Friday 9/9/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Friday's Tip Sheet
By Brian Edwards

**Maryland at Florida International**

-- Week 2 gets started on Friday this week with the NFL taking center stage on Thursday night. The action begins at 7:30 p.m. Eastern when Florida International welcomes Maryland from out of the Big Ten to South Florida. CBS Sports Network will provide the telecast.

-- As of Thursday, most betting shops had Maryland (1-0 straight up, 0-1 against the spread) installed as a 10.5-point favorite with a total of 56.5 points for ‘over/under’ wagers. The Panthers were listed at +330 on the money line (risk $100 to win $130). For first-half bets, the Terrapins were favored by six with a total of 28.5.

-- D.J. Durkin’s team cruised to a 52-13 win over Howard as a 50-point home favorite last Saturday. Six different Maryland players ran for touchdowns as it raced out to a 35-0 lead at intermission. Perry Hills, the senior QB who had a miserable 17/20 career touchdown-to-interception ratio coming into the season, completed 14-of-19 passes for 126 yards without a TD or an INT. The Terps had an atrocious -18 overall plus/minus in the turnovers department in 2015, so Durkin had to be pleased to get out of the opener without committing any turnovers. All six of those players who ran for TDs had at least four carries and 40 rushing yards. The Terps rushed for 315 yards on 44 totes, averaging 7.2 yards per carry.

-- Maryland brought back seven starters on offense and five on defense from a ’15 squad that finished 3-9.

-- FIU (0-1 SU, 0-1 ATS) dropped a 34-13 decision to Indiana last Thursday as a 10-point home underdog. The 47 combined points went ‘under’ the 64-point number. The Hoosiers suspended a slew of players before last week’s opener, and they went into the fourth quarter trailing the Panthers by a 13-12 count. However, IU dominated the final stanza by a 22-0 score to secure the win and spread cover.

-- FIU killed itself with three turnovers, including a pair of pick-sixes thrown by junior QB Alex McGough, who had a 21/8 TD-INT ratio in ’15. McGough completed 23-of-46 passes against IU for 263 yards, but he was intercepted three times and didn’t throw a TD pass. The Panthers also had a punt blocked for a safety, so they basically handed the Hoosiers 16 points.

-- FIU running back Alex Gardner rushed for only 23 yards on 10 carries, but he did have a one-yard TD plunge. He also had seven receptions for 70 yards. WR Jonnu Smith had eight receptions for 83 yards against IU.

-- Ron Turner has a 10-27 record since arriving at FIU, but we should note that his teams have improved each year with win totals of one, four and five as he goes into Year 4. The Panthers returned nine starters on offense and five on defense from the ’15 team that finished 5-7 SU and 5-5-2 versus the number.

-- FIU has been a home underdog 15 times during Turner’s tenure, producing a 6-9 spread record.

-- Maryland didn’t have any road ‘chalk’ situations last season. During Randy Edsall’s five-year tenure, the Terps went 2-2 ATS in their four games as road favorites.

-- According to weather.com, the forecast in Miami on Friday night calls for variable clouds and scattered thunderstorms, with a 40 percent chance of rain and a low temperature of 78 degrees.

**Louisville at Syracuse**

-- The Dino Babers Era began in Week 1 with Syracuse (1-0 straight up, 1-0 against the spread) winning a 33-7 decision over Colgate as a 23.5-point home favorite last Friday. Sophomore quarterback Eric Dungey led the way by completing 34-of-40 passes for 355 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. Amba Etta-Tawo, a grad transfer from Maryland making his debut for the Orange, shined with 12 receptions for 210 yards and one TD. Junior Ervin Phillips had 14 catches for 87 yards and one TD, while true freshman Moe Neal rushed for 68 yards and one TD on just nine carries.

-- We should note that Colgate was ranked No. 16 in the preseason FCS rankings and dropped to No. 20 following the loss at Syracuse.

-- Syracuse dominated on both sides of the ball with a 554-143 advantage in total offense and a 25-11 lead in first downs.

-- Babers left Bowling Green to take the Syracuse gig after leading the Falcons to records of 8-6 (after his starting QB went down with a season-ending injury in Week 1) and 10-4. In ’15, Babers’ offense scored points at a 42.2 points-per-game clip and the Falcons won the MAC Championship Game.

-- The ‘Cuse finished ’15 with a 4-8 SU record, but it did produce profit for its backers with an excellent 8-4 ledger ATS. The Orange returned 16 starters, eight on each side of the ball.

-- Louisville (1-0 SU, 1-0 ATS) smashed Charlotte by a 70-14 count in its opener last Thursday, easily cashing tickets as a 38.5-point home ‘chalk.’ Bobby Petrino’s squad raced out to a 56-0 lead at halftime and coasted to the finish line. Lamar Jackson, the sophomore QB, connected on 17-of-23 throws for 286 yards and six TDs without an interception. Jackson also rushed 11 times for 119 yards and a pair of scores. Not bad for just one half of work for Jackson, although Petrino said, “Should have been nine [TDs].” Eight different U of L players caught TD passes, as back-up QB Kyle Bolin had a pair of TD throws as well.

-- Jackson started seven games as a true freshman last season, rushing for a team-best 960 yards and 11 TDs while averaging 5.9 YPC. Jackson completed 54.7 percent of his passes for 1,840 yards with a 12/8 TD-INT ratio. All 10 of his top pass catchers returned, as did the squad’s six leading rushers. Jamari Staples and James Quick are the best of the wideouts. The duo combined to grab 76 receptions for 1,262 yards and eight TDs in ’15.

-- When these schools met at Papa John’s Stadium in Louisville last season, U of L captured a 41-17 win as a 14-point home favorite. The ‘Cuse actually had a 10-7 lead before throwing a pick-six with 5:42 remaining in the second quarter. Bolin threw for 362 yards and three TDs, while RB Brandon Radcliff rushed 10 times for 117 yards. TE Cole Hikutini had three receptions for 28 yards and two TDs. In the losing effort, Dungey completed just 15-of-30 passes for 158 yards without a TD and two interceptions. U of L had a 579-286 advantage in total offense.

-- As of Thursday, most spots had Louisville listed as a 15-point road favorite with a total of 69 points. The Orange were at +500 to win outright (risk $100 to win $500). For first-half plays, U of L was favored by eight of 8.5 with a total of 35.

-- As road favorites during Petrino’s second tour of duty with the Cardinals, they have compiled a 4-2 spread record. Meanwhile, Syracuse went 4-0 ATS as a home underdog in 2015.

-- Louisville finished ’15 with an 8-5 SU record and a 7-6 ATS mark. The Cardinals started the year with three consecutive one-possession defeats vs. Auburn (31-24 at the Ga. Dome), vs. Houston (34-31) and vs. Clemson (20-17). They won seven of their nine regular-season contests to earn an invite to the Music City Bowl to face Texas A&M. The Aggies saw their top two QBs transfer out before the bowl game, leaving them playing with their third-string signal caller. U of L took advantage and won a 27-21 decision as a 3.5-point favorite.

-- U of L brought back nine starters on offense and eight on defense. The ‘D’ is led by LB Keith Kelsey, a first-team All-ACC selection in ’15 when he had 107 tackles, 3.5 sacks and 8.5 TFL’s. A pair of transfers bring a lot more punch to this unit, former Georgia LB Josh Harvey-Clemson and former Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year Devonte Fields. The former TCU defensive end garnered those honors as a freshman. Fields had 10.5 sacks, 11.5 TFL’s and 10 QB hurries for U of L last year.

-- Petrino posted a 41-9 record from 2003-2006 as Louisville’s head coach. In his final year, the Cardinals went 12-1, won the Orange Bowl and finished fifth in the nation in the AP Rankings. Petrino, who spent most of that four-year stretch flirting with more than a half-dozen schools (and the Raiders), finally found the gig he wanted and left for the Atlanta Falcons, who at the time were led by Michael Vick. A few months later, Vick was arrested for the dog-fighting fiasco and Petrino was left with Joey Harrington as a QB and looking for his quickest route out of town. After Week 13, he bolted to accept the head-coaching job at Arkansas. Things went well in Fayetteville – until they didn’t anymore. His motorcycle wreck and extramarital turmoil prompted his dismissal from Arkansas. Then after a year off, he was hired by Western Kentucky, only to leave the Hilltoppers to return to Louisville after one season. Since being back, Petrino has compiled an 18-9 record, but U of L now plays in the ACC rather than the Big East.

-- Louisville junior WR Ja’Quay Savage is ‘questionable’ at Syracuse with a shoulder injury. Savage had 12 receptions for 135 yards and one TD last season.

-- Syracuse will be without senior RB George Morris (ankle) and senior CB Wayne Morgan (undisclosed) due to injuries. Morris rushed for 326 yards while averaging 4.9 YPC in ’15. Morgan had 16 tackles and two passes broken up last year.

-- Kickoff is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. Eastern on ESPN.

**B.E.’s Bonus Nuggets**

-- North Carolina’s defensive line depth will be hurting again Saturday at Illinois. Tyler Powell and Dajaun Drennon are both out indefinitely. Drennon, a junior DE, started 24 games as a freshman and sophomore and had 39 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 3.5 TFL’s, and three QB hurries last season. Powell had 23 tackles in ’15. The Tar Heels, who are eight-point road favorites, throttled the Illini by a 48-14 count as eight-point home ‘chalk’ last year.

-- Western Kentucky senior RB Leon Allen is out indefinitely with a knee injury. Allen rushed for 1,542 yards and 13 TDs for the Hilltoppers in 2014. He was injured in WKU’s second game of last season and missed the rest of the year. Jeff Brohm’s squad is a 28.5-point underdog Saturday at Alabama.

-- Florida will be looking for its 30th consecutive win over Kentucky on Saturday afternoon at The Swamp. The Gators currently hold the NCAA’s longest active head-to-head winning streak thanks to Temple ending Penn State’s 31-game win streak over the Owls in ’15. UF is a 16.5-point home favorite against the Wildcats, who blew a 35-10 lead in last week’s 44-35 home loss to Southern Miss.

-- Late reports out of Athens on Thursday night indicated that true freshman QB Jacob Eason has been named the starter for Saturday’s home game vs. Nicholls. In his collegiate debut, Easton completed 8-of-12 throws for 131 yards and one TD without an interception in relief of Greyson Lambert. Most important, UGA stud RB Nick Chubb looked like his old self by rushing for 222 yards and two TDs on 32 carries against UNC.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Friday's Tip Sheet
By Brian Edwards

**Maryland at Florida International**

-- Week 2 gets started on Friday this week with the NFL taking center stage on Thursday night. The action begins at 7:30 p.m. Eastern when Florida International welcomes Maryland from out of the Big Ten to South Florida. CBS Sports Network will provide the telecast.

-- As of Thursday, most betting shops had Maryland (1-0 straight up, 0-1 against the spread) installed as a 10.5-point favorite with a total of 56.5 points for ‘over/under’ wagers. The Panthers were listed at +330 on the money line (risk $100 to win $130). For first-half bets, the Terrapins were favored by six with a total of 28.5.

-- D.J. Durkin’s team cruised to a 52-13 win over Howard as a 50-point home favorite last Saturday. Six different Maryland players ran for touchdowns as it raced out to a 35-0 lead at intermission. Perry Hills, the senior QB who had a miserable 17/20 career touchdown-to-interception ratio coming into the season, completed 14-of-19 passes for 126 yards without a TD or an INT. The Terps had an atrocious -18 overall plus/minus in the turnovers department in 2015, so Durkin had to be pleased to get out of the opener without committing any turnovers. All six of those players who ran for TDs had at least four carries and 40 rushing yards. The Terps rushed for 315 yards on 44 totes, averaging 7.2 yards per carry.

-- Maryland brought back seven starters on offense and five on defense from a ’15 squad that finished 3-9.

-- FIU (0-1 SU, 0-1 ATS) dropped a 34-13 decision to Indiana last Thursday as a 10-point home underdog. The 47 combined points went ‘under’ the 64-point number. The Hoosiers suspended a slew of players before last week’s opener, and they went into the fourth quarter trailing the Panthers by a 13-12 count. However, IU dominated the final stanza by a 22-0 score to secure the win and spread cover.

-- FIU killed itself with three turnovers, including a pair of pick-sixes thrown by junior QB Alex McGough, who had a 21/8 TD-INT ratio in ’15. McGough completed 23-of-46 passes against IU for 263 yards, but he was intercepted three times and didn’t throw a TD pass. The Panthers also had a punt blocked for a safety, so they basically handed the Hoosiers 16 points.

-- FIU running back Alex Gardner rushed for only 23 yards on 10 carries, but he did have a one-yard TD plunge. He also had seven receptions for 70 yards. WR Jonnu Smith had eight receptions for 83 yards against IU.

-- Ron Turner has a 10-27 record since arriving at FIU, but we should note that his teams have improved each year with win totals of one, four and five as he goes into Year 4. The Panthers returned nine starters on offense and five on defense from the ’15 team that finished 5-7 SU and 5-5-2 versus the number.

-- FIU has been a home underdog 15 times during Turner’s tenure, producing a 6-9 spread record.

-- Maryland didn’t have any road ‘chalk’ situations last season. During Randy Edsall’s five-year tenure, the Terps went 2-2 ATS in their four games as road favorites.

-- According to weather.com, the forecast in Miami on Friday night calls for variable clouds and scattered thunderstorms, with a 40 percent chance of rain and a low temperature of 78 degrees.

**Louisville at Syracuse**

-- The Dino Babers Era began in Week 1 with Syracuse (1-0 straight up, 1-0 against the spread) winning a 33-7 decision over Colgate as a 23.5-point home favorite last Friday. Sophomore quarterback Eric Dungey led the way by completing 34-of-40 passes for 355 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. Amba Etta-Tawo, a grad transfer from Maryland making his debut for the Orange, shined with 12 receptions for 210 yards and one TD. Junior Ervin Phillips had 14 catches for 87 yards and one TD, while true freshman Moe Neal rushed for 68 yards and one TD on just nine carries.

-- We should note that Colgate was ranked No. 16 in the preseason FCS rankings and dropped to No. 20 following the loss at Syracuse.

-- Syracuse dominated on both sides of the ball with a 554-143 advantage in total offense and a 25-11 lead in first downs.

-- Babers left Bowling Green to take the Syracuse gig after leading the Falcons to records of 8-6 (after his starting QB went down with a season-ending injury in Week 1) and 10-4. In ’15, Babers’ offense scored points at a 42.2 points-per-game clip and the Falcons won the MAC Championship Game.

-- The ‘Cuse finished ’15 with a 4-8 SU record, but it did produce profit for its backers with an excellent 8-4 ledger ATS. The Orange returned 16 starters, eight on each side of the ball.

-- Louisville (1-0 SU, 1-0 ATS) smashed Charlotte by a 70-14 count in its opener last Thursday, easily cashing tickets as a 38.5-point home ‘chalk.’ Bobby Petrino’s squad raced out to a 56-0 lead at halftime and coasted to the finish line. Lamar Jackson, the sophomore QB, connected on 17-of-23 throws for 286 yards and six TDs without an interception. Jackson also rushed 11 times for 119 yards and a pair of scores. Not bad for just one half of work for Jackson, although Petrino said, “Should have been nine [TDs].” Eight different U of L players caught TD passes, as back-up QB Kyle Bolin had a pair of TD throws as well.

-- Jackson started seven games as a true freshman last season, rushing for a team-best 960 yards and 11 TDs while averaging 5.9 YPC. Jackson completed 54.7 percent of his passes for 1,840 yards with a 12/8 TD-INT ratio. All 10 of his top pass catchers returned, as did the squad’s six leading rushers. Jamari Staples and James Quick are the best of the wideouts. The duo combined to grab 76 receptions for 1,262 yards and eight TDs in ’15.

-- When these schools met at Papa John’s Stadium in Louisville last season, U of L captured a 41-17 win as a 14-point home favorite. The ‘Cuse actually had a 10-7 lead before throwing a pick-six with 5:42 remaining in the second quarter. Bolin threw for 362 yards and three TDs, while RB Brandon Radcliff rushed 10 times for 117 yards. TE Cole Hikutini had three receptions for 28 yards and two TDs. In the losing effort, Dungey completed just 15-of-30 passes for 158 yards without a TD and two interceptions. U of L had a 579-286 advantage in total offense.

-- As of Thursday, most spots had Louisville listed as a 15-point road favorite with a total of 69 points. The Orange were at +500 to win outright (risk $100 to win $500). For first-half plays, U of L was favored by eight of 8.5 with a total of 35.

-- As road favorites during Petrino’s second tour of duty with the Cardinals, they have compiled a 4-2 spread record. Meanwhile, Syracuse went 4-0 ATS as a home underdog in 2015.

-- Louisville finished ’15 with an 8-5 SU record and a 7-6 ATS mark. The Cardinals started the year with three consecutive one-possession defeats vs. Auburn (31-24 at the Ga. Dome), vs. Houston (34-31) and vs. Clemson (20-17). They won seven of their nine regular-season contests to earn an invite to the Music City Bowl to face Texas A&M. The Aggies saw their top two QBs transfer out before the bowl game, leaving them playing with their third-string signal caller. U of L took advantage and won a 27-21 decision as a 3.5-point favorite.

-- U of L brought back nine starters on offense and eight on defense. The ‘D’ is led by LB Keith Kelsey, a first-team All-ACC selection in ’15 when he had 107 tackles, 3.5 sacks and 8.5 TFL’s. A pair of transfers bring a lot more punch to this unit, former Georgia LB Josh Harvey-Clemson and former Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year Devonte Fields. The former TCU defensive end garnered those honors as a freshman. Fields had 10.5 sacks, 11.5 TFL’s and 10 QB hurries for U of L last year.

-- Petrino posted a 41-9 record from 2003-2006 as Louisville’s head coach. In his final year, the Cardinals went 12-1, won the Orange Bowl and finished fifth in the nation in the AP Rankings. Petrino, who spent most of that four-year stretch flirting with more than a half-dozen schools (and the Raiders), finally found the gig he wanted and left for the Atlanta Falcons, who at the time were led by Michael Vick. A few months later, Vick was arrested for the dog-fighting fiasco and Petrino was left with Joey Harrington as a QB and looking for his quickest route out of town. After Week 13, he bolted to accept the head-coaching job at Arkansas. Things went well in Fayetteville – until they didn’t anymore. His motorcycle wreck and extramarital turmoil prompted his dismissal from Arkansas. Then after a year off, he was hired by Western Kentucky, only to leave the Hilltoppers to return to Louisville after one season. Since being back, Petrino has compiled an 18-9 record, but U of L now plays in the ACC rather than the Big East.

-- Louisville junior WR Ja’Quay Savage is ‘questionable’ at Syracuse with a shoulder injury. Savage had 12 receptions for 135 yards and one TD last season.

-- Syracuse will be without senior RB George Morris (ankle) and senior CB Wayne Morgan (undisclosed) due to injuries. Morris rushed for 326 yards while averaging 4.9 YPC in ’15. Morgan had 16 tackles and two passes broken up last year.

-- Kickoff is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. Eastern on ESPN.

**B.E.’s Bonus Nuggets**

-- North Carolina’s defensive line depth will be hurting again Saturday at Illinois. Tyler Powell and Dajaun Drennon are both out indefinitely. Drennon, a junior DE, started 24 games as a freshman and sophomore and had 39 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 3.5 TFL’s, and three QB hurries last season. Powell had 23 tackles in ’15. The Tar Heels, who are eight-point road favorites, throttled the Illini by a 48-14 count as eight-point home ‘chalk’ last year.

-- Western Kentucky senior RB Leon Allen is out indefinitely with a knee injury. Allen rushed for 1,542 yards and 13 TDs for the Hilltoppers in 2014. He was injured in WKU’s second game of last season and missed the rest of the year. Jeff Brohm’s squad is a 28.5-point underdog Saturday at Alabama.

-- Florida will be looking for its 30th consecutive win over Kentucky on Saturday afternoon at The Swamp. The Gators currently hold the NCAA’s longest active head-to-head winning streak thanks to Temple ending Penn State’s 31-game win streak over the Owls in ’15. UF is a 16.5-point home favorite against the Wildcats, who blew a 35-10 lead in last week’s 44-35 home loss to Southern Miss.

-- Late reports out of Athens on Thursday night indicated that true freshman QB Jacob Eason has been named the starter for Saturday’s home game vs. Nicholls. In his collegiate debut, Easton completed 8-of-12 throws for 131 yards and one TD without an interception in relief of Greyson Lambert. Most important, UGA stud RB Nick Chubb looked like his old self by rushing for 222 yards and two TDs on 32 carries against UNC.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Cardinals (1-0) at Orange (1-0)

Date: September 09, 2016 8:00 PM EDT

You'll have to excuse Louisville coach Bobby Petrino if he is not really sure what day it is.

Though Saturday is college football's traditional game day, Petrino's 13th-ranked Cardinals are getting ready for an 8 p.m. Friday contest against Syracuse at the Orange's Carrier Dome home. The Cardinals are coming off a 70-14 rout of Charlotte in their opener, which was played on a Thursday night.

"We're kind of off schedule," he said.

When the game is played isn't among Petrino's primary concerns, however. Whatever the schedule calls for that's what he will go with.

His concerns:

--First is contending with playing the game indoors and coping with the noise factor.

"It's a loud place," Petrino said. "They will have a big crowd. It's loud no matter how many people they have in there. Playing inside it's always loud, and we will have to be able to communicate.

"It's a good challenge for us. It's something that we really need."

Of course, noise is more of a factor when the Dome is filled or at least near capacity. The crowd for the opener - a 33-7 victory over Colgate -- was tagged at a disappointing 31,336, well below the capacity of 49,250.

The Orange are hoping for more fans in the seats this week.

"There is tons of room for improvement," Orange quarterback Eric Dungey said. "I'm happy we're back in the Dome. It was awesome playing in front of these fans. We had a lot of Orange out there so that was great to see. I'm looking forward to getting back here."

--Petrino's second concern is contending with first-year Syracuse coach Dino Babers' up-tempo approach on offense. It's a system that helped Baber beat Northern Illinois for the MAC championship last year at Bowling Green and got him Ohio Valley Conference titles and appearances in the FCS playoffs in both of his years at Eastern Illinois.

The Orange ran off 81 plays for 554 yards in total offense in beating Colgate last week. Babers said afterward it was the slowest pace he hopes the Orange plays at this year.

"I think what you saw tonight was both sides, a little bit of the good and a little bit of the bad," Babers said. "Hopefully, you can see the light at the end of the tunnel, what this could become once you work all of the kinks out and you have the right type of individuals giving you the right efforts in the right places."

Dungey agrees the pace needs to be picked up.

"I don't think it was fast enough," the quarterback said. "I'm pretty sure coach was already saying we're not fast enough. There's tons of room for improvement."

Petrino is expecting the quicker pace, but isn't so sure that sometimes the pace is a bit too fast.

"That's one of the things they brag about is how fast they go," Petrino said. "We've got to see if all that is legal because there's a few times they're snapping the ball and the down markers haven't even been moved yet.

"So we do need to check into that and see how that works. But I think they look good."

So did the Cardinals last week.

The Cardinals racked up 663 yards in total offense against Charlotte with quarterback Lamar Jackson accounting for 405 yards -- in the first half! He accounted for eight touchdowns to set a school record in the category, and his six touchdown passes tied another. He didn't take a snap in the second half.

In all, 16 different players recorded at least one catch for the Cardinals. Eight different players registered rushes.

"I thought Lamar really did a good job in the second quarter seeing things and going through his progressions," Petrino said. "It was nice to get everybody involved. He read the coverage and delivered the ball and let the players make the plays for you.

"That's why we had so many different guys make plays. And it was great to get everybody involved, you know, in the second half."

After the trip to Syracuse, the Cardinals will finally get to play a Saturday game when the host Florida State on Sept. 13.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAF

Friday’s games

Maryland is 3-2 as road favorite since 2010; Terps (-20) won last meeting with FIU 43-10 back in 2013, outgaining Panthers 576-171. FIU lost 34-10 to Big 14’s Indiana LW, outgained 486-331; IU ran ball for 246 yards. FIU is 6-8 as a home dog under Turner. FIU’s QB has 24 career starts- their whole OL from LY is back. big 14 teams are 7-5 vs spread in last 12 games vs C-USA teams.

Louisville is 4-2 as road favorite under Petrino, but in 11-25-1 in last 37 games as double digit favorite. Syracuse was 40-46/437 passing in an easy win over I-AA Colgate. Louisville scored 70 points LW despite three turnovers; they won five of last six games with Syracuse, covering three of last four; Cardinals are 4-2 in last six visits to Carrier Dome (dogs 5-1 vs spread).

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Tech Trends - Week 2
By Bruce Marshall

Friday, Sept. 9

Matchup Skinny Edge

MARYLAND at FIU...FIU 5-2 SU last seven as host but lost opener vs. Hoosiers. Turner 14-10-2 vs. line since late 2013 but 5-6-2 since LY. Durkin first road game for Terps, who were 7-4 vs. line away for Edsall and Locksley past two years.

Slight to Maryland, based on team trends.


LOUISVILLE at SYRACUSE...Orange 7-1 vs. line at Carrier Dome since LY and 4-0 as home dog, though Cuse has lost and failed to cover last two years vs. 'Ville. Babers 10-3-1 vs. line since LY with BGSU.

Syracuse, based on recent home and Dino spread trends.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

At the Gate - Friday
By Mike Dempsey

After a three day break we are back in action on Friday with opening day of the Fall Championship Meeting at Belmont Park.

We have action five days a week with 42 stakes over the 38-day fall meet including some key preps for the Breeders’ Cup.

There are six Breeders’ Cup Challenge “Win and You’re In” races slated during the meeting, two on Oct. 1 and four on Oct. 8.

The marquee event of the meeting is the $1 million Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) which is a “Win and You’re In” race for the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1).

The Ortiz brothers, who finished first and second in the Saratoga jockey standings will be missing in action to start off the meeting, meaning I probably won’t have to take my blood pressure medicine.

Jose, who won his first jockey title at the Spa will miss the first three days, suspended for a careless ride on Aug. 25. His brother Irad will miss the first five days of the meeting for his ride in the Saratoga Special (G2) on Recruiting Ready.

The meet kicks off Friday with a nine race card that gets underway at 1:30 ET. The feature is the $100,000 Christiecat for three-year-old fillies going six furlongs on the turf.


Here is the opening race from Belmont Park to get the day off to a good start:

BEL Race 1 Md $20,000 (1:30 ET)
#2 Chomsky 5-2
#1 Glennevan 4-1
#7 Tree Top Lover 3-1
#6 Play Big 7-2

Analysis: Chomsky makes his 17th career start and has landed in the money in 11 of those outings, not the type I generally like to back. However, he catches a slow group here and had a tough trip last out. The gelding ran out of running room along the inside at the quarterpole, was caught in tight and had to steady and made up some ground when clear late. The winner Greyjoy came back to beat $16,000 non-winners of two in his next outing on Aug. 22 at the Spa. The extra half furlong here should suit.

Glennevan tracked the early pace and dropped back to finish sixth last out for a $30,000 tag. The gelding was claimed out of the race by the Jacobson barn that is 17% winners first off the claim. This guy ran third in his three previous outings and those efforts looks good enough to be in the mix in this spot.

Wagering
WIN: #2 to win at 2-1 or better.
EX: 1,2 / 1,2,6,7
TRI: 1,2 / 1,2,6,7 / 1,2,6,7,8

Today’s Featured Race of the Day from Belmont Park:

BEL Race 8 The Christiecat (5:13 ET)
#10 Miss Katie Mae 8-1
#4 Coastal Sea 7-2
#5 Ava's Kitten 5-2
#1 Most Beautiful 8-1

Analysis: Miss Katie Mae is back on turf after checking in sixth beaten 2 1/4 lengths on the fake stuff at Woodbine in the Duchess. This gal is Group 2 placed, beaten a neck at the Curragh last year and won the Alywow two back at Woodbine on turf going 6 1/2 furlongs in her lone win since coming to the U.S. and landing with the Motion barn. The barn is 23% winners (with a +ROI) moving runners from synth to turf. She figures to bounce back with a better effort here and the 8-1 morning line looks more than fair.

Coastal Sea is coming off two sharp wins on turf at Laurel Park for the Keefe barn. She broke her maiden in her debut with the runner up a next out grad and last out beat Alw-1 foes with good late rally. Two she beat in that outing have come back to beat allowance foes in their next starts. Solid figs and she should get some pace to run at and just needs to work out a trip.

Wagering
WIN: #10 to win at 9-2 or better.
EX: 4,10 / 1,4,5,10
TRI: 4,10 / 1,4,5,10 / 1,4,5,6,10

Live Longshots:
These are price plays for exotic players looking to find a couple of extra contenders to use in their trifecta and superfecta wagers. Or for those with smaller bankrolls, you might want to get in a small win-place wager.

Belmont Park
R2: #6 Lure of the South 10-1
R4: #7 Fled 8-1
R5: #5 End Play 8-1
R6: #1 Sir Duke 8-1
R7: #1 Grand Sky 8-1
R8: #10 Miss Katie Mae 8-1
R8: #1 Most Beautiful 8-1
R9: #10 Schout Bay 8-1

Good luck today!

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Meadowlands

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

Race 7 - Post: 9:15 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 90 - Purse:$17000 - FILLIES & MARES N/W $15,000 IN LAST 5 STARTS AE: N/W OF A PURSE HIGHER THAN $15,000 THIS YEAR
CONSORTIUM*CHOICES

# 7 SASSA HANOVER 5/2
# 9 DIVINE CAROLINE 8/1
# 5 GWENEEEE J 4/1

SASSA HANOVER is the clear stand out bet in the eyes of the handicapping group. It's risky to consider solely based on class, but this mare has among the strongest class statistics of the group of horses. Certainly should be given a look based on the competitive speed figure achieved in the last gathering. Excellent winning clip makes this horse an excellent selection to take home the dough. DIVINE CAROLINE - Has very good TrackMaster SRs and quite possibly has to be considered for a wager here. GWENEEEE J - When starting from the 5 slot, a much better than average win percentage has resulted. Driver/handler are no strangers to the winners circle and should have this mare breaking away from the group of animals.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Harrah's Philadelphia

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

Race 6 - Post: 7:45 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 84 - Purse:$11500 - FILLIES & MARES NW $7,500 IN LAST 5 STARTS STARTERS IN A CLASS HIGHER THAN NW10500 OR A WINNER THIS CLASS IN LAST START INELIGIBLE PA PREFERENCE NO. 2 REAL DRAMA - FIRST TIME LASIX
CONSORTIUM*CHOICES

# 5 ROCKINGCAM PARK 7/2
# 8 TWIN B ELITE 3/1
# 7 COLLAGE 5/2

ROCKINGCAM PARK will have you running to the cashier's window in this race. Many horse players know speed is is key. This race horse has credentials with a 84 avg figure. It's chancy to consider solely based on class, but this mare has among the best class rankings of the field. This nice horse could get the win here beginning from the Harrah's Philadelphia 5 slot. TWIN B ELITE - This contender has shown us some ability in the past, just look at the 86 avg class figure. Should play well in this contest. Many selectors will recognize the exemplary TrackMaster Speed Rating in the last contest. Stacks up against any horse in this group of horses. COLLAGE - Napolitano will be looking to score today, has been winning with a flourish recently. Win stat over the last 30 days is a sparkling 21. The number crunching team noted a sharp effort out of this horse last time. Looking for a repeat of that to score.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Remington Park

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


Race 1 - Maiden Claiming - 7.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $14850 Class Rating: 49

FOR MAIDEN, FILLIES AND MARES THREE, FOUR, AND FIVE YEAR OLDS. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $20,000, IF FOR $15,000, ALLOWED 2 LBS.


RECOMMENDED*CHOICES


# 3 CASH MOMMA 20/1

# 4 MAGNOLIA MARCH 4/1

# 5 SPERLING 4/5

CASH MOMMA is my choice especially at such a decent 20/1. Bettors should probably note that this horse runs with second time Lasix today. Don't let this filly slip past you. Could win at big odds. She should have a strong showing versus this easier field. SPERLING - This selection will feel the med change - on Lasix today. This filly looks very good here since Asmussen has a very solid win percentage with horses going this distance.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Belterra Park - Race #7 - Post: 4:24pm - Claiming - 8.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $7,700 Class Rating: 83

Rating:

#9 PRINCE OF SPADES (ML=8/1)


PRINCE OF SPADES - Good return on investment for this rider and handler twosome. Rode this horse on Aug 25th and Adam is back again in the irons this time. This gelding is in nice form. Ran first on August 25th.

Vulnerable Contenders: #10 GIVE ME THE BALL (ML=3/1), #3 KEIGHTLEY (ML=4/1), #4 CAPTAIN COOK (ML=5/1),

GIVE ME THE BALL - This morning-line choice hasn't been to the track in awhile. No works since last race. Garnered a mediocre speed fig last time out in a $5,000 Claiming race on August 12th. Not likely to see an improved performance off of that figure. KEIGHTLEY - 4/1 is not enough of a price to take on most any racer that has run poorly in back to back races. Won't be easy for this entrant to beat this field off of that last speed rating. Improbable to improve enough to run a figure anywhere near today's class figure, so put him on the vulnerable contenders list. CAPTAIN COOK - Speed kills. Plenty of early zip in this affair compromises this horse's hopes.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:

#9 PRINCE OF SPADES is the play if we get odds of 1/1 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:

Skip

TRIFECTA WAGERS:

Skip

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:

None

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Lethbridge

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


Race 5 - Claiming - 8.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $4050 Class Rating: 72

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NOT WON TWO RACES IN 2016. WEIGHT, 120 LBS.; , 120 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $2,000


RECOMMENDED*CHOICES


# 2 STAFFINS VISION 5/2

# 7 AGAIN AND GONE 3/1

# 1 PAIGE'S PEAK 9/2

I think STAFFINS VISION is a strong choice. Littlebear has this gelding racing well and is a respectable selection based on the quite good Equibase Speed Figs recorded in route races recently. Ought to compete quite well in the early pace battle which bodes well with this group of horses. Could best this group based on the speed rating - 66 - of his last race. AGAIN AND GONE - Looks competitive against this group and should be one of the leaders. Win percentage under similar conditions may be the key for this gelding. PAIGE'S PEAK - Should definitely be given consideration for this event if only for the quite good Equibase speed fig recorded in the last race. His 59 average has this gelding with among the strongest Equibase Speed Figures here.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Gulfstream Park - Race #2 - Post: 1:46pm - SO - 8.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $16,000 Class Rating: 86

Rating:

#6 VENOM GIRL (ML=4/1)
#2 LITTLE CATON (ML=7/2)


VENOM GIRL - Looks like the lone speed of the race. Should be tough on the front-end. Cuito brings her back again. I advise you stay with this hot filly. Recent Equibase speed figs show dominant pattern of improvement. LITTLE CATON - This animal has multiple victories at the same distance we're running today. The jockey and trainer combination have a beneficial return on investment when they team up. Panici knows this animal pretty well. Strong win percentage of 50 when horse and jock team up. This horse wins a lot of money per race around the track. I believe she can increase the lifetime earnings in this event.

Vulnerable Contenders: #5 AMALUNA (ML=8/5), #4 KICKN IN (ML=3/1), #1 RORAIMA (ML=8/1),

AMALUNA - If you keep playing these kind of 'bridesmaid' types, you're going to be dissatisfied frequently. May bounce off of that last physical exertion. KICKN IN - This stretch-runner looks to have little chance without an early battle up front. RORAIMA - This filly probably needs a more hospitable pace scenario to make her late move. Could be tough for this thoroughbred to beat this group off of that last speed fig. Unlikely to improve enough to run a figure close enough to today's class figure, so put her on the vulnerable competitors list.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:

Have to go with #6 VENOM GIRL on the win end if we get at least 7/5 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:

Box [2,6]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:

Skip

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:

Pass

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Belmont Park

RACE #8 - BELMONT PARK - 5:13 PM EASTERN POST

The Christiecat Stakes

6.0 FURLONGS INNER TURF THREE YEAR OLD FILLIES STAKES $100,000.00 PURSE

#1 MOST BEAUTIFUL
#5 AVA'S KITTEN
#4 COASTAL SEA
#11 LIBRETA

Here in just the 2nd running of a stakes event named for Christiecat, who hit the board in 24 of her 35 career starts, winning some $800,000.00, #1 MOST BEAUTIFUL, a British bred entry, and an 8-1 shot, qualifies as a TrackMaster PLUS "PowerPony," and has produced a quartet of "POWER RUNS" in her last five outings hitting the board in three of those "adventures." #5 AVA'S KITTEN, the morning line favorite, takes a class drop (-3), is the overall speed leader in this field sprinting at 6.0 furlongs on the grass, and comes off a "POWER RUN WIN" facing better company in her last start.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mohawk: Friday 9/9 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale

DRF

Race 1 - $30,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool


20-CENT PICK 5: 3,4/4,5,7/1,2,5/2,4,9/1,3,5,8 = $43.20

EARLY PICK 4: 2,4,9/1,3,5,8/2,7/1,5 = $48

LATE PICK 4: 2,6/3,4,5,6/3,5/1,3,4 = $48

MEET STATS: 329 - 981 / $1721.40 BEST BETS: 54 - 91 / $172.30

SPOT PLAYS: 20 - 91 / $119.10

Best Bet: CAPRICE HILL (8th)

Spot Play: P C DREAM TICKET (5th)


Race 1

(4) VEGAS DREAM was a good 2nd to a sharp repeat winner last week now moves inside and fits well in here. He could take his first victory of 2016 to kick off this card. (3) MAYFIELD DUKE has been racing well in Grassroots company and should contend here, but keep in mind the semi-finals and finals of those divisions are coming up soon. (7) THINK AGAIN and (10) MACHIN A TRICK were both well behind the choice last time but they could be closer here as the race plays out differently.

Race 2

(4) RUBIO was a strong winner in Grand Circuit competition here last week and looks best here, too. (5) WHAT THE HILL couldn't hold the choice off down the lane last time but he could be sharper here coming back in a week this time. (7) SIGNAL HILL looked good bottoming out the field for his first stakes win and the $250K buy is improving quickly. He's not out of this. (3) INTERNATIONAL MONI picks up Scott Zeron here; he should have him closer early and he is an exotics factor.

Race 3

(5) VICTOR GIO IT has had two tough trips in a row. He can get back on track here with a more aggressive steer. (1) KING OF THE HILL was too far back last time but still closed late for 2nd. He should be a big threat here. (2) SEVEN AND SEVEN is likely one of the more talented colts in here and he moves in several posts; using. (3) SOUTHWIND COBRA picks up Tetrick here and has shown enough speed to contend with this group.

Race 4

(4) BRING ME DIAMONDS comes off a solid first-up effort and may try to go down the road here. (9) STYLISH BEACHWARE moves up off a strong win, but she may be an underlay from this post. (2) QUEENOFTHEJUNGLE raced great last time despite missing three weeks. She's in with a decent shot here and will likely lay closer early. (1) DIXIE LULLABY never misses a check and should make the Tri or Super ticket here.

Race 5

(8) P C DREAM TICKET has raced decently the past two starts now he gets a huge driver change. He can beat this nondescript group with an aggressive steer. (3) POINTE OF INQUIRY comes off a sharp win and could surprise here if raced near the front again. (1) LESLIE ROAD ships in with decent form vs. claimers and is another to consider in a wide-open dash. (5) TOTALLY RIPPED drops and gets a good post to work with; using.

Race 6

(7) APPLE PIE ANGEL has been lights out her past three starts and she will take beating again here despite facing several class droppers. (2) GOOD WILL HANOVER backed up vs. the best sophomore pacing fillies on the continent last week. These should be much easier and she should produce a better result. (5) OUR HOT MAJORETTE and (4) MAPLELEA both drop from the Preferred and should be heard from but will also probably be overbet relative to their chances.

Race 7

(1) ARTISTIC MADISON drops and moves inside. Expect an aggressive steer and her first win of 2016 here. (5) REQUEST FOR PAROLE had a race over the track and she also gets class relief here. She should be much closer this time. (7) MISS COCO LUCK is another class-dropper to consider. She has developed a fairly effective closing style recently. (4) NINETTE B is a good one to use in the minor slots here.

Race 8

(6) CAPRICE HILL has been sensational recently and deserves top billing here based on recent performances. (2) CELEBRITY EVENTSY is classy, consistent and she is the main rival to the choice in here. (7) EMOTICON HANOVER has been on a roll but she may find the top too just too good here. (3) SOUTHWIND PEARL can go better here if she can find a live helmet to follow this time.

Race 9

(3) DREAM CHILD took a shuffle last week then re-emerged late for second. That was her best race in a while and could signal further improvement here. (5) SIDE BET HANOVER rates highly after finishing 2nd to Caprice Hill here last week. (6) FLOWERS N SONGS couldn't fish out any cover last week and she paid the price late. She is capable of upsetting off a better trip. (4) ROYAL CHARM has a strong late kick and she is another that could surprise if things fall apart late.

Race 10

(5) KATIE SAID got going way too late last start and still only fell a 1/2 length short. The smaller field should help her chances here, provided the early pace is honest; slight nod. (3) LADY SHADOW has put together some sensational miles this summer and she loves Mohawk. She's the one to beat, likely at odds-on. (1) ANDROVETTE moves into Moreau's barn here which is interesting considering her former trainer of record is part-owner. (6) SANDBETWEENURTOES paced her own back 1/2 in 53 3/5 last start. She is worth a look here, probably at a square price.

Race 11

(3) BET YA paced a strong first-over effort last week and appears to be at the top of her game now. The step up here is not that great; top call. (1) REGALLY READY should show much more moving inside and dodging the white-hot Apple Pie Angel here. (4) BAD AS LEADER race last week showed marked improvement and she is worthy of Pick 4 consideration here. (2) ST LADS PENNY LANE has been racing well and she should take a share here. (6) FOREVER LIZA is a sharp sophomore that is likely prepping for a sires stakes here. She can close late for a piece, however.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yonkers: Friday 9/9 Analysis
By Brewster Smith

DRF

MEET STATS: 213 - 919 / $1,385.70

BEST BETS: 26 - 87 / $132.30

Best Bet: RAMPAGE JACKSON (8th)

Spot Play: TESSA SEELSTER (7th)


Race 1

(3) CARTOON DADDY Two sharp victories make this 4-year-old pacer tough in here. (1) HALTON HURRICANE gets post relief and that could help his cause; maybe. (6) WELL WELL WELL rallied strongly to land the show spot last time out.

Race 2

(7) THANKS FOR PLAYIN Trotting sophomore has not won 13 of 20 this year by accident and should keep on his winning ways. (4) TOP OF THE LANE raced evenly in his last try; could make some noise with a favorable trip. (3) ALL NIGHT CREDIT was sent down the road last out at Pocono for all the glory.

Race 3

(3) MARTIAL BLISS is clearly knocking at the door based on his last three outings; poised to boss these. (4) SHADIOS has good speed and will be right in the mix. (5) STOMPIN TOM CREEK leaves the 8-hole and could have a say in the outcome.

Race 4

(1) DEUCES FOR CHARITY Mare is on fire scoring her fourth straight victory and another score from the fence is well within the realm. (3) JAG OUT takes a drop in class and she should fit well in here. (5) GROUNDED will need a favorable to contend in this event; quite possible.

Race 5

(5) DAYSON was all alone at the wire in his last start at Batavia. Gelding is in very good form and should be able to repeat against these. (1) MASTER CLASS could not get to the top pick in their last trip; main threat from the fence. (7) SMALLTOWNTHROWDOWN came close to getting the job done in the Yonkers Trot final last out; post hurts but this trotter is very capable.

Race 6

(6) THE ROYAL HARRY was on the engine most of the way but tired at the 3/4 mark last time around. Sophomore trotter does have the speed and hopefully he will have enough gas in the tank to take these down the road. (1) DOG GONE LUCKY put in a fine qualifier here last time out and should do much better from the rail; we shall see. (4) SOUTHERN PALMS was nailed for win honors in his Batavia finale; not out of this.

Race 7

(6) TESSA SEELSTER was very dull in her last try but the good news is she will not have the 8-hole and most likely will show much more early foot; threat at her best. (7) KRISPY APPLE got the job done wire to window last out; major player. (3) SELL A BIT N was a very game second against most of these last week; must be considered in all the exotic slots.

Race 8

(6) RAMPAGE JACKSON 26 3/5 for the quarter and 54 1/5 for the half...yikes! Gelding is at top of his game so with that said he can once again be the boss. (2) UNION MAN HANOVER could have a say with a favorable trip. (1) ROGER MACH EM came outside to an easy victory last time out; dangerous again.

Race 9

(6) BABY REMIND ME Mare seems to be rounding back to winning form losing glory by 3/4 length last out; capable of moving forward. (2) TOTALLY RUSTY should appreciate the drop in class; major player. (1) SWEETNSINFUL makes her return to the fence where she was a game second missing the victory by a neck on July 29th; watch out.

Race 10

(2) CAROLSIDEAL finally leaves the 7-hole for a cozy spot and this mare has a fondness for Yonkers when she is right; gets the call. (4) JONSIE JONES Even finish in her latest grabbing fourth money against Open foes; quite dangerous. (1) JUNGLE GENIE N is also on the dropdown and moves to the rail; not out of this.

Race 11

(4) ROSSINI been facing Open foes upstate and this gelding has hit the board 12 of 21 starts this year; ready for action. (1) MR LOVER Trotting gelding laid them out and took them down for all the glory last out at Philly. (7) SUMATRA put in a game effort to hold on for the placing last time around don't overlook.

Race 12

(2) CINAMONY was sent down the road in her last try for all the glory. Now she moves up the ladder but her sharp form should not be a problem. (1) YAGONNAKISSMEORNOT Wire to window against open pacers at Saratoga last time around; threat again. (3) HIDDEN LAND took the pocket route on her way to victory in her most recent outing.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Meadowlands: Friday 9/9 Analysis
By Derick Giwner

DRF

CHAMPIONSHIP MEET STATS: 130 - 343 / $720.90 (+$34.90)

BEST BETS: 18 - 28 / $47.30 (-8.70)

Best Bet: WALNER (5th)

Spot Play: ROCK OF CASHEL (4th)


Race 1

(4) SOUTHWIND PRIUS is certainly the most consistent of this bunch. I guess she is the default winner unless one of the others has some hidden ability they are ready to break out. (6) DECADENCE picked up her game in start two and certainly seems to be on the improve. (2) WAFFLE CONE proved herself with a big mile versus Checkmate Time back in early July, but she hasn’t done much since and shows a five week gap in action.

Race 2

(5) POWER AND FAITH reunites with Tim Tetrick, who steered this colt to a win back in early August. (6) PANANA REPUBLIC improved greatly in her second start with Lasix. (7) HILLMAN has been consistent at Yonkers and should offer fair value.

Race 3

(3) CRANN TARA has yet to miss the board in her career and her latest effort was certainly her best. She is clearly the one to beat. (6) HILLARMBRO might have the most talent in the race, but the six weeks off and recent scratched-sick line does not inspire confidence. (5) FEED YOUR HEAD has won two straight but loses Gingras as he is in Canada.

Race 4

(6) ROCK OF CASHEL did very well at the Big M earlier in the year. Lately he’s been handicapped by outside posts on smaller tracks, but he did almost close from last to win at Pocono. (8) ALDEBARAN EAGLE is back at The Meadowlands. He has the high early speed to dart to the top and take them a long way. (4) CLASSICAL ANNIE has a win at this track and at this level not too long ago.

Race 5

(1) WALNER has the looks of a talented young colt with a bright future. I can’t say the same about most of his competition. (7) FLY ON was simply awful at Freehold last time, but since he is right back in to race, I’m going to toss that effort out and focus on his prior excellent form. (6) SWEET PERKS raced well in his career debut and seems worth consideration.

Race 6

(2) CHARMED LIFE ships down from Canada in good form and should have the option of taking charge in this abbreviated field. (4) BARN DOLL has to be thrilled that Hannelore Hanover and Shake It Cerry aren’t in this race. She is clearly a major player. (7) JEWELS IN HOCK is another contender, but my feeling is that her price will be shorter than warranted with the addition of Tetrick.

Race 7

(3) SHEEZA SHARK N was racing well here earlier in the year and really hasn’t had much chance from outside posts at Yonkers lately. She seems worth a shot if the price is in the double digits. (1) STACIA HANOVER hasn’t won a ton of races this year but always seems to be a contender. (7) SASSA HANOVER is clearly in a decent spot if she brings her best game. Will Bongiorno leave hard with her this week?

Race 8

(6) HE’S GONE has been racing fairly well while trying to close on smaller tracks versus tough PA Sire Stakes foes. I can see him picking up his game back on the big track and having Smedshammer in the bike ensures a decent price. (3) EASTERN PROMISE appears to be improving slightly in recent weeks. (7) SHEER RESULT won his qualifier by 30 lengths and that will certainly catch some eyes. Chapter Seven-sired colt seems to be in with a chance.

Race 9

(5) BLUSH HANOVER freefalls in class this week and has no excuses. (7) IDEAL NUGGETS is the other big class dropper; respect. (1) MACY BLUE CHIP N was a bit flat after missing time and could show more now.

Race 10

(6) DREAM BABY DREAM won her career debut by six lengths but could have won by double that if she had daylight sooner. Homebred seems to have some ability and is worth following. (1) SUNSHINE DELIGHT & (7) OVERDRAFT VOLO already have 1:56 and change lifetime marks to their credit and rank as the clear favorites.

Race 11

(9) SOUTHWIND POSEIDON is an interesting proposition. If he trots the entire mile, there is little doubt this field is in trouble. That said, he shows breaks in three of his last four starts. (6) MOUNTAIN TOP was in some less than desirable spots—post eight at Yonkers and post one at Pocono—in his first starts off a long layoff. Don’t be shocked if he perks up tonight. (4) MONEY ON MY MIND used to be a good horse; barn change could help.

Race 12

(6) SHE’S HEAVENLY has missed a month of action but this is a field full of question marks. I’ll take a shot that she’s ready to roll off a decent qualifier. (4) BODACIOUS BECKY had a long road on the rim last time. (3) LET HER ROCK has a win here, which is always a plus. (10) JARNAC could provide value to the exotics from the outside post.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Friday

TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE

Arlington Park (5th) Chip Van Winkle, 8-1
(8th) Liar's Smoker, 7-2


Belmont Park (6th) Basic Hero, 3-1
(9th) Heavenly Sun, 3-1


Belterra Park (5th) Super Stroke, 8-1
(8th) Drago's Best, 3-1


Canterbury Park (5th) L G Suprem, 9-2
(6th) Duke of Luke, 9-2


Charles Town (2nd) Aim Straight, 7-2
(3rd) Ghostly Truth, 3-1


Emerald Downs (2nd) Dallon's Gold, 9-2
(4th) Kiss My Lulu, 4-1


Gulfstream Park (6th) Boot N Loot, 3-1
(8th) Dancin in the Heat, 6-1


Indiana Grand (3rd) Krista's Rose, 8-1
(5th) Check or a Wreck, 5-1


Laurel Park (3rd) Awesome Bill, 8-1
(8th) Scip's Sonata, 7-2


Los Alamitos (4th) Anytime Magic, 5-1
(7th) Grazen Sky, 3-1


Louisiana Downs (2nd) Vicks First Pick, 4-1
(5th) Cherishabull, 9-2


Penn National (1st) A Smile for Ellie, 3-1
(5th) Some Caan Job, 7-2


Remington Park (4th) King's Vicar, 8-1
(8th) Devious Runner, 6-1


Retama Park (3rd) Super Woman, 4-1
(7th) B G First Notion, 8-1


Thistledown (3rd) Cardiac Rehab, 9-2
(5th) Joy of Bapistry, 7-2


Woodbine (2nd) York Ranger, 3-1
(7th) Interject, 7-2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

September Pitchers Report
By Marc Lawrence

Much like our waistlines after a tasty Labor Day barbeque, MLB rosters have expanded to accommodate September, the final month of the season. And as College Football and the NFL crash onto the scene, MLB pitchers take the final spotlight in hopes of leading their teams on to the playoff trail.

The question is which ones can we count on and which ones figure to be candidates for offseason Weight Watchers meetings?

Check it out.

Listed below are hurlers that have enjoyed a two-to-one or better success ratio in team starts the last three seasons during the month of September. On the flip side, we’ve also listed pitchers that struggle in September team starts, winning 33% percent or less of their efforts.

To qualify pitchers must have made a minimum of 10 starts, with at least one start each September over the last three years.

Note: * designates a categorical repeat appearance by this pitcher, maintaining status quo from last season’s September’s list.

Enjoy the games.

GOOD MONTH PITCHERS:

Arrieta, Jake - 12-2 (8-1 H)

For nearly two full seasons, Arrieta has been as good as it gets in baseball as a starting pitcher. While strikeouts have been down a bit and walks are up of late, at this time it hard to find fault with a hurler who has opposing batters hitting below .200 against him and has a 2.84 ERA to start the month.

Cole, Gerrit - 14-3 (6-0 H)

The Pittsburgh ace has frankly had a mediocre injury-plagued season and on August 27th had an MRI on his elbow, which revealed no damage. If Pirates the are going to snare a third consecutive Wild Card bid, they will need the Cole of the past two years. Note: Cole’s record also represents his MLB career team start mark during the month of September.

*Grenike, Zack - 13-3 (7-1 H)

Greinke's ERA is higher than past year's but pitching in thinner air of Arizona has contributed to this. While the Diamondbacks have little too play for, expect Grienke to be tough as nails like usual.

Hamels, Cole - 12-5 (6-2 H)

Need a big game pitched in September? It’s hard to go wrong with Hamels, whose ERA of 2.91 is well below career mark of 3.26. Still owns lively fastball and changeup is knee-buckling. A true professional.

*Jimenez, Ubaldo - 12-1 (6-0 H)

Still toeing the rubber every five days or for Baltimore in spite of mid-sixes ERA. Baltimore has few options and Jimenez is not trustworthy in the bullpen either. Orioles need big month from their big man to reach the playoffs and this is his best month.

*Kershaw, Clayton - 12-3 (6-1 A)

Kershaw threw in simulated game on August 30 and later said "feeling really good" and if all goes well, the Dodgers hope Kershaw can pitch in September and beyond in some role, which only makes the Dodgers a bigger threat. Best pitcher in baseball.

Kluber, Corey - 10-3 (5-1 A)

Has been back to Cy Young form since the All-Star break with an ERA under 2.00 and Cleveland has won his last six outings. When he commands both sides of dish with fastball, for whatever reason, his curveball has more break. A true established ace for the Tribe trying to win the division.

Koehler, Tom - 10-5 (5-1 A)

Been very effective in a quiet way nationally, but has been extremely dependable for two months leading to this month for Miami, supplying six to seven solid innings per start. If he's throwing strikes inside to batters, he’s tough to hit. Note: Koehler’s record also represents his MLB career team start mark during the month of September.

Peavy, Jake - 11-3 (5-1 H)

Went on DL in late August with lower back strain. Had been working out of bullpen most of August and future status with San Francisco is as cloudy as the weather in the Bay.

*Price, David - 12-5 (7-2 H)

After a largely below season in Boston, Price has been much sharper in latter stages of August, which is what the Red Sox need. What has changed is Price became more effective in keeping the ball lower and is getting more fly ball outs as a power pitcher, which are genuinely more routine.

*Scherzer, Max - 11-4 (6-3 H)

After a somewhat slow start, Scherzer has been getting better and better and base hits allowed are well below innings pitched (128 vs. 190), yet walking few batters (45), especially compared to strikeouts (238). Back to pacing around mound like the king of the jungle.

*Shields, James - 13-4 (8-0 A)

It has been a wild ride for Shields this season, with numerous hideous outings blended in with several sharp ones. At this stage, hard to think the 34-year righty can duplicate the past seasons.

Strasburg, Stephen- 9-4 (5-1 A)

Starts the month on the DL after some very ugly starts last month. If Washington is to do anything in the postseason, Strasburg needs to regain early season form, which features moving fastball and big breaking curve.

*Zimmermann, Jordan - 11-4 (6-2 A)

If rehab assignments go well, September 10th is target date for return. Zimmermann has not been very effective for quite some time and easy to forget he had ERA of 2.45 in mid-May, compared to current 4.44.

BAD MONTH PITCHERS:

*Hellickson, Jeremy - 2-10 (1-5 H)

All things considered, Hellickson has not had a bad year in Philadelphia. However, upon closer inspection, most of his numbers are now near career norms and if that ends being the same this month, real bet against potential.

Leake, Mike - 5-10 (1-7 A)

The Cardinals right-hander has been a lot like his teams, when Leake has been good, he and St. Louis have generally won, when not they have too often lost badly. Cards are hoping not to see a repeat performance from the veteran.

Ross, Tyson - 3-11 (1-6 A)

Started on Opening Day and has not been seen since for San Diego with bum shoulder. Still trying to work way bad through rehab. Probably best to forget 2016.

*Sale, Chris - 2-12 (0-8 A)

It is almost unimaginable Sale could have a record like this in September, yet he does. Part of it is the White Sox offense is too unreliable and Sale's miscues end up being quite costly. Let's see what the final month brings for the big lefty.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB roundup: Cards slip out of playoff position
By The Sports Xchange

ST. LOUIS -- Entering Thursday night's game with a chance to pull even for the National League's top wild-card spot, the St. Louis Cardinals instead fell out of a tie for the second slot.
The Milwaukee Brewers pounded out 17 hits and routed St. Louis 12-5 for their seventh win in eight games.
Hernan Perez led the onslaught with his second four-hit game in three days, driving in three runs. Orlando Arcia went 3-for-5 and scored three runs, while Martin Maldonado went 2-for-4, cracking a two-run homer that started a six-run sixth inning which put the game away.
Every Milwaukee starter delivered a hit except Ryan Braun, and he contributed to the offense with an RBI and a run. Even pitcher Junior Guerra joined in on the fun with a pair of hits, including a double.

Yankees 5, Rays 4
NEW YORK -- Rookie Tyler Austin homered with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning, lifting New York over Tampa Bay.
Austin quickly ended it by pulling a full-count fastball into the right-center field seats. Austin's third home run and first career walk-off hit helped the Yankees win their fifth straight game and improved them to 11-4 in their last 15 contests.
Kevin Kiermaier had his first career multi-homer game and Steven Souza Jr. recorded his third for Tampa Bay. Brian McCann hit two solo home runs for the Yankees for his 14th career game with two homers.

Phillies 4, Nationals 1
WASHINGTON -- Alec Asher pitched six shutout innings for his first major league victory and Peter Bourjos and Ryan Howard hit homers in the third inning as Philadelphia beat Washington.
The Nationals, who had won three in a row, lead the idle New York Mets by eight games in the National League East. The fourth-place Phillies beat Washington for the first time in 10 tries.
Asher, in his first big league start of the year and eighth overall, allowed two hits and one walk with no strikeouts before being lifted for a pinch hitter in the seventh. Asher was aided by a number of line drive outs hit by the Nationals to Philadelphia outfielders.

Pirates 4, Reds 1
PITTSBURGH -- Ivan Nova stayed unbeaten with Pittsburgh by limiting Cincinnati to six hits in a complete game and manager Clint Hurdle got his 500th win.
Nova was dominating at the start, giving up only one hit over the first five innings, as he improved to 5-0 with the Pirates since being dealt by the New York Yankees. The complete game was his second in his last four starts with the Pirates, as he beat the Houston Astros 7-1 on Aug. 24, and the fifth of his career.
The Reds' only run in their ninth loss in 11 games came on Zack Cozart's RBI single in the sixth, which stopped Cozart's 0-for-14 streak. Nova threw 94 pitches, not walking any while striking out four.

Indians 10, Astros 7
CLEVELAND -- Carlos Santana homered and Francisco Lindor had two hits and three RBI as Cleveland beat Houston.
Cleveland starter Trevor Bauer pitched a shaky five innings to get the win. Cody Allen pitched the ninth to pick up his 26th save as the Indians earned a split of the four-game series.
Astros starter David Paulino, in his major league debut, took the loss.

Padres 14, Rockies 1
SAN DIEGO -- Clayton Richard pitched seven scoreless innings and rookie Ryan Schimpf drove in four runs with a double and a homer as San Diego defeated Colorado.
Richard (2-3) allowed six hits and two walks with eight strikeouts in his seventh appearance (fifth start) since signing with San Diego on Aug. 6. He lowered his ERA as a Padre to 1.15 for 31 1/3 innings.
Schimpf, Travis Jankowski, Yangervis Solarte and Alex Dickerson all had two hits for the Padres. Jankowski, Derek Norris and Luis Sardinas each drove in two runs. Dickerson scored four runs, and Norris homered.

Mariners 6, Rangers 3
SEATTLE -- Home runs by Dae-Ho Lee and Kyle Seager led another big offensive night from Seattle, which took three out of four from Texas.
Lee hit his 14th home run of the season with a solo shot in the second inning, then Seager delivered a two-run shot to open up a three-run lead in the seventh.
The Mariners finished the four-game series with 45 hits and 35 runs, one shy of the Safeco Field record for runs by a single team in a series. Detroit scored 36 runs in a 2000 series at Seattle.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Phillies (63-77) at Nationals (82-58)

Game: 2
Venue: Nationals Park
Date: September 09, 2016 7:05 PM EDT

WASHINGTON -- The Philadelphia Phillies certainly got a good return on their investment when they traded veteran left-handed pitcher Cole Hamels to the Texas Rangers in July, 2015.

Philadelphia got in return pitchers Alec Asher, Jake Thompson and Jerad Eickhoff.

Asher started for the Phillies on Thursday night and got the win against the Washington Nationals. Thompson will get the ball Friday as he faces Tanner Roark of Washington in the second game of the four-game set.

Phillies manager Pete Mackanin said after Thursday's 4-1 win "it is good to see" all three pitchers from the Hamels trade get a shot with Philadelphia.

"He looked very confident," said Mackanin, of Asher. "Asher really pitched well. He got away with a few line drives here and there. I didn't realize he had that good of a changeup. It was good to see the confidence he showed."

Thompson is 1-5 with a 6.48 ERA in six starts this year -- the first of his major league career. In 33 1/3 innings he has allowed 33 hits and 18 walks with 22 strikeouts.

He is 0-1 with a 2.57 ERA in one start against the Nationals, when he went seven innings and gave up seven hits and two runs.

Roark, a 25th-round draft pick by the Texas Rangers in 2008, is 14-8 with a 2.89 ERA this year and has been a thorn in the side of the Phillies.

A former University of Illinois pitcher, Roark is 3-0 with a 0.64 ERA in four starts against Philadelphia. He has gone at least seven innings in each start.

Despite that, several members of the Phillies have enjoyed success against Roark.

Odubel Herrera is hitting .429 in 14 at-bats against him, while Cesar Hernandez has a mark of .364 in 11 trips to the plate.

Freddy Galvis is hitting .300 in 10 at-bats against Roark while Maikel Franco -- who did not start Thursday -- is hitting .286 in 14 at-bats. Ryan Howard has a mark of .267 in 15 at-bats against Roark.

Roark won 15 games in 2014 and he is line to be one of the top three starters for the Nationals if they make the playoffs.

His role could take on more meaning as Stephen Strasburg left his start on Wednesday in the third inning after just 42 pitches with a flexor mass strain. His return is uncertain but he will not need a second Tommy John surgery.

The Nationals are also without Joe Ross, who has been on the disabled list since July.

"It's important but we can't rush him because we'd have two of them down," Baker said of Strasburg and Ross.

A.J. Cole started Thursday for the Nationals and could see more action down the stretch.

"In the third inning I had two bad pitches but coming out of all of this it's learning for me," he said. "I need to shake off. Howard hit a good pitch but at the same time if I'm going to throw that changeup I have to throw it in the ground."