Monday 11/9/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MNF - Bears at Chargers
By Kevin Rogers

Both the Bears and Chargers are outside of playoff contention halfway through the season, owning two wins apiece. The two teams meet at Qualcomm Stadium on Monday night to close out the Week 9 card as a defeat pretty much buries the loser, while a victory can build some momentum, especially for the Chargers in the top-heavy AFC.

Past the Patriots, Broncos, and Bengals, only two other teams in the AFC own above .500 records heading into Week 9 with the Jets and Raiders at 4-3. Does that mean the Chargers can forge a comeback in the AFC Wild card race? San Diego faces three straight opponents that are currently below .500 with games against Kansas City and Jacksonville following the bye week. However, the Lightning Bolts are looking for their first win in over a month after losing four straight games since a 2-2 start.

San Diego (2-6 straight-up, 3-5 against the spread) remains winless on the road after dropping a 29-26 decision at Baltimore last Sunday, losing on a last-second field goal. Philip Rivers eclipsed the 300-yard mark for the sixth time this season, throwing for 301 yards and three touchdowns, including a 70-yard strike to Malcom Floyd. In spite of the loss, the Chargers covered as 3 ½-point underdogs, but couldn’t beat the Ravens for the second straight season.

Chicago (2-5 SU, 3-4 ATS) began the season in an 0-3 hole following losses to Green Bay, Arizona, and Seattle – all playoff teams from 2014. The Bears rebounded with a pair of close victories over the Raiders and Chiefs, but couldn’t capitalize in narrow defeats to the Lions and Vikings. John Fox’s team dropped to 0-3 inside the NFC North following a last-second 23-20 loss to Minnesota at Soldier Field, despite allowing one offensive touchdown to the Vikings. Running back Matt Forte suffered a right knee sprain in Sunday’s loss, as his status is up in the air for Monday night.

The Bears are making their second and final trip to the West coast this season after getting blanked at Seattle in Week 3. Chicago battles San Diego for the first time since 2011 at Soldier Field when the Bears topped the Chargers, 31-20 as 4 ½-point favorites. Rivers and Jay Cutler each threw two touchdown passes, but the Bears lost Cutler for the remainder of the season with a broken right thumb. The Chargers slipped past the Bears in Chicago’s last visit to Southern California in 2007, a 14-3 triumph as seven-point favorites.

Handicapper Joe Nelson says the focal point of this contest will involve the two veterans under center, “The quarterbacks will be the story Monday night as former division foes with Cutler starting his career in Denver and the two having a few heated exchanges that were likely blown out of proportion. Rivers has had the edge head-to-head winning four of six meetings including San Diego winning ATS in all five meetings when Cutler was with Denver but Cuter and the Bears won and covered in the most recent 2011 meeting. Both quarterbacks will be without the help of key players this week as Chicago’s Matt Forte and San Diego’s Keenan Allen are expected to be out of action after injuries last week.”

As far as the Chargers are concerned, Nelson mentions that this is a team that continues to get squeezed each week, “The AFC West is a tough division but the tough start for the Chargers has featured only one division game, a loss to Oakland in Week 7 as the Chargers still have not faced the undefeated Broncos. Five of the six losses for San Diego have come by eight or fewer points and last week’s loss to Baltimore was the first of the season against a team that currently has a losing record. The Chargers are #1 in the league in total offense with over 423 yards per game but it has been an unbalanced attack with the fourth least productive rushing attack in the league.”

Mike McCoy's club is making their second appearance on Monday night football this season, as San Diego lost on the final play to Pittsburgh, 24-20 back in Week 5 as four-point home favorites. The Bolts have dropped three of their last four Monday night contests at Qualcomm Stadium dating back to 2012, but have won five straight home games against NFC foes, including the Week 1 triumph over Detroit.

The Bears are appearing on Monday night football for the only time in 2015, as Chicago has performed well under this spotlight by winning four of the past five road Monday nighters since 2011. Chicago owns a solid 6-1 SU/ATS road record against interconference opponents the last four seasons, even though just two of those wins came in the underdog role.

Both Baltimore and Indianapolis rallied late in losses the last two Monday nights to grab underdog covers, as the ‘dogs have put together a tremendous 7-2 ATS record on Mondays in 2015. The only two favorites to win and cash on Mondays this season are Green Bay (Week 3 against Kansas City) and Philadelphia (Week 6 against N.Y. Giants). The ‘under’ cashed for only the second time in nine Monday night contests last week, but Indianapolis scored 17 points in the final seven minutes to force overtime at Carolina and wreck the ‘under’ of 45 ½.

From a totals standpoint, the Bears have finished ‘under’ the total in four of the past five games, as Chicago is seeing its highest total of the season on Monday (between 49 and 49 ½ at most books). In spite of San Diego’s massive offensive output this season, the Chargers are 4-4 to the ‘over,’ but that includes a 3-1 ‘over’ mark at Qualcomm Stadium.

The Chargers are currently four-point home favorites across the board as Monday’s game kicks off at 8:30 PM EST and can be seen nationally on ESPN.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Tech Trends - Week 9
By Bruce Marshall

Monday, Nov. 9

CHICAGO at SAN DIEGO (ESPN, 8:30 p.m. ET)
Bears head coach John Fox only one spread loss last four this season and won and covered all four tries at Qualcomm when coaching Denver from 2011-14. Bolts only 1-8 last nine vs. number at home.
Tech Edge: Bears, based on team trends.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NFL

Week 9

Bears (2-5) @ Chargers (2-6)-- Not much to choose from here; San Diego lost four games in row; their last five games were decided by 8 or less points. Bolts are 2-2 at home, with dogs covering three of four games. In last six games, Chicago allowed three special teams TDs, two more on offense; their last four games were all decided by 3 or less points. Bears won five of last six series games, with four of last five decided by 11+ points. Chicago lost four of last six visits here, with last visit in '07. San Diego has had lousy field position; 53 of its last 66 drives started 80+ yards from goal line- their defense/special teams haven't been setting up scoring chances. NFC North non-divisional dogs are 4-6 vs spread, 3-3 on road; AFC West favorites are 5-6, 4-4 at home.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

'Monday Night Football'

Two squads looking for a much-needed win square off at Qualcomm Stadium as San Diego (2-6, 3-5 ATS) hosts visiting Chicago (2-5, 3-4 ATS). Chargers ridding a four-game skid will be without leading receiver Keenan Allen out for the season because of a lacerated kidney suffered in last week`s loss at Baltimore. Bears losing back-2-back games will be without RB Matt Forte and WR Eddie Royal both injured in last Sanday`s loss against Minnesota.

Chargers will miss Allen but Rivers can still sting Bears secondary that has allowed 16 TD's through the air. The Charger QB has three other receivers with multi receiving majors in Woodhead (2 TD), Floyd (3 TD) and Johnson (2 TD).

Still, you take your chances with San Diego. Chargers are 0-5 ATS in November Non-Conference games, 1-4 ATS as home chalk off B-2-B SU losses facing a team off a SU loss, 1-6 ATS against a team with a losing record, 1-8 ATS in their last 9 home games.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Northfield Park

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


Race 15 - Post: 10:40 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 82 - Purse:$6000 - CLAIMING $6000


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 2 MOST HAPPY DRAGON 7/5


# 4 KEYSTONE RIDEAU 6/1


# 9 UNTOLD LEGEND 4/1


All signs point to MOST HAPPY DRAGON for the pick. The brain trust saw this horse's name in a comic strip. Call it our coffee house play, worth a small wager. Quite possibly the class of the field of horses with an average rating of 83. A nice selection. Driver/trainer are no strangers to the winners circle and should have this gelding breaking away from the race. KEYSTONE RIDEAU - The handicapping team noted a strong effort out of this entrant last time. Hoping for a duplicate of that to dominate. Don't count out this race horse, especially with Schillaci as the trainer. In the money rate is strong. UNTOLD LEGEND - His 84 avg has this gelding among the best speed ratings today. The 86 avg class number may give this gelding a distinct advantage in the race.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Yonkers Raceway

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


Race 5 - Post: 8:30 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 80 - Purse:$18500 - NON-WINNERS OF 5 P-M RACES OR $40,000 LIFETIME. 2& 3 YEAR OLD FILLIES #1 MAYA SCAPE WAS ELIGIBLE AT TIME OF ENTRY.


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 5 SHE'S A HOT MESS 2/1


# 7 VICTORIA'S MUNKY 10/1


# 3 HEAVENS LEGACY 8/1


SHE'S A HOT MESS will not be denied the score in this one. Many horse players know speed is of the utmost importance. This contender has credentials with a 84 avg statistic. Positively the class of the field with an average rating of 82. A nice choice. With a good 75 speed rating last time out, will most definitely be a factor in this race. VICTORIA'S MUNKY - Have a feeling this one might steal in this race. HEAVENS LEGACY - The trainer/horse combo stats point out that this tandem are solid in the money finishers when working as a team.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Mahoning Valley Race Course

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


Race 7 - Allowance - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $17500 Class Rating: 76

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 122 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE OCTOBER 9 ALLOWED 2 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 8 LANGTANZ 15/1


# 3 JOHNNY LONGSHOT 10/1


# 11 SECRET INVASION 8/1


LANGTANZ is the most favorable bet in this race and is a very good value-based bet given the 15/1 line. Have to look at solely on class, with some of the top class numbers of this group of horses in this race. He should have a strong outing versus this less demanding bunch. JOHNNY LONGSHOT - Has longshot potential and could prove victorious at a big price. His chances to score are much better this time out facing this softer field. SECRET INVASION - Could best this field based on the Equibase Speed Fig - 71 - of his last effort. Has performed quite well recently in sprint races, posting a nifty 67 avg speed rating.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Portland Meadows

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


Race 8 - Allowance - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $7900 Class Rating: 88

FOR REGISTERED OREGON BRED THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 122 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 4 CAPTAIN GAVEL 5/2


# 9 IRON SWAY 20/1


# 8 SOFTSTAR 12/1


CAPTAIN GAVEL is the top bet in this race. He must be given consideration given the formidable speed figures. Has been running soundly lately and ought to be up near the front end early on. Had one of the top Equibase Speed Figures of this field in his last contest. IRON SWAY - He has been running solidly recently while recording strong Equibase Speed Figures. Garnered a very good Equibase speed fig last time out. SOFTSTAR - Should be given a shot here if only for the very good Equibase speed fig recorded in the last race. This gelding looks strong for this event since Sanguino has a very strong win percent with horses going this distance.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Parx Racing - Race #7 - Post: 3:07pm - Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $20,000 Class Rating: 91

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#5 ISOLATION ROAD (ML=6/1)
#4 TUCKED IN FRONT (ML=12/1)
#1 ESTRICKATOR (ML=8/1)
#7 HOW CONVENIENT (ML=9/2)


ISOLATION ROAD - I'm figuring this race horse to run a strong race this time around. TUCKED IN FRONT - Trainer, Farro, has been deliberate with this gelding off the layoff. Look for a solid effort today. You'll be generating money left and right by turning your bankroll onto this jock/handler combination. You have to consider the solid works of late. ESTRICKATOR - You'll be generating money left and right by turning your cash onto this rider/handler combination. This gelding is in nice form, having run a good race on Oct 20th, finishing third. HOW CONVENIENT - This rider/conditioner duo has been producing a very profitable ROI, right at +106. Nations seems to have this gelding primed for a big effort. His workout pattern is tremendous.

Vulnerable Contenders: #3 TRINNI HEART (ML=5/2), #9 STAR OF MAGIC (ML=7/2), #8 GITIDONE (ML=5/1),

TRINNI HEART - This entrant hasn't been on the track since Oct 13th. Not even any drills. STAR OF MAGIC - Ran erratically on October 24th. Be leery this time out.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Play #5 ISOLATION ROAD to win if you can get odds of 9/2 or more

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [1,4,5]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

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

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Turf Paradise - Race #2 - Post: 1:28pm - Claiming - 5.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $7,200 Class Rating: 81

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#4 ATTACK MODE (ML=6/1)
#7 LUCKY'S PAT (ML=4/1)


ATTACK MODE - I like this mare a lot here. She shows a lot of consistency, finishing in the money frequently. This clash sets up for this mare. I call this the 'Lone Stalker' scenario. When the real running starts, she'll be in perfect striking position. LUCKY'S PAT - Carreno comes to ride after getting to know the filly in the last race. Earnings per start is something that I believe can be a crucial handicapping factor. This horse is ranked numero uno in this field. Horse didn't end up on the board in last race, but did beat half the field, and made up ground down the lane. A slight improvement and this horse should be right there at the wire.

Vulnerable Contenders: #5 JUST HAVE'N FUN (ML=8/5), #6 MOTOR'N MONA (ML=5/2), #3 SEVERED TIES (ML=8/1),

JUST HAVE'N FUN - Notched a mediocre speed rating last time around the track in a $6,250 Claiming race on October 25th. Doubtful to see an improved performance off of that number. MOTOR'N MONA - When examining today's class figure, she will have to garner a much better speed figure than in the last race to be competitive in this dirt sprint. SEVERED TIES - Hard to wager on a pony that lays up for a long time then doesn't finish in the money off the long vacation. Had to show me much more last time around the track. Never made much of an impact.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#4 ATTACK MODE is the play if we get odds of 5/2 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [4,7]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Aqueduct

RACE #3 - AQUEDUCT RACE TRACK - 1:18 PM EASTERN POST

8.0 FURLONGS DIRT THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD $14,000.00 CLAIMING $27,000.00 PURSE

#2 REACH FOR YIELD
#5 FINN'S QUEST
#3 SPECIAL AGENT
#6 CHASE LANE

#2 REACH FOR YIELD takes a class drop (-3), is the pace profile leader in this claiming field racing at the mile distance on the dirt, and has hit the board in three of his last five outings winning twice, including a "POWER RUN "WIN" in his 4th race back. #5 FINN'S QUEST, the morning line favorite, is the overall speed leader in this field, and has hit the board in "POWER RUN FASHION" in two of her last five starts. Jockey Irad Ortiz and Trainer Rudy Rodriguez send him to the post ... they've hit the board with 50% of their entries saddled as a team to date.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Woodbine Harness: Monday 11/9 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale

DRF HARNESS

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

20-CENT PICK 5: 7/2,4,5/1,2,3/1,3,5,7/1,6 = $14.40

EARLY PICK 4: 1,3,5,7/6/1,6,9/4,5,6,7,9 = $60

LATE PICK 4: 4,5,6,7,9/2,4,5/6/3,4,5 = $45

MEET STATS: 60 - 219 / 270.50 BEST BETS: 9 - 19 / $33.10

SPOT PLAYS: 4 - 20 / 38.00

Best Bet: LAY LADY LAY (1st)

Spot Play: BAGEL MAN (7th)


Race 1

(7) LAY LADY LAY was a strong winner in the first leg of this series last week and stands a good chance of repeating, although likely somewhere around even money on the board. (1) ACTIVE LADY picks up white-hot top driver Filion who seems to move every horse up first time he climbs into the sulky. (4) LADY MARINA is the likely pacesetter but needs to find more late speed to outsprint the top two.

Race 2

(4) THINK AGAIN was hung out a long way last week trying to make the front. Christoforou returns for a second drive and may have learned something last week; top call. (2) HES GONE BAD has improved in every start in the new barn since a private sale early last month. He will get a more aggressive steer at some point; maybe tonight? (5) HP BLACK SHADOW made a big move down the backside last week then only tired late. He is due for a better trip and could be a good play here if the price is right.

Race 3

(2) HAILEYSGONEDANCING returned from a short break in sharp condition last week and is a good bet to double up here. (1) TREASURE GIFTS K was cutting into the choice's lead late in a very good performance and is the main threat here. (3) ERJA comes in off a break and trainer Rekila hands the lines to a catch driver; beware.

Race 4

(3) VEGAS RICH gets a big driver switch and should be driven much more aggressively here; top contender in a field with few. (7) CARACCI HANOVER got scorched on a wet track two back then took a less aggressive approach last time and closed in 26 1/5. He rates highly here. (5) VITAL SIGN put two good ones together in a row but then broke last time. He has a shot here if flat.

Race 5

(6) IMKEEPNTHISGUY roared home last time to take a new life's mark and is the one to knock off here. (1) DEES ROCKETMAN got a clean line down on a track rated two seconds slow and could be heard from earlier in the mile here. (9) HOT ROCK STAR ships in and brings good form with him from the 'B' tracks. He could share here at a price.

Race 6

(1) ASPEN CALIFORNIA returns from a break and has the speed to contend with these. She could be a square price, too. (6) KAMIKAZE LINDY went off at 1/5 last time and went on an extended break at the start. He's fast but erratic. (9) MAGICAL PUMPKIN can threaten here if she stays trotting.

Race 7

The last time 53-time winner (5) BAGEL MAN shipped in to a WEG track, he popped at 9/1 odds; history repeats? (6) RETAIL makes his first start for the always dangerous Waxman barn and is a must-use on Pick 4 tickets. (7) VELOCITY HEADLIGHT drops into claimers and will take lots of money at the windows. This infrequent winner is worth trying to beat here.

Race 8

(5) TYMAL FIREITUP was a sharp winner then a vet scratch (sick). Filion will have this filly prominently placed here. (2) LMC MARSHMELLOW came under siege in the third 1/4 last week and held on decently considering the quick fractions. She'll be tough in here. (4) SHEGUINDAH tried it first-up and pushed a rapid pace then tired. She could do here with a better trip.

Race 9

(6) BARBARAS SHADOW picked up a lot of ground late last time but was too far back at the 3/4 to make a run at the leaders. The small field should help here; top call. (5) NOONE TO DEPEND ON parlayed a good trip into an opening leg win in this series. Her good tactical speed is an advantage in this 7-filly field. (1) BOOZER BRUISER was passed by a very sharp first-over challenger last time and then a couple of others late. She should do better vs. this group.

Race 10

(5) SAULSBROOK PEACH is an infrequent winner but may have tipped his hand last week with his sharp closing 1/4; slight nod in a wide-open finale. (4) BRUSTER HANOVER moves inside and could wake up at a big price here. (3) SAVANNAH SPLENDOR has returned from a long break in good form and is a threat from close range here. (9) HIT AND GIGGLE A was sent hard early as expected last time and tired late. Another outer post does him no favors here. (8) ZINGERS LAUGH typically shares and should get a check here, too.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yonkers: Monday 11/9 Analysis
By Brewster Smith

DRF HARNESS

Race 7 - $10,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool

MEET STATS: 224 - 1059 / $1,536.10 BEST BETS: 28 - 88 / $121.70


Best Bet: LISPATTY (4th)

Spot Play: CHANTEPLEURE (11th)


Race 1

(3) FOUR CORNERS is clearly knocking at the door based on his last two tries; threat at his best. (2) BACK TO THE WEST Gelding closed strongly for the show spot last out; could get back in the winning grove against these. (6) JUNGLE OF TERROR put in a mild rally recently; could grab a share.

Race 2

(1) LOLAS CRUISER catches a weak group and draws the fence; with a fine-timed drive from Lachance, this gelding could take this for his first score of the year. (7) TALBOTCREEK ARMANI has flashed good speed in his last three starts; main danger. (4) TREND SPOTTER could make some noise in deep stretch; maybe.

Race 3

(1) YUCATAN makes his return to Yonkers where this 5-year-old pacer was a very game second two trips ago; threat at his best. (5) LENNON BLUE CHIP did put in a nice rally for fourth last out; could have a say in the outcome. (3) DR CS Z TAM gets post relief and that might help his cause; we shall see.

Race 4

(3) LISPATTY Down the road score at Philly last time around for this Juvenile miss; missed the victory here three starts back by only a nose; the one to deny. (6) HEAVENLY BRIDE has put in two nice efforts and this gal must be considered in the exotics. (1) GALLEY WENCH retains the rail slot; raced evenly in her last try; don't overlook.

Race 5

(4) UNBRIDLED LEGEND did not fire in her latest. Sophomore miss did go down the road three starts back with Sears in the bike. So with that said, she is very capable of making a quick turnaround. (5) SHES A HOT MESS closed late to just miss win honors by only a neck; main danger. (6) SIGN OF A DIAMOND has good early zip; beware.

Race 6

(4) SEA ROSE 2-year-old filly was game in her initial try at the Hilltop; poised to boss these at her best. (5) HOT PATOOTIE took the pocket route home for all the glory; dangerous again. (6) JUXTA ANTZ PANTZ is better than her last flop so watch out.

Race 7

(1) FOUR BOYS gets serious post relief; did put in a nice rally to get the job done two starts ago; figures to get back into the winning groove. (3) ADDWATER has hit the board 12 of 19 starts this year; contender. (4) GREYSTONE CASH Gelding was sharp for the place spot in his latest; not out of this.

Race 8

(4) WAYWARD SON showed good speed but could not get to the winner last time out; good to see Brennan keeping the faith; forward move is not out of the question. (1) BOBJACKS ANGLE A moves back inside and that could help his cause; watch out. (2) REPORT FOR DUTY N also receives post relief; major player in the exotics.

Race 9

(3) COSMICPEDIA's last one was a dud but clearly this 7-year-old pacer is much better than his most recent outing; the pick. (1) DALLENBACH HANOVER moves to the fence and has good early zip; big threat. (4) TWIN B SPY could land a share of the purse.

Race 10

(2) SLY RULER is 0 for 25 this year however this gelding might find this group to his liking; could mow these down with a complete meltdown of the early leaders. (3) DISARREI Mild rally for show honors last week; is knocking at the door based on his last four trips to the post. (5) BOLDER was sent down the road at Freehold last out for all the glory; must be considered.

Race 11

(5) CHANTEPLEURE moves down the ladder, has tactical speed and Dube stays in the sulky for the Devaux barn; big player. (6) TWIN B SCANDAL has wheeled off three straight victories and one was here two starts ago; main danger. (2) BUGGER BRUISER takes a slight drop in class; can't be counted out of this event.

Race 12

(2) INTREPID HALL His last two starts was quite good; missed the victory by a nose two tries back; poised to get the job done over these. (5) GIVENUPDREAMING Easy score last out for this pacing 4-year-old; contender. (6) BACKUP A rallied sharply to miss the score by a neck recently; not out of this one by far.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Monday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE


Aqueduct (6th) Star Dynasty, 7-2
(8th) Chasing Bubbles, 6-1

Finger Lakes (2nd) Messorio, 5-1
(4th) The Black Cloud, 7-2


Mahoning Valley (6th) Sugar Rashad, 6-1
(7th) Blues Story, 8-1


Parx Racing (6th) Center on the Moon, 10-1
(7th) Star of Magic, 7-2


Turf Paradise (1st) Singapore Bid, 4-1
(4th) Maggie's Guy, 7-2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Monday's six-pack

Westgate Super Contest (1,727 entrants-- prize pool is $2.5M)
six most popular picks in Week 9 season record: 27-26-2

6) Giants, -2.5 (446)-- Bucs' WR Evans could light up the Giants' defense- W.

5) Broncos -5 (456)-- Struggling Colts welcome an old friend back home- L.

4) Rams +1.5 (461)-- Matchup of teams on the upswing- L.

3) Eagles, -2.5 (508)-- Cowboys are 0-5 since Romo got hurt- W.

2) Jets -6.5 (555)-- Jets get center Mangold back from an injury- L.

1) Steelers -4 (706)-- Underdog covered all three Oakland road games- L.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Dave Cokin

Bonus Play Monday

BULLS at 76ERS 7:05 PM

Take: BULLS -7.5

It’s certainly no surprise that the 76ers are 0-6. The franchise is in really bad shape right now. The 76ers aren’t good to begin with, and they’re also saddled with a slew of injuries.

The Bulls, on the other hand, are scuffling to some extent with a roster that’s pretty solid on paper, and actually healthy for a change as well. I think it’s fair to say that Chicago is going through an adjustment period with the coaching change and I would expect things to get better as the campaign progresses.

I’m definitely not looking at the Bulls as a go-with team right now. But I do feel this might be a spot where laying the lumber might not be the worst idea. The key when getting involved in any 76ers game is to determine whether the opponent is going to take the court focused or just with the idea of doing the bare minimum necessary to come away with a win.

That’s why, in spite of the 76ers massive shortcomings, the team is 3-3 against the number so far. They’ve ben blown out a couple of times but have actually competed hard for the most part. But when the opponent has a little fire in their eyes, there’s basically nothing Philly can do about it.

I’m assuming the Bulls will show a little intensity out of the gate tonight. They’re off what I’d have to call a somewhat embarrassing loss. It’s bad enough to get beaten at home by Minnesota. But this was humiliation of a different sort, as the game went to overtime. That’s when the Bulls turned into a comedy of errors, as they went the entire five-minute session without scoring a single point. Zero. Zilch. Nada. You can’t get any worse than that.

The best game the Bulls have played thus far was against Oklahoma City, and that was following a truly awful 130-105 loss at Charlotte, after which the team was called out in no uncertain terms by Jimmy Butler. They responded with a strong performance. Obviously, the 76ers on the road is not as compelling of a spot as the Bulls facing the Thunder at home. But I’m expecting the latest bad finish to spur some level of desire tonight. If that’s the case, I’ll have a good chance to cash a ticket on the Bulls minus the points.