Monday 8/3/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Cubs at Pirates

GAME: Chicago Cubs (57-47) at Pittsburgh Pirates (61-43)
DATE/TIME: Monday, August 03 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
LINE: 117, -127 TOTAL: 6.5


The National League wild-card race will heat up this week when two of the top contenders — the Chicago Cubs and Pittsburgh Pirates — hook up for a three-game series in Pittsburgh. The Cubs have won five straight and six of seven to move 10 games above .500 for the first time since the end of the 2008 season, pulling into a tie with San Francisco for the second wild card and within four games of the Pirates.



Chicago could begin the series without rookie third baseman Kris Bryant, who left Sunday’s contest due to dizziness after a collision sliding into second and will be reevaluated Monday. The Pirates salvaged a split of their four-game set in Cincinnati with a 3-0 win Sunday in a game marred by the benches clearing after each team hit a batter. After shutting out the Reds on six hits Sunday, the Pirates look for more of the same from left-hander Francisco Liriano, who was dominant at home (8-1, 1.47 ERA) in his first season with the Pirates in 2013 but has struggled to a 5-9 mark and a 4.04 ERA at PNC Park over the past two seasons. Liriano will oppose another tough lefty in Cubs ace Jon Lester, who makes his first start in Pittsburgh since 2011 with Boston.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, ESPN, CSN Chicago, ROOT (Pittsburgh)



PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs LH Jon Lester (6-8, 3.26 ERA) vs. Pirates LH Francisco Liriano (7-6, 2.92)

Lester has pitched like the ace the Cubs signed him to be in the second half, going 2-0 with a 1.61 ERA over three starts since the break. The 31-year-old has recorded quality starts in three straight outings and five of his last six, piling up 50 strikeouts against five walks over 43 1/3 innings in July. Lester beat the Pirates on May 16 in Chicago, allowing one run and nine hits over seven innings while striking out seven.

The Pirates have won Liriano’s last six starts with the 31-year-old going 3-0 with a 2.13 ERA over that span. The native of the Dominican Republic had his streak of five straight quality starts snapped last time out, as he allowed three runs (two earned) and a season-high 10 hits over 5 2/3 frames at Minnesota. Liriano is 4-2 with a 2.56 ERA in 10 starts against the Cubs, including a no-decision earlier this season.



WALK-OFFS

1. The Pirates have homered in seven straight games, matching their season high, and are 37-20 when hitting a home run this season.

2. Cubs CF Dexter Fowler has reached base safely in 17 straight games and is batting .333 with a .475 on-base percentage over that stretch.

3. Pirates closer Mark Melancon, who was ejected after hitting Cincinnati’s Tucker Barnhart in the ninth inning Sunday, has not allowed a run in a career-best 22 1/3 consecutive innings.



PREDICTION: Cubs 2, Pirates 1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mets at Marlins

GAME: New York Mets (55-50) at Miami Marlins (43-62)
DATE/TIME: Monday, August 03 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Marlins Park, Miami, Florida
LINE: -113, 104 TOTAL: 7.5

Lucas Duda looked like he might be in danger of losing some playing time late in July before putting together the best power surge of his career for the New York Mets. Duda attempts to add to his total of nine homers in eight contests when the red-hot Mets visit the Miami Marlins on Monday to begin a three-game series.

Duda homered in a 5-2 victory over Washington on Sunday to complete a three-game sweep and move New York into a virtual tie with the Nationals for the lead in the National League East. Three additions to the lineup have helped the Mets win six of their last eight ,and leadoff batter Curtis Granderson is 9-for-28 with three blasts in the last seven contests. New York sends veteran Bartolo Colon to the mound against Tom Koehler, who has allowed 12 runs in 6 2/3 innings versus the Mets this season. The Marlins ended a four-game slide with Adeiny Hechavarria’s walk-off homer Sunday against San Diego.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, SNY (New York), FSN Florida (Miami)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets RH Bartolo Colon (9-10, 4.96 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Tom Koehler (8-7, 3.38)

Colon extended his winless streak to seven starts last time out when he was pounded for six runs and 10 hits in just 2 1/3 innings against San Diego. The 42-year-old has limited opponents to two or fewer earned runs three times during that stretch, though, and is 2-1 with a 3.48 ERA in three starts versus Miami this season. Ichiro Suzuki is 28-for-96 with three homers against Colon, who has walked just 14 in 119 2/3 frames.

Koehler lost for the third time in his last four decisions Wednesday when he allowed five runs over six innings against Washington. The 29-year-old Bronx, N.Y., native has been much better at home (2.32 ERA) than on the road (4.31) and completed at least six frames in nine consecutive starts. Ruben Tejada is 7-for-20 with four doubles and seven RBIs versus Koehler, who is 1-4 with a 3.95 ERA in his career against the Mets.

WALK-OFFS

1. Miami 2B Dee Gordon, who was rested Sunday, is 18-for-41 with four RBIs in 10 games against the Mets in 2015.

2. New York OF Yoenis Cespedes is 1-for-7 with a run scored in his first two games after being acquired from Detroit.

3. The Mets are last in the majors with 373 runs and the Marlins are just ahead of them with 375.

PREDICTION: Mets 5, Marlins 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Giants at Braves

GAME: San Francisco Giants (57-47) at Atlanta Braves (47-58)
DATE/TIME: Monday, August 03 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Turner Field, Atlanta, Georgia
LINE: -148, 136 TOTAL: 8

The San Francisco Giants are one of the hottest teams in baseball since the All-Star break, while the Atlanta Braves are one of the coldest. Streaking in the opposite direction, the two teams open a three-game series Monday in Atlanta as the Giants aim to win for the 12th time in 16 games since the break while the Braves look to improve on their 5-11 second-half record.

The Giants have surged into a tie with the Chicago Cubs for the second National League wild-card spot and sit just 2 ½ games behind the first-place Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West. Buster Posey drove in San Francisco’s lone run in Sunday’s 2-1 loss at Texas, and the All-Star catcher is hitting .377 during a 14-game road hitting streak. The Braves wrapped up a miserable 2-8 road trip by avoiding a four-game sweep Sunday at Philadelphia, scoring more than three runs for the first time in 11 games in a 6-2 victory. Atlanta shortstop Andrelton Simmons missed Sunday’s contest with a sprained right thumb and is expeted to miss a few games.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, CSN Bay Area (San Francisco), SportSouth (Atlanta)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants RH Matt Cain (2-2, 4.50 ERA) vs. Braves RH Mike Foltynewicz (3-3, 5.04)

Cain has struggled with consistency since making his season debut July 2, after missing the first three months with a right flexor tendon strain. He gave up four runs on eight hits in a loss Tuesday to Milwaukee,after beating San Diego with six innings of one-run, five-hit pitching six days earlier. Cain has posted a 0.75 ERA, yielding one run and seven hits in 12 innings, during his two victories while logging a 7.36 ERA in two defeats.

Foltynewicz pitched well in his return to the rotation Wednesday, allowing two runs on six hits in six innings and matching his season high with eight strikeouts in a loss at Baltimore. The rookie, who made three relief appearances in a five-day span in early July, likely will remain in Atlanta’s rotation following last week’s trade of Alex Wood to the Dodgers. Foltynewicz has recorded a 4.97 ERA in 10 starts, allowing 10 homers with 56 strikeouts and 19 walks in 58 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Atlanta 2B Jace Peterson snapped a 9-for-59 skid with three hits Sunday, including a three-run homer.

2. The Giants played Sunday without All-Star 2B Joe Panik, who has missed three of the past five games with lower back stiffness.

3. The Braves rank last in the majors in homers with 64 in 105 games and San Francisco has slugged 56 homers on the road (51 games).

PREDICTION: Giants 5, Braves 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Astros at Rangers

GAME: Houston Astros (60-46) at Texas Rangers (51-53)
DATE/TIME: Monday, August 03 - 8:05 PM EST
WHERE: Globe Life Park in Arlington, Arlington, Texas
LINE: -128, 118 TOTAL: 9

The Houston Astros coughed up their lead in the American League West right before the Midsummer Classic thanks to a six-game losing streak. The Astros took two of three from the Texas Rangers to begin the second half to spark an 11-4 run coming out of the All-Star break – a stretch they’ll look to continue when they visit the Rangers for the first of three games on Monday.


Houston held a five-game edge over the Los Angeles Angels on July 3, but proceeded to drop eight of nine during a disastrous road trip that saw its offense fail to score more than three runs seven times. The Astros swept the Angels last week to regain the division lead they held for most of the season and have won five of six overall following Sunday’s 4-1 victory over Arizona. The Rangers (51-53) continued their climb back to .500 with their fourth win in five contests, riding a masterful 8 1/3-inning effort from Martin Perez in a 2-1 triumph over San Francisco on Sunday. Texas hopes it can get a similar performance in the opener from scheduled starter Colby Lewis, who is 2-0 with a 2.78 ERA in three tries versus the Astros this season.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, ROOT (Houston), FSN Southwest (Texas)


PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Lance McCullers (5-3, 2.48 ERA) vs. Rangers RH Colby Lewis (11-4, 4.42)

McCullers notched his first victory in exactly a month in Wednesday’s 6-3 defeat of the Angels, yielding a run on five hits in seven frames. The 21-year-old rookie has limited opposing hitters to a .207 batting average and will be seeking his second career road win and first since getting No. 1 in Detroit on May 23. McCullers, who has allowed one run or less in four of his last six outings and three earned runs or fewer in 12 of his first 13 career starts, will draw the Rangers for the first time.

Lewis continued his second-half surge with Wednesday’s 5-2 triumph of the New York Yankees, permitting two runs over six innings for his third victory in as many turns. The 36-year-old, who leads the team in wins and quality starts (14), improved to 7-1 since the start of June despite a 4.19 ERA in those 11 outings. Lewis has struggled against Jose Altuve (6-for-20), Jed Lowrie (6-for-20 with a home run) and Colby Rasmus (5-for-15, homer), but is 7-1 with a 1.91 ERA in 13 appearances (10 starts) all-time against Houston.


WALK-OFFS

1. With a win in the opener, Houston (60-46) can move 15 games over .500 for the first time since finishing the 2005 campaign with an 89-73 mark.

2. Two of LF Josh Hamilton’s five home runs since making his season debut with the Rangers on May 25 have come in the last four games.

3. The Astros activated RH Mike Fiers on Sunday after acquiring him and CF Carlos Gomez from Milwaukee on Thursday. Fiers will start Tuesday.


PREDICTION: Rangers 4, Astros 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rays at White Sox

GAME: Tampa Bay Rays (52-54) at Chicago White Sox (50-53)
DATE/TIME: Monday, August 03 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: U.S. Cellular Field, Chicago, Illinois
LINE: 114, -123 TOTAL: 8


Head-to-head matchups will go a long way toward settling the wide-open American League wild-card race, and the Tampa Bay Rays and the host Chicago White Sox begin a pivotal three-game series Monday. The Rays and White Sox are among six teams within 3 1/2 games of Minnesota for the second wild-card.



The White Sox elected to stand pat at the trade deadline, due in large part to a seven-game winning streak, but they’ve lost three of their last four, including a 12-3 trouncing at the hands of the New York Yankees on Sunday, and have slipped 3 1/2 games behind the Twins. The Rays snapped a three-game skid by rallying for a 4-3 win at Boston on Sunday but remain three games behind Minnesota. Chicago hopes left-hander Jose Quintana can continue his strong pitching, as the White Sox are 7-40 when allowing four or more runs. Quintana might have to contend with slugger Richie Shaffer, who is expected to be called up to the Rays after hitting .261 with 23 homers in 93 games between Double-A and Triple-A this season.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, Sun Sports (Tampa Bay), WPWR (Chicago)



PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays RH Nathan Karns (6-5, 3.37 ERA) vs. White Sox LH Jose Quintana (6-9, 3.52)

Karns endured one of his worst outings of the season leading into the All-Star break but has been terrific in his last two starts. The 27-year-old threw five scoreless frames to beat Philadelphia on July 21 and held Detroit to one run and three hits over six innings to earn the win Monday. Karns pitched well against the White Sox on June 14 in Tampa Bay, allowing one run over six frames with eight strikeouts in a no-decision.

Quintana has recorded quality starts in 11 of his last 12 outings and has won his last two turns. The 26-year-old Colombian tossed his first shutout of the season July 24 at Cleveland and came back with another solid outing Wednesday at Boston, allowing two runs over 6 1/3 frames. Quintana has issued only two walks in 48 innings over his last seven starts.



WALK-OFFS

1. White Sox LF Melky Cabrera has recorded an RBI in 13 of his last 15 games

2. The Rays have lost five straight road series and have dropped 13 of their last 17 games away from home.

3. Chicago 1B/DH Jose Abreu is 18-for-49 during a 13-game hitting streak while CF Adam Eaton is 20-for-44 during an 11-game streak.



PREDICTION: Rays 4, White Sox 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Padres at Brewers

GAME: San Diego Padres (51-54) at Milwaukee Brewers (44-62)
DATE/TIME: Monday, August 03 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: Miller Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
LINE: -110, 102 TOTAL: 8

The Milwaukee Brewers attempt to halt a five-game losing streak when they open a four-game series on Monday against the visiting San Diego Padres. Milwaukee has scored just eight runs during the skid, which included a four-game sweep at the hands of the Chicago Cubs.

San Diego had won seven of eight games before falling 5-2 to Miami on Sunday when Marlins shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria hit a three-run homer in the bottom of the ninth. The Padres indicated that they are in the National League playoff derby by not moving their veterans at the trading deadline but stand 6 1/2 games behind the Cubs and San Francisco Giants for the second wild-card spot. Milwaukee right fielder Ryan Braun had three hits in Sunday's 4-3 loss to Chicago for just his third multi-hit outing since the end of June. Braun, who has 11 homers in 47 career games against San Diego, has 19 blasts this season but only five have come at home.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FSN San Diego, FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres RH Tyson Ross (7-8, 3.38 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Wily Peralta (2-5, 3.90)

Ross makes his first start since San Diego elected not to trade him before the July 31 non-waiver deadline. He has won four of his last five decisions, including a victory over the New York Mets last Wednesday when he gave up one run and two hits in five innings. Ross is 2-1 with a 3.44 ERA in three career starts against Milwaukee and has allowed homers to Khris Davis, Adam Lind and Jean Segura.

Peralta fared well while beating San Francisco last Tuesday in his first outing since suffering an oblique injury on May 22. He allowed two runs and five hits in six-plus innings against the Giants and issued just two walks. Peralta defeated the Padres in his lone career outing when he gave up three runs (two earned) and six hits in 6 1/3 innings early in the 2014 campaign.

WALK-OFFS

1. Padres C Derek Norris is 9-for-17 with a homer and six RBIs over the past four games.

2. Segura was hitless in 16 at-bats against the Cubs and is 3-for-38 over his last 10 games.

3. San Diego LF Justin Upton struck out in all four at-bats on Sunday and is 1-for-11 over the last three contests.

PREDICTION: Padres 8, Brewers 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mariners at Rockies

GAME: Seattle Mariners (48-58) at Colorado Rockies (44-59)
DATE/TIME: Monday, August 03 - 8:40 PM EST
WHERE: Coors Field, Denver, Colorado
LINE: -160, 147 TOTAL: 9.5

Felix Hernandez starts against Colorado for the first time in his stellar career when the Seattle Mariners visit the Rockies on Monday in the opener of a three-game set. Hernandez will be making his 325th career start when he steps on the mound at Coors Field, leaving the St. Louis Cardinals as the lone team he hasn't faced.

Seattle right fielder Nelson Cruz has homered in each of the last three games and is batting .407 with eight homers during a 13-game hitting streak. Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano could return to the field after missing three games with an abdominal strain and then going 1-for-8 while serving as designated hitter for the final two of a four-game set against the Minnesota Twins. Colorado shortstop Jose Reyes plays in Denver for the first time since being acquired in the deal that sent Troy Tulowitzki to the Toronto Blue Jays. Reyes is 6-for-12 against Hernandez and has gone 2-for-15 in four games since joining the Rockies.

TV: 8:40 p.m. ET, ROOT (Seattle), ROOT (Colorado)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners RH Felix Hernandez (12-6, 3.02 ERA) vs. Rockies RH Eddie Butler (3-7, 4.82)

Hernandez was torched for a season-worst 12 hits and gave up seven runs while losing to Arizona last Wednesday. After starting the season with six straight wins, Hernandez is 6-6 and has allowed seven or more runs on three occasions. Hernandez is 4-2 with a 3.00 ERA in nine road starts this season.

Butler lost to the Chicago Cubs in his last start when he gave up three runs and five hits in five innings. He has struggled to consistently retire hitters as opponents have a .314 average against him and he also has a 1.78 WHIP. Butler is 1-3 with a 5.96 ERA in five home starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. 1B Logan Morrison smashed a tiebreaking double in the 11th inning of Seattle's 4-1 win on Sunday - his first two-bagger since June 21.

2. Colorado 2B DJ LeMahieu is 15-for-31 over the last eight games to raise his average 14 points to .326.

3. Mariners rookie 2B Ketel Marte reached base four times with three hits and a walk on Sunday in his third major-league game.

PREDICTION: Mariners 8, Rockies 5

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Indians at Angels

GAME: Cleveland Indians (48-56) at Los Angeles Angels (55-49)
DATE/TIME: Monday, August 03 - 10:05 PM EST
WHERE: Angel Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, California
LINE: 111, -120 TOTAL: 6.5

The Los Angeles Angels look to snap a season-long six-game losing streak in Monday's series opener against the visiting Cleveland Indians, who could be without their top offensive threat. Second baseman Jason Kipnis has was held out of Sunday’s loss to Oakland due to an injured right shoulder and might be headed to the disabled list.

The Angels have fallen four games behind first-place Houston in the AL West and will need a strong effort from starter Garrett Richards on Monday after manager Mike Scioscia was forced to use seven pitchers in Sunday’s 10-inning, 5-3 loss to the Dodgers. Since scoring 13 runs in a win over Texas last Sunday, the Angels have scored a total of 15 runs during their six-game skid. They won’t get much sympathy from the disappointing Indians, who are mired in the AL Central cellar after losing eight of their last 11. Third baseman/outfielder Lonnie Chisenhall has been a rare bright spot with five hits in 14 at-bats since being recalled from Triple-A Columbus last Thursday.

TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland), FSN West (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Corey Kluber (6-11, 3.44 ERA) vs. Angels RH Garrett Richards (10-8, 3.38)

Kluber tossed his second career complete game last Wednesday when he held Kansas City to one run on five hits while throwing 112 pitches. “He had something for everything,” manager Terry Francona told reporters. “He was really in control.” The reigning AL Cy Young award winner allowed four runs (three earned) over 4 2/3 innings in a 6-4 loss to the Angels on April 29, 2014.

Richards has lost back-to-back games despite posting a 2.70 ERA over his last three starts. The 27-year-old allowed four runs – including two home runs – over 6 1/3 innings in a 6-3 loss to Houston last Wednesday. Richards, who is making his first career appearance against the Indians, has gone 6-2 with a 2.08 ERA in nine starts at home this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Angels CF Mike Trout has 14 RBIs in his last 15 games against Cleveland.

2. The Indians are 11-43 when scoring three or fewer runs.

3. The Angels optioned RHP Drew Rucinski and RHP Jeremy McBryde to Triple-A Salt Lake.

PREDICTION: Angels 4, Indians 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Orioles at Athletics

GAME: Baltimore Orioles (53-51) at Oakland Athletics (47-59)
DATE/TIME: Monday, August 03 - 10:05 PM EST
WHERE: O.co Coliseum, Oakland, California
LINE: 106, -115 TOTAL: 7.5

The Baltimore Orioles begin a nine-game West Coast swing when they visit the Oakland Athletics on Monday for the opener of a three-game set. The Orioles, who are one game behind Minnesota for the American League's second wild card, also face the Los Angeles Angels and Seattle Mariners during the excursion.

Baltimore has won seven of its last nine contests and stands a distant six games behind the first-place New York Yankees in the AL East. Orioles shortstop J.J. Hardy went 0-for-3 in Sunday's 6-1 loss to Detroit to halt a 15-game hitting streak in which he had just one multi-hit outing. Oakland center fielder Coco Crisp is expected to be activated on Monday after missing more than two months with a neck injury. Crisp was just 2-for-45 before being shut down and will bat second in the order behind new leadoff hitter Billy Burns.

TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, MASN2 (Baltimore), CSN California (Oakland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Tyler Wilson (1-1, 2.12 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Jesse Chavez (5-10, 3.53)

Wilson is being recalled from Triple-A Norfolk to make the start in place of injured Chris Tillman (ankle), who will likely be pushed back to later in the week. He has made five appearances for Baltimore this season, including a start in which he gave up two runs and five hits in six innings while losing to the Chicago White Sox. Wilson was 5-5 with a 3.05 ERA in 16 starts at Norfolk.

Chavez lost four of five decisions before drawing a no-decision against the Los Angeles Dodgers in his last turn when he gave up three runs and five hits in five innings. He has pitched five or fewer innings in three of his last four starts, including a three-inning stint against the San Francisco Giants on July 24. Chavez has a 6.75 ERA in four career relief appearances against Baltimore.

WALK-OFFS

1. Athletics RF Josh Reddick (back) departed Sunday's game and his availability for Monday isn't yet known.

2. Baltimore 3B Manny Machado went hitless in four at-bats on Sunday after going 8-for-21 over previous five games.

3. Oakland 1B Ike Davis is 2-for-24 over his last nine appearances.

PREDICTION: Athletics 4, Orioles 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Camarero

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

Race 6 - Claiming - 7.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $5750 Class Rating: 53

FOR NATIVE FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON FIVE RACES AND WHICH HAVE STARTED FOR A CLAIMING PRICE OF $5,000 OR LESS. THREE YEAR OLDS, 116 LBS.; OLDER, 120 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE JULY 19 ALLOWED 1 LBS. A RACE SINCE JULY 3 ALLOWED 2 LBS. A RACE SINCE JUNE 3 ALLOWED 3 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $3,500.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 1 PRIMAVERA 4/1

# 5 AMOR DESOLADO 20/1

# 7 LACHISPADELAVIDA 3/1

I favor PRIMAVERA here. Decent choice to take this race going in a dirt sprint. Ought to go to the lead and could never look back. Should be carefully examined for this race if only for the strong Equibase Speed Figure recorded in the last competition. AMOR DESOLADO - Lately Astacio has provided gamblers with a formidable winning percentage with horses racing in dirt sprint races. Should be carefully examined in this event if only for the formidable speed figure put up in the last race. LACHISPADELAVIDA - Is a solid contender - given the 50 Equibase Speed Fig from her most recent race. Trainer has sharp win rate (28 percent) at this distance and surface.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Penn National - Race #8 - Post: 9:10pm - Maiden Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $16,200 Class Rating: 59

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#4 STURBRIDGE (ML=4/1)
#5 BRILLIANT WARRIOR (ML=3/1)


STURBRIDGE - Have to give this colt a shot. Ran a strong contest in the last race within the last 30 days. The most dangerous animal in racing is the lone speed horse. If they let him get away early they probably won't catch him. This colt is most obviously on the improve with speed figs of 31, 48, 51 last three out. Have to like the way Synnefias has raced this colt back into shape off the layoff. Horse is well spotted in this sprint and I think he'll run well today. BRILLIANT WARRIOR - Faced tougher last out at Penn National. Based on class figures, this is a weaker field, so I will put this horse on my list of strong contenders.

Vulnerable Contenders: #1 CHASBO (ML=2/1), #3 HOPE FRANCIS (ML=6/1), #2 MY BLAKE (ML=8/1),

CHASBO - Don't think this racer has what it takes to be the victor this time out. HOPE FRANCIS - Can't bet on this less than sharp equine in today's sprint of 6 furlongs. Hasn't even hit the board in a short distance race lately. MY BLAKE - This gelding hasn't had any recent good results in sprint races. Difficult to bet on him in this contest.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Go with #4 STURBRIDGE on top if we're getting at least 7/5 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [4,5]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Saratoga - Race #1 - Post: 1:00pm - Stakes - 16.5 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $75,000 Class Rating: 112 Jonathon Kiser Novice S.

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#1 AFRICAN OIL (FR) (ML=7/2)


AFRICAN OIL (FR) - When Dalton gives Dalton a leg up on any thoroughbred, you know that with their win pct you have decidedly more than a fighting chance. This horse broke from the outside at Monmouth last time out, racing 2 1/4 miles, but is getting a low post position in this race, which should help his chances today.

Vulnerable Contenders: #7 SYROS (ML=2/1), #6 SELECTION SUNDAY (ML=3/1), #3 MANDOLA (ML=5/1),

SYROS - Hasn't been on the Saratoga oval in the last two to three weeks. Cause for some concern. SELECTION SUNDAY - Would have to get much more than the morning line of 3/1 to wager on this horse. MANDOLA - Trying to beat this entrant this time out at the value of 5/1.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Bet on #1 AFRICAN OIL (FR) to win if we can get at least 1/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
1 with 2

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Valuline at Presque Isle Downs

Today's Most Likely Winner Is at:
Presque Isle Downs, Race 5 (Monday August 3, 2015)

PID-5 1mile ALLW Five Horses
"A" CLM 12,500 3YUP $17,000
P# ex p3 p4 t ML WP TVL
4 TONY'S AWARD 8/5 42% 7/5 Strong Favorite icon
5 ONE FAST SARAVA 3/1 29% 5/2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Saratoga

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

Race 6 - Allowance - 5.5f on the Turf. Purse: $85000 Class Rating: 98

FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON $10,000 ONCE OTHER THAN MAIDEN, CLAIMING, STARTER, OR STATE BRED OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE OTHER THAN CLAIMING, OR STARTER IN 2015 ALLOWED 3 LBS. (NON-STARTERS FOR A CLAIMING PRICE


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 6 LADY KREESA 5/1

# 8 ORIENT HARBOR 5/1

# 7 SCATCAPADE 6/1

I think LADY KREESA is a decent choice. Ran a solid last race. Has to be considered against this field displaying quite good figures recently and an average Equibase Speed Figure of 83 under similar conditions. Ortiz has a win percentage of 19 over the last 30 days. ORIENT HARBOR - McGaughey has this filly moving well and is a very strong choice based on the formidable Equibase Speed Figures recorded in sprint races lately. Rosario has been sizzling the last month, winning at a nifty 17 percent clip. SCATCAPADE - Her earnings per start in turf sprint events alone makes you take a look at her. With a solid 88 average speed figure at the distance, seems well suited for today's race.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Century Downs

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

Race 8 - Post: 4:20 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 62 - Purse:$3200 - CLAIMING 4000

CONSORTIUM CHOICES
Chatsworth Consortium


# 2 KISS MY CROUPER 2/1

# 7 KEYSTONE VANYLA 12/1

# 8 WISH I WAS 6/1

All signs point to KISS MY CROUPER for the pick. This race could be controlled by this mare. A single look at the avgerage TrackMaster Speed Rating will prove that. If performance in the most recent contest is any indicator, this horse will have a very very nice shot in this race. High last race TrackMaster SR. Handicappers love to play the driver of this mare - superb win percent in recent times. KEYSTONE VANYLA - Many bettors know speed is is key. This fine animal has credentials with a 68 average number. The wagering panel gives this horse a nice chance to win this one, class ratings are tops in the pack. WISH I WAS - With Cullen in the cart, watch out for this solid standardbred to get the triumph. Is a clear-cut choice given the 74 speed rating from her most recent affair.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Compubet Standard at Monticello Raceway

CompuBet Free Pick!

CompuBet 08/03 MONTICELLO
Prog Contestant M/L Points Pre Mud_Q X_>21 Form "I"Class Fav Adj SpdDriver Points
Race#: 1- - TROT 08/03 MONTICELLO
5 High Rise 5/2 526.35 100 43.3 81.0 1:57.0 Lems, Chris 19
3 Henni 4/1 469.50 70 MUD 71.7 77.0 1:58.7 Miller, Andy 20
4 She's Uncorked 5/1 452.28 50 13.3 84.0 1:59.0 Morrill, Jim Jr 31
1 Betcha 3/1 432.96 70 46.7 77.0 1:59.5 Caruso, Sam Jr 14
2 Magic City 9/2 355.19 50 10.0 84.6 2:01.6 Gregory, Jeff 14

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by TrackMaster Greg at Northfield Park

P#


PP


HORSE NAME


M/L


DRIVER - WIN%


POINTS
RACE 13
1 1 CRUSOE HANOVER 5/1 Grismore, Greg - 15 543.30
4 4 MAJO CHRISTMASGIFT 2/1 Merriman, Aaron - 26 526.32
5 5 SCOOTNFORDAMONEY 5/2 Wrenn, Ronnie Jr - 27 523.53
9 9 SASSY OSBORNE 6/1 Sugg, Kurt - 9 494.11
3 3 TYREX JIMMY 25/1 Thompson, Jason - 8 468.08
6 6 ALL POWERFUL 20/1 Schillaci, Sam - 10 466.87
7 7 DEFTONES 7/1 Merriman, Jason - 10 466.77
2 2 GET GOIN MEL 25/1 Page, Chris - 14 466.02
8 8 MEGATRON 25/1 Kash, Keith Jr - 8 437.51

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Compubet Standard at The Meadows

CompuBet Free Pick!

CompuBet 08/03 THE MEADOWS
Prog Contestant M/L Points Pre Mud_Q X_>21 Form "I"Class Fav Adj SpdDriver Points
Race#: 7- - PACE 08/03 THE MEADOWS
1 Firm It Up 5/2 633.18 100 63.3 84.0 B/F 1:53.1 Palone, Dave 29
4 Cloud Burst 4/1 591.84 90 83.3 76.0 1:54.1 Dodson, James 5
9 Good By Alibye 12/1 591.57 80 73.3 76.0 1:55.0 Merriman, Aaron 27
10 Gallery Opening 6/1 559.68 90 26.7 76.0 1:55.0 Charlino, Dan 12
7 Soul Mining 5/1 556.75 70 61.7 67.0 1:55.9 Rawlings, Dan 16

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Monticello Raceway

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

Race 1 - Post: 12:50 - 1 mile. TROT - Class Rating: 79 - Purse:$15000 - NY BRED EXCELSIOR SERIES THREE Y/O FILLIES - DIVISION A STARTING FEE $310

CONSORTIUM CHOICES
Chatsworth Consortium


# 5 HIGH RISE 5/2

# 2 MAGIC CITY 9/2

# 1 BETCHA 3/1

Look no further than HIGH RISE as the wager in here. Could surprise us at a nice price. Don't leave out. Many top players know speed is is key. This race horse has credentials with a 81 avg number. The group gives this solid standardbred a respectable chance to win this one, class ratings are tops in the group of animals. MAGIC CITY - She has been squaring off competently and the speed figs are among the best in the group of horses. Has a very compelling shot for this race, if she can perform to her back racing class. BETCHA - Post 1 has been winning at a much higher than average percentage, suggesting really strong probability of success for this race. Monticello Raceway has been playing to this fine animal's running style, we're looking for a sharp effort.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by TrackMaster Greg at Yonkers Raceway

P#


PP


HORSE NAME


M/L


DRIVER - WIN%


POINTS
RACE 11
4 4 ALLSTAR PARTNER 3/1 Brennan, George - 16 555.94
1 1 DALLENBACH HANOVER 6/1 Dube, Daniel - 13 527.64
3 3 BEST SAID 5/1 Macdonald, Mark - 9 525.11
6 6 LONG LIVE ROCK 7/2 Dauplaise, Jeff - 13 521.01
7 7 DELCO ROCKNROLL 4/1 Stalbaum, Larry - 8 521.00
8 8 GALACTIC GALLEON N 7/1 Sears, Brian - 19 518.63
5 5 DONT TELL WAYNE 15/1 Buter, Tyler - 13 506.38
2 2 BUBBIE BOY 15/1 Stratton, Jordan - 8 493.09