Friday 10/23/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

CFL

Week 18 games

Montreal (5-10) vs Toronto (9-6) (@ Hamilton)-- Alouettes lost last four games, scoring 15 ppg last three; they're 2-5 on road- their last road win was over TiCats here eight weeks ago. Toronto is 3-1 in last four games, losing here to Calgary last week; they're 3-2 as favorites this year. Teams split last 12 meetings with home side losing nine of last 10- this is neutral site, albeit in Ontario (Jays are playing at same time in KC). Six of last nine Montreal games stayed under total; over is 5-3 in last eight Toronto tilts. Last five series games stayed under the total.

Hamilton (10-5) @ BCLions (5-10)-- TiCats (-9) crushed Lions 52-22 in Week 8; it was 31-10 at half; home side won last five series games- Hamilton lost last three visits here, by 3-3-7 points. Four of last five series games went over total. BC lost five of last six games; they lost three of last four home games but are 5-2 vs spread as an underdog. TiCats are 9-3 since a 1-2 start; they won/covered last four road games, with all four wins by 8+ points. Six of last seven Hamilton games stayed under total; last five BC games went over.

Ottawa (9-6) @ Winnipeg (5-11)-- RedBlacks (-4.5) edged Winnipeg 27-24 at home LW, after leading 16-0 at half; home side won all three series games. Ottawa (+4) lost 36-28 here LY. RedBlacks ae 5-2 in last seven games; they're 3-3 SU on road (4-2 vs spread)- this is their first road game since Sept 19, due to Blue Jays making baseball playoffs. Blue Bombers lost four of last five games but covered five of last six; they lost last two home games by total of three points. Over is 3-1-1 in Winnipeg's last five games, 8-3 in Ottawa's last eleven games.

Edmonton (12-4) @ Saskatchewan (2-13)-- Eskimos (-10) hammered Riders 30-5 in Week 6, fifth win for Edmonton in last six series games. Eskimos split last six visits here; they're 5-3 SU on road, 1-2 as road favorite- only one of their five road wins was by more than 7 points. Season is a disaster for the Roughriders, but they did win two of last three home games; they're 2-6 SU at home, but 2-0 as home underdog. Saskatchewan allowed 76 points in losing last two games; they're 2-5 vs spread in last seven games. Over is 3-1 in last four games for both teams.


Montreal Alouettes
Toronto Argonauts 8, 52

Hamilton TigerCats 1, 50.5
British Columbia Lions

Ottawa RedBlacks
Winnipeg Blue Bombers even, 50.5

Edmonton Eskimos 9, 47
Saskatchewan Roughriders

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Balmoral Park

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


Race 4 - Post: 8:10 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 66 - Purse:$2500 - NW 2 RACES OR $4,000 LIFETIME TO BE CLAIMED FOR $7,000


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 8 RICKY TIDWELL 5/1


# 10 YESSIREEBOB 4/1


# 3 HTH LYNN ROY 8/1


RICKY TIDWELL is the clear stand out bet in the eyes of the knowledge group. Can't miss based on speed figs which have been terrific (68 avg) most recently. This harness racer has shown us ability in its prior races, just look at the 72 avg class rating. Should play well in this contest. YESSIREEBOB - The group noted a formidable contest out of this fine animal last time. Hoping for a repeat effort of that to dominate. Have to make Oosting the play here if only for the last thirty days win pct. Big probability for the victory. HTH LYNN ROY - This fine animal and Trigg have some sort of connection going. In the money percent for this duet is high.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Woodbine

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


Race 11 - Post: 10:45 - 1 mile. TROT - Class Rating: 90 - Purse:$24000 - NW $18,000 LAST 5 STARTS OR NW $28,000 LAST 10 STARTS. AE: OPT. CLM. $50,000. AE: NW $100,000 LIFETIME.


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 6 WINDSUN REVENGE 3/1


# 2 MUSCLE MATTERS 9/2


# 8 FLYHAWK EL DURADO 12/1


WINDSUN REVENGE figures to be our best wagering option in this outing. Has really strong speed ratings and definitely has to be considered for a play here. It's tricky to consider solely based on class, but this gelding has among the best class statistics of the field of starters. Certainly did like this gelding's last race. Ran a big 86 TrackMaster Speed Rating. Major player. MUSCLE MATTERS - Overall stats look very nice. Can't throw him out of the picture. FLYHAWK EL DURADO - McNair will be looking to score in this contest, has been en fuego these days. Win rate the past month is a sparkling 20. Well above average winning percent makes this contender an excellent selection to take home the dough.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Evangeline Downs

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


Race 9 - Maiden - 220y on the Dirt. Purse: $14000 Class Rating: 84

QUARTER HORSE 220Y, FOR ACCREDITED LA BRED MAIDENS, TWO YEARS OLD. WEIGHT, 122 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 9 KATMAN SWING 2/1


# 5 JEJ POWERFUL PLAN 4/1


# 10 MIRACULOUS MARIA 6/1


KATMAN SWING is my choice. He has been running well and the speed figs are among the best in this group. Looks quite good to be up on the front end at the first call. Could best this group based on the Equibase speed fig - 77 - of his last outing. JEJ POWERFUL PLAN - Demonstrates the look of a money-making play, averaging a solid 54 speed rating which is one of the strongest in this field. As of late Roberts has provided investors with a solid winning percentage with horses racing in short races. MIRACULOUS MARIA - Could best this group based on the speed figure - 52 - of her last effort.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Remington Park

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


Race 3 - Allowance - 6.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $44880 Class Rating: 85

FOR ACCREDITED OKLAHOMA-BRED THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON A RACE OTHER THAN MAIDEN OR CLAIMING OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 5 YES I'M A JEWEL 4/1


# 2 SLEW SLEW WHO 12/1


# 8 DELANCY 15/1


YES I'M A JEWEL has a formidable shot to take this race. With a sound 70 average speed figure at the distance, seems well suited for today's contest. SLEW SLEW WHO - Has run quite well when racing a dirt sprint race. Is difficult not to look at based on Speed Figures which have been strong - 72 avg - of late. DELANCY - Gladd has one of the most respectable winning percentages in this group with entries running at this distance and surface. Garnered a quite good speed figure last time out.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Keeneland - Race #9 - Post: 5:30pm - Allowance - 9.0 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $60,000 Class Rating: 97

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#5 YUZURU (ML=10/1)
#2 AL'S GAL (ML=5/2)
#6 HARASS (ML=6/1)


YUZURU - Last ran at Delaware Park and finished fourth. Reviewing her past performance data, I see she was close at the finish, within 5 of the winner. When Rocco and Colebrook join forces on horses the return on investment has been terrific at +285. Made up a ton of ground running 7 1/2 furlongs in the last race. Should do well on the stretch-out today. AL'S GAL - This trainer brings horses to the turf ready to win, winning over 20 pct of the time under similar conditions. This filly has the top turf figure in her last race. It doesn't take a college grad like The Brain to figure this here horse has a good chance. The jock and handler combination here have a high win percentage when they partner up. This filly notched a nice speed rating of 97 in her last affair. That speed rating should be high enough to win in today's event. HARASS - This rider and conditioner have a beneficial ROI when they join forces.

Vulnerable Contenders: #9 EMMAJESTIC (ML=6/5), #1 CANDY CRUSH (ML=6/5), #1A PERSONAL DIARY (ML=6/5),

EMMAJESTIC - Have to put a question mark next to the last speed rating since it was earned on a muddy track. CANDY CRUSH - I can't play this confirmed non-winner. Gets the job done infrequently. PERSONAL DIARY - Just can't play this mount. Didn't show me anything positive in the last race or on Aug 8th.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Play #5 YUZURU to win if you can get odds of 7/2 or more

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [2,5,6]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [2,5,6] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
[2,5,6] with [2,5,6] with [1,2,4,5,6] with [1,2,4,5,6] Total Cost: $36

** Some or all wagers above involve entries and assume all parts of entry start the race **

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Penn National - Race #4 - Post: 7:22pm - Claiming - 8.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $19,000 Class Rating: 100

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#1 HARLINGTON NIGHT (ML=5/1)
#2 NORTH OCEAN (ML=7/2)


HARLINGTON NIGHT - This gelding's last speed rating is lofty enough to triumph here, I'll bet on him right back this time out. This steed should go right out to the early lead and may never look back. Could gate-to-wire the field. NORTH OCEAN - This thoroughbred brings in a lot of cash per race around the track. I believe he will add to that total today.

Vulnerable Contenders: #8 MR. MASTERPIECE (ML=5/2), #3 SIMMSTOWN (ML=6/1), #5 PALTARREVENGE (ML=8/1),

MR. MASTERPIECE - Couldn't close ground at any point on October 11th. Hard to wager on this time around at the expected odds. The speed rating in the last race doesn't fit very well in this affair when I look at the class figure of today's affair. Mark this horse as a likely underpriced equine. SIMMSTOWN - The finish position of sixth in the last affair shows me that this animal may be losing physical conditioning. PALTARREVENGE - Notched a substandard speed rating last race out in a $16,000 Claiming race on September 22nd. Unlikely to see an improved performance off of that fig.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Bet on #1 HARLINGTON NIGHT to win if you can get at least 3/2 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [1,2]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
1 with 2 with [5,7,8] Total Cost: $3

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
1 with 2 with [5,6,7,8,9] with [5,6,7,8,9] Total Cost: $20

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Belmont Park

RACE #6 - BELMONT PARK - 3:40 PM EASTERN POST

6.0 FURLONGS INNER TURF FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD $25,000.00 CLAIMING $40,000.00 PURSE

#1 PRIVATELY SPEAKING
#2 STAR DYNASTY
#6 JENNYS CREEK
#10 PERFECT FIT

#1 PRIVATELY SPEAKING takes a class drop (-8) this afternoon, and is the speed leader in this claiming field sprinting at 6.0 furlongs on the dirt, and has hit the board in "POWER RUN FASHION" in three of her last five outings, including a "POWER RUN WIN" in her 3rd race back. #2 STAR DYNASTY, the morning line favorite, has posted a pair of "POWER RUN WINS" in her last three starts.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Balmoral: Friday 10/23 Analysis
By Jeremey Day

DRF HARNESS

Race 9 - $15,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

Best Bet (46 - 72 / $161.00): LOVERS HOLIDAY (11th)

Spot Play: LUCKY DALI (2nd)


Race 1

(7) TAMARAC SMOOCHIE lightly raced filly has more upside than most of the field and comes off two nice efforts. (1) SHOE SHOW showed some improvement last out and gets the best post. (8) LOLA GRAM comes off a game win at this level.

Race 2

(1) LUCKY DALI well bred filly had some sneaky late pace last week and appears to be ready for a good effort. (5) LK'S NANCY LEE no way the filly should be 0 for the year; threat. (10) SANDY WIN will offer a monster price and can threaten with a good setup; top driver's choice.

Race 3

(1) PRINCESS GIRL drew off by open lengths last week against better. (5) MAPLE GROVE KAREN was no match for the top choice last start but can hit the ticket underneath. (8) JESSE'S POTION has been knocking on the door but needs more; use underneath.

Race 4

(8) RICKY TIDWELL has been facing much tougher in Indiana and should offer value; big chance. (2) PARKLANE INDY looks to have a decent burst of speed getting sent out for proven connections. (10) YESSIREEBOB will look to make it three straight wins at this level.

Race 5

In a very tough race to gauge, (7) BIG EXPENSE is very fast and just needs a trouble-free trip for a piece. (8) MY MINI SNICKERS well bred filly takes a huge drop in class. (5) MASTER OF EXCUSES gelding went from career form to can't pick his up his feet; command a price.

Race 6

In another wide open race, (7) SISTER'S KEEPER drops in class and has been pacing faster than most of the field. (1) LIZZABELLE mare finds a suspect bunch to do some damage. (5) MAKENA CAT can pick up the pieces in the right scenario.

Race 7

(3) FOX VALLEY DIAMO two-year-old colt has lots of upside making his third career start; driver's choice. (6) PASTOR CLINT has a ton of ability but rarely stays trotting; use caution. (1) DR VENKMAN came up completely empty last week but does get sent out for hot connections.

Race 8

(6) FOX VALLEY CHARM does her best racing up close to the pace; fires early. (2) FOX VALLEY BROOKE super night champ will look to make it six of eight on the year. (5) LEX will offer low value and has had trouble sealing the deal as of late.

Race 9

(8) SEEYOUATTHEFINISH mare is sharp and will be firing with a purpose early. (6) JUST BY DESIGN is another one likely firing for position early; threat. (7) RYLEIGH'S LILLY something isn't quite right with the pacing mare; use caution.

Race 10

(9) MADOFF seven-year-old stallion takes a big drop in competition and just needs a good drive from a low percentage pilot for a piece. (4) FANTASTIC ROCK well bred pacer is more than capable against this bunch. (2) PISTOPACKINPIPER bumps up in class but does get sent out for capable connections.

Race 11

(8) LOVERS HOLIDAY mare set a career mark last week first up against a much better field. The pacer couldn't beat bottom level claimers for over two years barely able to get around the track, but has been sharp for a new trainer. If the pacer duplicates her last effort she wins for fun. (3) HOOSIERS FANTASY just missed at this level last out but needs more. (4) PEACELOVEPACE has won at this level before and is versatile.

Race 12

(3) EXCELERATED SPEED pacing mare takes a significant drop in class with a good post. (4) GET THE TERROR has yet to win or finish second on the year, however the connections are capable of huge form reversals at any time. Watch the tote board carefully on this one. (10) ALWAYS TALKING is another dropper in the race and can threaten with a good setup.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Woodbine Harness: Friday 10/23 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale

DRF HARNESS

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

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

EARLY PICK 4: 1,2,7/7,9/1,7,8/2,4,8 = $54

LATE PICK 4: 5,7,8/1,2,6/1,6,8,9/6 = $36

MEET STATS: 37 - 121 / 181.80 BEST BETS: 5 - 10 / $15.20

SPOT PLAYS: 3 - 11 / 30.30

Best Bet: PHYSICALLYINCLINED (6th)

Spot Play: MEA LILLEY MARK (5th)


Race 1

(1) TWIN B HONOUR raced okay off a month break last time, closing seven lengths in the back half. She should be more forwardly placed early here and should be a good price. (5) ANISTON SEELSTER has won two straight easily in this class and is the one to beat. (8) MACH MAGIC has also paced to two easy wins in a row but now faces tougher.

Race 2

(5) ELDORADO OF GOLD was too far back early last time perhaps in part to the off track. He can leave more alertly here and get back on track with a win. (6) SWAN ON ONE improved for Zeron last week and will be passing horses late again. (1) E L LOVE went out too fast early on the wet track and should bounce back with a good effort here.

Race 3

(3) ULTIMATE BEACHBOY makes his third start for Burke here after just missing the Breeders Crown final. He can take this group. (4) ELLIS PARK has been racing great for several starts now comes into this off a three-week break; mixed signals. (5) ATOMIC MILLION AM was beaten by a classy sophomore last time but closed well for 2nd. He should be passing most of these late for a share.

Race 4

(2) BAROCKEY has returned to action in razor-sharp condition and should be able to handle this slight class-rise; top call. (1) WITCH DALI gets class relief here and should rebound from two sub-par performances. (7) SHUTTHEFRONTDOOR can unleash a wicked kick from the back and has upset possibilities here.

Race 5

(9) MEA LILLEY MARK seems to have the early lead available for her taking here and if Saftic rolls here out of there she could go down the road here. (7) MISS ALI MACH N makes her third start off a break and could show more early speed here. (1) NINETTE B has win 13 of her last 38 starts and is facing many that are win-shy types. She needs a trip here but is in with a shot.

Race 6

(1) PHYSICALLYINCLINED beat a field of mostly elders last week fairly easily and looks good to double up here back with sophomores. (7) MAKE SOME LUCK was in the choice's pocket the entire way and hung on for third. He has been sharp for a long time and could get a similar trip here. (8) ARQUE HANOVER was a decent 4th in the Little Brown Jug final heat and just missed the Breeders Crown final. He could better this placing with a good trip.

Race 7

(4) TWIN B INSPIRING showed marked improvement last time out in his 2nd start for trainer Waxman. Don't be shocked if he knocks another couple of seconds off here. (8) JENNA CASIMIR has two solid starts over this track and should be right in the mix again here. (2) WHISTYS PARADISE goes for conditioner Puddy first off the claim here and is one to use on pick 4 tickets.

Race 8

(5) ANDOVERS TOUCH trotted a 27 1/5 third quarter to get close enough to make a late charge at the leader last week but his rally fell short. Expect a more aggressive drive from Filion here. (7) GRANA PADANNO is always dangerous in this class with his good gate speed. He's the one to catch. (8) MY KID SISTER nosed out the choice two back then lost by a nose herself in her next start. She fits this class like a glove and is a must-use in the late Pick 4.

Race 9

(1) BROOKDALE SHADOW continues to start and finish quickly in her miles and her style is conducive to getting good results on this track; she should get a good trip here. (6) ARTISTIC MADISON has been leading her miles and tiring late. She has used a closing style effectively in the past and may revert to that approach here. (2) MARLEE B motored past her rivals late last week after leaving from the 10-hole and is a threat to repeat.

Race 10

(6) YES YOU CAN was forced to pace a 27 flat third 1/4 to get in contention and ended up providing perfect cover for the winner. Those roles could be reversed here. (1) ARTIAWITCHTOYOU was the beneficiary of the choice's cover and drove away late. She's too sharp to leave out. (9) LOVELY ERIN was set back for interference after an eventful trip. She has a chance at the upset here if she can latch onto some cover.

Race 11

(6) WINDSUN REVENGE has hit his best stride now as he makes his 4th start off a break. He stands a good chance of repeating here despite the slight class rise. (2) MUSCLE MATTERS faced much better last week and understandably backed up late. He can rebound here at a price. (4) MR LOVER has developed a wicked late kick that makes him dangerous every time out.

Race 12

(5) PRESCOTTS HOPE returns from a break after having gait issues. If he has the problem righted, he can take this field coast-to-coast. (1) THORN IN YOUR SIDE has been racing very well and rarely gets bet. He has very high speed when he is on his game which he obviously is at this time. (7) THUNDER STEELER vaulted past winded leaders at the top of the stretch and won for fun last week. He could repeat but will likely be overbet off that tripped-out win.

Race 13

(3) LIGHTS GO OUT should be competitive here but you never know what kind of drive she'll get it seems. With the class drop it's reasonable to expect more aggression. (1) BEACH GAL also drops in class and should get a good trip on or near the front here. (2) ONYOURMARKNATAVA has had poor trips her past two and has a chance to hit this ticket at a big price. (5) TRUE REFLECTION improved last time and has raced well at this meet in the past. She should make the Super ticket. (6) B SANTANNAS LOVE rarely missed a check and is a good one to toss on the bottom of your tickets.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yonkers: Friday 10/23 Analysis
By Brewster Smith

DRF HARNESS

MEET STATS: 209 - 987 / $1,451.2 BEST BETS: 24 - 82 / $110.00

Best Bet: POSSESSED FASHION (9th)

Spot Play: ORILLIA JOE (7th)


Race 1

(2) NATURAL LEDA Gelding might have been used up in the early stages last time around; can get back into the grove with a favorable trip. (1) ELECTROFIRE makes his return to Yonkers where he was a fast closing third to miss by only 3/4 of a length; big threat. (5) BIG JER did beat lesser three starts back; could be a exotic factor.

Race 2

(4) VALLEY GLIDER seems to have been over his head of late; moves back down in class and catches a weak group of trotters; gets the call. (5) MONROE COUNTY also gets class relief in here; if you throw out her last clunker, she fits with these; dangerous. (1) BAILEYS WISH needs a favorable trip to contend; maybe the rail could help her cause.

Race 3

(3) EMPEROR MONTANA N showed good speed in his last start; let’s see if Buter will put this gelding right on the engine for a down the road victory; maybe. (1) ARI ALLSTAR has scored his last two in a row; returns to the fence and appears to be the main danger in here. (2) DEMOCRACY N was sent outside to nail down the victory last out; must be considered.

Race 4

(1) SPREESTER Pacing miss gets the best of the draw; has good early zip and good to see Bartlett with the assignment; threat at her best. (6) BAHAMA BLUE Quite sharp to grab the place spot and miss by only 3/4 of a length; watch out. (3) HANDSOFFMYCOOKIE With a favorable trip, this gal could contend with these with Brennan at the helm.

Race 5

(2) UF DRAGONS QUEEN Pocono shipper has been very good; makes her return to the Hilltop and will give these a shot to take this with a fine-timed drive from MacDonald. (1) VIRGIN MARY Very wide to get up to be the boss in her latest at Philly; figures to be right in the mix from the fence. (5) DELIGHTFUL DRAGON She is very capable of being a exotics factor so watch out.

Race 6

(3) ENVIOUS HANOVER put in a mild bid in her last try; pacing mare could mow these down if she gets the right trip; we shall see. (6) INITTOWINAFORTUNE has sharp speed and the good news is Brennan will take charge of this 5-year-old miss; consider. (1) JUSTHAVENTMETUYET retains the rail slot and needs to return to her September 25th start to contend; quite possible.

Race 7

(4) ORILLIA JOE moves down the ladder and that should be what he needs to get back into the winner's circle. (7) BEST SAID rallied strongly to just miss the score by only a neck; main danger. (2) SMOOTH CRIMINAL flashed good early zip in his last start; not out of this.

Race 8

(3) COACH CAL Sharp pacing gelding just got caught but hey he only lost by a nose; ready to atone. (1) MUSTANG MACH N Speedy gelding retains the rail slot and appears to be the one to catch. (2) IDEAL RACE raced evenly in his last trip to the post; must be considered in the exotics mix.

Race 9

(1) POSSESSED FASHION Pennsylvania invader has good speed; gets the rail slot and Sears has the assignment; ready to boss these trotters. (3) BERTOS ANGEL She was quite good against lesser two starts back; longshot factor. (2) ANGELS RANSOM Gelding has hit the board 9 of 16 tries this year; could have a say in the outcome.

Race 10

(2) HANG TEN moves up in class off two straight victories; Good to see Brennan stays aboard; could take this if he gets the right kind of trip. (1) SANTANNA ONE closed well to grab the placing last week and just missed the victory by a nose; big threat. (5) SIX GUN has wheeled off two scores in a row; beware again.

Race 11

(3) PASADENA STAR Gelding showed signs of life last out; good to see Dube keeps the faith; has every right to put his best foot forward. (8) SUMMER INDIAN Very fast trotter has fine speed; post hurts but is very capable. (4) MASSIVE TALENT Quite consistent trotter figures to be right square in the mix with Sears at the helm.

Race 12

Tough post for (8) ACT NOW but this pacing mare has the edge over these with an easy victory last time out; repeat effort is clearly not out of the question despite the rise in class. (3) CRACKER COFFEE has hit the board 14 out of 27 starts this year and gets serious post relief; big player. (2) CAROBBEAN PACETRY has been facing Open foes of late; should make some noise against this group; we shall see.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Friday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE

Belmont Park (6th) Mischievous Sophie, 8-1
(8th) Fire Away, 4-1


Charles Town (1st) French Magician, 3-1
(5th) March Wind, 7-2


Delta Downs (6th) Coast of La, 6-1
(10th) Sweet Silver, 5-1


Finger Lakes (5th) Sunshine Heat, 4-1
(8th) Boldlee, 7-2

Golden Gate Fields (3rd) Karaoke Cat, 3-1
(4th) Rahy's Shadow, 8-1


Gulfstream Park West (5th) Discipline, 9-2
(6th) Seeking the Storm, 4-1

Hawthorne (1st) Prairie Chick, 3-1
(6th) Charlie's Phantasy, 4-1


Indiana Grand (2nd) Kel's Dreamer, 4-1
(7th) Zippy Speed, 4-1


Keeneland (5th) Tasunke, 3-1
(8th) Awopaho, 7-2


Laurel Park (1st) Greek God, 6-1
(7th) Anissa, 5-1


Meadowlands (4th) Lakota Brave, 9-2
(5th) Precious Franca, 5-1


Penn National (5th) Twin Engine, 9-2
(8th) Miss Layla, 7-2


Remington Park (1st) Silver Diablo, 8-1
(9th) Denali Success, 9-2


Santa Anita (5th) Agustina de Aragon, 7-2
(8th) Kiss My Face, 3-1


Thistledown (5th) Cottonwood Canyon, 8-1
(8th) Moonshine Promise, 5-1


Woodbine (4th) Princess Royal, 4-1
(7th) Momentary Magic, 6-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Pressure on Jays' Price in ALCS Game 6
By Larry Millson, The Sports Xchange

TORONTO -- David Price will get another chance at that elusive first winning postseason start of his career.
Thanks to the brilliance of right-hander Marco Estrada in pitching the Blue Jays to a 7-1 win over the Royals in Game 5 of the American League Championship Series on Wednesday at Rogers Centre, Price will start Game 6 for Toronto on Friday in Kansas City.
Price has two career postseason wins, both in relief, including Game 4 of the AL Division Series this season, when he pitched three innings against the Texas Rangers.
The left-hander is 1-2 with a 7.02 ERA in three postseason outings this season, including two starts.
He started Game 2 of the ALCS against the Royals and was pitching superbly until the seventh inning, when a ball to shallow right that should have been caught by second baseman Ryan Goins dropped for hit and started a five-run rally. Price, who had not allowed a run in the first six innings, took the loss.
Price wound up charged with five runs on six hits in 6 2/3 innings. He is 2-7 with a 5.24 ERA in 13 career postseason games but is 0-7 with a 5.43 ERA in his postseason starts.
Price warmed up in the bullpen during Game 5 on Wednesday, but Estrada never was in enough trouble to come out until the eighth inning, when the Blue Jays led comfortably. Price was not used.
"That really worked out perfectly," manager John Gibbons said, "the fact that we didn't need David tonight so he could throw Friday."
The Blue Jays face another elimination game Friday, but they also needed to win three games in a row in the best-of-five ALDS after losing the first two games at home.
Toronto is playing well in elimination games so far.
"Obviously, you try to carry this over to Kansas City," said shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, who had a key three-run double Wednesday. "It's not going to be easy. They have home-field advantage. Our backs are going to be against the wall.
"But you look at it, you've got to win two games. In the grand scheme of things, it's possible, and that's how we're looking at it. Win the next game. Get to Game 7 and anything can happen.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Weather could be factor in ALCS Game 6
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

The Toronto Blue Jays will try to beat the Royals and the weather Friday night in Kansas City to force Game 7 in the American League Championship Series.

The Blue Jays stayed alive in the best-of-seven series with a 7-1 victory in Game 5 on Wednesday in Toronto. A chance of rain is in the forecast for Friday, though the storm could move out of the area before game time.

Both teams fell behind in the first round of the postseason and rallied to advance.

The Royals were on the brink of losing their best-of-five American League Division Series when they were down 6-2 to the Houston Astros in Game 4. However, Kansas City came back to win that game 9-6, then posted a 7-2 win in Game 5.

The Blue Jays trailed the Texas Rangers 2-0 in their ALDS before erasing the deficit and moving on. More recently, after losing the first two games to Kansas City, Toronto battled back to pull within 3-2 in the ALCS.

Getting pushed to the brink seems to bring out the best in the Blue Jays.

"You look at all the elimination games, our offense has really come to life," Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said. "We've said all along that's the key to our team, scoring runs. You hate to make a habit of it, but maybe we can pull it off again."

Facing elimination for the second time in the ALCS, the Blue Jays will send left-hander David Price to the mound in Game 6 to face Royals right-hander Yordano Ventura.

Price took the loss in Game 1 when he gave up five runs in the seventh inning after shutting out the Royals until then. He is now 0-7 as a starter during his career in the playoffs.

"I know what I'm capable of doing, and I think everybody in this room knows what I'm capable of doing," Price said. "I think I just kind of want to do it too bad. And it's long overdue for me to get a win as a starter in the playoffs, and I'll be ready to change that story (Friday)."

Ventura and the Royals will be looking to secure a World Series berth with a win in their home park. Ventura left the opening game of the ALCS after giving up three runs and eight hits in 5 1/3 innings.

"Very fortunate and happy that this game has landed on my turn here in Kansas City and with the opportunity for me to take this club to the World Series," Ventura said. "And I'll be ready for (Friday's) game."

Royals manager Ned Yost feels good about sending Ventura to the mound. The 24-year-old has started seven playoff games the past two seasons for Kansas City.

"He keeps us in the game," Yost said. "He's got a lot of confidence in his abilities, he's got a lot of confidence in his stuff, and you know the moment is not going to overwhelm him.

"He's gotten past all that. He's learned some great lessons this year about how to handle adversity and how to be a No. 1 guy. We saw it last year during the playoffs, just kind of found a way to take his game to just a little bit of a different level. We expect him to do that (Friday night)."

Gibbons thinks his team is in a good frame of mind after the Game 5 win.

"Well, it got us back here," he said. "That's huge for the morale. Well, really, we had to have it. We just felt great getting it.

"Our goal, of course, was to bring it back to Kansas City. We did that. And we're riding high right now. But we always ride high, if you want to know the truth. We don't always win, but we feel good."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Blue Jays (93-69) at Royals (95-67)

Game: 6
Venue: Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium
Date: October 23, 2015 8:07 PM EDT

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) The Kansas City Royals have established a reputation for dramatic postseason comebacks the past couple of years, beginning with last season's wild-card victory over Oakland.

Turns out, the Toronto Blue Jays have some never-say-quit spirit as well.

After going on a second-half run to make the playoffs, then rallying from a 2-0 deficit to defeat Texas in a best-of-five matchup, the Blue Jays will try to beat the Royals in another win-or-else situation in Game 6 of the AL Championship Series on Friday night.

Toronto forced the series back to Kansas City with a 7-1 rout on Wednesday, closing to 3-2.

'You look at all the elimination games, our offense has really come to life,' Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said Thursday. 'We've said all along that's the key to our team, scoring runs. You hate to make a habit of it, but maybe we can pull it off again.'

David Price will take the mound for the Blue Jays after his collapse in Game 2, when he tossed six shutout innings and then surrendered five runs in the seventh.

Yordano Ventura will oppose him for Kansas City. He was only marginally better, allowing three runs and eight hits in 5 1-3 innings before watching the comeback win from the dugout.

'I'm very fortunate and happy that this game has landed on my turn, here in Kansas City, and with the opportunity to take this club to the World Series,' Ventura said through catching coach Pedro Grifol, acting as a translator. 'I'll be ready for this game.'

The Blue Jays promise they will be, too.

Toronto lost the first two games against the Rangers at home, then won three straight with its season hanging in the balance. The first two were at Texas, and the last at Rogers Centre, but none of the victories was even close - all by at least three runs.

The Blue Jays lost the first two games in Kansas City, too. But in Game 3 in Toronto, the hosts overcame a 1-0 deficit and rolled to an 11-8 victory.

'We've been through a bunch of hurdles all year,' Blue Jays outfielder Chris Colabello said. 'We were 7 1/2 games (back) at the deadlines. ... We had to claw back from that. We were down two games back in the division series and we clawed back from that. I'll tell you what, we're going to leave everything we have out there.'

They may have to do just that. While the Blue Jays have won four straight elimination games, the Royals are 6-2 in their last eight postseason games at Kauffman Stadium.

Make no mistake, either: The ballpark matters in this series.

While the homer-happy Blue Jays were built with the small dimensions of Rogers Centre in mind, the speedy, defensive-minded Royals were built for their home park.

Not surprisingly, the Blue Jays failed to homer in the first two games of the ALCS in Kansas City, but hit four long balls in Toronto, including three in Game 3.

'Nothing but positivity. We've got a 3-2 lead and we're heading back to Kansas City,' Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer said. 'That's where we play our best baseball, so everyone is still feeling pretty good about the series.'

The big question in Game 6 is which starting pitchers will show up.

For the Blue Jays, will it be the Price who was dominant for six innings earlier this series, recording 18 straight outs at one point? Or the rattled former Cy Young Award winner who, when an easy popup fell for a single, proceeded to allow five runs in defeat, falling to 0-7 in seven career playoff starts?

'I know what I'm capable of doing and I think everybody in this room knows what I'm capable of doing,' he said. 'I just kind of want to do it too bad. And it's long overdue for me to get a win as a starter in the playoffs, and I'll be ready to change that story tomorrow.'

For the Royals, will it be the Ventura who tossed seven innings of three-hit ball in the must-win Game 6 of last year's World Series? Or the shaky 24-year-old who has a 6.57 ERA in the postseason, and who was far from perfect in his first try against Toronto?

'I'm just happy to be able to bring the series back home to Kansas City,' he said, 'and I'll be ready tomorrow to pitch and perform for my club.'

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

ALCS Game 6 betting preview: Blue Jays at Royals

Toronto Blue Jays at Kansas City Royals (+124, 7.5)

Royals lead series 3-2.

David Price’s struggles in the postseason during his career and this October in particular will all be forgotten with one dominant outing on Friday. Price will take the mound looking for his first career postseason win as a starter when the Toronto Blue Jays visit the Kansas City Royals in Game 6 of the American League Championship Series on Friday.

Price gets another chance because the Blue Jays offense showed up on Wednesday and battered Edinson Volquez and the Kansas City staff in the 7-1 triumph. The big hit came from Troy Tulowitzki, who is 4-for-8 with six RBIs in Toronto’s two wins in the series and 3-for-11 with one RBI in the three losses. The Royals are heading home for the final two games in the series and are showing no panic while sitting on a 3-2 lead. “That's why homefield was so important to us,” Kansas City manager Ned Yost told reporters after the Game 5 loss. “We really wanted to play four games in our park. And we're taking a 3-games-to-2-lead back to where we are comfortable and back to our home fans that support us and are fantastic.”

TV: 8:07 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1

LINE HISTORY: Books have moved to Kansas City +124 after opening around +120. The total opened at 7.5.

INJURY REPORT:

Blue Jays - P Aaron Loup (Probable, personal).

WEATHER: Temperatures in the high-60s with a 58 percent chance of thunderstorms. Wind will blow out to centerfield at around nine miles per hour.

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays LH David Price (1-2, 7.02 ERA) vs. Royals RH Yordano Ventura (0-1, 6.57)

Price has allowed 10 runs in 13 2/3 innings in his two starts this postseason, dropping him to 0-7 in his seven career turns as a playoff starter. It looked like the free agent to-be was on his way to a win in Game 2 with six scoreless innings before a misplay in short right field opened the floodgates to a five-run inning and an eventual 6-3 setback. Price has allowed a total of 13 earned runs in the postseason – matching the total from his final seven regular season outings.

Ventura is still looking for his first win of the 2015 postseason and allowed three runs and eight hits in 5 1/3 innings while going up against Price in Game 2. The 24-year-old does have 16 strikeouts in 12 1/3 innings over three appearances this postseason to go along with six walks. Ventura surrendered a total of one run and six hits over 14 innings in his final two regular season starts.

TRENDS:

* Road team is 4-0 in umpire Jeff Nelson's last four games behind home plate.
* Blue Jays are 1-4 in the last five meetings in Kansas City.
* Blue Jays are 5-1 in Price's last six road starts.
* Royals are 7-1 in their last eight games vs. a left-handed starter.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB

American League

Blue Jays vs Royals
Price is 1-2, 7.23 in his last three starts (over 3-1-1 last five) he is winless in seven playoff starts, but does have two playoff wins in relief. He retired 18 in a row in his last start before a rough 7th inning doomed him. .

Ventura is 0-1, 6.57 in his last three starts (under 4-2). .

Blue Jays lost four of last seven games with KC; home side won 11 of last 14 series games. Toronto is 5-5 in playoffs (over is 7-3-1 in their last 11 games).

Royals won 11 of their last 15 games (over 6-3 last nine); they get to World Series for second year in row with win here or in Game 7.

AL Wild Card game
Houston @ Bronx
Hst 3-0, even U7

NL Wild Card game
Chicago @ Pittsburgh
Chi 4-0, -$125, U5.5

NLDS
New York @ Los Angeles
NY 3-1, -$196, U5.5
LA 5-2, -$170, O6
NY 13-4, -$164, O7
LA 3-1, -$146, U6.5
NY 3-2, +$129, U6
Mets win series, 3-2

NLDS
Chicago @ St Louis
StL 4-0, -$107, U6
Chi 6-3, +$126, O6.5
Chi 8-6, -$202, O7
Chi 6-4, -$115, O8.5
Cubs win series, 3-1

ALDS
Texas @ Toronto
Tex 5-3, +$250, N8
Tex 6-4 (14), +$154, O7.5
Tor 5-1, +$126, U10
Tor 8-4, -$149, O10
Tor 6-3, -$170, O8
Blue Jays win series 3-2

ALDS
Houston @ Kansas City
Hst 5-2, +$122, U7.5
KC 5-4, -$178, O7.5
Hst 4-2, -$175, U7.5
KC 9-6, +$116, O7.5
KC 7-2, -$126, O7.5
Royals win series, 3-2

Blue Jays vs Royals
KC 5-0, +$107, U8
KC 6-3, +$136, O7
Tor 11-8, -$151, O8
KC 14-2, +$142, O9
Tor 7-1, -$136, U9

Cubs vs Mets
NY 4-2, -$125, N6
NY 4-1, +$131, U5.5
NY 5-2, -$107, U7.5
NY 8-3, even, O9
Mets win series 4-0

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

'Price is right'

Toronto beat Kansas City 7-1 north of the border Wednesday to extend the ALCS and get the series back to Kauffman Stadium with the Royals ahead 3-2. Here's what you need to know about Game 6. Royals have enjoyed success at home this year vs Jays winning 4-of-5 including GM-1 & 2 of the ALCS. Kansas City hands starting duties to Yordano Ventura. The Royals have won 7 of his last 9 home starts, 6 of his 7 career postseason starts and all three of his career starts vs Toronto including GM-2 when hooked up against David Price who's John Gibbons' choice for this matchup despite the hurler's 0-7 career post season record as a starter.

Blue Birds have been installed -$1.35 to -$1.40 road favorites. Blue Jays won't go down without a fight in this do-or-die game and are a good choice in what has been a betting sweet spot for the club. In the last twenty-six as chalk of -$1.30 to -$1.50 the club has won 17 vs 9 losses plating 5.2 runs/game including 6-3 in a hostile venue crossing 5.3 runs/game. Additionally, Royals have a habit of faltering when home underdogs of +$1.15 to +$1.35 going 1-3 plating just 3.0 runs/game.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Friday's six-pack

-- Las Vegas native Bryce Harper was a judge for UNLV's dunk contest at their outdoor practice in downtown Vegas last night.

-- Seahawks 20, 49ers 3-- Monday night doubleheaders would be better than these Thursday night games. Football wasn't meant to be played on three days' rest.

-- Temple 24, East Carolina 14-- Owls are 7-0, play Notre Dame next week.

-- UCLA 40, Cal 24-- Bruins' kicker made 60-yard FG. Pac-12 teams are proving to be wildly erratic from week-to-week.

-- Appalachian State 31, Georgia Southern 13-- ASU is bowl eligible for first time.

-- Pelicans' G Tyreke Evans (knee) is out 6-8 weeks

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Dave Cokin

Bonus Play Friday

313 UTAH STATE at 314 SAN DIEGO STATE 10:30 PM

Take: SAN DIEGO STATE +5

This MWC hookup is an interesting game to break down as there isn’t much question as to which team is stronger, but the situation would seem to favor the home underdog.

Utah State is rolling and it’s clear the Aggies are a better team with Kent Myers under center. The sad truth is that the once dynamic Chuckie Keeton was not looking like his old self coming back from another tough injury. Keaton ended up gong down yet again, and Myers has stepped forward and proven his solid efforts as the replacement QB last season were not a fluke. Fact is, Myers has been really good and he was even better than that last week as Utah State annihilated Boise State.

It’s that romp over the Broncos that I believe comes into play when analyzing this game. That was without a doubt the big game on the Aggies slate this year and off what one might call a perfect game, I think this could be a prime spot for at least a mild letdown on the part of Utah State. The obligatory cautionary note is that the Aggies might not regress a bit off that game, as there’s never a guarantee that will happen. But it’s at the very least far from a great spot for Utah State.

San Diego State is now playing its best football of the season to date. That is not even a mild surprise as head coach Rocky Long has been one of the better guys when it comes to improving his teams as the season progresses.

The Aztecs are not much offensively. Donnel Pumphrey is definitely a star. But San Diego State is a grind it out team with the football. They’re not dynamic and they absolutely must avoid turnovers to have a real chance at the upset tonight.

My main factor on the data is the SDSU rushing defense, which has been outstanding. This will seem repetitive, but when I can find dogs that are adept at shutting down opposition running games, I’m generally going to have at least a passing interest in backing them.

On the power ratings, I make this game right on the betting number when including the SDSU home field edge. So the play here is more situational than anything else. Even good teams often bounce off a spectacular effort and considering how huge that game last week was to Utah State, I think they’re a candidate to slip a bit here. If that happens, San Diego State will be well positioned to have a real chance at the mild upset. I’ll side with the Aztecs plus the points tonight.