Friday 10/30/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Saratoga Harness

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


Race 11 - Post: 10:05 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 82 - Purse:$7500 - GARY KAMAL MEMORIAL PACE 5-YEAR-OLDS & UNDER - NON-WINNERS 3 EXTENDED PARI-MUTUEL RACES


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 3 OFFICIAL PRINCE 2/1


# 6 MONTERA 5/2


# 1 I'M TRYING MY BEST 6/1


Feel pretty confident putting money down on OFFICIAL PRINCE. Sometimes you just have to go with an instinct, strongly consider this one's chances. He's racing in good form, recording clear-cut speed figures. An excellent play. It's somewhat dicey to consider solely based on class, but this colt has among the most competitive class rankings of the bunch. MONTERA - Is a very strong choice given the 81 speed rating from his most recent outing. Recent rankings for the driver - 22 percent win - make this gelding a top pick in the field of horses. I'M TRYING MY BEST - Feel the need for speed, this solid standardbred has been turning in some fantastic TrackMaster Speed Ratings averaging around 82. With a 83 average class stat, this standardbred has one of the top class edges in the grouping.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Finger Lakes

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


Race 2 - Claiming - 9.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $10000 Class Rating: 80

FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 114 LBS.; OLDER, 116 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF TWO RACES AT A MILE OR OVER SINCE SEPTEMBER 30 ALLOWED 2 LBS. ONE SUCH RACE ALLOWED 4 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000 AND UP, FOR EACH $500 HIGHER IN CLAIMING PRICE AN ADDITIONAL 1 LB.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 3 LITTLE GIDDING 9/5


# 1 DANCE I CAN 2/1


# 4 COAL HEARTED WOMAN 5/1


LITTLE GIDDING has a very strong shot to take this race. Boasts reliable Speed Figures on average overall when compared with the rest of this field. Will most likely go to the lead and should never look back. Is a key contender - given the 81 Equibase Speed Figure from her most recent race. DANCE I CAN - Should finish in the top three without any problem. She has been running admirably lately while recording strong speed figures. COAL HEARTED WOMAN - This filly has a good win percent in dirt route races. Can't overlook the connections here, a 23 winning percentage, one of the top at getting into the winner's circle.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Indiana Downs

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


Race 6 - Maiden Claiming - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $15000 Class Rating: 59

FOR MAIDENS, TWO YEARS OLD. WEIGHT, 118 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $15,000.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 4 RATTLESDEN 1/5


# 1 HOLD THE FLAG HIGH 20/1


# 5 BREAK THE SILENCE 20/1


RATTLESDEN has a very good shot to take this race. With a formidable 63 average speed rating at the distance, seems well suited for today's contest. Could best this group of horses in this race based on the Equibase Speed Figure - 75 - of his last race. Has formidable speed figures and has to be considered for a bet in this competition. HOLD THE FLAG HIGH - Seems to have a solid class edge based on the recent company kept. When a trainer brings any animal back this quickly it is a positive signal.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Keeneland - Race #3 - Post: 1:37pm - Optional Claiming - 7.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $75,000 Class Rating: 102

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#3 PRAETEREO (ML=5/1)
#4 COMMUTE (ML=5/1)
#6 TEXAS TWO STEP (ML=7/2)
#8 EARLY ENTRY (ML=15/1)


PRAETEREO - Lots of positive 'vibrations' connected with this racer and his barn. COMMUTE - When this jockey and conditioner work together you have to take a look. Lezcano and Casse have been great together. Lezcano is back for another event today after riding aboard this horse for the 1st attempt on September 24th and ought to know the ropes to this one a little better. I just may give this one a shot. Should rebound off last race where he did run off the board, but was within 5 lengths at the end. TEXAS TWO STEP - Has run good races in the first or second starts back off of a vacation. A repeat of that last race on April 8th where he recorded a figure of 103 looks high enough to win in this event. EARLY ENTRY - A little change in scenery has got to do this horse well. Reading the recent past performance lines, it seems like he likes to visit the winner's circle on different tracks. If this colt goes off at a nice price, I have to make a wager. He' has some wins as a longshot. Forgive the off the board finish on the off track in the last race. Under better track conditions, has a good chance in this race.

Vulnerable Contenders: #9 THE TRUTH OR ELSE (ML=3/1), #7 ALLIED AIR RAID (ML=7/2), #2 SQUADRON A (ML=8/1),

THE TRUTH OR ELSE - The seventh place finish in the last race was not the greatest. 3/1 is not pegged at the proper price for any horse in a sprint of 7 furlongs that hasn't finished in the money in a sprint event recently. ALLIED AIR RAID - 7/2 is not worth the risk for any horse in a sprint of 7 furlongs that hasn't hit the board in a sprint event lately. SQUADRON A - Unlikely for this entrant to make an impact with no recent good showings in a sprint race.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Putting our cash on #3 PRAETEREO to win. Have to have odds of at least 5/1 or better though

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [3,8]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Laurel - Race #10 - Post: 5:24pm - Maiden Claiming - 5.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $16,000 Class Rating: 67

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#1 THATS COOL MAN (ML=6/1)
#5 PRORATION (ML=10/1)
#13 PORTUGUESE PRINCE (ML=20/1)


THATS COOL MAN - Last race at Laurel on September 13th was a big class drop for this animal. Facing similar foes in today's race. He should do well this time out. PRORATION - I think this gelding is coming into top form. PORTUGUESE PRINCE - Carrying 7 pounds less this race. Trainer has him in a good spot.

Vulnerable Contenders: #7 SIXTY MILESPERHOUR (ML=7/2), #9 JACOBY J (ML=5/1), #12 FELLS POINT (ML=8/1),

SIXTY MILESPERHOUR - This entrant hasn't been on the track since Oct 7th. Not even any morning activity. JACOBY J - This horse hasn't shown too much in the last pair of contests. In any race of 5 1/2 furlongs, I like to support a contender that has been sharp in short distance contests lately. When looking at today's class figure, he will have to earn a much better speed rating than in the last race to be competitive in this dirt sprint. FELLS POINT - The speed figure in the last race doesn't fit very well in this event when I look at the class rating of today's event. Mark this thoroughbred as a likely underpriced contender.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Putting our cash on #1 THATS COOL MAN to win. Have to have odds of at least 7/2 or better though

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [1,5,13]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [1,5,13] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPER HIGH 5 WAGERS:
Pass

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Keeneland

RACE #7 - KEENELAND - 4:10 PM EASTERN POST


The Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile Stakes

8.0 FURLONGS DIRT GRADE I THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD STAKES $1,000.000.00 PURSE

#3 LIAM'S MAP
#8 WICKED STRONG
#5 LEA
#1 RED VINE

#3 LIAM'S MAP is the overall pace profile leader in this stakes field today racing at the mile distance on the dirt, and has hit the board in "POWER RUN FASHION" in five straight, and this recent streak of racing consistency includes a quarter of "POWER RUN WINS!" Jockey Javier Castellano has been in his irons on two previous occasions, winning 'em both, and is back this afternoon here in Lexington for his 3rd ride, gunning for a "Hat Trick Win!" #8 WICKED STRONG. a 5-1 shot, qualifies as a TrackMaster PLUS "PowerPony," and has produced "POWER RUN PERFORMANCES" in four straight starts, hitting the board in a pair.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Belmont Park

RACE #8 - BELMONT PARK - 5:08 PM EASTERN POST


The Turnback the Alarm Handicap

8½ FURLONGS DIRT GRADE III FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD STAKES $200,000.00 PURSE

#3 DELIGHTFUL JOY
#8 PANGBURN
#9 AMERICA
#2 LA MADRINA

Well folks ... although we will indeed be "Turning Back The Clock" on Saturday night to end Daylight Saving Time ... this race is actually named for is named for the filly (Turn Back The Alarm)who won two jewels of New York's Triple Tiara for 3-year-old fillies in 1992: the Mother Goose and Coaching Club American Oaks. She came back from an injury the following year to win three Grade 1 races: the Shuvee, the Hempstead, and the Go for Wand. Here in the 20th renewal of this graded stakes test, #3 DELIGHTFUL JOY, the pace profile leader in this field racing at, or about, 8½ furlongs on the dirt, and has hit the board in each of her last three outings, including back-to-back "POWER RUN WINS" in her last two "adventures." #8 PANGBURN, a 5-1 shot, has hit the board in "POWER RUN FASHION" in two of her last four outings, including a "POWER RUN WIN" in her 2nd race back.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Balmoral: Friday 10/30 Analysis
By Jeremey Day

DRF HARNESS

Race 9 - $15,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

Best Bet (47 - 74 / $164.60): BIG EXPENSE (5th)

Spot Play: FOX VALLEY BROOKE (7th)


Race 1

(5) FOX VALLEY WAVE has been facing much tougher at Hoosier. The filly flashed a decent burst of speed last out and should offer a fair price. (4) PRINCESS MIMI burned cash last start just getting picked off late at this same level. (3) NASHVILLE NASTY didn't miss by much last out going a very tough trip; driver's choice.

Race 2

(3) PJ BOY has had some tough racing luck in his last few. The freshman trotter should be in line for a better trip. (5) SPEEDY RENDEZVOUS is still learning how to race and is capable of trotting a fast mile. (6) PASTOR CLINT will look to make it three straight but has had trouble staying trotting at times.

Race 3

(7) PARKLANE INDY finds a softer bunch and keeps the top driver. (9) THE DALI'S LLAMA should offer a big price and can hit the ticket with a good setup. (4) POKER JOE just raced evenly last week but has been knocking on the door.

Race 4

(5) LEXINGTON LADY raced super last out off a month layoff. With any improvement the pacer beats this field for fun. (1) SARA'S TERROR is probably better suited for the big track. The 2-year-old gets the best post and can pounce for a piece late. (6) WHISKERSONKITTENS nice looking filly was sharp last race not missing by much to the top choice.

Race 5

(6) BIG EXPENSE went a big effort first up last week. (7) COUGAR LADY closed nicely last out from a tough spot but probably needs more against the top choice. (4) SHOW STOPIN MONKEY has come up empty in his last few but takes a significant drop in class.

Race 6

(1) THEDAYYOUHAVEMADE won't offer the same price this week but could make it two straight against a soft bunch. (6) I DON'T REMBER burned tons of cash last out but was sharp the start prior; threat. (3) WALKNINTHEMOONLITE mare probably needed her last start and has room to improve.

Race 7

(1) FOX VALLEY BROOKE will offer a much better price off a dull effort in a field with few contenders. (2) FOX VALLEY CHARM was much the best last week against this bunch. (6) LEX has not won a race in sometime but was better last week; threat.

Race 8

(5) ROYALE ROSE has dusted this same group all year long; short price. (4) J B'S HERO owns only one win on the year but has been improving; use underneath. (6) PARTY FALLS has shown a big burst of speed but will need more to hit the top spot.

Race 9

(9) NORTHERN DALI filly pacer seems to be up against it facing older, however in the right scenario the pacer could hit the board at a monster price. (6) JUST BY DESIGN hasn't been as consistent this year but is capable down in class. (7) PARTY HANGOVER mare was sharp down in class last out; threat.

Race 10

(3) JINXY'S DELIGHT was an easy winner last time at this level; threat. (1) ROCKNROLL CRYSTAL gets the best post and was the driver's choice. (5) PROSPER never got into the mile last week but should offer a big price in an evenly matched field.

Race 11

(4) ODDS ON DOMINICA gets sent out for a hot barn in a field full of question marks. (7) HOOSIERS FANTASY pacing mare is ultra consistent at hitting the board. (6) WILD BERRY MUFFLER was parked the mile from the ten hole last week but raced very well; threat.

Race 12

(8) SUMMER SHANDY has burned cash in two straight but is probably the fastest horse in the field. (9) BARBOSA didn't miss by much and just needs a good setup to hit the ticket. (2) BC'S CHIEF doesn't look the best on paper but fits with this group.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Hoosier: Friday 10/30 Analysis
By Derick Giwner

DRF HARNESS

Best Bet: MUSCLE BABY DOLL (10th)

Spot Play: MY BUDDY NINKSTER (4th)


Race 1

(6) ALWAYS AT MY PLACE looks like the real deal and could have an interesting future when he is staked more extensively as a 5-year-old. (3) K-LEES SHAKENBAKE can finish as fast as any horse and the short field should keep traffic to a minimum. (5) LATEST DESIRE chased the top choice last week and seems likely to be doing it again.

Race 2

(2) KELSEY’S KEEPSAKE made up a ton of ground after an early break trotting the final three quarters in 1:22 and change. That’s very impressive! None of these can do that. (8) PAD PRINCESS was flat in her debut for trainer Ron Burke; another shot. (4) WOULDN’T ITBESWEET has been a consistent check-getter. (1) SHE WORE RED has talent but can’t get her act together; Tim Tetrick drives.

Race 3

(10) COLBERT brings his ‘A’ game each week and faces a mostly blank field. (5) MESMERIZED should be able to secure the lead easily enough; dangerous speed. (3) CAULFIELD seems likely to get a piece, but at 0 for 15 this year, you can’t love him for the top spot.

Race 4

(2) MY BUDDY NINKSTER has been in some tough spots; notice how many times he lost to Freaky Feet Pete. Yannick in the bike is an added plus. (4) THISJETSABOOKIN looks great if you throw out the two recent starts from the second tier and outermost posts. (8) FOUR SOCKS could have been short after missing nearly six weeks of action; driver change is nice, too.

Race 5

(5) LONG TERM hasn’t been particularly sharp, but often a subtle change can make a difference. Scott Zeron picks up the lines this week and maybe a new set of hands will wake him up. (7) SUNDAY POKER & (6) STONEBRIDGE LYRIC are two capable speedsters that should be firing off the gate. (2) FLYING ROCKET adds Tim Tetrick and has the fastest win time this year of any in the field.

Race 6

(9) KING ME gets a monster driver change to Yannick Gingras and is somehow listed at 20-1 morning line. Maybe it is one of those sucker plays, but I think in this case you’ll see him get a big effort out of this veteran gelding. (2) BOSSA NOVA BABY comes with some risk as he dropped and broke last week despite racing well up in class in previous starts; capable question mark. (3) LEGAL BRIEF was short coming off the mini vacation; could show more.

Race 7

(4) IAM BONASERA has more ability than we’ve seen in recent weeks. The drop in class and driver change to Tim Tetrick should make a big difference. (7) JOLT OF WHISKEY comes out of the same races as the top choice where he put in similar efforts; Gingras drives. (10) BLUEHOURPOWER could be closing strong late if the pace is hot.

Race 8

(9) DOCTOR CARTER was competitive in the Invitational last time and won his last start at this level; Tim Tetrick drives. (1) ASTREO’S LOVE took plenty of air on the drop to this condition; must use. (10) AVALANCHE HANOVER is very sharp.

Race 9

(5) DEVIL CHILD has become a faster horse since moving into the Chris Oakes barn. I’m hoping that we get a reasonable price because of the presence of (4) SASSA HANOVER, who was a very good second in the Breeders Crown last time. (3) ROCKIN GOOD couldn’t be much sharper; tougher competition.

Race 10

(2) MUSCLE BABY DOLL isn’t as good as Mission Brief and Wild Honey, but she is better than this group. Muscle Mass-sired filly got back on track last time and is now reunited with David Miller. (4) LIVININTHEFASTLANE added Lasix and blew out a qualifier at Freehold. She has early speed and could be a sneaky play for second. (8) SPEAK TO ME has been rallying nicely of late; using on my tickets. (1) I’M SO FANCY deserves inclusion in your exotics but the value won’t be there like in recent weeks.

Race 11

(4) PINKMAN came up a tad short in the Breeders Crown, but with the off track and all, I’m not holding the race against him. Expect him to be close to the action and ready to pounce in the lane. Plus you may even get a decent price close to 2-1! (8) CRAZY WOW was fried on the lead in the Kentucky Futurity and wisely got some extra rest; very dangerous. (7) MUSCLE DIAMOND should enjoy the long stretch at Hoosier. (1) HOMICIDE HUNTER is perfect in 16 starts this year. He’ll need a wicked speed battle to beat this with his usual closing move; playing against as a likely underlay.

Race 12

While 2015 hasn’t worked out great for (1) FOILED AGAIN, he finds an absolutely perfect spot on Friday night. The $7,199,413 career earner could control the action and get a chance to show his guts in the lane. (5) JK ENDOFANERA is undoubtedly the sharpest horse in the field, but his best races have been from behind. Will Brett Miller leave? (2) ALL BETS OFF & (4) BETTOR’S EDGE are longer-shots with a chance.

Race 13

(3) FREAKY FEET PETE has now proven himself in the Breeders Crown and returns home for a rematch with (1) WIGGLE IT JIGGLEIT, who trounced a field at Hoosier last week. I’m honestly not sure which horse has the edge, but I think Freaky will offer a slightly better price, so he gets my call. (7) LOST FOR WORDS should be heading to the front and get a big piece but just doesn’t seem to want to win lately.

Race 14

(4) LUCK BE A LINDY was second in 1:52 2/5 at Yonkers and won in 1:51 at Vernon. There is clearly talent here. (3) MOREMERCY BLUECHIP picked up her game in her second start with Lasix added. (8) IMAGINE DRAGON finished ahead of the former last time, but drew outside this week.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Woodbine Harness: Friday 10/30 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale

DRF HARNESS

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

20-CENT PICK 5: 3,4/4,7/1,3,6,7/1,3,4,6,7,8,9/1,8 = $44.80

EARLY PICK 4: 1,3,4,6,7,8,9/1,4,8/1,6,8/1 = $64

LATE PICK 4: 1/1,2,4/2,4,5,7/3,4,7,9 = $48

MEET STATS: 50 - 168 / 227.40 BEST BETS: 6 - 14 / $18.00

SPOT PLAYS: 3 - 15 / 30.30

Best Bet: ARTSITIC MADISON (7th)

Spot Play: SHUTTHEFRONTDOOR (9th)


Race 1

(3) SOUTHWIND GINGER has returned to her best form racing at Flamboro and picks up the leading driver here; top call in the opener of a tough card. (4) SHOW SOME LEG beat similar easily last week and will be tough again here. (7) LINWOOD BEACHGIRL has shown good late speed in all of her starts and should be closing for a share despite the move up.

Race 2

(7) AGGRESSIVE made two moves last time and paid the price late in the mile. He drops now and stands a good chance of wiring these. (3) R CHOOCHOO CHARLIE won in this class two back on the barn change. He could do here. (4) JUSTALITTLEFASTER also drops and will be closing for a share.

Race 3

(1) SEAWIND KERRY closed rapidly last time indicating a return to better form is imminent. Trainer Brealey and driver Hudon can be a potent combo. (3) CLASSIC COMEDY went too wide on the final turn last week and lost valuable ground. She can be closer here. (6) IN THE SHADOWS showed something for the first time last week and could be a factor here.

Race 4

(1) I GOT TO BOOGIE drops and gets a good post. She is one of many in with a shot in a leg you should go deep for Pick 4's and 5's. (9) MACARENA MAMA was a sharp winner two back then faltered vs. stakes foes. She could rebound at a good price here. (6) MISS ALI MACH N steps up a level off a good effort and could go forward again here in her 4th start back off a break.

Race 5

(1) TOTALLY RIPPED went a long way on the engine in this class two back. He raced well here last year and is getting closer to a win now. (8) STRONG HOPE could go right to the front here which would give him a chance to take this at a good price. (4) POWER MOVE adds Lasix and is another to consider in another wide-open dash.

Race 6

(8) AINSLEYNOELLE made two moves last week and was beaten less than two lengths. Waples could trip here out on the pocket here and capitalize late. (6) NORTHERN STARLET closed okay in her first start off a break and should go forward here with that start under her belt. (1) HAZMATT had a long trip last time and paid the price. She should be closer here.

Race 7

(1) ARTISTIC MADISON motored home and was just nailed on the wire. She should be able to carve out a winning trip from the rail here. (4) MARLEE B was only a length behind the choice and merits inclusion. (3) MILEYS BIG WORLD continues to race well every week and is tough to leave out.

Race 8

(4) KINETIC KING tried it first up vs. a very tough winner last time and tired late. The class drop helps here; top call. (2) WILD AND CRAZY GUY also drops to a level that's better for him and should be a lot closer. (1) MEGO MOSS hasn't won all year but has upset possibilities here if he leaves hard and gets a spot near the front.

Race 9

(4) SHUTTHEFRONTDOOR was closing fast late but was just too far back to pass them all. She has a better chance of doing that here. (7) D GS PESQUERO will be winging on the engine again and is the one to catch and beat. (2) ST LADS PENNY LANE fits this class well and is a threat here.

Race 10

(4) P L HURRICANE was first up last time which isn't her trip. The class drop here could lead to her 2nd win of the year. (7) WILDCAT MAGIC exits a quick heat and could wake up at a price here in her 2nd start back. (9) ALIBI TERROR was a sharp winner in a claimer and that mile would make her a contender here if repeated. (3) NINETTE B hasn't been far off in this class in her past two and should share here. (1) BOAT HOUSE ROW is an infrequent winner but should grab a check here.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yonkers: Friday 10/30 Analysis
By Brewster Smith

DRF HARNESS

MEET STATS: 216 - 1023 / $1,490.10 BEST BETS: 25 - 85 / $112.60

Best Bet: ARI ALLSTAR (4th)

Spot Play: ROCKIN ROBERT (3rd)


Race 1

(1) I FOUND MY BEACH moves back to the fence where he was a very game third two trips ago; major threat. (2) ANNUITY rallied strongly to get the job done last out; main danger. (4) BABES I SCOOT Even finish in his last try; could make some noise in the stretch drive.

Race 2

(5) JUST LIKE LLOYD Gelding is back downstate and he was sharp in victory at Saratoga on September 20th; poised to get back into the winner's circle. (6) SCOTTISH CROSS has wheeled off three straight victories; big threat despite the rise in class. (2) DECRET JUSTICIALE was sent by Lachance down the road last out for all the glory; beware again.

Race 3

(2) ROCKIN ROBERT gets serious post relief; could take these to task with a fine-timed drive from Stratton. (3) AUCKLAND FLYER another one with a pretty good draw and could be a factor in here. (1) HIGH OCTANE N is back on the fence where this gelding was victorious two starts ago; not out of this.

Race 4

(3) ARI ALLSTAR Very sharp pacer just missed the hat trick last out; figures to be ready to boss these at his best. (2) DEMOCRACY N was on the rim and grinded out a victory recently; main contender. (1) SAND BENELLI is back on the rail where he made August 19th a winning one; watch out.

Race 5

(2) LUCKY COLBY is on the dropdown and this looks like a perfect spot for this trotter to make his return to the winner's circle. (1) CAN I SAY Sharp efforts in her last two tries puts this gal right square in the mix. (3) OUTBURST can get involved with these and the drop in class can only help his cause; we shall see.

Race 6

(1) JUSTHAVENTMETUYET has fine speed and retains the rail slot; good to see Sears with the call and she could take this with a favorable trip. (7) CINAMONY has been knocking at the door based on her last two starts; big threat. (8) KRISPY APPLE has scored in her last two trips to the post; very consistent for top connections so beware.

Race 7

(6) MC DYNAMITE put in a mild rally last out so that might be an indication this pacer is rounding back to winning form and Sears keeps the faith. (3) COACH CAL showed good speed in his last two outings; dangerous. (4) JDS CALEB MAN gets post relief and that should help his chances; maybe.

Race 8

(4) ELECTROFIRE took the pocket route home to victory in his recent outing; form is solid and this 8-year-old can repeat against these. (1) DAVIDS DREAM moves to the rail slot and could contend in here with a good trip. (2) ELECTRIC CHAPEL N rallied strongly to nail down the score last time out; beware despite the escalation in class.

Race 9

(6) FANTICIPATION It's nice to see Bartlett returns on this 4-year-old mare where they was victorious on September 11th; has every right to make some serious noise in deep stretch. (4) HANDOFFMYCUPCAKE should fare quite well from the 4-hole; has speed and figures to be a big threat in here. (7) LICULIA A was very wide and took down the show spot at Philly last time out; must be considered.

Race 10

(6) ELISAVETA N took a tough break at the start in her Philly finale; clearly this mare is better than her latest and with a favorable trip she can get the job done. (2) SO NICE Easy victory in her last start and that puts her right in the mix again. (4) FITS WELL took the pocket route home to victory in her last start; exotics factor.

Race 11

(7) BJS BEQUIA has put in two nice efforts; has good tactical speed and he can get the job done with a fine-timed drive from Carlson. (5) SANTANNA ONE is clearly knocking at the door based on his last two starts; big threat. (2) HANG TEN Last one was dull but he is much better with recent victories on Sept. 28 & Oct. 12; consider.

Race 12

(3) STRINGS moves down the ladder and Sears has the assignment; ready to boss these at her best. (4) MEDUSA flashed good early zip in her latest; dangerous. (6) CAROLSIDEAL charged down the lane to grab the placing last out; don't overlook.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Friday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE

Belmont Park (1st) More Than Rainbows, 4-1
(4th) Jack O Liam, 4-1


Charles Town (2nd) Sunshine Carolyn, 3-1
(8th) Bay Apache, 9-2


Del Mar (5th) Chicago Angel, 3-1
(6th) Dylan Ward, 4-1


Delta Downs (2nd) Desormais, 5-1
(9th) Flower Lady, 3-1


Finger Lakes (6th) Backstage Pass, 6-1
(7th) Southbeachsandy, 3-1

Golden Gate Fields (1st) Almost Free, 7-2
(9th) Pyrotechnics, 7-2


Gulfstream Park West (6th) Running on Guinnes, 6-1
(8th) Arch in the Park, 4-1


Hawthorne (2nd) Dundalk Bay, 5-1
(5th) To the Stars, 5-1


Indiana Grand (1st) She Looks Classic, 10-1
(5th) Angelic Score, 6-1


Keeneland (1st) Candip, 7-2
(2nd) Street Blush, 5-1


Laurel Park (4th) Rock Me Gently, 9-2
(9th) Majestic Minister, 4-1



Mahoning Valley (3rd) Moon Baby, 10-1
(4th) Zeddemore, 4-1


Meadowlands (2nd) Artful Lady, 9-2
(4th) Red Letter, 9-2


Parx Racing (1st) Miss Avalon, 3-1
(2nd) Still Chief, 8-1


Penn National (2nd) My Juliana, 3-1
(6th) Orbit, 6-1

Remington Park (2nd) Okie Chieftan, 3-1
(9th) Woods Diamond, 3-1


Turf Paradise (3rd) Miserable Blue, 3-1
(7th) Who's for Glory, 6-1

Woodbine (7th) Burstall, 8-1
(9th) Cause a Ruckus, 10-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

5 things we know entering World Series Game 3
By David Smale, The Sports Xchange

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Johnny Cueto became the first American League pitcher to throw a complete game in the World Series since Minnesota's Jack Morris in Game 7 against Atlanta in 1991, as the Kansas City Royals took a two-games-to-none lead in the 2015 World Series with a 7-1 win over the New York Mets. Cueto gave up just two hits. Alcides Escobar continued his hot hitting with two hits and two RBIs, extending his postseason hitting streak to 12 games.

Here are five things we know about the World Series heading into Game 3 on Friday in New York:
--Royals utility man Ben Zobrist will be very valuable in New York. His ability to play anywhere in the infield or the outfield will be very useful for manager Ned Yost with the National League rules in place (no designated hitter). Zobrist was acquired from the Oakland A's just prior to the July 31 trade deadline. He hit .284 with 16 doubles and seven home runs through the rest of the regular season, and he led all American League hitters (minimum 40 at-bats) with a .447 average against the National League. He is hitting .315 (17-for-54) with two home runs and six RBIs in the postseason.
--The Mets are facing a tough hill, down 0-2 in the best-of-seven series. Fifty-three times a team won the first two games of the World Series, and 42 of those teams won the title. Twenty-four times the team with a 2-0 lead won Game 3, and no team has overcome a 3-0 series deficit to win the World Series. Only one time in baseball postseason history did a team overcome a 3-0 series deficit (the 2004 Boston Red Sox in the American League Championship Series). "Right now we've just got to focus on Friday's game," Mets third baseman David Wright said. "We can't think about the hole that we're in. We just have to concentrate on one at a time. It will be nice to get to our park, you know, our house. I'm sure the fans are going to be going crazy. (We need) to utilize that home-field advantage as we've done it all year. We need to treat all these games like they're must-wins. I think that's what we did a really nice job (of), treating every game like it's an elimination game, and this is no different."
--The Royals pitchers have to hit in the next two (or three) games, and that hasn't been a fun experience this year. Kansas City pitchers batted .143 (3-for-21) in interleague play, with two of the three hits coming off the bat of Chris Young, the likely starter for Game 4. The other hit came from Jeremy Guthrie, who is not on the postseason roster. Young was 2-for-4 and had all three RBIs from the pitching staff. The Game 3 starter, Yordano Ventura, was 0-for-6 with five strikeouts.
--The Mets' bullpen really can use the day off. New York's relievers threw 7 1/3 innings in Game 1 in relief of starter Matt Harvey. They gave up six hits and two runs (one earned) with four walks and five strikeouts. When Game 2 starter Jacob deGrom ran into trouble in the fifth inning, four Mets relievers gave up three runs on four hits over the next three innings, taking a three-run deficit and turning it into a six-run hole.
--No Mets lead is safe. The Royals have nine wins this postseason, and six are of the come-from-behind variety. It is not just one-run deficits such as the one they faced Wednesday. They have overcome multiple-run deficits five times this postseason, including a four-run deficit entering the eighth inning (and down two games to one in the five-game AL Division Series) against the Houston Astros. The Royals scored five runs in the eighth and two in the ninth for that victory. The Mets know that the Royals won't quit, but that hasn't helped them prevent it so far. "We knew that going into the game," deGrom said. "I think we said it before: They don't swing and miss. They put the ball in play. They did a good job of doing that tonight." DeGrom gave up four runs on six hits in five innings. All four runs, and four of the five hits, came in the fifth inning.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Royals full of confidence heading to New York
By Alan Eskew, The Sports Xchange

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Shortstop Alcides Escobar hopes he has played his final game in Kauffman Stadium this year.
After the Royals defeated the Mets 7-1 Wednesday night to take a two-games-to-none lead in the World Series, Escobar would prefer to wrap up the series in New York instead of returning to Kansas City.
"(We) go there for three games, but everybody in this room don't want to play three games, only two," Escobar said. "For me, I don't want it coming back here. I want to finish it there."
The odds lean heavily in the Royals' favor to win the World Series. This is the 54th time a team seized a 2-0 lead in the World Series, and 42 went on to win the Fall Classic. That is 79.2 percent.
However, two of the exceptions to that rule were the 1985 Royals, who rallied to beat the St. Louis Cardinals, and the 1986 Mets, who bounced back to top the Boston Red Sox.
A club jumping out to a 2-0 lead won the last nine occurrences and 15 of the past 16. The only exception in that span was the 1996 Atlanta Braves, who won the first two games in New York but dropped the next four games to the Yankees.
"Our confidence level hasn't changed since the first day of spring training to today," Royals manager Ned Yost said. "Our confidence has been high all year long. We expected to be here. We expected to compete for a world championship against a tough team."
If the Mets should win two of three at Citi Field, they would face Johnny Cueto in Game 6 at Kauffman Stadium. Cueto limited them to one run and two hits in a complete game Wednesday.
"Hopefully, he doesn't have to pitch for us again this postseason, but if he does, we expect him to go out there and do something similar," Royals pitching coach Dave Eiland said.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Facing 2-0 deficit, Mets glad to be heading home
By Alan Eskew, The Sports Xchange

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The New York Mets would not be ousted if they lose Game 3 of the World Series to the Kansas City Royals on Friday, but a defeat would put them in a deep hole -- Grand Canyon depths.
The Royals hold a two-games-to-none advantage in the World Series after downing the Mets 7-1 Wednesday night. Coming back from a 3-0 deficit in a seven-game series is not impossible, but it's nearly so.
"Most of the games in the World Series seem to be must-win," Mets second baseman Daniel Murphy said.
Does Friday fall into that must-win category?
"I think we'd really like to win that ballgame," Murphy said.
The Mets will start hard-throwing right-hander Noah Syndergaard in their first home game of the series.
"I think we're looking forward to this off day (Thursday)," said Murphy, who went 0-for-2 with two walks and scored New York's lone run Wednesday. "It will be a nice chance to spend time with our family. I know I'm looking forward to it.
"It's nice to have Noah going. We'll get back to New York, and I know the guys will be excited. We'll see if we can put ourselves in a position to win a ballgame."
Mets right-hander Jacob deGrom tried to remain upbeat after taking the loss in Game 3. He gave up four runs, all in his fifth and final inning.
"We've still got to win four," deGrom said. "We're going back home, so hopefully we can win three there.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Royals (95-67) at Mets (90-72)

Game: 3
Venue: Citi Field
Date: October 30, 2015 8:07 PM EDT

NEW YORK (AP) The man-child on the mound was simply getting some work in, two simulated innings to sharpen up for the World Series.

It was late afternoon at Kauffman Stadium, dimmed by dark clouds on this overcast day in Kansas City, and even his New York Mets teammates wanted no part of 6-foot-6 Noah Syndergaard.

David Wright bounded into the batting cage, watched a few fastballs whizz by like pellets fired from a BB gun, and stepped right back out.

'How are you supposed to hit that?' he asked buddy Michael Cuddyer.

A chuckling group of Mets marveled at Syndergaard's sizzling cheese the day before the Series opener - but now they've placed the heat squarely on their rookie starter. With the National League champs trailing 2-0 in the best-of-seven set, the 23-year-old thunderbolt aptly nicknamed Thor pitches Friday night against Royals right-hander Yordano Ventura.

And the Mets know perfectly well they can't afford to lose.

'I feel like being able to watch the past two games has really helped me out and helped me devise a game plan,' Syndergaard said.

Both teams canceled workouts Thursday at Citi Field, all dressed up to host its first World Series with a game featuring two of the best arms in baseball.

Syndergaard's fastball averaged 97.1 mph during the regular season, the highest velocity of any major leaguer who pitched at least 150 innings, according to STATS.

The 24-year-old Ventura ranked third at 96.3 mph.

In the NL playoffs, Syndergaard threw 22 pitches at least 100 mph and topped out at 101, STATS said.

Ventura can touch the century mark, too.

'Right now I'm not worried about velocity at all. I just want to go deep in the game,' Ventura said, with teammate Christian Colon translating.

But while Syndergaard certainly brings it, so do Mets aces Matt Harvey and Jacob deGrom. And despite their 95-98 mph heat, neither one was able to throttle a Royals lineup that's mastered the lost art of consistently making solid contact.

'This team likes the fastball,' said ALCS MVP Alcides Escobar, the first batter Syndergaard will face.

Kansas City's aggressive leadoff man is batting .364 with 12 runs, eight RBIs and seven extra-base hits this postseason.

'It's something else being able to watch Escobar walk up there and swing at the first pitch almost every single game,' Syndergaard said. 'I have a few tricks up my sleeve that I'll be able to break out tomorrow night. I'm looking forward to it.'

Scolded by Wright in spring training for eating lunch in the clubhouse during an intrasquad game, Syndergaard acknowledged a rookie mistake and agreed he should have been on the bench looking to learn something.

And despite all the attention his fastball draws, the rapid development of Syndergaard's secondary pitches has been the key to his immediate success.

'The amount of confidence that I've gained throughout this entire season and the journey has been an unbelievable experience for me,' he said.

After making his major league debut in May, Syndergaard picked up a two-seamer that runs to his arm side and fine-tuned his changeup. He gained control of his sharp slider without losing the ability to bend in that slower curveball.

Veteran teammate Michael Cuddyer used the words maturity, transformation and evolution in describing Syndergaard's season.

'We're really excited to see him on this stage and see him pitch tomorrow night, and very confident to have him out on the mound,' Cuddyer said.

All the improvements along the way helped Syndergaard finish 9-7 with a 3.24 ERA and 166 strikeouts in 150 innings - not to mention a long home run to straightaway center field.

Then the right-hander went 1-1 with a 2.77 ERA in three NL playoff games, including his first career relief appearance.

Powerful arm, swift progression.

'He's a very fast learner,' Mets manager Terry Collins said. 'He has no fear.'

Ventura generates velocity with a whip of his slender frame, perhaps generously listed at 6-feet tall. Syndergaard, by contrast, is a 240-pound hammer who revels in his larger-than-life image.

With long, golden locks flowing out from beneath his baseball cap, 11 letters to that unusual last name arched around his shoulders on the back of a Mets jersey, Syndergaard resembles some sort of Viking pitcher sent from the ancient past.

The ninth century nearly straight to the National League, with an impressive pit stop at Double-A Binghamton.

'This guy threw six innings at 100 mph in Los Angeles. Please show me anybody that's done that, outside of Nolan (Ryan), maybe. And that's where this guy for me has risen to the occasion,' Collins said. 'I think he's come a long way. I think as much as you'd like to go to that crusty, veteran guy who's been here, who's done it, to help bail you out of the hole you're in, we're not asking that. We're asking this kid to go out and pitch his game, and his stuff should play.'

Syndergaard was given the moniker Thor - the Norse god known for ferocious storms - after tweeting a photo of himself in costume doing squats on Halloween two years ago.

Before his NL Championship Series start against the Cubs, he changed the photo atop his Twitter page to a shot featuring lightning striking Chicago's famous Willis Tower. For the World Series, bolts descending on the Kansas City skyline.

'He's a unique guy,' Collins said.

Syndergaard has 'Thor' embroidered in gold on one of his gloves. There's also a 'Tyrion' model from 'Games of Thrones' and 'Drago' from 'Rocky IV' and 'Heisenberg' from 'Breaking Bad,' among others.

'Characters I like,' he explained.

Off the field, however, Syndergaard is not all nasty.

He speaks in soft tones with an air of confidence, and graciously posed for cellphone photos Monday night with Mets and Royals rooters alike - even a disgruntled Cubs fan - following dinner at a popular Kansas City barbecue joint.

A year ago, Ventura was a rookie when he won a World Series game his team had to have, Game 6 against San Francisco.

Now, back home where he's pitched his best, Syndergaard will try to do the same.

'His name was mentioned to open up the World Series. That's how well we think he's pitching,' Collins said.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

World Series - Game 3

KANSAS CITY ROYALS (104-71) at NEW YORK METS (97-76)

Line: Kansas City +120, New York -130, Total: 7

The Mets will be looking to avoid a 3-0 series deficit when they host the Royals in Game 3 on Friday.

Kansas City took a 2-0 lead in the series thanks to Johnny Cueto pitching an absolute gem of a game on Wednesday. The Royals pitcher went the distance in the outing, allowing just one earned run in a 7-1 victory. New York is now in a must win situation on Friday, as it’d be nearly impossible to win four games in a row against a Royals team that just does not beat itself with mistakes.

Game 3 will feature some serious power pitching, as RHP Yordano Ventura (13-9, 4.18 ERA, 177 K) of the Royals will take on RHP Noah Syndergaard (10-8, 3.33 ERA, 184 K) of the Mets. Kansas City’s victory on Wednesday makes the team 4-1 against New York over the past three seasons and three of those five contests have gone Over the total. One trend that seriously favors the Royals in this game is the fact that the team is 20-8 against the money line in the postseason over the past two years. The team is also 8-1 against the money line when Yordano Ventura is on the mound in October in that span.

The Mets, however, are an absurd 17-1 against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -150 this season.

Yordano Ventura is going to be on the mound for the Royals in Game 3 and with a 2-0 lead in the series, he should be rather calm on the mound. This will help Ventura, who occasionally gets a bit nervous in big starts. Kansas City has won in all three of Ventura’s starts in the postseason, and he was excellent in his most recent outing against the Blue Jays. He pitched 5.1 innings in that game and gave up just one earned run and struck out five batters. He will need to miss some more bats against New York on Friday.

Offensively, the Royals have SS Alcides Escobar (.364, 1 HR, 8 RBI in playoffs) and 1B Eric Hosmer (.231, 1 HR, 15 RBI in playoffs) coming into this contest as hot as could be. Escobar was 2-for-5 with a triple and two RBI in Game 2 and has now safely hit in every single playoff game for the Royals.

Hosmer, meanwhile, has two RBI in two straight contests and has driven in a run in all but one of the Royals’ postseason games thus far. His average is a bit lower than he’d like, but he is coming through when his team needs him to and should be able to keep that up as the series progresses.

The Mets are desperate for a victory heading into Game 3 and Noah Syndergaard will have to deliver in order to keep his team’s championship hopes alive. Syndergaard was big in his most recent start against Chicago, pitching 5.2 innings and giving up just one earned run with nine strikeouts. He has fanned 28 batters over his past three starts and will be looking to rack up some more strikeouts on Friday. It could be tough against a Royals team that really knows how to make contact.

If the Mets are going to claw their way back into this series then the team will need a lot more from 3B David Wright (.171, 0 HR, 3 RBI in playoffs). Wright has gone hitless in eight of the Mets’ 11 playoff games and he is supposed to be the reliable veteran in this lineup. He needs to get himself back on track with a big performance in Game 3.

2B Daniel Murphy (.383, 7 HR, 11 RBI in playoffs) was unable to get a hit for New York in Game 2, marking the first time that happened in the postseason so far. The Mets really use another big performance out of him on Friday.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

World Series Game 3 betting preview: Royals at Mets

Kansas City Royals at New York Mets (-132, 7)

Royals lead series 2-0.

The New York Mets were touted as the pitching-rich club heading into the World Series, but it is the Kansas City staff that has the upper hand so far. The Royals will try to ride their pitching to a commanding 3-0 lead when they visit the Mets for Game 3 of the World Series on Friday.

The New York bullpen could not protect a one-run lead in Game 1 and Jacob deGrom had the same problem in Game 2, breaking down in the fifth inning as Kansas City overcame a 1-0 deficit and went on to a 7-1 victory. “Look, the Royals have a good team,” Mets manager Terry Collins told reporters. “We've got to make better pitches and we've got to play better.” Kansas City outlasted New York in 14 innings in Game 1 as its bullpen put up six straight scoreless frames, and then gave that bullpen a night off thanks to Johnny Cueto’s complete-game two-hitter on Wednesday. “We expected to be here,” Royals manager Ned Yost told reporters. “We expected to compete for a world championship against a tough team, and our confidence hasn't changed from the first day of Spring Training to this point right now.”

TV: 8:07 p.m. ET, FOX

LINE HISTORY: The Mets opened -131 and the total opened at 7.

WEATHER REPORT: Forecasts are calling for temperatures in the low-50s and wind blowing across the field around nine miles per hour.

UMPIRE REPORT: Mike Winters will be working home plate in Game 3 and the Royals have gone 5-12 in their last 17 games with him behind the dish.

WHAT CAPPERS SAY: "When this series began, the betting odds gave Kansas City just a 49% chance of winning the series. The Royals then had a 62% chance after winning Game 1, and now the adjusted series odds give Kansas City a 78% chance of winning the title with a 2-0 series lead. The Mets will get the next three games at home. The big question mark in Game 3 is if rookie Noah Syndergaard can continue his rookie season success, or if he will finally hit a wall and struggle like fellow youngster Jacob deGrom did in Game 2." Steve Merril.

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Yordano Ventura (0-1, 5.09 ERA) vs. Mets RH Noah Syndergaard (1-1, 2.77)

Ventura is making his fifth start of the postseason and is still looking for his first win. The Dominican Republic native – the third straight Dominican to start for Kansas City – has yet to complete six innings in those four turns but surrendered one run on four hits over 5 1/3 innings against Toronto in the decisive Game 6 of the ALCS. Ventura is facing the Mets for the first time and is 3-3 with a 3.40 ERA in nine career interleague starts.

Syndergaard dominated the Chicago Cubs over 5 2/3 innings to win Game 2 of the NLCS, striking out nine while allowing one run and three hits. The rookie flamethrower recorded 20 strikeouts in 13 innings over the first two rounds of the playoffs. Syndergaard went 0-2 with a 5.86 ERA in his five interleague starts this season but was 7-2 with a 2.46 mark at home.

TRENDS:

* Mets are 8-2 in Syndergaard's last 10 home starts.
* Royals are 5-1 in Ventura's last six road starts.
* Under is 4-1-1 in Ventura's last six interleague starts.
* Over is 10-3 in Mets last 13 interleague games.

SERIES PRICE: Royals are presently -370 with the Mets +200.

MVP ODDS: Ben Zobrist is the fave at +550 with Alcides Escobar +600, Alex Gordon, Eric Hosmer, Johnny Cueto and Daniel Murphy all +800.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB

Royals vs Mets

Ventura is 0-1, 5.09 in his last four starts (under 5-2 last seven).

Syndergaard is 2-1, 2.36 in his last four starts (over 6-3 last nine).

Royals won six of last eight games with New York, both games in this series went over. KC last won World Series in 1985; Mets last won World Series the next year.

Royals won eight of their last ten games (over 7-3).

Mets won five of their last seven games (under 4-3-1 last eight).

Game 1 winner won 17 of last 20 World Series.

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
KC 4-3, +$135, U9
Royals win series, 4-2

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

World Series
NY Mets vs Kansas City
KC 5-4 (14), -$109, O7
KC 7-1, +108, O7

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Friday's six-pack

-- Oregon 61, Arizona State 55 OT- Wild game ended at 2:40 ET. ASU gained 741 yards, had 37 first downs....and lost.

-- TCU 40, West Virginia 10-- Mountaineers are 0-4 in Big X.

-- North Carolina 26, Pitt 19-- Tar Heels won seven in row after losing opener.

-- Hawks 112, Knicks 101-- Back to reality; Atlanta was 10-24 from arc.

-- Clippers 104, Mavericks 88-- Rough night for Mark Cuban-- DeAndre Jordan had 15 rebounds, four blocks against team he almost signed with.

-- Patriots 36, Dolphins 7-- Pats converted 3rd-and-16 on first drive; it ended there.