Monday 2/6/17 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Top 25 roundup: North Carolina extends Notre Dame slump
By The Sports Xchange

GREENSBORO, N.C. -- Justin Jackson's 16 points led six players in double figures as No. 12 North Carolina fended off No. 20 Notre Dame 83-76 on Sunday afternoon at the Greensboro Coliseum.
The Tar Heels went on an 8-0 run after Notre Dame pulled within 75-73. The Atlantic Coast Conference game was moved about 50 miles from North Carolina's campus, which has been closed since Friday afternoon because of a state of emergency in Chapel Hill after a major water main break. The game was originally scheduled for Saturday night.
Isaiah Hicks pumped in 14 points, Joel Berry and Tony Bradley each had 12 points, and Kennedy Meeks and Kenny Williams both tallied 11 points for first-place North Carolina (21-4, 9-2 ACC).
V.J. Beachem's 20 points and Matt Farrell's 18 points paced Notre Dame (17-7, 6-5), which lost its fourth game in a row. Bonzie Colson had 17 points.

No. 10 Wisconsin 65, Indiana 60
MADISON, Wis. -- Sophomore forward Ethan Happ scored a team-high 20 points as No. 10 Wisconsin took sole possession of first place in the Big Ten Conference standings by beating Indiana at the Kohl Center.
Happ shot 8 of 10 from the field and had seven rebounds for the Badgers, who have won seven straight games. Senior forward Nigel Hayes delivered 15 points and had 10 rebounds for Wisconsin (20-3, 9-1 Big Ten), which shot 39.6 percent from the field to sweep the two-game series over Indiana. Senior guard Bronson Koenig added 11 points.
Junior guard Josh Newkirk scored 17 of his game-high 22 points for the Hoosiers, who stayed within striking distance throughout the game. Sophomore center Thomas Bryant and junior guard Robert Johnson added 11 points each for the Hoosiers (15-9, 5-6), who had 15 turnovers in the setback.

No. 15 Florida State 109, Clemson 61
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Star guard Dwayne Bacon scored in double figures for the 33rd straight game and tied a career high with 29 points as No. 15 Florida State thrashed Clemson.
The Seminoles (20-4, 8-3 ACC) improved to 15-0 at home this season and stretched their winning streak at the Donald L. Tucker Center to 18 games dating to last season. Florida State guard Braian Angola-Rodas added 12 points in the win for the Seminoles, who posted their highest-scoring first half in ACC play this season when they went to intermission up 51-25.
Clemson ( 13-9, 3-7), which had won back-to-back ACC games for the first time this season, was led by guard Avry Holmes with 15 points.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Louisville Cardinals (19-4) at Virginia Cavaliers (17-5)

Date: February 06, 2017 7:00 PM EDT

To say Virginia has owned Louisville since the Cardinals entered the ACC back in 2014, well, that'd be an understatement.

In fact, Louisville has beaten the Cavaliers just once in five meetings since joining the conference ahead of the two team's Big Monday on ESPN (7 p.m. ET) matchup Monday night at Charlottesville, Va.

Virginia (17-5, 7-3 ACC) tamed the Cardinals, as it has done quite frequently, back in late December when both teams opened conference play against each other in The Bluegrass State. At the time, Louisville (19-4, 7-3) held the same No. 6 ranking it now possesses when it fell to the Cavaliers 61-53.

Virginia led by as many as 15 points in the game and got 10 points from guard Devon Hall.

"You have to make shots against Virginia. They take away all of the sets that you run," Louisville head coach Rick Pitino said. "Virginia is one of the best defensive teams in the nation, but what makes them special is how they execute on offense."

Louisville has yet to break the 60-point mark in any game against the Cavaliers since joining the ACC and has been held under 50 points in three of the five matchups.

"I think Virginia has a little bit of an edge because they're executing on both ends of the floor," Pitino continued. "I think we've played them (Virginia) wrong. In certain sets, the way we've run them we've just done it wrong."

Despite its dominance over Louisville and the praise from Pitino, Virginia has dropped two of its last three games, including a 66-62 loss on the road to Syracuse on Saturday. The Cavaliers led by 12 points at halftime but allowed Syracuse to start the second half on an 11-0 run to turn the momentum.

"They're very good in spurts," Virginia head coach Tony Bennett said of Syracuse. "We said let's try to learn from last year. You can be going, but then all of the sudden they'll get it going."

Virginia and Louisville now share a three-way tie for second place in the ACC. The Cardinals are playing without two of their most talented guards. Quentin Snyder and Tony Hicks have been sidelined with injuries but Snyder could make a return for Monday night's game. Hicks will remain sidelined for another two months with a broken hand.

"I thought Quentin may be back for the Miami game but he wasn't," Pitino said. "We will see how he progresses and whether he can come back against Virginia."

Louisville knocked off Boston College by 23 points on Saturday and, despite missing two key pieces, are playing some of its best basketball of the season. The Cardinals have run off three straight wins by an average of 34 points per game. Guard Donovan Mitchell will need to continue his high-level play as he is coming off of 19 points against the Eagles.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Kansas Jayhawks (20-3) at Kansas State Wildcats (16-7)

Date: February 06, 2017 9:00 PM EDT

An angry Kansas Jayhawks squad travels 90 miles to the west Monday night to face a team with its own motivation in the Kansas State Wildcats.

No. 3 Kansas is fresh off a 92-89 overtime defeat at the hands of Iowa State, a defeat that ended a 54-game home winning streak. Iowa State became the first team to defeat Kansas at Allen Fieldhouse twice under head coach Bill Self. Self has lost just 10 home games in his 15 seasons at Kansas.

"It sucks, but it doesn't suck because it's the end of a winning streak," Self said after the game. "I could care less about that. I just care about our team. We actually played pretty good the first half. But they played with house money today. They came in here and played with a free mind. We told our guys they were going to come in and let it fly. And we didn't defend it."

One of the games that nearly ended the streak earlier this season was a 90-88 victory over Kansas State. With the score tied, K-State forward Dean Wade had an open 3-pointer at the top of the key in the final 10 seconds, but missed it. With both guards covered, Kansas inbounded the ball to forward Sviatoislav Mykhailiuk, who raced end-to-end for the game-winning layup at the buzzer. Kansas State fans will point to the fact that Mykhailiuk took four steps before letting go of the ball, but that just adds to the intrigue.

Rivalry aside, there's plenty to play for, for both teams. Kansas still owns a one-game lead in the conference race, thanks partly to K-State's 56-54 victory at Baylor on Saturday. Kansas is seeking to tie UCLA's record with its 13th consecutive conference championship (shared and solo).

The Jayhawks (20-3, 8-2 Big 12) are one game clear of Baylor, and two games ahead of third-place West Virginia, who also lost at home to an unranked team (Oklahoma State) on Saturday. The Jayhawks have hopes of securing another No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament, and a road victory in its most hostile road environment will certainly aid that effort.

The Wildcats (16-7, 5-5 Big 12) ended a three-game losing streak and solidified its position in most preliminary NCAA tournament brackets. ESPN's Joe Lunardi had them as one of the "last four in" in his projections before the Baylor game. CBS's Jerry Palm had the Wildcats as a 10th seed the day after Baylor.

The Cats now have victories over No. 7-ranked West Virginia and the second-ranked Bears. A win over Kansas would guarantee the Wildcats a split with each of the top three teams in the conference and three top-10 victories on the season.

The Wildcats are a balanced team, with six players averaging between 8.9 and 12.2 points per game. Barry Brown and Wesley Iwundu are at 12.2 and Kamau Stokes is at 12.1.

Kansas relies on its backcourt for most of its scoring. Frank Mason leads the Jayhawks in scoring at 20.4 points per game, followed by Josh Jackson at 16.8 and Devonte' Graham at 13.4. Only Mykhailiuk (10.9) joins them in double-figures.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Monday's Tip Sheet
By David Schwab

The first Big Monday in February of college basketball betting action on ESPN features a double header of showdowns in the ACC and the Big 12. In a 7 p.m. (ET) tip from John Paul Jones Arena, the No. 9 Virginia Cavaliers play host to the No. 6 Louisville Cardinals in battle between two teams trying to keep pace with North Carolina the ACC title race. The backend of this double header at 9 p.m. sends the No. 3 Kansas Jayhawks on the road to face the Kansas State Wildcats in an in-state Big 12 clash.

No. 6 Louisville Cardinals at No. 9 Virginia Cavaliers (ESPN, 7 p.m. ET)

Opening Odds: Virginia -3

Betting Matchup

Louisville has just one straight-up loss in its last eight games and it has covered against the spread it its last six contests following Saturday’s 90-67 romp against Boston College as a 13-point road favorite. The total line in that game went OVER 144 ½-points and it has gone OVER in five of the Cardinals’ (19-4 SU, 16-5 ATS) last seven games. Both sophomore guard Donovan Mitchell and sophomore forward Deng Adel ended Saturday’s game with 19 points and senior forward Mangok Mathiang added 16 points to the winning cause off the bench.

Mitchell is the team’s leading scorer this season with 15 points per game as part of the Cardinals’ overall scoring average of 78.5 points. They are ranked 12th in the nation at the other end of the court in points allowed (62.3).

The Cavaliers (17-5 SU, 14-7 ATS) have dropped two of their last three games SU with losses to Villanova and Syracuse on the road sandwiched around a 71-48 victory against Virginia Tech this past Wednesday as 11 ½-point favorites at home. They were able to cover against the Wildcats as 5 ½-point underdogs, but they closed as 4 ½-point favorites in Saturday’s 66-62 loss to the Orange. The total went OVER 127 ½-points in that game after staying UNDER in Virginia’s previous five outings.

Senior guard London Perrantes is averaging a team-high 11.9 PPG and he has now scored 11 points or more in four of his last five starts. The Cavaliers remain the top defensive team in the nation with a points-allowed average of 54.0.

Betting Trends

-- The Cardinals are 4-0-1 ATS in their last five games following a SU win and they have gone 3-0-1 ATS in their last four road games. The total has stayed UNDER in their last four Monday games.

-- The Cavaliers are 13-5-1 ATS in their last 19 games at home and they have gone 9-3-1 ATS in their last 13 home games against a team with a SU winning record on the road. The total has stayed UNDER in four of their last five games against a team with a SU winning record overall.

-- Head-to-head in this ACC tilt, the underdog has covered ATS in four of the last five meetings and the total has stayed UNDER in four of those five games.


No. 3 Kansas Jayhawks at Kansas State Wildcats (ESPN, 9 p.m. ET)

Opening Odds: Kansas -3 ½

Betting Matchup

Look for Kansas (20-3 SU, 7-14 ATS) to slide a bit in this week’s national polls following Saturday’s stunning 92-89 overtime loss to Iowa State as a 10-point home favorite. It was the Jayhawks’ second SU loss in their last four games and they are now a costly 1-4 ATS in their last five contests. The total went OVER 154 ½ points in the loss to the Cyclones after staying UNDER in their previous seven games.

Kansas still leads the Big 12 standings at 8-2 SU behind the elevated play of senior guard Frank Mason III. He leads the team in both points (20.4) and assists (5.2) while shooting 51.2 percent from the field. He put up 32 points in the losing cause against Iowa State.

Kansas State is an even 5-5 SU in Big 12 play and it played the role of spoiler this past Saturday with a shocking 56-54 upset of Baylor as a seven-point underdog on the road. This snapped a three-game slide both SU and ATS. The total stayed UNDER 131 points against the Bears and it has stayed UNDER in three of the Wildcats’ last four games.

Kansas State (16-7 SU, 11-7-1 ATS) is averaging 74.4 PPG and it continues to do a good job defensively with a points-allowed average of 65.4. Sophomore guard Kamau Stokes scored a team-high 15 points in Saturday’s win. Another sophomore guard Barry Brown leads the team in scoring with 12.2 PPG, but he has been held to a combined 11 points in his last two starts.

Betting Trends

-- The Jayhawks are 15-6 ATS in their last 21 games following a SU loss and they have covered in their last four Monday games. The total has stayed UNDER or ended as a PUSH in four of their last five games played on a Monday.

-- The Wildcats have gone just 1-4-1 ATS in their last six home games and they are 2-8-1 ATS in their last 11 games following an ATS win. The total has gone OVER in their last four games at home.

-- Kansas won an earlier meeting this season 90-88, but it did not come close to covering as a 13 ½-point home favorite. The total went OVER 139 points in that game and it has gone OVER in three of the last five meetings. The Jayhawks have now won the last four meetings SU while going 3-1 ATS.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAB

Monday’s games

Coastal Carolina hit 14-32 on arc, never trailed in 80-65 home win over Arkansas State Jan 7. Chanticleers are 6-4 in their first year in Sun Belt, 2-3 on road, with losses by 21-20-11 points on foreign soil- they won at Texas St/Little Rock. Arkansas State won its last six games, is 5-0 at home in conference, with three of five wins by 3 or less points. ASU is making 41% of its 3’s in Sun Belt play; Coastal is #1 in Sun Belt at defending the arc. Red Wolves were just 6-21 on arc in first meeting. Sun Belt home favorites of 9+ points are 4-5-1 vs spread.

Virginia won its last three games with Louisville; they beat Cardinals 61-53 in Yum! Center Dec 28, in brickfest where teams combined to go 4-28 on arc. Louisville lost its two ACC visits here, by 5-22 points. Cardinals won seven of last eight games; they had easy win at BC on Saturday. Louisville is 3-2 on ACC road, losing by 7 at Notre Dame, 5 at Florida State. Virginia lost by 4 at Syracuse Saturday, blowing 12 point halftime lead; Cavaliers won last three home games, by 17-13-23 points. ACC home favorites of 5 or less points are 10-8 vs spread.

Georgia Southern/UL-Lafayette split their four Sun Belt meetings, going 1-1 in each guy; GSU won first meeting this year 81-76 in Lafayette, going 29-37 on foul line (ULL was 13-22). Cajuns were +6 in turnovers but just 3-18 on the arc. Eagles are 8-2 in Sun Belt, 6-0 at home, 3-3 as a home favorite- their home wins are by 23-4-5-6-11-14 points. ULL lost five of last seven games; they’re 2-3 on Sun Belt road, losing away games by 3-37-3 points, with wins at Little Rock and Texas State. Sun Belt home favorites of 3 or less points are 3-6 vs spread.

Georgia State won its last seven games; they’re 4-1 at home in Sun Belt, winning by 1-20-11-3 points, with loss to Troy. Panthers are 6-1 vs UL-Monroe in Sun Belt games, but needed OT to beat WarHawks 73-65 Jan 14. State was only 15-25 on foul line; they were down 3 with 2:34 left. Monroe is 1-9 in Sun Belt with four losses by six or less points or in OT; they’re 1-3 at home in Sun Belt tilts, losing by 8-2-10 points with a win over Little Rock. Double digit home favorites are 5-3-1 against the spread in Sun Belt games this season.

Little Rock made 9-16 on arc, had only 7 turnovers in 76-68 win at Appalachian State Jan 7; Trojans are 4-1 vs ASU in Sun Belt meetings, winning by 18-26 in games played here. ASU lost its last six games, is 0-6 on Sun Belt road, with four of six losses by 11+ points- they’re 12-38 on arc in last two games. Little Rock is 3-9 in its last 12 games after a 9-2 start; Trojans are 2-4 at home in Sun Belt, with wins by 4-17 points. ASU is turning ball over 19.7% of time, 2nd-worst %age in league. Sun Belt home favorites of 9+ points are 4-5-1 vs spread.

Kansas split its last four games after an 18-game win streak; they’ve got some off-court stuff going on that is distracting. Jayhawks are 18-3 in last 21 games with K-State; they struggled to beat Wildcats 90-88 in first meeting, making 11-22 on arc, but blowing 12-point second half lead. Kansas is 4-1 on Big X road, losing at West Va, winning at 6-11-4-6 points. Wildcats snapped 3-game skid with win at Baylor Saturday; they’re 3-2 at home in Big X, losing to TCU and Baylor. Big X road favorites of 5 or less points are 5-3 vs spread.

East Tennessee State made 68.6% of its shots inside arc, held off Wofford 79-72 at home in first meeting this season Jan 22; Bucs are 3-2 in series where home side won four of five series tilts. ETSU lost its last two visits here, by 8-14 points. Bucs are won their last four games; they’re 4-1 on SoCon road, with loss at Furman, wins by 44-9-10-10 points. Wofford won five of last seven games, is 4-1 at home in SoCon, losing to Citadel, winning by 17-9-18-19 points. Single digit road favorites are 5-7 vs spread in SoCon games this season.

Monmouth won its last nine games, is atop MAAC, but lost 93-90 at home to Rider Dec 31; Hawks led by 13 at half. Hawks won three of four series games, beating Broncs three times LY. Monmouth won last two visits here, both by a single point. Hawks are 4-1 on MAAC road, winning last three road games by 7-4-12 points, with only loss at St Peter’s. Rider lost six of last eight games, is 3-3 at home; they’re 3-3 in MAAC games decided by six or less points. MAAC home favorites of 7+ points are 2-3 against the spread.

Fairfield won its last three games after a 5-game skid; they’re 3-3 at home in MAAC, beating Marist/Manhattan in last two home games. Quinnipiac is 4-3 vs Fairfield in MAAC play, with road team winning last five meetings. Bobcats won by 1-5 points in last two visits here. Quinnipiac lost three of last four games, is 1-5 on MAAC road, winning at Niagara, then losing last five road games, by 6-4-7-10-19 points. Quinnipiac is playing fastest-paced games in MAAC this year, Fairfield ##4. MAAC home favorites of 6 or less points are 11-13 vs spread.

Canisius lost four of its last six games; they’re 3-4 on MAAC road, upsetting Siena in Albany in its last game Saturday- they lost 4 of last 5 games that were decided by 7 or less points. St Peter’s lost its last two games in OT after a 6-1 streak; they’re 5-2 at home in MAAC, losing to Niagara/Iona. Griffins got swept by St Peter’s LY, by 17-4 points, after they had won six in a row over the Peacocks- Canisius won three of its last four visits to St Peter’s. MAAC home favorites of 4 or less points are 7-10 against the spread.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Monticello Raceway

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

Race 5 - Post: 1:45 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 74 - Purse:$2500 - F& M $4000 CLAIMING/ALLOWANCES N/W $1250 LAST 3 STARTS $3000 P/C L/S SCRATCHED - SO CAM LUCKY - JUDGES
CONSORTIUM*CHOICES

# 4 QUIK PULSE DAISY 5/2
# 1 DARN SHOOTIN 3/1
# 5 SHELBY LU 9/2

After thorough analysis by the group, QUIK PULSE DAISY comes out as the top selection. This nice horse may have some hidden form, a victory would be a pleasant surprise. Feel the need for speed, this contender has been turning in some outstanding TrackMaster Speed Ratings averaging around 79. This nice horse looks tough considering the high class stats. Not a good idea to throw out of any exotics. DARN SHOOTIN - Not many folks know, but the 1 slot here at Monticello Raceway has been fantastic for an above average win percentage. Positively the class of the group of animals with an average rating of 79. A nice play. SHELBY LU - Recent figures for the driver - 29 percent win - make this mare a clear choice in the group. This mare has the ability to take positive advantage of a favorable pace scenario in this race.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Yonkers Raceway

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

Race 9 - Post: 9:50 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 84 - Purse:$29000 - NON-WINNERS OF 6 P-M RACES OR $60,000 LIFETIME. 3,4& 5 YEAR OLD COLTS, HORSES & GELDINGS
CONSORTIUM*CHOICES

# 5 HUSTLING CHARLEY 5/1
# 6 BLAISE MM HANOVER 5/2
# 2 STIRLING ESCORT 5/1

If you want a really strong play this time, feast your eyes on HUSTLING CHARLEY. Many horse players know speed is of the utmost importance. This horse has credentials with a 87 avg figure. Good for a win wager just off the outstanding prior class figures. Have to like this standardbred. BLAISE MM HANOVER - A competitive play in here as he has one of the highest winning pcts in the bunch as well as strong credentials all around. Has a bang-up shot this time, if he can perform to his back class. STIRLING ESCORT - Could surprise us at a fair price. Don't leave out.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Louisiana Downs

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


Race 7 - Maiden Claiming - 440y on the Dirt. Purse: $7000 Class Rating: 62

QUARTER HORSE 440Y, FOR ACCREDITED LA BRED MAIDENS, THREE YEARS OLD. WEIGHT, 124 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $10,000.


RECOMMENDED*CHOICES


# 2 PRODUCTIVE BLUE 5/2

# 8 CURLEYS GONE GRAY 9/2

# 7 ITSASELFISHGAME 5/1

I've got to go with PRODUCTIVE BLUE. Looks competitive against this group and should be one of the early speedsters. CURLEYS GONE GRAY - May best this field here, showing respectable figures of late. Lujan has been scorching the last month, winning at a nifty 17 percent rate. ITSASELFISHGAME - This rider and trainer team has produced some strong ROI numbers at this track. Could best this group based on the speed fig - 56 - of his last affair.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Mahoning Valley Race Course

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


Race 4 - Claiming - 8.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $10500 Class Rating: 71

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 118 LBS.; OLDER, 126 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE JANUARY 6 ALLOWED 2 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $7,500


RECOMMENDED*CHOICES


# 2 PAPA MOON 5/2

# 1 CHANCE OF REIGN 5/1

# 3 GARAVA 9/2

PAPA MOON gets the edge as the wager in here. Demonstrates the look of a profitable play, averaging a solid 67 speed fig which is one of the top in this field. Tauzin has him trained admirably to break speedily out of the starting gate. Could beat this group given the 71 speed rating recorded in his last outing. CHANCE OF REIGN - Has performed strongly as of late in route races, posting a nifty 65 avg speed rating. Ought to be given consideration for this event if only for the very strong speed rating recorded in the last race. GARAVA - Is worth thinking about and may be a bet - strong speed figures (57 average) at today's distance and surface as of late. Might go off at a decent number and has some positives going for him.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Parx Racing - Race #1 - Post: 12:25pm - Maiden Claiming - 8.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $18,000 Class Rating: 55

Rating:

#8 BALTIMORE BEAUTY (ML=9/2)
#4 BEAUTIFUL MAIDEN (ML=6/1)


BALTIMORE BEAUTY - Jock hops right back aloft after getting to know the fine animal by riding last out. That's always a positive sign. BEAUTIFUL MAIDEN - Don't often see a lucrative return on investment like +70. This rider/conditioner pair has done well together over the last year. Pinero comes to saddle up after getting to know the filly in the last contest. I know the outfit is serious today. The filly gets Lasix for the first time.

Vulnerable Contenders: #2 HALLUCINATION (ML=5/2), #7 BLUE BIRDS FLY (ML=4/1), #1 HELLO MOON (ML=5/1),

HALLUCINATION - Hasn't been on the Parx Racing oval in the last three weeks. Cause for some concern. HELLO MOON - I checked out her past performances and she hasn't done well out of the one slot.

GUEST COMMENTARY: Winston - BEAUTIFUL MAIDEN - Deceivingly close to victory on Dec 26th. A repeat of that strong effort makes her a contender this time around.
*


STRAIGHT WAGERS:

#8 BALTIMORE BEAUTY is going to be the play if we are getting 5/2 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:

Box [4,8]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:

Skip

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:

Skip

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Mahoning Valley Race Course - Race #6 - Post: 3:04pm - Claiming - 5.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $11,600 Class Rating: 64

Rating:

#1 HILLBILLY HULA GAL (ML=12/1)
#8 AMANDA MARIE (ML=4/1)
#7 GREAT WAY LADY (ML=8/1)


HILLBILLY HULA GAL - Entered last at Mahoning Valley Race Cour in a race with an Equibase class figure of 69. Dropping a significant amount in class rating in today's event puts her in a solid position in this race. I sense a pace scenario where the pace will fail to hang on, setting up a perfect situation for her late kick. Mare is a few starts into a return to racing here. Should give a big performance today. Sub-par outing last time around the track at Mahoning Valley Race Cour was due to the off-going (she finished fifth). Expect better in today's race without a sloppy track. AMANDA MARIE - After the affair aboard this horse on December 10th, the rider is going to know the filly much better. Was in an Allowance race at Mahoning Valley Race Cour in the last race. That race had a class figure of 72 and she is moving down right here. A certain solid contender. That 62 fig this filly earned in her last event tells me she's a key player this time around. GREAT WAY LADY - Inirio brings this filly back into a race rather than a workout. He knows his filly is on top of her game. When this rider and trainer are put together you have to take a look. Colon and Inirio have been fabulous together.

Vulnerable Contenders: #4 GENERAL'S JEWEL (ML=2/1), #5 MARIOTA (ML=7/2), #6 SILVER STARLIGHT (ML=6/1),

GENERAL'S JEWEL - This probable favorite may be out of shape without any recent workouts. MARIOTA - Today's event is 5 1/2 furlongs. Hasn't hit the board in a short distance race in the last 60 days. Not the best of indicators. Don't feel this entrant will make an impact in today's event. That last speed figure was most unsatisfactory when compared with today's class rating. SILVER STARLIGHT - Difficult to put any cash on this mare on the win end. Likes to end up on the board though. When looking at today's Equibase class figure, she will have to record a much better rating than last time out to compete in this dirt sprint.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:

Play #1 HILLBILLY HULA GAL to win if you can get odds of 4/1 or more

EXACTA WAGERS:

Box [1,7,8]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:

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

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:

None

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Woodbine Harness: Monday 2/6 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale

DRF

Race 1 - $40,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

PICK 5: 2,5,6,7/4,5/3,4,7/1,4,8,9/4 = $19.20

EARLY PICK 4: 1,4,8,9/4/1/2,3,4,9 = $16

LATE PICK 4: 2,3,4,9/1,4/3,5/2,5,6 = $48

MEET STATS: 104 - 405 / $567.70 BEST BETS: 16 - 37 / $59.70

SPOT PLAYS: 16 - 36 / 64.50

Best Bet: EURO GAP (6th)

Spot Play: SINGLE WHITE SOCK (5th)


Race 1

(7) JULERICA took lots of early action last week then blasted from the 10-hole but got fried. He could last much longer here in his second start back. (5) LIFEIMITATESART stayed game despite going a tough trip last week and he gamely got up on the line. He should be tough right back. (2) BEACH TERROR was just short last week and he gets an aggressive pilot here; using. (6) JAC SPADE is dangerous here, but he is more apt to take a slice than win.

Race 2

(4) COBALT MAN tried to go down the road from the rail last week and was just short. He has more options here and can work out a winning trip. (5) LONEWOLF CURRIER provided perfect cover for the winner last time in another good effort. He rates highly. (8) MUSSELSFROMBRUSSELS hasn't missed the board in three starts in this barn; consider. (3) BANK SHOT HANOVER drops into a claimer here and picks up the hot Roy. He is another that merits a look.

Race 3

(7) P L JERICO faces easier here in his third start back and he should be leaving; slight nod. (3) BATOUTAHILL was outsprinted late last time, but she continues to be a threat every week. (4) WINDSONG MAGIC is another that comes to play every week and she is a threat from up close. (5) READY ANY TIME steps up off a sharp win but these are a lot tougher.

Race 4

(1) JOSHUA MY BOY is on a roll for Allard/Roy and he should get another good trip here; top call. (8) MYSTIC DEUCE is another that is in top form who should be right there. (9) OCAPTAIN MYCAPTAIN took a new life's mark off the claim and he is a threat, but he could provide perfect cover for the choice here. (4) WHO DOESNT - A 37-time winner - is a perfect 2 for 2 since being claimed and is another that merits multi-race wager consideration.

Race 5

(4) SINGLE WHITE SOCK won at a higher level the last time McNair drove. He should be tough racing this low. (6) IDEAL JET is another that should like this class, but he tends to be a bit trip dependent. (7) MCKINNEY attracted a claim last week and he's worth a look here. (8) PRINCE CLYDE has seen better days, but the class drop could perk him up here.

Race 6

(1) EURO GAP shows promise as an undefeated colt thus far and he shouldn't have an problem with these if he stays flat. (5) ASTERIX should be in the thick of things again, but notice he is still stuck on one win. (4) SIBSON is another that can be forwardly-placed and stick for a slice. (3) VASCO BI steps up off a maiden win. A small share is likely here.

Race 7

(4) PASSPORT TO ART goes for new connections here and the sharp final 1/4 in his qualifier is a good sign. This is a good spot for him to break his maiden; top call. (9) BET TILL DAWN finished fast in both 2016 starts. If he is put into this race earlier, he has a shot. (3) ACHILLES SEELSTER is worth considering at a price with the leading driver taking over. (2) ONLY HALF BAD tried a first up move last week but the winner was far too strong. He can improve off that effort.

Race 8

(1) FEARLESS MAN raced too good not to win last week. The streaking winner that nailed him then isn't in this field. He should be tough on the lead here. (4) A ROD HALL continues to power home late. He will be the one to fend off down the lane. (7) ITS HUW YOU KNOW never missed the board and tonight should be no different. (2) WILD AND CRAZY GUY will be passing some of these late for a slice.

Race 9

(5) PODGE was unlucky to get beat by a rival that slid up the rail late last week. He can rebound here and beat these. (3) FIRST CAR got a smart steer and nailed the choice last time. Roy sticks; using. (2) MR MATCH ON BEACH steps up off a narrow win but his good tactical speed puts him the mix here. (6) REDONKULOUS figures to fill one of the lower rungs of the Tri or Super.

Race 10

(5) CATCH THE DREAM drops to a class where he should be prominent here. (6) APRIL ROSE is sent out by a hot barn and she should get an easier trip on or near the lead here. (2) CALL ME RICHARD was flying late last week; using. (3) INTIMIDATE drops and gets Lasix, but he has missed four weeks; mixed signals. (1) BIG RICH can leave near the front here and take a share off an inside following trip.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yonkers: Monday 2/6 Analysis
By Matt Rose

DRF

MEET STATS: 29 - 104 / $156.60

BEST BETS: 6 - 10 / $21.50

Best Bet: ISLAY N (1st)

Spot Play: SILVERHILL STORM (3rd)


Race 1

(2) ISLAY N was second best to a runaway in her U.S. debut; she's clearly the one to beat in this blank field but will also be overbet. (6) FAMOUS PADDY has been racing well at Freehold and that form could transfer well here. (3) EBONY'S MERLOT has made the most money in the field but her last few races don't inspire much confidence.

Race 2

(6) FOREVER AS broke last out but was a blowout winner the start prior at The Meadowlands; big threat if she minds her manners. (4) MADHATTER BLUECHIP returns locally off some easy wins at Monticello. (3) MOVEMENT qualified well and can be ready to roll tonight.

Race 3

(2) SILVERHILL STORM had no chance last week upon arrival from The Maritimes but he did enough to merit consideration here. (3) NEVER SAY NEVER N makes his U.S. debut off an even qualifer; Bartlett drives. (7) MAGRITE could very well be the one to beat despite the poor post.

Race 4

(4) GET TO DOIN IT lands in a better spot in his second start off the Garcia-Herrera claim and he gets a big morning line in a wide-open affair. (2) SILVER CREDIT should appreciate the post relief. (8) OPENING NIGHT drops in class and is stuck outside; too far to come?

Race 5

(5) LUCKY PLAYER gutted out an uncovered victory last week and seems capable of repeating. (8) ROSY OUTLOOK is proven with these and certainly looks ready off that Monticello qualifier. (2) ANOTHER LOOK has a nice move in her but needs to time it right.

Race 6

(8) FINAL JUSTICE was second best last out to a horse who came back and jogged; gelding has some early speed so maybe he can find a lucky spot off the gate. (2) JK ONAROLL has talent but is a bit erratic; use caution. (7) MACHIAVELLI is nicely bred and appears to have some ability.

Race 7

(4) TANGO STAR ships in from The Meadowlands making his second start since moving to the Burke barn and he looks like he could fit nicely here. (7) ROCK POWER was no match for a strong winner last week but he's still in good form. (1) MY THREE SONS was wildly overbet upon arrival from Ohio and never fired; much better price looming tonight.

Race 8

(1) LO HOLD A MOONBEAN has looked razor-sharp in her last two sweeping from the back and she may be good enough to handle the class hike. (6) FREEZE OUT was a bit disappointing last week but still remains a threat. (7) SKINNY DIPPER qualified effectively but does she need a start?

Race 9

(6) BLAISE MM HANOVER keeps Bartlett and looms a speed threat from this spot. (2) STIRLING ESCORT continues to race well and offers some value along the way; he's a player from this inside spot. (7) AZUL POOL was sharp in defeat last week; post here is a big problem.

Race 10

(4) VEGAS DREAM was much better last week with Lasix added. (1) MAGICAL COWBOY tripped out from the rail at 10/1 and he draws best again. (3) SHANE ADAM is usually coming late; use him to round out exotics.

Race 11

(6) VINOVIO came uncovered into a stepped-up back half and never made up any ground; I assume he's still sharp and will offer more value tonight. (3) PREJUDICE gets needed post relief and this trainer/driver combo has had some live ones. (5) SPENDABUCKONME was off over a month before last week's race for his new barn; more can be expected here.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Spot Plays

For Monday

TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE

Mahoning Valley (1st) Powder Road, 6-1
(5th) Princess Arya, 7-2


Parx Racing (4th) Movie Night, 3-1
(5th) Seeking Shamrocks, 3-1


Sam Houston (6th) High Fashion Diva, 7-2
(10th) Royal Luxe, 6-1


Turf Paradise (5th) Strawberry Gulch, 8-1
(8th) Look at Me, 7-2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Monday’s six-pack

— Florida State 109, Clemson 61—* Losses like this get coaches fired.

— North Carolina 83, Notre Dame 76— Tar Heels out rebounded Notre Dame 44-25 in game played in Greensboro instead of Chapel Hill, because of a water main break.

— California 77, Colorado 66- Buffaloes played without couple of big men.

— Iowa 81, Nebraska 70— Cornhuskers were only down 3 with 3:57 left.

— Thunder 105, Trailblazers 99— Oklahoma City is 30-22, even without Durant.

— Raptors 103, Nets 95— Brooklyn is 9-42. Nine. and. Forty-two. Oy.