a field with plenty of questions to answer. (1) CREDIT CREATION was even in his qualifier. If he is ready to fire in his first start in six months, watch out. (2) CALIPARI has early speed and some form.

Race 12

(7) RIVER RUNS THRU IT drops back down to the level of her victory two starts back. She'll be hustled away from the gate and give it her all. (2) PANCAKES has an inside post edge and the speed to take advantage of it. (5) SIR LEHIGH Z TAM is quite capable of winning in this company.

Race 13

(7) HOUSE OF CASH won for a $20K tag two starts back and now drops in for $15K. Gelding reunites with Gingras, who steered him to his last two victories. (5) STONEBRIDGE IDOL has dangerous early speed and a better post to work from this week. (10) TAG UP AND GO isn't as sharp as he was at points last year but still deserves respect at this level.

Race 14

(5) WINDSONG GALLIANO made a break as the chalk in his first start for this barn. Let's not give up on this guy too quickly; another shot. (2) NOBLE ANTHONY has a string of good lines behind his recent break. (7) MONTALBANO BI has been racing fairly well. (6) WINDSONG ILLUSION improved most recently.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yonkers: Friday 1/8 Analysis
By Brewster Smith

DRF HARNESS

FINAL 2015 STATS: 246 - 1167 / $1,690.80 BEST BETS: 29 - 97 / $127.80

Best Bet: AMASA AL (1st)

Spot Play: COCOA BEACH (7th)


Race 1

(6) AMASA AL showed sharp speed from the fence before tiring in the final strides last time out. 10-year-old gelding moves outside, so he might have to come off the pace; big factor. (1) LISCLOON was quite dull in his last two, but he fits well against this weak group from the rail; player. (3) BETTOR DESIGN put in a mild rally for fourth last out; could have a say in the outcome.

Race 2

(6) JC KINGDOM flashed good speed in his latest. If he gets the favorable trip, the rest will have to settle for second money. (4) AUTOMATIC SLIMS Sharp in both of his tries at The Hilltop and is very capable of moving forward. (5) ROCKY REGAL makes his return to Yonkers where he was a game third on November 24th; watch out.

Race 3

(1) OR was second best for the 2nd straight time last out; moves to the rail slot and this 10-year-old pro knows how to get back to the winner's circle; can put his best foot forward. (2) SODYS MOONSHINE fast gelding has been in the exacta in his last four starts; big threat. (4) TOUCH THE ROCK closed strongly to nail down the placing in his most recent outing; not out of this.

Race 4

(4) MR BIG LOAD made a middle move to take the lead in deep stretch, but tired in the final stretch run in his Philly finale. This seems to be a better spot for this gelding to be the boss over these. (3) VODKA IS TERROR Saratoga invader gets post relief and that should help his cause; maybe. WAYNE THE LEFTY Consistent gelding should make some serious noise despite the move to the 8-hole.

Race 5

(4) BLADE SEELSTER is back at Yonkers where he was a sharp third two trips ago. Figures to get a favorable trip against these and if that's the case, gelding can take top honors. (7) COME ON RIDGE rallied strongly to nail down the victory last time around. Repeat effort is clearly not out of the question. (1) BIG BAD BOSSMAN gets post relief and Brennan signs on to drive; watch out.

Race 6

(4) I SCOOT SAM might have not appreciated the mile oval at The Meadowlands last time out. On December 9 at Philly, this gelding took the pocket route home to victory. Good to see Brennan with the call; threat at his best. (2) SUPERBOWL PARTY Scored two in a row at Philly, so this one surely could be a major factor in here. (7) INNOCENT VICTIM could land a share with the slight drop in class.

Race 7

(6) COCOA BEACH Very sharp in his latest at this level, so this might be an indication she will move forward. (2) BAZOOKA TERROR is on a roll for the Burke scoring his third straight victory; dangerous. (1) ITS A MIRACLE moves to the fence and that should be what she needs to contend with these; watch out.

Race 8

(3) EMBASSY SEELSTER Dover invader is back at Yonkers. Two starts back, this gal ran down her rivals for win honors. If she gets a favorable trip, mare can take this. (6) CAVIART SHELLY has put in two nice efforts at Philly, fits with this group and could make some noise in deep stretch. (2) ALL ABOUT KISSES Mare has a better post to work with; not out of this.

Race 9

(1) MC DYNAMITE showed signs of life in his most recent outing. Gelding retains the fence and has tactical speed. Can pounce and score over these. (3) ROCK ICON took the pocket route home for glory last time out. He is fine form, so two straight is quite possible. (5) MOJO TERROR has hit the board in his last three trips to the post, figures to be right in the mix.

Race 10

(2) JDS CALEB MAN was sent down the road last time out for all the glory. Consistent 10-year-old is sharp and a repeat effort is not out of the question. (6) INVICTUS HANOVER scored two victories in a row and will be closing late again. (1) ARTIST NIGHT gets post relief, should show speed from the rail so beware.

Race 11

(5) EYRE HOSTESS N Very game mare got the job done at odds-on upstate last time around. 7-year-old miss makes her return to Yonkers where she was a sharp second two starts back; all systems go. (7) NARCIAN JEWEL moves down the ladder and that might help her cause. Post hurts, but she is capable. (4) CRACKER COFFEE put in a nice run to grab the place spot last out. Capable of moving forward against these.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Friday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE


Aqueduct (4th) Stone Age Honey, 8-1
(6th) Image, 10-1

Charles Town (1st) Blue Grass Boom, 7-2
(7th) Diamond Warrior, 3-1


Delta Downs (7th) Miss Lilly, 9-2
(9th) Royal Biscuit, 6-1


Fair Grounds (3rd) Holiday Song, 8-1
(4th) See Through, 6-1


Golden Gate Fields (1st) Friday Harbor, 7-2
(6th) Tiki Torch, 4-1


Gulfstream Park (8th) Fond of Sarah, 6-1
(10th) Norman's Hero, 9-2


Laurel Park (6th) Dan's Girl, 7-2
(7th) One Proud Gal, 7-2


Penn National (1st) Harlans Six, 3-1
(7th) Gimmeaclue, 3-1

Santa Anita (5th) Kelbaker, 4-1
(6th) Privileged One, 4-1


Sunland Park (8th) I Stand Alone, 6-1
(9th) Celestial Image, 7-2


Tampa Bay Downs (9th) You're My Blue Sky, 4-1
(10th) Sashenka, 7-2

Turfway Park (5th) Sounds Divine, 4-1
(6th) Spice of Life, 5-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Friday's six-pack

-- SMU 59, Cincinnati 57-- Mustangs stay unbeaten, outscoring Cincy 11-2 over last 3:30.

-- Why are Lakers on national TV last night and tonight? They're awful.

-- Ole Miss 74, Alabama 66-- Rebels opened up their brand-new arena.

-- SF Giants signed OF Denard Span for three years, $31M.

-- UCLA 87, Arizona 84-- Bruins blew 13-point lead in last 5:00, won it late.

-- Luke Walton was named after Maurice Lucas, Bill Walton's teammate with the great Trailblazer teams in Portland.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Dave Cokin

Bonus Play Friday

WARRIORS @ BLAZERS 10:05 PM

Take: WARRIORS -9.5

I guess I’m a pretty firm believer in the old axiom about if something isn’t broken, don’t try to fix it. And so it goes with the Golden State Warriors.

There’s no reason to break down anything here as far as the matchup goes. Portland’s only chance is if Golden State has a bad night. Like anything else, that’s a possibility. But based on the situation, it’s not a probability.

The Warriors have been utterly ridiculous for the last two seasons when they’re playing with what can be called extra rest. Their numbers last season on two or more days rest were insane. Golden State is pretty much at it again this year. When that fresh, the Warriors are 9-0 outright and in spite of there never being a bargain price on a team this popular with the bettors, they’re also 6-2-1 vs. the spread in this scenario. That’s pretty much in line with what they did in this scheduling situation for all of last season.

There’s no question in my mind that the Blazers will be fired up for tonight’s game, and their fans will no doubt be at fever pitch. But the talent disparity here is obviously substantial, and with the Warriors in their fresh legs scheduling setup, there’s only one thing for me to do. I’ve visited this well several times over the past couple of campaigns and I’ll do so again tonight. Warriors minus the points.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Jim Feist

Jim Feist's Bonus Play for Friday, Jan. 8, 2016 9:35 PM EST

(865) MIAMI HEAT VS (866) PHOENIX SUNS

Take: (866) PHOENIX SUNS

Reason: Your Bonus Play for Friday, January 8, 2016 is in the NBA scheduled contest between the Miami Heat and the Suns in Phoenix. A tough spot for the road favorite, with Miami 3,000 miles from home. The Heat are 3-7-1 ATS in their last 11 games playing on one days rest. Miami had a home game last time out and lost 98-90 to the Knicks, part of a 3-3 run. Phoenix is home again and the Suns coaches and players can't hide their relief at ending 9-game losing streak the last game, 99-93. Coach Jeff Hornacek finally got his 100th win for the Phoenix Suns. Charlotte was packing the paint and allowing the threes and the Suns just kept taking them. Look for another strong effort from the home dog with the pressure of the losing skid off. Play Phoenix.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Arthur Ralph Sports

Bonus Play: FRI Miami -4 NBA

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Doc's Sports

Valparaiso vs Oakland

Bonus Play from Doc’s Sports. #871 Take Valparaiso over Oakland (Friday 7 pm ESPN U)

This game has great significance with regards to who will win the Horizon League this season. Both teams challenged themselves in the nonconference portion of the season but Valparaiso has the experience needed to play well on the road. The Crusaders were predicted to win the Horizon League and they take a major step forward in accomplishing that on Friday.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Scott Spreitzer

Thunder vs Lakers

Bonus Play Thunder

I'm recommending a play on OKC minus the points on Friday night. Tough spot for the Lakers. Los Angeles returns home after nearly coming all the way back from a huge deficit at Sacramento last night, trailing by 27 points at one point of the third quarter. D'Angelo Russell nailed 11 of 16 shots, scoring 27 points. But Russell suffered an ankle injury and is listed as questionable. Even if he plays, it's reported he'll be less than 100% and with five players seeing 30 minutes or more last night, this shallow roster could be in trouble against OKC...again. The Thunder average nearly 109 ppg and they're third in the league in FG percentage. LAL ranks 30th in FG percentage allowed and have been absolutely owned by OKC in the last four meetings. The Thunder beat the Lakers twice in December, winning by margins of 40 and 35 points. OKC will look to make it five straight covers over L.A., while the Lakers enter on a 7-17 ATS slide against teams with a winning record. I'm recommending a play on the Thunder minus the points. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Marc Lawrence

Magic vs Nets

Play - Brooklyn Nets

Edges - Nets: 17-7 ATS home off BB SUATS losses, the last at home by double-digits; and 5-2 ATS with same season loss revenge this year. Magic: 3-9 SU last twelve games in this series. With Orlando off a quintuple revenger with Indiana and an 11-time revenge up next with Washington, we recommend a 1* play on Brooklyn. Thank you and good luck as always.