Friday 3/18/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Golden Gate Fields

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


Race 3 - Claiming - 5.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $8500 Class Rating: 84

FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON THREE RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 117 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $4,000.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 3 TIKI TORCH 1/1


# 2 PREACHINATSAGOI 8/1


# 1 RITZY TAGS 7/2


TIKI TORCH looks solid to best this field. Has recorded reliable Equibase Speed Figures in dirt sprint races in the past. Reason to like this mare as she has in the irons one of the best jocks using winning percentages over the last month. Had one of the best speed figures of this group of horses in this race in her last affair. PREACHINATSAGOI - Thomas has this filly running well and is a very strong choice based on the quite good Equibase speed figs earned in sprint races recently. RITZY TAGS - Has to be given a shot versus this field displaying decent figures as of late and an average Equibase Speed Fig of 72 under similar conditions. Boasts solid Equibase Speed Figures on average overall when compared with the rest of this group of horses in this race.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Gulfstream Park - Race #6 - Post: 3:05pm - Maiden Claiming - 9.0 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $23,000 Class Rating: 87

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#1 THORISTIC (ML=5/1)
#8 DIVIDEND (FR) (ML=15/1)
#7 TONEDADDY (ML=3/1)


THORISTIC - This animal obviously likes the conditions for today's race. Has registered the highest Equibase speed figure on the turf at the dist/surf. This colt's last speed rating recorded on February 26th is at the top in last race Equibase speed figures. DIVIDEND (FR) - I seem to always make money betting Nagle horses on the grass. That barn has a powerful win percent for this distance/surface. TONEDADDY - Looking at today's class rating, this thoroughbred is up against an easier bunch than in the last race at Gulfstream Park. This equine has the class to win the race. A tactical ride by Saez, and this one could bound home the winner.

Vulnerable Contenders: #6 GATEWAY ARCH (ML=4/1), #4 MOVE FORWARD (ML=9/2),

GATEWAY ARCH - Had to show me more than that in the last race. Never made much of an impact. MOVE FORWARD - This gelding recorded a speed rating in his last contest which probably isn't good enough in today's race.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#1 THORISTIC to win at post-time odds of 4/1 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [1,7,8]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [1,7,8] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
[1,7,8] with [1,7,8] with [1,3,6,7,8] with [1,3,6,7,8] Total Cost: $36

SUPER HI 5 WAGERS:
Pass

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Santa Anita - Race #3 - Post: 2:00pm - Claiming - 5.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $21,000 Class Rating: 97

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#5 AIN'T NO OTHER (ML=2/1)
#1 TANNERSMYMUSCLE (ML=9/5)


AIN'T NO OTHER - Sophisticated bettors will tell you that this horse has strong speed. Horse has improved at least 2 Equibase speed figure points in last 2 races. I look for that to continue its positive trend in this event. TANNERSMYMUSCLE - Horse made up some ground down the stretch in the last race on Jan 30th at Santa Anita. That race is better than it looked. Jockey jumped on this gelding's back for the first attempt on January 30th. Should be acquainted with the horse even better in today's contest. This gelding's last speed rating is strong enough to score here, I'll invest in him back again this time out.

Vulnerable Contenders: #6 MOONLIGHT MEETING (ML=2/1), #3 I B MIKE (ML=6/1),

MOONLIGHT MEETING - The finish position of sixth in the last race shows me that this horse may be losing physical conditioning. This gelding hasn't had any recent good results in short distance races. Not easy to bet on him in this contest. Don't believe this less than sharp equine will make an impact in today's event. That last rating was mediocre when compared with today's class rating. I B MIKE - He had to show me more against that weaker group in the last race on February 12th to get my support today.

Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: Hal - AIN'T NO OTHER - Betting the animal with the best last race speed figure is a good angle. None higher than this gelding's last one.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Go with #5 AIN'T NO OTHER on top if we're getting at least 2/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [1,5]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Aqueduct

RACE #2 - AQUEDUCT - 1:40 PM EASTERN POST

8.0 FURLONGS WINTERIZED INNER DIRT TRACK FOUR YEARS OLD AND UPWARD $25,000.00 CLAIMING $34,000.00 PURSE

#4 DRIVE
#5 TRY FLYING
#3 DON'T POINT
#6 SALEM LOOP

#4 DRIVE is the overall speed leader in this claiming field racing at today's distance of a mile on the dirt, qualifies as a TrackMaster PLUS "PowerPony," and has produced "POWER RUNS" in each of his last five outings, hitting the board in three of those outings. #5 TRY FLYING has turned in a quartet of "POWER RUNS" in his respective last five races, hitting the board in a pair. The 4-1 shot, #3 DON'T POINT is the pace profile leader, and comes off a "Circle Trip" in his last start which was hit "maiden breaker."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Woodbine Harness: Friday 3/18 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale

DRF HARNESS

Race 1 - $30,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

20-CENT PICK 5: 1,2,5/4,5/2,5,7,8,9/4/4,5,7 = $18

EARLY PICK 4: 4/4,5,7/1,2,3/3,5,6 = $27

LATE PICK 4: 3,5,6/4,6,7/3,7/4,6 = $36

MEET STATS: 296 - 938 / $1541.60 BEST BETS: 47 - 88 / $168.90

SPOT PLAYS: 21 - 88 / $218.80

Best Bet: AINSLEYNOELLE (4th)

Spot Play: NINETTE B (6th)


Race 1

(2) CHOOSE MY JET miscued on the first turn last week then had to expend too much energy to make the front and she paid the price late. I'll give her another chance here likely at a better price. (1) COTTONWOOD CREEK showed some zip in the back half last week and rates an upset chance here. (5) WINDSUN GLORY faced better in the Miss Vera Bars series but resurfaces here having not raced in 4 weeks. I'll take a stand against this likely chalk based on that inactivity.

Race 2

(4) DONICUS set out too fast early last time and put up some big fractions that he couldn't sustain. He can get back on track here with a more patient drive. (5) WILLYORWONTHE took a ton of action and converted easily in gate-to-wire fashion. He can get faster and will be a tough foe for the choice here. (2) HARLEIGH RYDER has produced good final quarters in his past two starts and she can make this ticket if she starts her move earlier this time.

Race 3

(8) CYNDALIANNE DUC roared home to take a new life's mark last week and rates highly again here; call to repeat. (2) I C ANASTRO goes first time for Moreau here off the claim and wasn't that far behind the choice last time; using. (7) WHISTYS PARADISE is a risky proposition here having missed 3 weeks but could threaten if close enough turning home.

Race 4

(4) AINSLEYNOELLE went a monster first-over trip last week and kept advancing despite being uncovered in a quick third 1/4. A slightly easier trip puts her in the winner's circle here. (1) ROCK HER WORLD showed speed both early and late in her mile which is often the sign of an impending win; using. (5) TWIN B INSPIRING can't be totally dismissed coming off a lifetime-best score, but, she will likely face sterner mid-race challenges here.

Race 5

(4) HILLSONATOR has yet to miss the exacta in 7 starts this year and returning to a 7-day cycle here likely makes him even tougher here; top call. (7) HUBBY NUMBER ONE was impressive taking a new life's mark last week and has to be considered here off that mile. (5) FLEET BUMBLEBEE has been lights out in his last two vs. easier and is another to consider for early Pick 4 tickets.

Race 6

(2) NINETTE B was refunded last time after racing with broken equipment throughout then claimed by a trainer that does well with new acquisitions; price play with the step back into conditioned company. (1) ADAYMER SEELSTER won when last in this class and looks like a big threat here. (3) BOAT HOUSE ROW should show much more here with the move inside and typically performs best at this bottom conditioned level.

Race 7

(3) NIGHTONTHEROAD was flying late last week and it's likely Hudon will provide a more aggressive steer here. This gelding continues to improve and can take these if forwardly-placed early. (6) MISSYS GA GA has excelled for Moreau but was carefully handled late last time by Filion. It's hard to say for how much longer she can avoid previous gait issues from resurfacing. (5) DOMITIAN HALL was a strong winner in a lifetime-best time in his second start for Vanderkemp and he is one to fear again as further improvement isn't out of the question.

Race 8

(4) LIGHTS GO OUT powered up late last week to score an upset over some of these. She rarely wins two straight but she could get a great setup here and vault past the leaders down the lane again. (7) RUBIS PRESCOTT got room late to nab second behind the choice and is usually a threat in these classes from on or close to the lead. (6) P L HURRICANE has been racing well and her good tactical speed makes her a contender in this field.

Race 9

(7) BIG RICH trotted as fast in his recent qualifier as tonight's opponents do for purses which suggests that his issues have been straightened out; top call. (3) OLE JACK MAGIC drops to the bottom conditioned level here where he is always a threat. (4) J CS JAKE also drops and should be heard from this time.

Race 10

(6) POP GOES THEWEASEL has been impressive in both of her Woodbine starts and looks good to repeat vs. these. (4) SPORTS EXPERT paced a sub-27 second third 1/4 last week which helped set things up for the choice. She can turn the tables with a better trip. (5) PRINCESS KATIE has improved since being claimed and should hit the board again here. (7) CANT STOP ships in off an impressive score at London and can't be dismissed here. (10) DONTBRUISECARRIE miscued while on the move last week. She could make the High 5 ticket at a big price here.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Meadowlands: Friday 3/18 Analysis
By Derick Giwner

DRF HARNESS

Race 1 - $30,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool

Race 3 - $25,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

Race 7 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

MEET STATS: 118 - 421 / $679.50 (-$162.50)

BEST BETS: 16 - 31 / $66.30 (+$4.30)

Best Bet: AVA N ELLA (2nd)

Spot Play: BORN TO FIGHT (9th)


Race 1

At first glance (7) A J DESTINY doesn’t appear fast enough to win this race, but he did finish fifth in 1:55 4/5 back in January here for a different barn. I’ll take a shot with the high percentage combination of Hechkoff and Spagnola here at a price. (8) B L CLASS ACT would probably be the one to beat from an inside post; capable regardless. (6) CAPTAIN PRIMEAU is capable of winning if the month layoff isn’t an issue.

Race 2

(4) AVA N ELLA won as she pleased a week ago and gets another free ride in the same class. (2) SHESGOTTHEBEAT was second behind the top choice last time and should get away close and have a similar placing opportunity. (1) SHE CAN CRUISE was just even in her career debut; shows more now?

Race 3

(6) KEYSTONE THOMAS never got into the race from post 10 while parked the entire mile last time. He’ll be firing hard early and have no trouble taking charge. (2) CUP DAY SPUR N comes in off a win and picks up one of the top amateurs in the game. (7) CELEBRITY STIMULUS has plenty of early speed and that trait alone makes him dangerous.

Race 4

(1) TRUE BLUE STRIDE looked sharp in his qualifier and I’ve always felt this guy had some untapped potential. That said, this guy has sucked up a bunch of my money already. (2) CURFEW was a good second behind the top one in the morning and is probably the one to beat in this spot if he behaves. (8) OPEN ROAD HANOVER also comes back off a good qualifier and was racing in state-bred stakes last year.

Race 5

(1) BAD DAY BLACK ROCK raced well two starts back but threw in a clunker when he broke most recently. In a field lacking form and substance, I look for the rebound. (5) STAR STUDDED CAST could fire off the gate and get away from this field. (4) AMARCORD is another with some early speed who could get a piece.

Race 6

(3) MODEST PRINCE looked like a sure winner coming into the stretch but just couldn’t get his nose up last time. Off that more positive experience (he finished 7th, 9th and 6th previously), I’m going to stay here. (5) MERMERIZED was a sharp down the road winner most recently and looks dangerous again. (4) DETROIT RAPPER faded after racing uncovered against tougher and would figure to be tough in this spot.

Race 7

(2) CAN DO was competitive for quite a while versus Open Handicap types and some lackluster recent efforts have afforded him some needed class relief. You have to expect that he’ll awaken against this field. (4) MAGENTA MAN has won six of eight starts while hitting the board in every 2016 start; enough said. (5) WORLD CUP can’t seem to find the knockout punch in the lane but remains sharp. (10) IT’S PAYDAY FRIDAY has the ability if he minds his manners.

Race 8

(9) NOT BEFORE EIGHT got unlucky with the far outside draw but does face the easiest field she has seen in months. I have to think Zeron will put her in play. (3) FANTICIPATION comes off a good try at Yonkers and has the early speed to be a sneaky price play. (7) SWEET TIME spent time on the rim and raced well in her first start for the new barn. (2) HEY KOBE drops down and seems like a must use.

Race 9

(2) BORN TO FIGHT is back at the Meadowlands against lesser foes and seems likely to rebound with a good effort. (4) BJANTHONY has been a model of consistency. (1) WINDSUN ILLUSION drops back down but wasn’t exactly winning when last seen against this type. I give him a shot because this field lacks a ton of early speed.

Race 10

(1) MADMAN HALL loomed but came up flat late with Schnittker driving. This guy is ready to win and the switch to Miller could be a difference maker. (4) SPECTATOR K raced well in his first start for this barn and should prove competitive once again. (3) KEYSTONE TREVOR was a bit better last time.

Race 11

The moment (7) MISCHIEF MAKER N crossed the wire in his first U.S. qualifier I knew there was a good chance she would be my top selection in his pari-mutuel debut. Down Under import finished up willingly that morning and should offer fair value with Nason driving. With the exception of the top choice, who is a bit of an unknown, (5) PURITY hasn’t seen a field this weak in quite some time; must use. (1) MANDY’S MATTJESTY arrives for trainer Ron Burke and has early speed.

Race 12

(4) K J’S CAROLINE comes off a 1:58 1/5 qualifier at Monticello which translates nicely in terms of time against this group. She has as good a chance as any in this tough to figure event. (6) ROYAL ENGAGEMENT comes off two solid efforts here and seems likely to be the favorite. (9) MOJARRA HANOVER is far from a killer but usually wakes up in spots like this one. (7) KELLI RACHELLE put up a win in this class two starts back; logical player.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yonkers: Friday 3/18 Analysis
By Brewster Smith

DRF HARNESS


MEET STATS: 71 - 276 / $504.70

BEST BETS: 7 - 22 / $28.50

Best Bet: TIPITINA (12th)

Spot Play: AMASA AL (3rd)


Race 1

(3) I SCOOT SAM makes his return inside and now this gelding has a big shot to get back into the winner's circle; rate and score. (2) GRANDPA DON was never in it from the 8-hole last out but moving to the 2-hole should help his cause. (7) AUTOMATIC SLIMS has tactical speed however will have to overcome the outside slot to take this.

Race 2

(1) SWIFT AS A SHADOW Strong to run down some of these contestants last week. Now the pacer moves to the fence in same condition and once again the assignment goes to Matt Kakaley; the pick. (3) FOOL TO CRY was very flat in his latest. The move to the 3-hole should make this guy a contender for new connections. (2) GREYSTONE CASH here's another with post relief; exotics factor.

Race 3

(5) AMASA AL had live cover and rallied nicely down the lane, but could not get to the winner Outa My Head last week. Hopefully gelding will get the best of trips and with a well rated drive he can mow these down for all the glory. (6) WAYNE THE LEFTY goes for new connections, Bartlett stays and he's on a roll scoring three straight. (2) ARTHUR should appreciate the move back to the 2-hole where he got the job done two starts ago.

Race 4

(6) MONTREAL PHIL does not like to be rated, but the gelding is much stronger when he shows speed. If Dube chooses to get this 12-year-old on the engine, he could be tough in here; we shall see. (5) OK GALAHAD should make some noise from the 5-hole and Brennan gets the call. (3) SMOKING JOEY is 0 for 9 this year but should fit with these and door number three should help his chances.

Race 5

(2) CANACO STAR was uncovered approaching the 1/2 pole and was at the helmet of Lightning Paige, but was flat turning for home in her most recent outing. Should be geared up this time around from the 2-hole and catches a weak group tonight; gets the call. (5) WANNA ROCK N ROLL was first over at the half and this mare kept pecking away for her second straight score last out. (1) OUR ELS DREAM N took a tough break at the start last out but is very capable of rebounding back from the fence.

Race 6

(4) KRISPY APPLE makes her second start of the year. If you throw out her latest, this gal has a proven record 17 of 21 starts in the exacta last year so we shall see if time has caught up to her; big threat at her best. (2) REGIL ELEKTRA took the pocket route home for the victory in her last try. (6) HAZMATT Sharp 4-year-old mare is unbeaten this year scoring five straight all at the Hilltop.

Race 7

(1) YAGONNAKISSMEORNOT made her 2016 return racing evenly for fifth last out at Pompano. The last time this mare was seen here was on September 4th when she got the job done down the road; ready for action with Dube at the helm. (3) SECRETS OUT N sharp in victory when this gal led every step of the way last week. (2) VENUS DELIGHT Two nice qualifiers at the Meadowlands put this mare right in the mix with these.

Race 8

(4) GALLIE BYTHE BEACH did not fire in her last trip but this mare had everything go her way two starts back with a down the road score. Fits well in here and if she can revert to her February 26th try the rest will have to settle for place money. (2) BETTOR N BETTER was sitting a 3-hole trip and just got up to greet the cameraman for pictures last out. (1) JUNGLE GENIE N was first up at the 1/2 but could not keep going thru the lane last time around so maybe she will fare well from the fence.

Race 9

(6) ALL ABOUT KISSES Mare seems to be knocking at the door based on her last two trips to the post. Has good tactical speed and good to see Brennan keep the faith; quite playable. (2) PLAYAWAY N had a second over trip to run down the competition in her latest. (8) BAD NIGHT MARE flashed good speed last time around. Post hurts but she is very capable.

Race 10

(6) PAMS LEGACY Gelding showed some early zip from the pocket to hold on for second in his last start. Has hit the board 6 of 7 tries this year so if he gets a covered up trip it could be game over for the rest; we shall see. (6) ARI ALLSTAR Pocket-rocket victory in his last start makes this guy a strong contender in here. (1) MAINLAND KEY N showed late pace to land down the show spot in his latest.

Race 11

(3) BENJAMINBANNEKER N gets serious post relief and gelding knows how to get the job done. So with that said he clearly can boss these at his best. (5) HARDTS OR BETTOR has scored in his last two starts at this level. (2) OUTRAGEOUS ART Even finish holding on for fourth money recently.

Race 12

Meadows invader (3) TIPITINA makes her return to Yonkers and trainer Mike Forte. Was a covered up winner two starts back at the western Pennsylvania oval and maybe this group will suit her well; gets the call. (1) GROUNDED was uncovered and at the helmet of Envious Hanover at the 1/2 but tired in the stretch run last out; note the barn change. (4) VIRGIN MARY got the job done against lesser company last time around.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Friday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE


Aqueduct (1st) Forever Plus, 7-2
(4th) Grace's Joy, 4-1

Charles Town (5th) Wild Ham, 3-1
(8th) Half a Bushel, 4-1


Fair Grounds (1st) Winds of Autumn, 3-1
(2nd) Zandale, 4-1


Golden Gate Fields (1st) Aperfectdaytofly, 7-2
(4th) Arviat Bay, 7-2


Gulfstream Park (4th) Moonlit Sonnet, 5-1
(11th) Chia Ghost, 5-1

Hawthorne (5th) Meadow Wise, 5-1
(7th) Allaire, 3-1


Laurel Park (1st) Bella Yolanda, 3-1
(7th) Do What I Say, 7-2


Oaklawn Park (4th) Magnum Force, 3-1
(5th) Precarious, 8-1

Penn National (3rd) Caladbolg, 7-2
(8th) Racyn With Gracyn, 9-2

Santa Anita (4th) Right There, 9-2
(5th) Legitimate, 4-1

Tampa Bay Downs (9th) I Heart Junior, 9-2
(10th) Easy Cris, 6-1


Turfway Park (8th) Stormin Greeley, 6-1
(10th) Bansha, 5-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Friday's six-pack

Six of the more interesting first round games on Friday..........

-- Syracuse-Dayton-- Both teams struggled down the stretch.

-- Hawai'i-Cal-- Golden Bears are without PG Wallace (hand) again.

-- Temple-Iowa-- Owls have bad recent history in NCAA; Iowa struggled lately.

-- Michigan-Notre Dame-- Why don't these teams play? They do in football.

-- VCU-Oregon State-- Beavers' first appearance in NCAAs since 1990.

-- South Dakota State-Maryland-- Jackrabbits get a shot at one of the big boys.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Sharp Bettor

Sharp Bettor's Free Pick for Friday, March 18, 2016, CBB.

Iowa is not a stellar defensive team, #9 in Big 10 points allowed (68.7 ppg), #6 in field goal shooting defense. The Hawkeyes are 2-11 ATS neutral sites and face a terrific Temple (21-11 SU, 4-1 SU/ATS run) defense, #4 in the Big East in scoring D (67.4 pg). Temple has excellent balance with 6-5 senior G Quenton DeCosey (15.6 ppg, 6 rpg) running the backcourt and 6-9 soph Obi Enechionyia (11.2 ppg, 3.7 rpg) and 6-8 senior Jaylen Bond (102. ppg, 8.3 rpg) up front. The Owls are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.

Play Temple.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Roz Wins

Roz's Friday, March 18, 2016, Free NHL Pick:

Ottawa is No. 5 in the NHL in goals scored with a winning record. The Senators beat the Minnesota Wild 3-2 on Tuesday night in overtime on Erik Karlsson's 13th goal of the season at 4:29 of overtime. The Senators are 4-1 in their last 5 vs. a team with a losing record. Buffalo is No. 28 in the NHL in goals scored with a weak defense. And the Sabres are 17-41 in their last 58 home games.

Play Ottawa.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Dave Cokin

Bonus Play Friday

825 CAL STATE BAKERSFIELD vs. 826 OKLAHOMA 4:00 PM

Take: OKLAHOMA -14.5

Congratulations are in order for Cal State Bakersfield. The Roadrunners are Big Dance participants for the first time, and they got here in ultra-satisfying fashion. Knocking off New Mexico State in the WAC finale and doing so with a buzzer beater set off a big celebration that was richly deserved. Considering that between foul trouble and in-game injuries, Bakersfield was in deep water if that game went to overtime, it was a pretty amazing win.

Unfortunately for the Roadrunners, I think reality sets in today. Not only do they have to step way up in class to face Oklahoma, it’s the equivalent of a true road game as this game will be played in Oklahoma City.

In terms of style, Bakersfield likes to pressure on defense and that has given the Sooners some problems down the stretch. But I can’t believe that the Roadrunners have the ability to play this style at the same level as the Big 12 opposition that worked it with some success against the Sooners. If that’s true, then Oklahoma figures to get some easy baskets after breaking through the first wave of the Bakersfield defense.

The Sooners should also benefit from being on the receiving end of something they really seemed to need at the end of the season. That would be rest. This team does not have much depth and the Big 12 gauntlet this season was as tough as it gets. Oklahoma now having enjoyed an entire week off and also having absolutely zero travel for this game is big, at least in my opinion.

Bakersfield is a great story, no doubt about it. But in truth, it’s tough for me to make a case they can compete for 40 minutes here. The Roadrunners simply don’t have anything on their season resume that indicates to me they can hang with a legit powerhouse on the road. They got bludgeoned at Saint Mary’s. The loss at Arizona State was not close. They hung around at Fresno State but the Bulldogs were not nearly the same team then as they were at the end of the season. They lost at Wyoming. They lost at Idaho. The best quality win Bakersfield had all year was last week’s victory against New Mexico State. Aside from that, this team’s best win was against Grand Canyon, and that was at home.

If Oklahoma has issues with the Bakersfield press, then this could become a tense battle and I’ll be in trouble with the heavy chalk. But the location of the game, the fact the Sooners finally got some needed time off, and the possibility the dog is in happy to be here mode are all strong considerations for me. I’ll go with favored Oklahoma to collect a potentially lopsided win.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Jim Feist

Jim Feist's Comp NBA Pick, Friday, March 18, 2016 8:35 PM

(813) GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS VS (814) DALLAS MAVERICKS

Take: Over the total.

Reason: Your Bonus Play for Friday, March 18, 2016 is in the NBA scheduled contest between the Golden State Warriors and Mavericks in Dallas. Golden State has plenty of offensive punch inside and out, No. 1 in the league in points scored. The over is 21-10 in the Warriors last 31 road games. Stephen Curry sank eight threes as Warriors scored 121 points the last game, blowing out New York. The reigning MVP, Curry scored 34 points in another brilliant 3-point shooting performance. The over is 20-7 in the Warriors last 27 games following a spread win. They face a Dallas defense that is No. 14 in points allowed and No. 15 in field goal shooting defense. Dallas is 8-3 over the total at home and the Over is 7-2 when the Mavericks face the Western Conference. Play Golden State/Dallas Over the total.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Arthur Ralph Sports

Bonus Play: FRI MID TENN ST + 18

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Red Dog Sports

Evian TG vs Sochaux

Bonus Play Draw +178

Evian and Sochaux to draw at +178 is my soccer play for Friday. It takes place in France League 2 at 3pm eastern. The total is set at 2 so they are expecting a low score. I hope to see it 0-0 or 1-1.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Jimmy Boyd

VCU vs Oregon State

Free Pick on Oregon State +

My first instinct was to take VCU in this one, but after researching this one more closely, I really like the value here with Oregon State. The Shockers were better than most expected in the first season with Shaka Smart calling the shots, but they really didn't do anything outside of an average A-10 conference.

VCU's toughest non-conference games were against Wisconsin, Duke, Florida State, Georgia Tech and Cincinnati. They lost them all. My big concern with Oregon State is they don't travel well, but this is a great matchup for the Beavers. It's no secret that the Rams love to pressure teams with full court chaos. There might not be a better player to handle that pressure than Oregon State's Gary Payton.

Those of you with a good understanding of basketball, know that if you break the press successfully, it almost always leads to high percentage shots on the other side of the floor. Keep in mind the Beavers apply some pressure of their own, so they aren't going to be intimated by the Rams and their style. It's also worth noting that Oregon is one team in the Pac-12 that likes to apply pressure and they played well against the Ducks in both meetings. Take the points!

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Doc's Sports

Hawaii vs California

Bonus Play from Doc’s Sports. #844 Take Over in Hawaii vs. California (Friday 2 pm TBS)

Numerous analysis like Hawaii to win this game straight up while other feel California can make a run to the Final Four. We will not worry about who will win this game and instead look to collect with the over. The Warriors were a quiet 27-5 this season in route to winning the regular season and conference tournament in the Big West. This team has a variety of weapons and averages 78 point per game. The Golden Bears have played well down the stretch winning nine of their last eleven games and they score over 75 points per game. Thus if both team can reach 70 points we will collect with this selection.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Teddy Covers

Hawaii vs California

Bonus Play Take California (#844)

Teddy entered the Big Dance riding a scorching 37-17 (69%) All Sports Run over the past three weeks, delivering HUGE profits for himself and his clients! Don’t miss a single ‘right side’ winner all weekend long….

Oftentimes the college basketball betting markets are so predictable. Yes, Cal just lost their leading scorer, senior point guard Tyrone Wallace, to a broken hand that he suffered in practice earlier in the week. And the markets proceeded to do what they do, without a sliver of thought or research. They hear ‘leading scorer’ or ‘senior point guard’ out and immediately start betting Hawaii, hand over fist.

All of which leaves us with Cal sitting at -4.5 or -5 as I write this; in a game that has legitimate ‘mismatch’ potential. First, let me start with Wallace. He’s missed five games earlier in the year, and then came off the bench for the next three. Cal went 6-2 SU, 5-3 ATS in the games that Wallace missed, including wins over Arizona and Oregon, two teams that are FAR better than Hawaii.

How has Cal been able to thrive without their senior point guard before? Simple – they’ve got a backup who is almost as good. Sam Singer doesn’t have Wallace’s scoring prowess , but that’s no big deal for a team that has five players averaging in double figures and a pair of potential NBA lottery picks in their freshman class. What Singer does BETTER than Wallace is distribute, with more assists and fewer turnovers than Wallace despite the duo playing nearly equal minutes for the season. Wallace’s absence won’t help Cal, obviously, but it won’t hurt the Bears nearly as much as the markets seem to think it will with their knee-jerk betting reaction.

And make no mistake about it – this Cal squad is capable of making a deep run into this tournament. The Bears came on like a freight train down the stretch riding those two elite freshmen, Jaylen Brown and Ivan Rabb, both potential NBA lottery picks this summer. Cuonzo Martin’s squad has gone 9-2 SU, 8-2-1 ATS in their last eleven ballgames, the only losses coming against Arizona and Utah; one in OT, the other by three points. Hawaii certainly doesn’t compare favorably with either of those squads.

Hawaii is going to jack up a bunch of three pointers here, like they do in most games, not a team capable of driving the ball and scoring in the paint against the Bears big, physical frontcourt. If they hit some of those three’s they might hang around for a while, but if they don’t this one could get ugly early. Each and every one of Hawaii’s few quality foes this year visited Honolulu, not the other way around. I do NOT expect the Warriors to hang tough in Seattle in early start action on Friday. Take California.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mike Lundin

Warriors vs Mavs

5* NBA Free Pick Dallas Mavericks

This is very much a let down spot for the Golden State Warriors as they're coming off a lopsided 121-85 victory over the Knicks Wednesday and have a marquee matchup against the Spurs on deck tomorrow. They're on the road again after a six-game homestand and we can note that the Warriors are 3-5 ATS after playing three consecutive home games this season and 2-5-1 ATS in their last eight on the road overall.

The Dallas Mavericks have lost six of their last seven games but gave the Cavs a real run for their money in a 99-98 loss Wednesday. The Mavs are tied with Houston for the West's final two playoff spots, with both holding just a slim advantage over ninth-place Utah, so the Mavs will be desperate to pick up a win.

Banged-up reserves Andre Iguodala, Festus Ezeli and Kevon Looney have not made the trip to Texas and I can see the Warriors opt to conserve their energy for tomorrow's game.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Scott Spreitzer

Temple vs Iowa

Bonus Play Temple

I'm recommending a play on Temple plus the points on Friday. The more we looked into this one, we decided to back the Owls here, as we have felt the AAC has been undervalued. The only thing keeping five of the conference's 11 teams from making the Big Dance was SMU's postseason ban. UConn represented the AAC well yesterday with a win and cover over Colorado. I expect Temple to hang the number here. The Owls are a physical and defensively sound basketball team, heading into Friday ranked 35th against the trey, while also holding teams to 41.7% FG shooting, overall. This is tough news for an Iowa team that struggled down the stretch, losing five of six SU, while covering just one of their last eight games. The Big-10 entry made less than 40% of their FGA over the last five games, while allowing those opponents to make 25.8 FGs per game on nearly 45% shooting. Facing the Owls is not a case of, "just what the doctor ordered," for Iowa's offensive play. Temple has won 13 of their last 17 games SU, and they're on an 8-3 ATS run as a single digit underdog & PK. We're recommending a play on Temple plus the points on Friday. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.